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

by Rachel McNeely

  Wulf watched Mr. Deems’ expression. Mr. Deems took off his round spectacles and reached in his pocket for his handkerchief. Carefully he wiped each lens, before putting the glasses back on. He leaned back in his chair, a crease forming between his bushy eyebrows.

  “First, I must ask, do you want a routine investigation?”

  “No.”

  Mr. Deems nodded. “I will make some inquires. I have a man in mind if he is not otherwise occupied.”

  “Good.” Wulf handed him his card. “If he is available, send him around. I want my request kept in absolute confidence.”

  “Of course. And may I say how glad I am to see you back in town.” Mr. Deems shuffled the papers around on his desk, organizing them in a way Wulf was sure only the solicitor understood.

  “Perhaps one morning, at your convenience, I might call and discuss the current state of your portfolio.”

  “Call soon. I hope to return to my country estate in the near future.”

  “Shall we plan on the day after tomorrow? Say around eleven o’clock?”

  “Perhaps later in the week. I will check with my secretary and have him send you word of the best day and time.” Wulf shook Mr. Deems’ hand and took brisk steps into the front office. He gathered his coat and hat, then stepped out into the overcast day.

  He hesitated for a moment, thinking about his next move. The sky hadn't lightened. He'd stepped toward his carriage when Mr. Deems rushed out calling his name.

  “Lord Radford, I am so glad I could catch you before you left. Please come back inside.”

  Wulf raised his eyebrows. What could have caused the man to be in such a dither? Deems held the door open and Wulf reentered. Mr. Deems motioned for him to go straight through to his private office. A large man with a swarthy complexion stood in the middle of the room.

  “This is Hawley,” Mr. Deems said. “The man I referred to earlier. He came in through my side entrance as you left the front. This seemed an opportune time for you two to meet. May I introduce you, Lord Radford, to Hawley?”

  Moving further into the room, Wulf nodded to Hawley before turning to the solicitor. “Could we use your office, Mr. Deems?”

  Mr. Deems rubbed his hands together. “Certainly. I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”

  Neither man moved until the solicitor went out.

  “Have a seat.” Wulf motioned to one of the chairs by the desk, then took the opposite chair. “Mr. Deems suggested you might be able to do an investigation for me. Are you free?”

  “I am.”

  “The information might not be easy to find.”

  Hawley shrugged. “Most ain’t.”

  “How much?” Wulf asked.

  “I’m not some Johnny Raw. I have experience. Three crown.”

  “Two. Three crown for very significant findings,” Wulf said.

  Hawley squinted at Wulf. “Is the job dangerous?”

  “Maybe,” Wulf said, not denying the risk.

  “How soon you want me to start?”

  “Now.” Wulf scribbled down Lord Beckett’s name. “I want to know everything about him, including his finances and I want you to find a copy of the previous viscount's will.”

  After reading the name, Hawley tore the paper into tiny pieces. “No evidence left around. I’ll send word through Mr. Deems when I have what you want.”

  Wulf stood, put on his hat and took a firm grip on his ebony cane. “If I'm in town send a message directly to me.” He started to walk away. “But, in case I do return to my country estate before you have the information, Deems can tell you how to reach me.” He handed his card to Hawley and left the room, stopping briefly to thank Deems.

  He had put things into motion. He hoped the results would be helpful. They might not have much time before Beckett took action. No matter what, Wulf wanted to know the answers.

  * * * *

  Wulf escorted his mother and sister into the crowded ballroom. Jane sparkled in a pale blue gown decorated with silver ribbons that gave a shimmering glow with the movement of her skirt. Several young men rushed to her to request dances. His mother, dressed in a wine red gown, stood silent by his side.

  Lord Abbot, a man obvious for his interest in Wulf’s mother, came strolling toward them. He was a pleasant, handsome man, but Wulf’s mother had rejected the many offers he had made. Wulf liked the man and had never understood his mother's refusals.

  “My dear.” Abbot bowed. “You are looking lovely. Might I hope that tonight you will give me an answer to my standing question?” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

  Lady Radford smiled back. “Thank you for the compliment, Charles. Nevertheless, you are not going to change my mind.”

  Abbot shook his head. “A man can only continue to hope. May I have this dance?”

  After they glided away on the dance floor, Wulf glanced around the room in search of Miss Beckett, but he didn’t see her. Ambling slowly around the perimeter of the room, he greeted the few who said hello. The others he stared down. It didn’t take much to make them turn their heads away. Between his scars and rumors, that still lingered in spite of the evidence to the contrary that he had killed his wife’s lover, the innuendos stopped most of the curious from bothering him. At least something good came from the gossip.

  Turning to walk back across the room, he saw a vision in white and pink and his breath caught in his throat. She stood trapped between her frowning aunt and scowling uncle. Tonight, she’d piled her raven hair on top of her head and held it there with sparkling combs that cast tiny star lights in the black mass of curls. A faint pinkish glow colored her pale skin.

  “Beautiful, isn’t she? She’ll belong to me, soon,” Akers’ sly voice whispered in Wulf’s ear.

  Never taking his attention from Thea, Wulf moved a few steps away from Akers. “How can you be so certain?”

  Akers laughed. “Her guardian has agreed, so don’t get any ideas, Radford. I don’t expect you want a penniless waif for a wife anyway. Her family isn't high enough in society for you and yours.”

  “You think you know me well.” Wulf wheeled around to face Akers, who had moved from behind Wulf to his side. “You don’t know me at all.”

  “Don't get in my way, Radford. That little vixen is mine to tame.”

  Wulf let his disgust show on his face. Nothing stopped the man’s mouth.

  “Maybe when I tire of her, I’ll let you pay me for a night in her arms. Might you be agreeable to such an offer?”

  Fighting for control, Wulf leaned closer to Akers. “You disgust me. I am going to speak with Beckett about you. He can’t possibly know all about your reputation.”

  “He knows.” Akers started to walk off and join the group around Thea.

  Wulf grabbed Akers’ right arm and bent his hand back. “Walk toward the veranda.”

  Fury made Wulf want to tear Akers apart, limb by limb. If no one was around, he doubted he could restrain himself. Wulf suspected his grandfather and father had killed several business rivals. He'd seen the change as their moods became darker, less caring for anyone, as cold and cunning as the animal inside them.

  Until now, Wulf had managed to control himself, except for the night when he’d received his scars. After that one episode, the wolf became stronger. The wild thirst to attack closer to the surface and the beast became harder to deny. He shook his head, trying to clear the blood lust from his thoughts.

  Seeing the veranda empty, Wulf pushed Akers toward the left side away from the light. “Do not ever speak of Miss Beckett in such terms again,” he growled.

  Akers pulled hard to break Wulf’s grip, and Wulf let him go. “How dare you tell me what to do? She will be my wife and in my control. I can do as I please.”

  Wulf scowled at Akers and stepped closer. “You will never marry her. Be aware I am watching her and you closely.”

  “Her guardian will never allow you to have her," Akers said. He snorted. "Not after the suspicious circumstances of your wife's death and her lover
's disappearance."

  Wulf shoved Akers against the wall and pulled his cravat tight. Akers' face turned red, and he gasped. Wulf grinned, seeing fear in Akers’ eyes.

  “Don’t challenge me. You will lose. Now leave here. If I see you again tonight, you’ll regret it.” He released Akers and stood back.

  Akers straighten his cravat and coat and turned to go. “You win tonight, but in the end, I will marry Miss Beckett.” Akers moved quickly back into the crowded room.

  A light breeze caressed Wulf’s heated face as he stood there in the dark. When he first sensed his attraction to Thea, he’d never thought the desire might grow so strong. His need for her refused to cool. When he saw Akers hanging around near her, his blood rushed hot through his body. Jealousy? No. The simple fact was that Thea was his, and nothing or no one could change that. Not even him, and he didn’t want to.

  Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside the door and searched the room. Akers had taken his warning seriously. He was nowhere in sight. Wulf wandered to the gaming room.

  “Hello,” Jeffrey called from a nearby table. “Come join us.”

  Relieved to find something to take his mind off of Akers and his plans, Wulf accepted his offer.

  Jeffrey studied him as the cards were dealt. He spoke softly, “Are you all right?”

  “Fine.” Wulf took up his cards. Concentrate, he told himself. But he couldn't stop thinking of Thea and Akers. He'd taken care of Akers for now, but he wouldn't go away, no more than his desire for Thea would. Frustrated, he glanced at his cards and the money in front of him. At least in cards, as in business, he was lucky. Four hands later, he finally gave up trying to concentrate and pulled his large pile of money toward him. “That’s all for me, gentlemen.”

  “You can’t leave,” one of the players, protested.

  “Have to,” Wulf said. “I hope to find a lovely lady available to ask to dance. Here.” he shoved his winnings to Jeffrey. “See if you can lose these back to the gentlemen.”

  “That is a low blow, Wulf, to imply I am such a poor player.”

  Wulf chuckled and left. He found her hiding behind a large round column. “May I have the next dance?”

  She jumped. “Lord Radford.” She put her hand to her throat and glanced around. “Yes, please. I’d like to dance. Right now.”

  He glanced back to see what disturbed her and saw her uncle headed toward them. The group of musicians began to play, and she grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dance floor.

  “I have never had a lady so anxious to dance with me.”

  “I am sorry. I’m not behaving at all proper, but—”

  “You wished to avoid your uncle,” Wulf finished for her.

  “Yes. Am I so obvious?”

  “Maybe not to others.”

  “Thank you for rescuing me.” A smile lit her face.

  His heart sped up, and his body hardened when her soft curves brushed against him as they danced. He held his arms out further and spun her around. The sensation of wanting to hold her close and carry her off to his bed ran strong through him. She was a very dangerous woman to tempt him to forget society’s polite rules.

  Leaning closer, she whispered, “Are you still going to help me find out about the will and my uncles' finances?”

  “Yes,” he said, as the flames of desire flared again.

  The music stopped and Wulf walked with her toward where her aunt and cousin stood. “You'll be all right?” he asked.

  "Yes, thank you."

  He bowed to her and the others before going to find Lord Abbott. He wanted to leave the crowded ball.

  Abbott, obviously pleased with Wulf's request, agreed to escort Wulf's mother and Jane home. Wulf needed fresh air and time to think. He retrieved his caped coat and stepped outside

  Wulf waved off his coach and began to walk. The cool mist curled around him and the flickering gas lights created the sensation of being alone in the world. Wulf knew the darkness held muggers and other unpleasant creatures of the night. He wasn’t concerned. With his amplified powers of hearing and smell, he'd detect anyone before they saw him.

  His desire to slip into the nearest alley and transform increased with each step. To roam the streets and unleash his anger on an unsuspecting thief or other unsavory character sent a hot boil to his blood and gave the wolf in him a deep satisfaction. At one level, he understood his father and grandfather. The blood lust pulled strong within, especially as the full moon came close.

  The smell of excitement and fear had Wulf searching the darkness. He spotted the man lying in wait two streets up. Now, the thought sang in his head, go into the alley and change.

  Wulf laughed when he saw his prey try to hide behind a post. A thirst for blood roaring in his head caused Wulf to miss the scent of an approaching woman. A hand on his arm stopped him.

  "Want me to show you a good time tonight, handsome?”

  His body trembled with the effort to focus. Gradually, the red mist dissolved and he found himself looking down on a small young woman. Her brown hair hung limp around her face, and her smile showed two missing front teeth. Wulf mentally shook himself, took a deep breath and tried to cool his hot body. He reached in his pocket and handed her a shilling.

  She pulled his arm toward the dark alley. “Thank ye, gov. Annie will show you a good time.”

  “No." He heard the growl in his voice, and she took a backward step. "Take the money and go. I need to return home.”

  Her stare followed him as he walked to the end of the street and motioned to a lone hackney coach. He needed to remove himself from the temptations of the streets, now.

  Very soon he must leave town. His great-grandfather purchased an estate a few miles outside of London, for just such occasions. When Wulf found himself here near the full moon, the extended forest surrounding his nearby home gave the beast a place to roam.

  He had to leave by tomorrow. Any longer and he'd never be able to control the wolf.

  Chapter Five

  As soon as they arrived home, Thea went to her bedroom and undressed. She sat on the edge of her bed, brushing her hair and dreading what tomorrow might bring.

  Uncle Rigby intended for her to wed Akers and no one else. The present activities were all for appearance. Her aunt and uncle would relish telling their friends what a good match Thea made, being penniless and all. What an advantageous alliance, considering Akers’ title.

  Thea imagined the betrothal. Tears ran down her cheeks. She didn’t see any way to prevent it, but she must. There was no time for feeling sorry for herself.

  If only Lord Radford would offer for her. The thought popped into her mind as a lone beacon of hope. But no, a marquis did not ask a woman without a dowry to be his wife.

  A soft knock on the door had Thea quickly wiping her tears away. Elvie stepped inside and closed the door.

  “What is it?” Thea asked, concerned to see distress on her sister’s face.

  “I’m not sure, but please stay with me in my room tonight.”

  “Did something frighten you?” Thea rushed to her sister's side.

  “It's not about me. I fear for you.” Elvie reached for Thea’s hand. “Come, there is not much time.”

  Puzzled, but seeing Elvie’s determination, Thea put on her night-robe. They crept along the corridor, hugging the wall, and then dashed across to Elvie’s room. Elvie shut the door and tugged at Thea’s hand, going toward the bedside.

  “It will be like when we were small,” she whispered. “You can pretend to protect me from the night monsters.”

  After they crawled up into the soft bed, Thea pondered Elvie's warning. Was her sister able to foresee the future? Grandmamma Humphrey often did, but only used her gift when people were in danger. Elvie lay curled on her side, stiff and unmoving, staring at the door. Tension hung palpable in the air.

  * * * *

  A stair creaked. Elvie grabbed Thea’s hand and held on tight. In a minute, they heard steps near Thea’s room and a door opened
. Elvie motioned Thea toward the curtains.

  Thea slid out of bed. The cold floor sent a chill thru her body. Moving quickly across the room, she hid behind the yards of heavy window drapes. Elvie turned on her side again, pretending to sleep.

  They’d barely gotten into place when Elvie’s doorknob turned and the door opened slowly. Light from a single candle flickered in the opening. Thea watched through a slit in the curtains. She almost gasped out loud when she saw the intruder was Akers. Even with his face covered, she recognized his evil eyes.

  He came in and stood at the end of Elvie’s bed. Thea held her breath and waited for what seemed like hours. Finally, when Thea was sure she would pass out from lack of air, Akers moved quietly out the door and closed it.

  Thea waited and was glad she did. Akers flung the door open and held the candle high to survey the room. Elvie, in a perfect example of someone rudely awakened, jerked up and screamed on seeing him. He ran and they heard his footsteps as he rushed down the corridor toward the stairs.

  Uncle Rigby flew into the room. “What is it? What happened?”

  Thea didn’t move. Elvie played her part as though they had rehearsed it.

  “A man came to my room,” Elvie gasped out. “He stood in the doorway,”

  “A man you say? Did you see his face?”

  “Not very well. He wore a hat and his neck cloth was pulled across the lower part of his face.”

  Thea leaned closer to the wall. Her heart beat fast and hard, but she couldn’t resist peeking again from the slit between the curtains. For a perceptible moment, she saw a flash of relief cross her uncle’s face.

  “I’d better check on your sister. Stay here,” Uncle Rigby directed Elvie.

  Thea hesitated. Should she let her uncle know she was safe or wait? She decided to remain hidden and see what happened next. Every instinct told her Uncle Rigby had something to do with the happenings tonight.

  Uncle Rigby shut Elvie’s door, and they heard him hurrying toward Thea’s room. If she left now, Elvie would be safe until Uncle Rigby discovered Thea was not with Akers. Thea wasn’t sure how much time that would give her. She couldn’t chance it. She feared Uncle Rigby might threaten Elvie in some way.