The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Rachel McNeely

  “No.” He disappeared into the house.

  The hairdresser gathered up her belongings and hurried away. Thea touched the soft curls clustered around her face. Tomorrow she'd place her life and her sister’s into Lord Radford’s hands. He was a strong man, and she believed he'd protect them from harm. When she thought of it that way, the matter of the way she wore her hair seemed inconsequential.

  * * * *

  Wulf took the stairs two at a time and found his mother sitting in front of her dresser. She raised her eyes to the mirror and saw his reflection.

  “So you are back.”

  “And none too soon.”

  “I take it you have seen your bride’s new coiffure?”

  “I have.” Wulf sauntered into the room and leaned against the wall, still watching his mother’s expression. She did not turn around.

  “It was her idea. I only assured her it was fashionable. It will go well with the many gowns I helped her choose.”

  Wulf curved his lips in a slight smile, a dangerous smile. “I arrived in time. My wife will have fashionable curls around her lovely face, but the rest is left untouched."

  She turned and used anger as usual for her defense. “You told me to help her prepare for your wedding.”

  “You knew how I'd feel about her hair being cut.”

  “Men! How silly you all are about long hair. It is good she chose to stand up to you. Your sister warned her.”

  He ignored her comment. “We will be married here at two o’clock, tomorrow and leave for the estate early the next day.”

  “But I am planning a ball. It is the least you can do to appear proper.”

  Wulf strode to the door. “We leave the day after tomorrow.”

  He laughed when he heard her hair brush hit the door sill. His mother was so predictable.

  Entering his room, Wulf went to the fireplace and put another log on the fire. Flames leaped up, and he spread his hands out to the warmth. He briefly wondered if he should call off the wedding.

  He'd talked with Reverend Smyth after he left Jeffrey's. He and his wife had arrived in town that morning. Everything was in order with him. Still, there were other difficulties facing them, not the least, the wolf inside him. His desire for Thea definitely increased the problems.

  Wulf had thought of another solution, but giving them money and sending them to their grandmother would not protect them from Beckett and Akers. He shook his head. He gave his word. He would not recant now. Heat stirred low in his belly. He didn't want to cancel the wedding.

  * * * *

  Dinner was a silent affair. Thea sat to the right of Wulf and Lady Radford sat at the end of the long table. Even Lady Jane and Elvie were subdued, although earlier their excited chatter had filled the rooms when some of the new gowns arrived.

  Wulf turned his attention to Thea. “Your hair is most becoming tonight.”

  Thea searched his face. Did he mean it or was he reminding her of his displeasure. He seldom displayed any emotion and tonight was no different.

  “I hope you are happy, Ulric. You frightened my hairdresser so badly she will not ever want to come here again.” Lady Radford glared at her son.

  “You may tell her she is welcome anytime my wife is not in residence.”

  The shock of his words brought a soft gasp from Thea. His wife. Tomorrow they would be married. Hearing his words brought stark reality to what she had agreed to.

  He was an enigma, and she had no time to understand him better before the ceremony. A cool chill raced along her body and anxiety tightened her throat. Yet, she admitted to herself, there was also a tiny flicker of excitement deep inside.

  Wulf signaled to a nearby footman. “Have Miss Beckett’s maid bring her shawl to her.”

  “I'm fine,” Thea protested.

  “It’s no trouble.” Wulf motioned the man on. “I saw you shiver.”

  His concern for her comfort brought a lump to her throat. She blinked her eyes to keep the tears away. Since her parents died no one had shown such consideration. When the footman brought her shawl and Wulf stood to place it around her shoulders, she thanked him.

  His mother said nothing, but studied them intently. Thea ignored her and tried to eat some of her meal. She was relieved when after dinner Lady Radford decided to retire to her room. Thea followed right behind her. Elvie and Lady Jane peeked around Thea’s door before going to their rooms.

  “Will you try on your wedding gown for us?” Elvie asked.

  “I’m tired. You will see me in it tomorrow.” Thea hated seeing the disappointed looks on their faces, but she needed time alone to calm herself and to begin to pack. Busying herself with activity might prevent her from falling to pieces.

  Finally, exhausted and ready to sleep, Thea started to reach for her nightgown. Instead, she turned and opened the box holding the fragile, cream silk wedding gown.

  She'd been shocked when the gown was delivered late this evening. Lady Radford had said she expected no less. "The mantua-maker would have put several of her seamstresses to work on the dress right after we left. I paid them extra," Lady Radford stated in her cold tones. Thea had taken the unopened box to her room and returned downstairs for dinner. Now, Thea's fingers reached inside and touched the raised design. Carefully, she pulled the dress out and decided to try it on.

  Soft as a feather, the material floated against her arms and down her body. Delicate lace and lustrous pearls edged the scoop neckline and the puffed sleeves. The bodice fit snugly and the skirt fell in soft flowing lines to her feet. Curls edged her face and her long hair fell in waves down her back.

  She was almost beautiful, the way she’d hoped she would look at her wedding. Only, in her dreams, her future husband adored her and she went forward with a happy heart.

  “Mama and Papa,” she whispered. “How I wish you were here.” Almost imperceptibly a light puff of air brushed across her cheek. Tears held back spilled and ran down her face. Of course Mama and Papa were always only a thought away. She removed the gown and got ready for bed. Tomorrow would be here too soon.

  Chapter Nine

  Dressed for his wedding, Wulf went to his study and closed the door. He took a small key out of his pocket and felt along the bottom of his desk until he touched the catch and a hidden drawer dropped down. He unlocked it.

  Inside, a long slim box lay amongst his papers. He took it out and opened the top. A necklace sparkled up at him, pearls and diamonds. Tiny matching earrings and a thin band of diamonds and gold completed the set.

  He reached in his coat pocket and removed another gold band, wide and plain. When he put this ring on her finger she would be his.

  His to desire, but not touch he reminded himself. They'd return to his estate and live their lives together, yet separately. Unless he broke the curse. Now more than ever he was determined to end the nightmare. Leaving his office, he went in search of Jane. Their few invited guests were due to arrive shortly.

  * * * *

  Thea took one more look at herself. A lace veil lay lightly on her hair. Long cream-colored gloves completed her ensemble.

  Someone knocked at the door. When Thea answered, Elvie and Lady Jane came in.

  “You look beautiful,” Elvie said, awe in her voice.

  Lady Jane agreed and stepped forward, handing Thea a long slim box. “Wulf asked me to see you received this before coming downstairs.”

  Elvie and Lady Jane clustered around her as she pulled the lid off. A soft gasp came from all three. Thea’s hands shook as she held the necklace up to her neck.

  “Let me help you.” Lady Jane took the ends of the necklace and fastened it. Then she helped Thea with the earrings and handed her the ring.

  Thea touched the necklace. The sparkle gave the finishing touch to her ensemble, turning her into a fairy princess. She chuckled at her foolish thought. The pearls gave a soft glow and the diamonds flashed with fire. Like her and Wulf. Where she might have warmth, he was all fire. She hoped his fire wouldn't consu
me her. With Elvie and Lady Jane's encouragement, Thea started down the stairs to face her uncertain future.

  Wulf had dressed in black, like the first night she met him. He stood beside a small man with twinkling brown eyes. Turning to greet Thea, the words froze on Wulf’s lips. His eyes blazed as they took in her appearance.

  “Thank you for my jewelry.” Thea ran her hand along her neck, touching the cool stones.

  Still Wulf stared and Thea knew her face flushed red. Clearing his throat, he motioned to the man standing beside him. “My dear, may I introduce our rector, Reverend Smyth? He has come from the country estate to marry us.”

  “I am very glad to make your acquaintance on such a happy occasion.” The rector beamed at her and stepped forward, taking her hand.

  “I am pleased to meet you, Reverend Smyth. I hope to attend the village church and meet our neighbors.” She saw a flicker of a frown cross Wulf’s face.

  “If you will excuse me, I will greet some of our other guests. I leave you two to become better acquainted,” Wulf said.

  He walked across the room to join a small group of guests gathered at the doorway. Large vases of white roses arranged around the drawing room scented the air with their sweet smell and the glow from numerous candles lit the otherwise shadowy room. Rain pattered softly against the windows.

  “You will be good for him,” Reverend Smyth said, drawing her attention back to him. “He hasn't come to church in many years and seldom sees the neighbors except for some hunting with the men. All the gossip that he had murdered his friend when the man ran away with Lady Radford caused him to become a recluse.”

  “Killed his friend?”

  “You didn’t know about the accusations?”

  "No." Glancing around the room, she saw Wulf talking to a tall, blond man. The man said something and Wulf looked across the room, his eyes instantly finding her. Thea forced her lips to curve into a smile. Why would he have kept it a secret she wondered? He never mentioned it the day he proposed they marry. It didn’t matter. She tried to ignore the unease the rector’s words had created.

  Wulf immediately returned to her side. “Are you all right?”

  The rector started to speak, but Thea flashed him a warning look.

  “I am fine. Shall we proceed?”

  Wulf tipped up her face. He knew she was lying, but he apparently decided now was not the time to question her. He removed his hand from her chin and took her arm, leading her to the front of the room.

  “It is time for the ceremony.”

  Thea heard the rustle of skirts as the ladies took their seats and the gentlemen joined them. The rector smiled encouragingly and stepped in front of her and Wulf.

  Anxious, Thea clasped her cold hands tight. She responded automatically as told. The ceremony was short, and afterwards, they signed the parish book the rector had brought with him.

  Pleased and relieved, Reverend Smyth announced to all, “Meet Lord and Lady Radford.”

  Jane and Elvie hurried up for a hug. Wulf’s mother barely touched Thea’s hand before she turned to her son. Nodding briefly, she walked to the far side of the room.

  Wulf introduced Thea to the blond haired man he'd been talking with before the ceremony. He, along with Wulf’s mother, had signed the marriage register as witnesses.

  “Jeffrey, Lord Kenelm, is an old friend. We went to school together as boys.”

  Jeffrey bowed. “I am pleased to meet you. I hope you will come to consider me your friend also.”

  “Thank you.” Thea studied this man who knew her husband so well. His openness and friendly overture were the opposite of Wulf. “Forgive me for staring,” she said when she realized the length of time she spent looking at him.

  “That’s quite all right.” Jeffrey shrugged and grinned. “Perhaps you can not understand how such a friendly lad as me could be friends with such a morose character?” That the words were said in jest was obvious and a rare smile broke across Wulf’s face.

  “Come, everyone, I believe cook has outdone herself to prepare a wedding meal. Reverend Smyth, I hope you and your wife will join us,” Wulf said.

  Reverend Smyth’s pleasure reflected on his shiny round face. “It would be our honor, Lord Radford.”

  Thea sat at one end of a long table with Wulf on the opposite end. She was relieved to see Elvie seated to her left and Lord Kenelm at her right.

  The first course was passed around the table. Thea had just swallowed a spoonful of soup when Lord Kenelm spoke.

  “I was most curious to meet the lady who convinced my friend to marry.”

  “Lord Radford has been most kind to me and my sister. I myself have been surprised he agreed to marry me.”

  “You jest. One has only to view your beauty to understand.”

  “No, you jest, Lord Kenelm. We both know my husband had the choice to marry the loveliest woman available.”

  “How strange that you wouldn't think of yourself as beautiful. Perhaps Wulf can convince you otherwise.” Jeffrey tilted his head to the side. “His scars do not bother you. Many women turn away because of them.”

  “They are a part of him and add to his mystic.” Thea reached for her glass of wine to wet her mouth.

  “Ah, what a rare jewel he has found.” Jeffrey raised his glass.

  Thea looked to see if he was jesting, but saw respect in his eyes.

  “In honor of you,” he spoke softly and raised his glass.

  Flustered, Thea glanced down the table and found Wulf’s eyes on her. Even from here, she saw his face harden.

  She frowned, then lowered her head and finished her soup. Thoughts of tonight and tomorrow swirled in her head. Would he come to her room tonight? What would it be like at his estate?

  Jane mentioned an old building with long dark corridors and rooms left the way they were for the past ten years or more. Jane said she'd encouraged her brother to make changes, but he shrugged his shoulders and left things as they were.

  Thea had dreamed of marriage and having her own home. How much would she be treated as the lady of the manor, or would she and Elvie be shoved aside down a deserted wing and soon forgotten? She was glad they were leaving tomorrow. The sooner her questions were answered the better.

  Wulf and she both loved the country and that gave them a starting place to get to know each other. She glanced at Elvie. A huge smile lit her face. Thea’s marriage was as much for her sister as for herself.

  For a second, deep sadness filled Thea’s heart. Would anyone ever really care for her? Looking around the table, she listened to the conversations. Their guests were smiling and enjoying the meal. Only she and Wulf silently studied each other across the long, cluttered table.

  Wulf crooked one eyebrow and held up his wine. Thea raised her glass. Both took a sip. Wulf put his glass down and turned his attention to the rector sitting beside him. Thea took a deep breath. The unknown future stretched out before her.

  After their wedding meal, the guests left and Wulf excused himself and walked toward his study. Thea started upstairs. Wulf caught her on the way. His hand reached out and held her arm. Heat seared through her body.

  “Take only what you will need right away. The rest can be sent later. We leave at dawn.”

  She bit the edge of her lip. “It gives us little time to prepare.”

  “The maid will help you. Your sister will stay here.”

  “But…”

  “She will enjoy staying in town with Jane. After we are settled, you may write and have her join us. I've decided to travel straight through and we'll arrive at my estate by tomorrow night.” With those brief words, he let go of her arm and disappeared behind his study door before she protested.

  Thea hesitated a moment and considered following him to discuss his decision. She’d looked forward to having Elvie’s support during the trip and settling in her new home. But, no doubt he was right. Newlyweds were expected to spend at least the first month together without company. Many traveled overseas. She was
glad they were going directly to his country estate.

  She went to look for Elvie and then she'd have the upstairs maid help her finish packing. She found Elvie in her room.

  "Of course I understand." Elvie gave her a knowing smile.

  Obviously, her sister thought they wanted the time alone. "We'll send for you as soon as we're settled," Thea said.

  "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

  How awkward with her and Wulf rattling around in the large, old house. Thea hated leaving her sister behind. Yet it would give her time to adjust to her new role and learn Wulf’s expectations before Elvie arrived. She kissed Elvie's cheek and went into her own room.

  Thea's maid finished the little packing that was left and brought her a cup of tea before retiring for the night. Thea lay awake, jumping at every sound, wondering if Wulf would come to her. Once, she thought she heard a noise outside her room, but when she got up and opened the door, no one was around. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or sad. She slept little. Now, she watched the darkness turn to grey and finally weak sunlight filtered through the crack between the curtains. It must be time to get up. Her two cases sat by the door, ready to be placed in the carriage. It was time to start her new life.

  * * * *

  Dressed in a dark blue wool gown and short boots, Thea gathered her pelisse and reticule and went to her sister’s room. Elvie was dressed. Her face reflected her happiness for Thea.

  “Aren't you excited about seeing your new home?”

  “Yes, I am.” Thea hoped her uneasiness didn't show.

  Elvie grabbed Thea and hugged her tight. “I was so afraid you would end up marrying Lord Akers. He looked at you very strange.”

  So her sister had noticed. Of course, Elvie was very observant.

  “Lord Radford is a good man. Lord Akers is not.” Her sister spoke in a matter-of-fact manner.

  Soon, Thea thought, I will have to see grandmamma and find out how to help Elvie develop her gift. It was becoming obvious her sister did have the same gift as their mother—the uncanny ability to see the true person. Thea wondered what Mamma would have said about Wulf. A brief knock turned the sisters to the door.