McNeely, Rachel - The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read online

  “Good. Elvie, this is our very capable housekeeper, Mrs. Sanders. Mrs. Sanders, my sister, Elvie Beckett."

  “I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Elvie. Please follow me to your room.”

  Elvie walked beside Thea and hugged her arm. “We drove straight through except for stops for horses and food. I was too excited to sleep.”

  “Then you must rest this afternoon and join us later for dinner.”

  “Must I? I'd prefer to spend the time with you and explore the house.”

  “Yes, you must.” She smiled when Elvie frowned. “I will sit with you until you fall asleep.”

  Her room faced the front gardens. The tinkling of water dropping from one level to the next in a nearby fountain could be heard through the open windows. The room’s light pink walls and lacey white curtains complemented Elvie’s cheerful countenance. She danced around. Her feet skipped across the plush flowered carpet.

  After the maid put Elvie’s clothes away and pulled back the bed, she left the sisters alone. Thea helped Elvie change into her nightgown and get into bed.

  “Relax and close your eyes. You will be asleep in minutes and when you wake it will be time to dress for dinner.”

  “I am too excited.”

  “Close your eyes.” Thea sat beside her sister and rubbed her head, brushing the silvery strands back from her forehead.

  Elvie’s eyes popped opened and stared at her. “Something is wrong. I sense it and see it in your eyes.”

  Thea didn’t try to deny it. “We must visit grandmamma. It is important.”

  Elvie yawned. “Then we will.” She closed her eyes and lay quiet, appearing to be asleep.

  Her sister was right, she needed to tell Wulf of her plans. What if he said no to the trip? He must not. She'd show him the amulet. But how to explain that her grandmother might be able to help them? She didn't want him to know her grandmother had special powers. Not yet. Not until their relationship was stronger. Going to her grandmother's was a chance Thea had to take.

  Going to her bedroom, she took out the box. A slight vibration sent tingles through her fingers. She suspected finding the amulet had stirred whatever evil or good was enclosed, and it would not wait long before exerting an influence. She must tell Wulf now about this strange, old wedding gift she'd found in the attic.

  Wulf entered the front door as she came down the stairs with the box in her hand. He’d been riding. His hair, blown from the wind, gave him a rakish younger look.

  “Your sister arrived?”

  Thea smiled. “Word travels fast. Thank you.” She saw him glance around. “She is upstairs resting. May I speak with you?”

  His attention centered back on her. For a moment, he said nothing. “Of course. You sound worried.”

  She took a deep breath. “Perhaps it is nothing.”

  He took her arm. “We will talk in my study.” He glanced down at her hands. “Did your sister bring you a present?”

  “No.”

  Wulf closed the door after them and motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs by the fire. He went to his desk.

  “Do you mind if I smoke my pipe?”

  A small smile lit her face. “Papa smoked a pipe. I liked the smell of his tobacco.”

  He picked up his pipe and tin of tobacco before joining her. “Now tell me what has you biting your lip.”

  Startled, Thea stared at him. He reached across and ran his finger along the area where her teeth had just been. Fire ran through her veins.

  “It is an endearing habit,” he whispered.

  Feeling shaken and breathless, Thea glanced at the box she held in her hands. She’d almost forgotten her purpose. The vibration had reminded her. She feared the amulet might be evil and hoped she was wrong. Perhaps, it might bring them peace instead of more discord, but she doubted it.

  “I found this in the attic under some very old gowns.” She took away the linen wrapping and handed the box to Wulf.

  He put his pipe down and stared at the words carved on top. “To the bride. Whose?”

  “I don’t know, but the box was in the bottom of an old chest. Open it carefully,” she warned.

  He lifted an eyebrow, but did as she advised. “What the he…”

  They both stared at the gold amulet. A strange feeling came over Thea. She sensed an entity in the room, and couldn’t resist, as she had in the attic, from looking around in the recesses of the study. A heavy aroma of jasmine wafted across her nose and the air felt chilled. Wulf raised his head and glanced around before looking back at her.

  “It is both beautiful and ugly. Who would send a bride such a strange piece of jewelry?” Wulf asked, as he resumed studying the amulet.

  “Whoever received the gift apparently felt the same, and that’s probably why they buried it in the old trunk,” Thea said.

  Wulf started to remove the necklace from the box. “Be careful. The one side is sharp. I cut my finger.”

  He nodded and held the necklace by the chain. The amulet swung gently in the air. Light from the fire made it glow. Wulf reached out and carefully closed his hand around the amulet.

  “Hot and cold? What is this thing?”

  Now was the moment to bring up her grandmother. Thea’s insides quaked, and she had to clear her throat. “I want to take it to my grandmamma.”

  “Why?” Wulf raised his head and stared at her.

  “I believe she may be able help us with some answers.” Her face paled when she saw the questions in his eyes.

  “And how would your grandmother know anything about this?” He frowned at her.

  “She has a gift and much knowledge regarding things of mystery.” There she’d said it.

  “Mystery? Where does she live?”

  “In a small village, about twenty miles east.”

  He sat back and observed the necklace. “I have read about amulets. They often have a hidden compartment.” He ran his fingers carefully along the edge. “If this one comes apart, it is well hidden.” He looked at Thea. “You wish to take your sister with you?”

  “She has not seen grandmamma in several years.”

  He laid the necklace back into the box. “I will keep this for now. Your trip does not have to be decided today. I'll consider it.”

  She was being dismissed. Reluctant to leave without a definite answer, Thea sat for a moment longer. His golden eyes challenged her. Thea inclined her head and stood.

  “I will await your answer.” She walked out and snapped the door shut.

  * * * *

  Wulf didn’t move after she left, but continued to hold the box. An amulet he never knew existed. Did his mother know it was in the attic? And could it have anything to do with the family's curse?

  A brief flare of hope filled his chest. The thing seemed possessed. He’d noted the vibration, the chill in the air and the smell of jasmine. He was sure Thea did also, he'd seen her eyes widen.

  When Thea asked to speak with him he’d been sure it was about the wolf and the place she found behind the bush. Mrs. Sanders told him of his wife’s concerns. But Thea didn’t mention it. The amulet saved him from having to decide whether to share his secret or lie to his wife. He knew he should tell her. This was not a good way to start a marriage.

  He sensed Thea had secrets too. How could her grandmother help them? Wulf lit his pipe, leaned back and stared at the fireplace. Thea and her grandmother had a gift of healing. Did her sister also have an unusual ability? A sense of unease crept along his skin.

  After all of his searching, for the first time he felt close to finding the answers he’d sought. Was it foolish hope? A wisp of a thought danced just out of reach, as though hidden by a thin curtain?

  If he agreed to Thea's request, he feared she might go to her grandmother’s and not return. They were not truly man and wife, and she was puzzled and unhappy.

  He recalled her sitting across from him minutes ago. His body ached to claim her. The constant struggle not to wore him down. He wanted to touch her and run
his fingers through her satin black hair. She smelled of honeysuckle and roses and her own special feminine fragrance. When he’d touched her lip, it took all his control not to run his finger along the edge and then into her mouth. Desire raked across his nerve endings, causing pleasure and pain.

  It might be best to send her away until his desire for her lessened and the frequent changes occurring almost every night stopped. The wolf part of him stirred making him want to go out the door and grab what was his. Claim her, for his own.

  His breathing increased. Clenching the arms of his chair, he battled with the animal inside. He groaned and moved restlessly. Pain twisted through his body. Sweat broke out on his face and an agonizing growl rose from his throat. His back arched and stiffened, but still he fought the monster. After what seemed an eternity, he fell back and took deep rasping breaths. His muscles ached, and his sensitive skin hurt to touch. He won this battle. Next time he might not.

  He must send her away, at least for a few days. He'd tell her tonight. Wulf lay weak in his chair. Soon it would be time to dress for dinner. Tomorrow Thea would be gone and this house would be an empty shell. It didn’t matter. He'd continue as he did before she came into his life.

  It might not be as easy this time.

  Of course it would. He desired her, but he didn't love her. He must not love her.

  Chapter Twelve

  Thea and Elvie joined Wulf in the small drawing room before dinner. He stood by the fireplace, and the firelight cast a golden shine to his hair. Dressed in a dark blue coat and matching pantaloons, with a blue and silver vest, he was too handsome to resist.

  "Welcome to our home,” Wulf said, to Elvie.

  “Thank you. It is lovely, and I am very happy to be here.”

  Thea watched the interchange between her husband and sister. Elvie’s white dress with small pink roses down the front gave her an ethereal appearance. Thea glanced down at her own forester’s green gown. Looking up, she found Wulf’s eyes on her.

  “Your gown is a perfect color for you. I must see about buying you some emerald jewelry to enhance your beauty.”

  Thea shook her head. “Please don’t. You have done so much for us already. We can never repay you.”

  A wry smile crossed his face. He placed her hand on his arm to lead her into the dining room. “You repay me by being my wife,” he whispered, his warm breath caressing her cheek.

  Thea flushed. Not yet. Right now she was his wife in name only. Did he want them to have a true marriage? She hoped so. A deep yearning filled her.

  His hand grasped hers, and the muscle of his arm hardened. Those changeable eyes flared red for a second. “I will have the carriage ready for you and Elvie to depart in the morning for your grandmother's. Do not stay away too long.”

  “We won’t,” Thea said, her throat tight.

  He pulled back her chair, and his hand brushed her shoulder as he walked around her. He let his fingers slip down her arm and briefly touch her hand. Sparks of fire followed his touch.

  What was she? A puppet on his string? His eyes and touch held her captive whenever he wished.

  The footman placed a bowl of soup in front of Thea, and she mumbled her thanks. Elvie sat across from her, and Thea was sure her sister noticed the sparks, flashing hot and fast between Wulf and Thea. She thought the whole world must see their reaction, but everything appeared normal like any other night. Only they felt the undercurrents swirling around them.

  Tomorrow Elvie and her would go to visit their grandmamma. Would their grandmother be glad to see them? Thea hoped she'd be able to tell them something about the amulet.

  Perhaps this visit, Thea would discover why her grandmother always seemed so gruff when she and her mother visited. Thea exchanged furtive glances with Wulf.

  When the last plate was removed, Thea rose. “Elvie and I will leave you to your brandy and smoke.”

  “I will not be long. Would you play for me tonight?”

  She hesitated and looked at Elvie.

  “I'm still tired,” Elvie said. “Don't worry about me. I intend to prepare for our trip and retire early.”

  Thea hugged her sister and waited until Elvie left the room. “I will play for you. Will you get the amulet for me?"

  “I'll join you shortly and bring the necklace.”

  Thea wished he had not asked her to play. A taut thread stretched between them. What might happen if it broke, created both a feeling of anticipation and a trace of fear to curl inside her.

  Thea went to the pianoforte and chose a song. Music filled the room and the light from the candles emitted a soft glow. Wulf joined her and sat with his eyes closed, the small box in his hands. A peaceful quiet settled around them. Thea played several tunes, delaying the time to stop and break the spell woven around them. Finally, she rested her fingers on the keys and leaned back.

  Wulf’s eyes opened. “Thank you.” He walked to the pianoforte and laid the box on top. Taking her arm, he pulled her up in front of him. Waves of heat flowed between them. She yearned to caress his brow and run her fingers through his hair, yet she hesitated in taking the initiative.

  His hand cupped her chin. He brushed his lips across hers. She took a breath, and her lips parted, letting his tongue inside to sweep along the softness of her mouth. Thea’s heart beat faster, and she leaned her body into his.

  Abruptly he jerked back, putting space between them. With both his hands, he held her face captive, his thumbs rubbing across her cheeks. He leaned his forehead against hers.

  “I expect you both back within the week,” he said, his voice raspy.

  “We will return as soon as we can.” Her voice sounded breathy to her ears.

  “Within the week. No longer.” It was a command.

  Stepping back, he placed the box in her hands and wrapped her fingers around it. “Maybe your grandmother will be able to help us with this mystery. I'm not sure how.”

  “Is this the only mystery you want solved?” Thea dared to ask and held her breath.

  “We won't discuss this tonight. When you return will be time enough for other questions to be answered.”

  Thea stepped toward the door. “I hope she can help."

  He’d turned his head away from her. Thea barely heard his words. “I lost faith in hope a long time ago.”

  Heart pounding, Thea slipped out the door, clutching the box. Part of her wanted to go to him, to pull him close and take away his hurt. Another part feared what she might find behind the walls he kept rigid between them.

  * * * *

  After a quick breakfast, they were ready to leave. Elvie hugged Wulf and climbed into the carriage. Thea hesitated, not sure how to say good-bye.

  “Have a good trip.” His words were impersonal, and his golden eyes showed no emotion this morning.

  “We will. Thank you.”

  He assisted her into the carriage and shut the door, then motioned to the driver. Thea waved. He stood tall and straight, staring after them.

  Elvie’s small hand gripped hers. “It will all come out right. I feel it here.” She touched her heart.

  Thea smiled and nodded. She didn’t trust herself to speak, knowing her voice would crack with emotion. She shut her eyes and wished she could shut off her thoughts. Her reticule felt heavy with the amulet lying inside. Oh, grandmamma, I do hope you will be happy to see us and help us. If not, who would?

  They rode down dirt lanes bordered on either side by flowering shrubs. Sheep roamed the pastureland, and in some fields, men worked planting crops.

  Elvie broke the companionable silence. “It's beautiful country. I'd like to have a home in this area. Then I would be close to you and grandmamma.”

  “Who knows? You may meet a gentleman who resides close by and marry. It is possible,” Thea said.

  “Sometimes I see a man in my mind’s eye. But is he for me or am I being warned of him? Can grandmamma help me to understand these things I see and feel?”

  “I am hoping she can help us bo
th. Since mama died before she could finish my lessons or even start yours, it would seem grandmamma would be the one to continue to teach us.”

  “Is that why we are making this visit?”

  “Partly,” Thea said. “I also have some personal questions to ask her.”

  Elvie nodded and went back to staring out the window. Thea wondered if her sister’s thoughts were as confused as her own. So much depended on their grandmother.

  Thea rubbed her forehead. Her head and heart ached. She was falling in love with her husband. Yet, she knew he held his own secrets. Still, a strong current sizzled between them and had from the first.

  If she found out what she suspected about him was true, would she be able to accept him? The thought that her husband and the wolf might be connected was too absurd and frightening to allow consideration.

  Early afternoon, the carriage pulled into the narrow lane in front of her grandmother’s cottage. The driver helped Thea and Elvie disembark. The cottage and yard appeared neglected. Thea hadn’t considered that her grandmother might not be home. Lifting her skirts, she walked to the front entrance and knocked. She heard a faint sound.

  The door cracked open. A quarrelsome voice spoke out of the blackness. “Who is it? What do you want? Can’t you leave a poor old woman alone?” The thin, sharp voice came from a tiny woman, more bent with age than Thea remembered.

  “It is Althea and Elvie, Grandmamma.”

  The opening widened, and her grandmother blinked her eyes in the bright sunlight. She looked the girls over, and then nodded her head. “Come in.” Standing back, she said nothing as the girls entered and the driver brought their luggage inside.

  “Do you need anything else, my lady?” the driver asked.

  “Yes. How will I contact you when we are ready to leave?”

  “I’ll be stayin’ at the local inn, just down the road. I'll check with you each day.”

  “Fine.” She gave him a coin. He touched his forelock and backed out.

  Her grandmother eyed the baggage. “Planning on staying awhile? Does your new husband know where you are?”