The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Rachel McNeely

  The warmth of his study and the pleasant silence was not enough to clear his mind of her. The man and wolf desired her and anyone who tried to come between them better beware.

  He’d find a way to ask Jane or his mother more about her tomorrow. His mother always knew every tidbit of the latest gossip.

  And perhaps after he slept, this desire for her would burn itself out, and he’d only be interested in how she managed to stop his pain. A low growl came up through his chest, and he clamped his hands on the arms of his chair to stop himself from going back to the dance and carrying her off.

  But then again, perhaps not. A chuckle escaped him at the picture of his very proper mother’s reaction if he let himself follow through on his thoughts. He glanced at the clock. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter Two

  “I didn’t expect to see you,” Jane said and smiled at her brother. “I thought you’d be hiding at your club today.”

  “I decided to join you for breakfast.” Ulric nodded to his mother on his way to the sideboard, where various breakfast dishes lined the top.

  “What a pleasant surprise,” his mother said. She raised her tea cup and watched him fill his plate.

  After choosing ham and eggs, he joined them around the small circular table. “I thought Jane might enjoy riding in Hyde Park later this afternoon.” He glanced at the windows where sunshine streamed through and cast ribbons of light across the shiny oak floorboards. “It does appear we will have good weather, and Jane can greet all her new beaus along the way.”

  Jane blushed, her pink cheeks almost matching her gown. “How you love to tease me, brother.”

  While they ate breakfast, he half listened to his mother and sister’s discussion about the previous night’s ball. His interest roused when Jane mentioned Amy Beckett.

  “Do you know her family?” he asked, noticing his mother’s sharp attention.

  “Why do you ask, Ulric?”

  He forced a bland smile. “Curious, that’s all.”

  She stared at him for a full minute. Still attractive, her few grey hairs did not show among the light blond color. Since she seldom allowed her face to show strong emotion, no lines marred her ivory skin. She held herself straight at all times and always dressed in the height of fashion.

  Ulric cared for her, but they had no true closeness. Early on, she’d shown her preference for her second son. Since Evan's death, his mother had become colder, more rigid and now demanded Ulric find a wife and supply an heir.

  His scarred face and the nickname that he'd acquired after a fight with a wild wolf reminded her of what she called the family affliction. She denied the curse's existence as much as possible, yet, curiously, she wanted an heir to carry on the family name. Her behavior never ceased to confound him.

  Jane spoke, breaking the silence between mother and son. “Amy Beckett is so much fun. She has a cousin, Althea Beckett, although they all call her Thea. She's older and apparently did not have a successful first season." Jane stopped to take a breath. "But I like her. She’s nice.”

  “How damning. ‘Nice’.” Wulf returned to the sideboard for another slice of ham.

  “I know of the family,” his mother said. “Beckett is a Viscount and rather an upstart. He inherited his title from his brother. The previous viscount and his wife died within months of each other, leaving two daughters. From what I have heard, the girls are penniless, except for whatever the uncle will provide. He and his wife are rather cold-natured and colorless, if you ask me. Without a dowry, I doubt the girl will have a successful season this time either.”

  “You always amaze me with your superior knowledge, Mother.” Wulf saluted her with his coffee cup.

  His mother raised her chin. “Don’t be impertinent, young man.”

  He let out a harsh laugh. “Evidently you don't think I'm young. Your frequent insistence that I find a wife indicates you must be afraid I shall see my demise before I can provide an heir.”

  “Your father died unexpectedly at fifty-four and now your brother—" She blinked rapidly.

  Wulf reached out to touch her, but she quickly moved her hand into her lap. He shoved the momentary pain down deep inside.

  "You must consider your matrimonial duties as the marquis,” his mother said.

  “Are you sure I need to wed, Mother? With no heir, your 'problem' will go away when I die."

  “That is enough. We will not speak of unpleasant topics at the breakfast table.” Her chair scraped as she stood. “I must prepare for my friends who will be calling later.”

  She stalked out, head high and back rigid. A small hand reached out and covered his. Jane’s heart-shaped face wore a worried expression.

  “Smile, little one. I don't want to see you get wrinkles.” He lifted his other hand and traced a finger across the lines on her forehead. “How will I ever get rid of you, if you persist on ruining your face?” He brushed a kiss across her hand.

  “You do love to tease me. But seriously, Mama does not mean to sound harsh. She has a headache from all the noise and smoke last night.”

  “Always the peacemaker. What will I do when some lucky man whisks you away?”

  “We will visit often, just to annoy you,” she said and grinned. “But why did you ask about the Beckett's?”

  “I believe I met Miss Althea Beckett last night, but we were not properly introduced. I hoped we might see her today, while out riding, and you could make the introduction.”

  Jane turned her head to the side, studying her brother. “Have you an interest in her?”

  “She's aroused my curiosity.”

  “Are you really looking for a wife?”

  “I haven’t decided.”

  “I believe you and Miss Beckett might suit rather well. Amy said her cousin also prefers the country to town.”

  “But not many women want a scarred man for a husband,” Wulf said.

  Jane jumped up and knelt by his chair. Her sky blue eyes reflected her concern. “You have many women to choose from.”

  “Very few can look me in the face without flinching.” But Miss Althea Beckett had, and she touched him. She removed the pain from his scars. Could she erase the pain in his heart?

  * * * *

  Thea, Elvie, and Amy rode in their open carriage along the crowded path at Hyde Park. Amy blushed and smiled as several gentleman stopped to tip their hat and greet her. Elvie moved her head from side to side trying to see everything. Her face glowed with pleasure.

  “It’s so exciting. I cannot wait for next year when I'll be eighteen.” Elvie squeezed her sister’s hand. “Do you think I will have my coming out then, truly?”

  Thea said a prayer and forced a smile. “Of course. The man I marry will be pleased to see you have a proper season.”

  The beautiful spring day made Thea yearn for home. She preferred to ride her horse and race across the fields. How could she ever make things turn out right for her and Elvie? Lord Akers had Uncle Rigby’s approval and was determined to court her. Uncle Rigby could not force her to wed him, but if she didn’t do as her uncle wanted, he could place them in an intolerable situation.

  She saw the horse first, a chestnut stallion. What a magnificent animal. Thea raised her face to the rider and stared. It was the scarred man from the night before. Lady Jane rode on a dark bay mare by his side.

  Lady Jane stopped to greet them. “Miss Beckett and Miss Amy, it is nice to see you again.”

  Amy greeted her cheerfully. “We enjoyed your ball immensely. I don’t believe you have met my cousin, Elvie. She is Thea’s younger sister.”

  Jane acknowledged the introduction and turned to the man beside her. “May I introduce my brother, the Marquis of Radford? Ulric, these are my friends, Misses Althea Beckett, Amy Beckett, and Elvie Beckett.”

  Thea’s cheeks heated when Lord Radford regarded her. The people and carriages passing by caused his stallion to shift restlessly and thankfully drew his attention away.

  “What a be
autiful animal,” Thea reached out to pat the stallion’s nose.

  “Don’t,” Lord Radford said, trying to pull his horse back, but the horse moved toward her and nuzzled the palm of her glove. Thea noted the shocked expression on Lord Radford’s face when his stallion stood still and allowed her to rub his head.

  “I’ve never seen Batair let anyone except our groom and my brother get near him,” Jane said in awe.

  “Animals like my sister,” Elvie explained. “Most any horse or dog will come right to her.”

  “Amazing,” Wulf said. An odd light filtered through his eyes.

  “I’m sorry. I should know better than to touch someone’s horse. But he is such an incredible specimen. He must be wonderful to race.”

  “He is.”

  Thea groaned inwardly. She had brought attention to herself again. He must wonder about last night when she touched his scars and now this. She feared his asking questions she dare not answer.

  In the clear light of day, the damage to his face was striking, yet she found him altogether intriguing. His compelling golden eyes matched the highlights in his shiny brown hair. His grey breeches and Hessian tasseled boots revealed well-muscled legs. A dark blue jacket complemented his biscuit-colored waistcoat.

  There was nothing flashy about him, yet he was much more interesting than the other men she’d met. She averted her face when she realized the length of time she’d been observing him.

  He leaned forward. “Do I meet your approval?” The whispered words blew gently across her cheek.

  Amy, Elvie, and his sister were talking. She hoped they had not noted her interest in him.

  “Forgive me, Lord Radford. I did not mean to stare.”

  “Please, don’t apologize. You can not know how long it has been since a woman has stared at me, rather than my face.”

  His low husky voice sent heat flowing through her and a warm blush to her cheeks.

  “But I must apologize for embarrassing you,” he added. “Your cheeks are quite rosy.”

  Thea flipped open her fan to cool herself. She studied the tiny roses embroidered on her cream-colored skirt and hoped her wide brim bonnet hid her face from his sharp scrutiny.

  “Jane, we must continue our ride. Batair is becoming restless.”

  “All right,” Jane said. “I hope to see you both at the Langston’s tea tomorrow.”

  “I am going,” Amy said.

  Thea shook her head. “I will not be attending, but I’m sure to see you again soon at some other activity.”

  Wulf moved his horse closer to Thea. She sensed the movement and peeked up around the brim of her bonnet.

  “May I call on you tomorrow, Miss Beckett?”

  Her breath caught in her throat. Why would he want to see her? “Yes, yes of course,” Thea said softly. She hoped he didn’t plan to question her about what happened last night. If even a whisper got to Uncle Rigby about her being strange, he would try and marry her off to Lord Akers immediately.

  “Then I will call, and if you like and your guardian agrees, I would be pleased to escort you to Bullock’s Museum. My mother has assured me the museum is quite interesting.”

  “That would be very pleasant.” A place to talk away from Uncle Rigby and Aunt Cornelia’s watchful regard. As she started to glance away, she saw the gold of his irises deepened to a fiery reddish gold. Her heartbeat fluttered in her chest.

  * * * *

  Wulf watched the carriage go around a bend and out of sight. What a remarkable woman Miss Althea Beckett proved to be. Her gentle touch soothed his facial pain and calmed a skittish stallion. And how did she manage to so easily arouse feelings he’d kept controlled for years? Desire rushed through him. He found her black hair and creamy complexion arresting, albeit different from society’s view of beauty.

  He hadn’t planned to offer an invitation for an outing tomorrow, but when he saw the opportunity he’d decided not to wait. He planned on choosing a bride but not consummating the marriage until he found a way to break the curse. His burning desire increased each time he came near Althea making her a poor choice for such an arrangement. He had to find the secret to end this blight on his family. There must not be another heir born until Wulf succeeded. “Wulf!”

  Jane’s voice bought him out of his reverie. “Yes?”

  “You were woolgathering. I said your name twice. Miss Beckett has done what I thought no woman could.”

  “And what is that, little one?” Wulf asked.

  “Distract you.”

  “Nonsense.” He straightened Batair’s reins. “Shall we continue our ride?”

  Jane giggled. “Wait and see if I’m not right about you two making a lovely couple.”

  Wulf frowned at her, but she ignored him and urged her horse into a trot.

  Until recently, Wulf hadn’t seriously considered being part of a couple again. His brother's death had caused him to reconsider all his previous decisions.

  Jane stopped to talk to friends and Wulf took his time joining her. People passed him along the way. Some nodded with cool politeness. Others stared at his face in an utterly rude manner.

  Just yesterday he'd wanted to return home as soon as possible and forget his mother’s insistence that he find a wife. He stayed now because of his curiosity regarding Miss Beckett and her effect, both emotionally and physically, on him. He ran his fingertips across his scars. They’d hurt very little since she touched his face last night.

  * * * *

  “Thea, are you excited about the marquis calling on you?” Elvie asked, as they continued their ride in Hyde Park.

  “He invited you to the Bullock’s Museum,” Amy said. “I have heard it is a fascinating place. Although I’m not sure I would want him to call on me.” She eyed Thea with a concerned expression. “His appearance is frightening.”

  Thea still tingled from the last glance Lord Radford had given her. Her face flushed at the memory of his heated gaze. “Hush, Amy. Imagine what it must be like for him.” Noting Amy’s stricken face, she softened her voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you." Deftly she switched subjects. "I have no idea what we will see at the museum. I'm sure Lord Radford was only being polite since I indicated I wasn’t attending the Langston tea.”

  “He’s mysterious,” Elvie said.

  “A bit too much for me,” Amy said. “He is handsome on the one side, but the right side of his face is horridly scarred. What do you suppose happened?”

  “I don’t know,” Thea said. Irritated with Amy's response, she glanced away. “Is that one of your friends waving?” Thea nodded at a carriage coming toward them and breathed a sigh of relief when Amy waved back. Soon her cousin and her friend were discussing last night’s ball, giving Elvie and Thea an opportunity to talk.

  “I like him,” Elvie whispered.

  “Who?” Thea whispered back.

  “Lord Radford. He has kindness in him. You can trust him.”

  “How can you be so certain?” Thea asked.

  “I see the goodness in him. There is darkness too, but his core is light.” Elvie looked puzzled. “Isn’t that strange? I’ve never noticed anyone else in the same manner.”

  Thea stared at Elvie. A worried expression crossed her sister’s lovely face. “We’re all more perceptive with some people,” Thea reassured her.

  Elvie had never exhibited any of the family gifts, but Thea remembered that her own ability to heal hadn’t appeared until she reached eighteen. Could this be a sign of Elvie's impending talents? If so, she must find them a safe home, even sooner than anticipated. A chill swept over Thea. What might happen to Elvie and her if anyone discovered their secrets. Some people still believed in witches and feared them.

  The girls’ chatter of dances and handsome beaus went on around her. She watched people riding along, greeting each other. The girls, who were the favorites of the Ton, held their chins slightly elevated and gave cool condescending acknowledgements as they passed. For Thea, the pleasure in the day had
gone.

  Excited and apprehensive about tomorrow, Thea imagined having Lord Radford’s full attention. She would be lying if she did not admit an interest in him. Yet, she feared he might ask questions about her actions. How could she answer without revealing her secrets? And, she knew Uncle Rigby would not be happy about Lord Radford calling on her. A certain sense of satisfaction rose in her at the possibility of thwarting her uncle.

  Amy reluctantly said goodbye to her friend. Thea was relieved when they rode toward home. As soon as they arrived, Amy and Elvie hurried into the house. Coming up behind, Thea heard them telling Aunt Cornelia and Uncle Rigby about their excursion.

  “Also, Lord Radford invited Thea to go to Bullock’s Museum tomorrow,” Amy said.

  Thea stepped into the drawing room in time to see her uncle’s frown.

  “What have you done?” Uncle Rigby blustered. “Why would he want to take you to a museum?"

  “He’s quite nice and proper, Uncle Rigby,” Elvie said.

  Thea returned her uncle’s hard stare. “Is there a problem, Uncle Rigby?”

  His face flushed. “It's not proper for you to accompany him alone. Send your regrets.”

  “I am not going alone. My maid will attend me.”

  “Still.” He peered at his wife.

  Aunt Cornelia put aside her sewing. “Why would a marquis be interested in taking you about? You must beware he does not make a disreputable offer. You would do better to take your uncle’s advice.”

  “No.” Thea’s voice brought everyone’s attention to her. “I have accepted, and I will go. You can not stop me.”

  “Watch your words, young lady.” Her uncle stood and confronted her. “You will lower your voice when conversing with me or your aunt. I can't imagine why Lord Akers wants to make an offer for you, but I can see we need to accept before your forward behavior discourages him.”

  Amy intruded into the discussion. “Papa, he is such a disagreeable old man.”

  “Go to your rooms.” Her father pointed at Amy and Elvie. “Now.”

  At the snap in his voice, the two girls hurried out. The room went silent for several moments. Uncle Rigby and Aunt Cornelia’s distaste shone clear in their expressions.