A Marvellous Light

Robin and Edwin depart for Penhallick. Robin anxiously wonders how to address their changing relationship. Robin enters the house and hears his sister’s voice. Maud explains that she found Miss Morrissey and came to find Robin, reproaching him for ignoring her. She also explains that she now knows about magic. Edwin stops Belinda from serving Maud lemonade with lethe-mint.

Edwin, with uncharacteristic firmness, suggests that Robin and Maud go upstairs. Robin overhears Belinda telling Edwin, “it’s kinder than the alternative” (217), not knowing what she means. Maud introduces herself to Edwin. She gives him a letter from Miss Morrissey that confirms Reggie Gatling’s death.

Robin insists that Belinda tell him what Edwin was referring to, and Edwin reluctantly explains that lethe-mint is routinely given to nonmagical people to protect their society from outsiders. Robin feels angry that Edwin has chosen his family over their burgeoning relationship. Edwin reminds Robin that he did not allow Belinda to drug Maud and suggests they both speak to their siblings. Robin has a vision of the blond woman, only to be seized by the curse. Seeing his sister’s anxious face, Robin knows he will tell her everything.