McNeely, Rachel - The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 18

  The sound of a sharp bang jerked Thea back to the present. The black cooking pot had fallen to the floor. The fire blazed high, and in her imagination, it had to be imagination, she saw the willowy figure of the black-haired woman laughing.

  Grandmamma raised her shoulders and shook her head. “She is strong. She will fight even her own blood to keep her revenge. You must be brave and stronger. Do not allow doubt in your mind. Constantly persevere or she will win.”

  Thea traversed the edges of the room, which seemed more confining than usual and bereft of air. She breathed deeply. “Win what, Grandmamma?” She stared across at her frail grandmother. “What family is involved? What curse? With this little information I am to save our family and others? Grandmamma, you must explain more.”

  “I can not.”

  Thea stared at her, dazed. She reached into her pocket and took out the amulet. “Then now is the time to answer my questions and tell me what this means.”

  Grandmamma’s hand shook as she took the wrapped box in her hand. Pulling back the fabric, she opened the lid and gasped on seeing the necklace with the amulet. Her hand lightly touched the smooth part and holding her hand a breath above the deep grooved side, she sat stiff, almost lifeless.

  Long minutes later, she raised her head. “Where did you find this?”

  “In the attic of my husband’s home, buried at the bottom of a large chest.”

  “An amulet can hold power and messages.” Her small, frail hands felt along the edge and traced each ridge. “There it is.”

  “What?” Thea asked and leaned forward.

  “A tiny spring.” Grandmamma unfastened the brooch on her dress and used the point of the pin to press down on the spot. The amulet slid apart, one side moving down, the other up. Catching both edges, her grandmother pulled the top off. Inside a square area, a folded yellowed paper lay waiting to be found.

  Thea reached for it.

  “Wait.” Grandmamma shook out more herbs around their chairs. “She will be furious that you have the note and are closer to finding her secrets.” Her grandmother handed her the bag of herbs. “Sprinkle these around your house, in corners and especially around your bedroom and bed. She may try to come to you there, try to challenge you and take control.”

  Thea shook her head. “This can not be happening. How can this be unless our family does descend from witches? I thought we were healers and psychics, not witches.”

  “Deny your ancestors if you wish. But no matter how hard you try to pretend they are not what they are, they will follow you. Use your abilities for good or evil. You always have a choice, but there are consequences to both.”

  Thea watched her grandmother pull the paper out and carefully unfold it. Grandmamma nodded. “Here is your message.” She held out the paper to Thea.

  The message written in bold black letters, not faded with time, seemed to swirl in front of Thea’s eyes. She blinked once, twice, and the words flashed up at her.

  Two lines must intersect,

  Two opposing forces break,

  The amulet shall heal the rift,

  And evermore the curse be slaked.

  Puzzled, Thea went to hand the paper to her grandmamma to read.

  “No. I am not the one to see it. I am not allowed to help you with this. Neither is your sister. You will know whom to share it with. When you complete what is necessary, you will have many answers. Until then, much darkness and danger will surround you.”

  “You will not help me?”

  “I can not.”

  Thea stared at her grandmother. She’d been so sure Grandmamma would give her all the answers. This was not going to be easy.

  “There is one more thing,” Grandmamma added. “Your husband is unhappy and looking for his own answers. When you come to understand more, there will be a moment when you will have to decide whether to tell him of your family and our secrets. There are risks either way.

  “Your head will tell you what must be done at that time. Your heart will fear the results. Trust your instincts. This is a pivotal time and there will be no going back once the decision is made.”

  “That is all you can tell me?”

  The old woman smiled, but her eyes held deep sadness. She pulled Thea into her arms and held her tight. “I do love you, my darling granddaughter. You will know I am at your side encouraging you to do what is needed. I believe you have the strength and love to succeed.”

  Tears fell on Thea’s cheeks as she leaned back and kissed her grandmamma. “I will miss you. Even though I did not get to visit often, I knew you were here, always within reach.”

  “I know. Go to bed. We will enjoy the rest of our visit and leave the mystery alone for now.” Wearily, her grandmother walked into the room she shared with Elvie and shut the door.

  Thea moved toward her pallet and heard soft laughter. She glanced around the empty room and suddenly she wanted to run from this place, run as fast as she could, but she knew there was no way to escape whatever the future held.

  * * * *

  Wulf sent a message to Hawley as soon as he reached town. While going through correspondence in his study, he heard his mother and Jane return from shopping. He stepped out to greet them.

  His mother raised her eyebrows. “Ulric, we did not expect to see you return to town so soon. I hope you and your new bride are not having problems.” She raised her lorgnette to study him.

  “Sorry to disappoint you, Mother. Thea and I are doing quite well. She and her sister are visiting her grandmother, and I have come to town to attend to some business.”

  “Ah, going your separate ways already.” She sighed. “I will not get a grandchild with you two in separate places.”

  Jane rushed up and gave Wulf a hug. “I am so glad to see you.” She blushed. “There is someone I want you to meet.”

  “A special beau?” Wulf quirked his eyebrow at her.

  “He is handsome and nice and you will like him. I am sure.”

  “I do not think I can like anyone who will take you away from us,” Wulf said.

  Jane laughed. “How you love to tease me.” She grabbed his hand. “You must come to the ball tonight and meet him. Please.”

  “This is unfair. You know I am seldom able to refuse you what you want.”

  “Thank you.” Jane danced around him. “Now I am going upstairs to try on my new gowns. See you tonight.”

  Wulf watched her fly up the stairs. Looking back, he saw his mother staring at him. “What is it, Mother?”

  “What is the real reason you have come to town?”

  “As I said, I have several meetings planned, one with my solicitor. Do not worry. I will be returning home within a couple of days.”

  She nodded and took off her pelisse and gloves before heading toward her sitting room. She stopped at the door. “Yes, you wouldn't want to be in town for the full moon.” With that said, she disappeared into the room.

  Wulf felt the verbal slap. Stop her generous allowance. The words echoed in his head. No, he would ignore her as he always did.

  He returned to his study and lit his pipe. A brief knock and the door opened. Bailey entered.

  “There is a rough looking man at the door. He says you sent for him?”

  “Bring him to my study.” Wulf hid a smile at Bailey’s affronted look. “And send coffee to us.” This time he heard a distinct huff.

  Hawley hesitated at the door and only entered after Wulf motioned him in. He stood his hat in his hand.

  “Be seated.” Wulf nodded at a chair. “Would you like a cheroot?”

  “No, my lord,” Hawley said and sat gingerly on the edge of the chair. “I coulda met you anywhere. You din’t have to have me here.”

  “Here we have privacy.” Wulf waited while the footman entered with the coffee. Wulf handed Hawley a cup and went to sit behind his desk.

  “Tell me what you have found.”

  “The bloke keeps it all well hidden, but me friend, he’s good and he found out there
are two wills.”

  “As I suspected.”

  “Yes, my friend copied the original will and I took it to your solicitor since, until I got your message, I thought you were out of town. Mr. Deems will show the papers to you,” Hawley said.

  Wulf took a sip of coffee. “You’ve done well. Would you like a full time position with me?”

  “Might. I heard some rumors. I thought you might be interested in them.”

  “What rumors?”

  “Heard Lord Akers ain’t givin’ up. Word is he still wants your wife. Heard tell he’s hired some disreputable sorts to help him.” Hawley took a sip of coffee. He held tightly to the fragile china cup.

  “Do you know his plan?”

  “No. They bragged about workin' for him, but I don’t think they know yet what they have to do.”

  Wulf’s blood ran hot. Thea and her sister were away from him and unprotected. A perfect opportunity for Akers to attack.

  “I want you to take a message for me.” Wulf scribbled the name of the village. “My wife and her sister are visiting their grandmother. Do you know how to find this village?”

  “Yes, I can find it.”

  “My wife’s grandmother’s name is Humfrey. Someone can direct you to her.” He stepped around his desk. “I am going to write to my wife. Give her the letter and stay close. See that she and her sister arrive home safely. Is that understood?”

  He nodded. “Yes.”

  “If you need help, send for Garr at my estate. You can trust him.”

  “I will do as you ask.” Hawley put down his cup and rose.

  “Go to the kitchen and tell them to feed you and pack you a meal. I’ll have Bailey tell the groomsman to pick out a fast horse.” Wulf walked with him to the door. “You’ll have money to change horses as needed. Get there as quickly as you can.”

  “You can count on me, Lord Radford.”

  “Ask my butler to come to my study.”

  Wulf wrote a short note and closed it with his seal. When Bailey knocked, he called for him to enter.

  “Get the fastest horse, except Batair, ready to go. Batair would never let the man near him. Give him this letter and purse.”

  Bailey nodded and hurried away.

  Wulf called for his valet. He would seek out his solicitor and prepare to head home by dawn tomorrow. He hoped Akers would be at the dance tonight. His hands clenched with the desire to wrap them around the man’s throat. But he must be careful. He wanted to end any risk to Thea for good.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Wulf followed Jane and his mother as they entered the Clarkson’s grand salon. The room smelled of fresh flowers and perfumes. People packed the large area and a band sat in the far corner prepared to play.

  He noted a tall, blond-haired man heading in their direction. Wulf glanced at Jane and saw her sweet smile. So this was the one she favored. His coat and breeches were black, and his shirt collar although high was not as outrageous as some. When he arrived at Jane’s side, his smile lit his face. Most certainly, his sister had charmed this one.

  “Wulf,” Jane said, “may I introduce you to Lord Stanley? His father is the Earl of Northcutt.” She looked up at Lord Stanley. “This is my brother, Lord Radford.”

  A firm hand clasp and steady regard, along with his sensible dress, helped reassure Wulf about Jane’s choice. Also Wulf respected Lord Northcutt. He was a fine man with an honorable reputation.

  “I remember meeting your father." Wulf said.

  Lord Stanley nodded. “He mentioned making your acquaintance some time ago. He said you have not been to town in the past few years.”

  Although not directed as a question, Wulf knew it was. “I prefer the country.” He motioned with his hand, “Attending balls and afternoon events are not something I care about. I do care about my sister though and will always do what is needed to see she is happy.” The words, though spoken in a mild tone, were a warning, and he saw from the flicker in Lord Stanley’s eyes that he understood.

  “I would expect nothing less, Lord Radford.” He smiled at Jane, then went eye to eye with Wulf. “Might I request an audience with you in the near future?”

  “Regretfully, I must return home early tomorrow. A bit of an emergency.” Wulf saw the sadness come into his sister's eyes. He didn't want to disappoint Jane and he wasn't sure when he'd be back in town. "Perhaps we could step outside for a few minutes." Wulf smiled at his sister. "If the ladies will excuse us."

  Jane blushed and nodded yes. His mother, for once, smiled agreeably.

  Wulf led the way, and they stepped out onto the cool, dark veranda. Faint light and the sound of music came through the French windows.

  Lord Stanley cleared his throat and took several more steps away from Wulf. "I had not expected to see you tonight."

  "Nor did my family. What did you want to discuss?"

  A faint smile crossed the younger man's face. "I have grown very fond of your sister and would like to ask for your permission to marry her."

  "Fond?" Wulf quirked his eyebrow.

  Lord Stanley's eyes met Wulf's. "I love her. I understand it must seem quick, but she is—wonderful. I will take very good care of her."

  "You certainly will or you will have to deal with me." Wulf didn't smile.

  "Does that mean you give us your permission?"

  "I'd take longer, but my sister and mother would probably make my life miserable," Wulf said, and finally smiled. Relief washed over Lord Stanley's face.

  "Thank you, Lord Radford."

  "We'd better return to the ladies and ease their worried minds." Wulf motioned the young man ahead of him and watched his sister's bright smile when she saw the answer in her future husband's face.

  Lord Stanley bowed and asked Jane to dance. She stopped before going onto the dance floor and gave Wulf a hug.

  "Thank you, Wulf," she whispered.

  “He is a good match and will be kind to her,” Lady Radford said.

  “I'm sure he will.” Wulf excused himself and strolled away, looking for Akers.

  “Hello, what brings you to town? Surely, you haven't grown tired of married life already?”

  Turning, Wulf found Jeffrey behind him. “Business, but I have a slight emergency and must return home tomorrow.”

  “Need any assistance?”

  “I might, but not at the moment.”

  “Send word and I will come at once whenever or wherever you need me.”

  “Thank you. What is keeping you here? You are usually as anxious as me to leave.”

  “Mama and my sisters have come up with all kinds of excuses to need me. The ulterior motive is, of course, to see me wed. That is not going to happen. However, occasionally I have to let them think I am playing along with their plans.”

  Wulf laughed. “A mother and three sisters would be a frightening army to resist.”

  Jeffrey nodded in agreement. “I must admit they are beginning to wear me down. Sometimes I think it would be best to find an agreeable lady to marry.” He shrugged. “But, I would have to live with her and no doubt she would harp on me to stay in town.”

  Wulf constantly scanned the crowd as they talked. “I am glad I got to see you tonight. You must come visit us when you return to your lodge.”

  “Who are you looking for?”

  “What?”

  “You are looking for someone.”

  “Lord Akers.”

  “I didn’t think you were friends,” Jeffrey said, a sardonic note in his voice.

  “You know we aren’t.”

  Jane and Lord Stanley danced by, and Jane lifted her hand in greeting. “Jane has made her choice. Do you know him?”

  Jeffrey studied the man as they danced out of sight. “Good family. He’s the oldest son of the Earl of Northcutt. Gossip says he’s a rather serious young man. Not one of the hell raisers.” Jeffrey jerked his head around to the opposite side of the dance floor. “Look to your left.”

  “Akers. I have to go.” Wulf started to
walk away.

  “Don’t forget I'm available, if needed.”

  Wulf waved, and careful not to attract Akers attention, he slipped through the noisy crowd to come up behind the man.

  “Akers.” Wulf clamped a firm hand on his shoulder.

  Lord Akers jerked and pulled himself out of Wulf’s grasp. “Radford. Thought you were off in the country with your bride?”

  “No. Heard you were still talking about her. I wanted to remind you she is under my protection.”

  Akers stuttered, “I, I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I believe you do. Stay away from what is mine.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “However you wish to take it. You really do not want to make me angry.” Wulf let his fury show in his eyes. Akers stepped back from him. Taking a deep breath, Wulf gave Akers a smile showing sharp white teeth.

  Akers turned and fled. Wulf let out a harsh laugh. Several people glanced in his direction and then went on with their conversations. The monster inside stirred. Wulf knew, if necessary, he would tear Akers limb from limb to save Thea. She was his and no one else would touch her.

  Wulf headed to the front door, stopping only to ask Jeffrey to see his sister and mother home. He had one more item to take care of before leaving tomorrow.

  Returning home, Wulf went directly to his study. He moved the large picture hung on his back wall, and opened his safe to take out a long slim box and a smaller one. Placing them on his desk, he removed the lids.

  Red rubies looked like drops of blood against the white satin. Wulf visualized the stones lying against Thea’s pale throat, and the earrings resting beside her coal black hair. She would look magnificent. His desire for her, never far from the surface, sizzled through his veins.

  Groaning, he sank into his chair. What had he done? He'd wanted a sensible, convenient marriage. The words mocked him, and he raked his fingers through his hair. He’d chosen a woman to marry that he couldn’t ignore.

  The hunger to touch her, taste her, sink inside of her grew stronger everyday. Fear clutched his heart at the thought of her in Akers’ hands. He went to the curtains and peered out. No hint of dawn. He couldn’t wait. He would leave a message for Bailey to follow.