Title: A Book of Airs
Fandom: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (TV)
Characters: Strange, De Lancey
Length: 300 words
Rating: PG-13
Content notes: no warnings apply
Author note: Part of my Over the Mountains series.
Summary: De Lancey gives a jealous Strange something else to think about in Grant's absence.



“Merlin.”

Strange looked up from his work to find De Lancey at his elbow for the second time, holding a book.

“Colonel De Lancey,” he said stiffly, repressing an impulse to snap Oh, what now?

De Lancey grinned, as if he knew what Strange was thinking. Strange felt a strong desire to punch him on the nose.

“For you, I think,” De Lancey said, and handed him the book.

For a moment Strange thought the volume might be one of Norrell’s, and was furious with De Lancey for having taken it. On closer inspection, he realized it was not a book he knew. It was bound in calfskin, and had the word AIRS stamped on the spine. He opened it cautiously at the title page: AIRS FROM THE BEGGAR’S OPERA. At the top right hand corner was scrawled, in a familiar hand, “Colquhoun Grant”.

“Grant lent it to me,” De Lancey said. “I don’t have any further need of it, but you may find it of value.”

There was so evidently an additional meaning in this utterance that Strange did not know what to say. He looked at De Lancey, seeking some clue to his intention, but his expression was as infuriatingly cheerful as ever.

“Truly, you are welcome to keep it,” De Lancey said, in the tone of one offering reassurance.

Grant did not feel reassured. This double conversation was unsettling, and he was vexed at himself for being so tongue-tied.

“What do you expect me to do with it?” he asked, and wished the words unsaid as soon as they were out of his mouth.

De Lancey laughed. “I am sure you can find a use for it. Good day to you, Merlin.”

He turned away, and left Strange staring at the book lying open in his hands.