“Leave this family alone. Remove the curse,” Thea demanded.
“No. If you persist, I will hurt you and your sister.”
“We are your family.”
“My revenge consumes me."
“He is a good man, not like the man you loved.”
The apparition faded, and Thea shook her head in puzzlement. She'd not really expected to see the apparition here, but now that she had she went to her drawer and got out the bag of herbs. She sprinkled them around her room and would sprinkle more around the house tomorrow when no one was around.
On her small table, she saw the two keys Wulf had mentioned earlier. She tried one on the adjoining door. It fit. She had to find a way to get around the walls Wulf placed between them both figuratively and with these keys.
Going through her things, she found the jar of special ointment for his scars. Tonight, she would work her magic.
Chapter Sixteen
Thea chose a gossamer white satin gown with a high neckline and long sleeves. The skirt fell in soft folds from under her breast to her matching satin slippers. She wound a red ribbon through her curls. Her only adornment her gold chain.
Elvie joined her to go to the dining room. Dressed in pale blue with matching shoes and ribbons, her sister looked like a fairy princess. Elvie took her arm and whispered, “When doing battle, it is most important to be armed appropriately.” Her impish smile comforted Thea. She was not surprised at her sister’s astuteness.
Entering the large salon, Thea saw two men talking with their heads close together. Wulf turned, and she recognized his friend, Jeffrey.
Wulf's gaze raked across Thea from head to shoes. “Join us,” he said. “Jeffrey arrived late this afternoon. He will be staying for a few days.” His words and expression gave no indication of his feelings.
“I will see Mrs. Sanders prepares a room for you, Lord Kenelm.” Thea turned to go and speak with the housekeeper.
Wulf's cool voice stopped her. “It is already taken care of.”
“Mrs. Sanders is such a fine housekeeper. She stays two steps ahead of me,” Thea said to Jeffrey and smiled.
Wulf poured her and Elvie a glass of white wine. Stepping close, his hand brushed hers when he handed her the glass. Their eyes connected. Thea chewed on the edge of her lip and stood mesmerized as a faint smile curved Wulf’s bottom lip. Heat and the fragrance of fresh air and woods aroused a familiar ache deep inside her.
“Dinner is served,” Bailey said from the doorway.
Thea almost jumped. She’d been lost in her thoughts. Wulf put out his arm.
His muscles flinched when her hand touched him. Thea raised her eyes and saw the tight clasp of his mouth and the muscle throbbing in his cheek. He was a puzzle to her.? Her cheeks flushed. She lowered her eyes to hide her dismay.
“Shall we go to dinner?” he asked.
The small dining room had been prepared. Thea sat at one end of the table with Elvie to her right and Jeffrey to her left. Turning to speak with her guest, she found Jeffrey staring at her sister.
The candlelight flickered across Elvie’s silvery hair and gave her skin a glow like milky pearls. Thea allowed herself a brief smile. At least someone was receiving warm attention. She noted a slight pink flush on Elvie’s cheeks.
Wulf called his friend’s attention back to him, and they proceeded to discuss crops, horses and races.
He did not make eye contact again with Thea. She was relieved when they finished and could leave the men to their drinks and smoking.
“We will be talking long into the night,” Wulf said, as she passed his chair. “You might want to retire early.”
Her blood boiled. “I am not tired. Elvie and I will go to the drawing room and read or perhaps play the pianoforte. You may join us or not. It is your choice.”
She enjoyed seeing the bright red color that tinged the harsh planes of his cheeks. He had been rude, and she would not tolerate being sent off to bed like a child. She would stand her ground for as long as needed.
* * * *
Jeffrey waited until the women left the room. Wulf saw the questions in his face.
“What was that all about? You sent a message saying I should come right away. It’s a good thing I was nearby at my ancestral estate.”
“I appreciate your quick response. I didn’t want to be on my own tonight.”
“I’ve never seen you be so cold to a woman. Not even immediately after Clarisse left.”
Wulf went to the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of red wine. He poured two full glasses and handed one to Jeffrey.
Jeffrey eyed the glass. “A full bottle night? A long story?”
“Long and convoluted. Shall we retire to my private room and I’ll try to explain?”
Jeffrey followed Wulf down the corridor and through the study to the concealed room. “These are good,” he said, seeing Wulf’s current work. “You continue to improve. I’d like to buy one for my youngest sister, Susan’s, birthday.” He picked up the small squirrel. “At ten, her whole life is animals. She’d love this.”
“Take whatever you like.”
“I insist on paying.”
Wulf shrugged and sat in the chair by his table. “Sit.” Wulf pointed to a nearby chair stationed by a small table with a lit candle.
“Much has happened since I saw you last.” Wulf took a long swallow of wine and enjoyed the woodsy taste as it went down and warmed his cold belly.
“Evidently, it has not helped your relationship with your wife,” Jeffrey said.
“I found out today she is the great-great granddaughter of the woman who put the curse on my family.”
“What? How?”
“We found, or rather Thea discovered, a necklace in the attic. It had an amulet hanging from the chain. Thea went to see her grandmother in the hopes she could tell her if the amulet was special in any way.”
Jeffrey shook his head. “I don’t understand. How could her grandmother know what you couldn’t comprehend?”
“I also wondered. I should have realized something wasn't right. I believe my wife comes from a family of witches, that she may be a witch.”
“Not a witch.” Thea stood in the doorway, shoulders back and determination on her face. “If you want to tell him the story, tell it right.”
“Please leave.”
“No. This pertains to me and I am staying.”
His pride in her fire and determination sent licking flames of desire raging through him. He’d ridden long and hard this afternoon and decided the only way to keep her safe was to keep her at arm’s length. He would not risk her life. He suspected trying to end the curse might bring danger with it.
Faintly, Wulf heard music from the pianoforte. “Stay if you must,” he said.
Jeffrey went to the study and brought in another chair setting it beside his.
“How chivalrous. Will I lose this wife to you, my friend?”
“Don’t be stupid,” Jeffrey snapped.
Wulf fell back in his chair and stared into his glass. Red wine, red blood. He ached to change and run into the forest, away from the complications of life. If he broke the curse, would he miss the wolf and running free to release his tensions? Did he really want to see the curse broken or was it too late anyway?
He raised his head to find Thea and Jeffrey watching him. Wulf pulled out a rumpled piece of paper and handed it to his friend. “This is the message concealed for years in the amulet.”
Jeffrey read the note. “Two lines must intersect? The whole of the message is rather cryptic.”
“Yes,” Thea said softly. “Grandmamma would not or could not help with an explanation. My grandmother has a gift and she uses it wisely. Some may call her a witch.” She stared pointedly at Wulf. “Others think of her as a healer and a seer. She is loved by most in her village.” Thea glanced over at Jeffrey. “She said Wulf and I must find the answers.”
The two men sat silently after her comments. Thea stood. “If you'll excuse me,
I will retire for the night now."
Jeffrey stood. “Certainly, my lady.”
Thea nodded to Wulf and left.
Jeffrey stared at the note, and Wulf took another swallow of the smoky, dry wine. The music had stopped.
Jeffrey stared at Wulf. “Does she know you’re a werewolf?”
“Yes.”
“And she accepted it?”
“Yes.” Wulf glared at his friend. “I know where this is leading.”
“Really?”
“If she can accept my other side, I should be able to do the same.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself." He hesitated then spoke.
"I wonder if you really want to break the curse and rid yourself of the wolf.”
Wulf slammed his glass down. “What the hell are you talking about?” He stood and towered over Jeffrey.
“Sit down.” Jeffrey spoke in a normal tone, but Wulf heard the command. He and Jeffrey had one other altercation years ago. Wulf smiled in remembrance.
“What are you going to do, Jeffrey, knock some sense into my head?”
“I did it once.”
Wulf shrugged. “I’m bigger and tougher now.”
“Still stupid though.” Jeffrey raised his hand when he saw the fire in Wulf’s eyes. “What are you thinking? I saw this happen with your father. So did you.”
“He survived and lived a profitable life. He came to like the part of him that was the wolf."
“Ah, so you are giving up trying to get rid of the curse.”
“Not giving up. I am making a choice to stop chasing after something I can't find.” He glanced away from the intent scrutiny of the one man who had known him best through the years. “Actually—" "I haven't made my final decision.” He turned up the glass and emptied it, then refilled his and reached for Jeffrey’s.
Jeffrey held his hand over his glass. “No more for me. I’m ready to go to bed.”
Silence fell between them. “I’m finding it more and more difficult to not change each night or every other night,” Wulf said softly. “It frightened me at first, now I enjoy the release and sweet taste of freedom and power that has overshadowed the earlier distaste.” He raised his head and looked straight at his friend. “I’m losing the battle. You know how hard I’ve fought.”
Jeffrey nodded.
Wulf held his head between his hands. “What can I do? This will never end and I am no longer sure I want to fight it.”
“Aren’t you? I see how you look at your wife when you think no one is watching. Isn’t she worth fighting for?”
Wulf took one of the small carved animals in his hand. The smooth wood felt cool in his palm. He ran his fingers along the rounded edges. Haunted and miserable, he looked at his friend.
“She is. And she wants to help stop the curse.” Wulf bowed his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “I'm scared that if she helps, harm might come to her. The only way I see to keep her safe is to keep her at arm’s length.”
“You love her.” Jeffrey stood and placed his glass on the table. “All along you thought you could find the answer in a book or somewhere around this house.” He leaned closer to Wulf. “At least part of the answer lies in here.” He tapped Wulf on the chest. “Inside you the battle will be won or lost.” With that he turned and left.
Jeffrey was perceptive. Wulf remembered last night and realized every night he'd have a war within himself fighting to not go back to Thea’s room. If he lost the battle and they made love, they risked the chance of having a child, a son. No matter how hard it was to stay away from her, he must.
The seduction and call of the wolf lured Wulf to change. The price was high, if he kept giving in.
* * * *
Thea watched from her window for the wolf’s appearance, but when she finally fell asleep in her chair, close to dawn, there'd been no movement out her window. The upstairs maid woke her, knocking on the door to bring her morning tray of hot chocolate.
“Are you all right, my lady?” The maid glanced at the bed that hadn't been slept in.
“I fell asleep in my chair again,” Thea forced a laugh. “My neck will be sore all day from sleeping in such a state.”
“Perhaps you wish to rest for a while. I can bring back fresh hot chocolate.”
“No. It is time to be up and about. Is my sister awake?”
The maid nodded and smiled. “Miss Elvie left early for a morning walk.”
“She did not go alone?” Thea asked, her voice sharp.
“No, Lord Kenelm is walking with her.”
“Good.” Thea sipped on the chocolate while the maid set out her clothes for the day. Jeffrey’s expression at the dinner table last night showed he was captivated by Elvie’s bright beauty; as if that was the first time he’d seen her.
How nice if he and Elvie fell in love and married. Then, Thea would only have herself to worry about. She'd find a small cottage, maybe in her grandmother’s village. Silly, Jeffrey seemed a confirmed bachelor and her sister had a mind of her own. Thea wouldn't solve her problems so easily.
She ignored the pain in her heart at the thought of leaving Radford Hall and its owner. If he didn't love her, the pain would send her away. And he didn't come to her room last night.
Where did they go from here? She had no idea. Her maid helped her dress in a practical, rose-colored wool gown, and Thea headed downstairs to face the day.
Elvie and Jeffrey came in the front door laughing as Thea reached the bottom step. “You two are early birds."
“It's a sunny day, and we have had a good walk. We visited the new kittens in the barn.” Elvie’s face glowed.
“Good morning, Lady Radford,” Jeffrey greeted Thea.
“Please call me Thea. Will you two join me for breakfast?” Thea motioned toward the small dining room.
“I had an early breakfast and must go tell Wulf goodbye. I came to see Wulf about some business that we took care of last night. There is much work waiting for my attention at my estate. My mother will not be pleased if I tarry long.”
“I'm sorry you can't stay longer, but I would not want to have your mother mad at us.” Thea smiled. “Please visit anytime.”
“Thank you. I will see if Wulf is in his study.” He bowed and walked briskly away.
“Such a nice man and I understand he is eligible,” Thea said, watching her sister’s expression.
Elvie laughed. “There you go being a matchmaking mama. He is nice, but single at his age means he is not interested in matrimony.”
Thea smiled and put her arm around her sister’s waist. “Join me while I eat and tell me how you have become so wise.”
Elvie grinned at Thea. “After my brisk morning walk, I might even eat another breakfast.”
* * * *
Jeffrey knocked on Wulf’s door.
“Enter.”
“Good morning. I'm sorry I missed you earlier.”
Wulf pushed the papers on his desk aside. “I didn’t sleep well. My manager and I went on an early morning tour of a nearby farm.”
“I have come to say goodbye.”
“Forget all the nonsense I spouted last night,” Wulf said.
“Sometimes we need to talk things out.” Jeffrey walked to the desk. “I have duties to take care of for my mother. If you need me, send a message to the estate.”
“I understand. You won’t be visiting your hunting lodge?”
“No.” Jeffrey smiled wryly. “There comes a time when family demands attention and my mother and sisters are at that point. Be careful, my friend. The decisions you make now might well be irreversible and effect the direction of the rest of your life.”
“You think I still have a choice?”
“If you accept help from your wife and friends, yes,” Jeffrey said.
Wulf shook Jeffrey’s hand and then walked to the window to watch him ride away. So much had happened. His life was spiraling out of his control and he had never felt so alone.
He started to go
back to his desk when he saw a carriage pass Jeffrey, headed for the house. He groaned inwardly. This was not a good time for his mother to visit, but it was nearing the end of the season so he shouldn’t be surprised. Her inquisitive nature would demand she come to see how her new daughter-in-law and he were coping.
Wulf put on his jacket and straightened his cravat. Much as he'd like to let his new wife greet his mother alone, he knew better. Mother had a bitter wit and sharp tongue. In a moment she'd shred Thea’s confidence and undermine her authority.
As Wulf strode down the corridor, he saw Bailey open the door and his mother sweep into the house, followed by Jane and many boxes and bags. This was not to be a short visit.
“Ulric, it is good of you to greet us so promptly.”
“Yes, especially since you sent no word ahead of your arrival.”
His mother raised her chin. “Don’t be petulant. You have always welcomed our visits.”
Jane’s, not yours. “That is true, but I have a wife now, and she would appreciate having time to prepare rooms for you.”
“A good wife has the home prepared for guests at anytime.”
“Then I must be a good wife,” Thea interrupted them. “May I call you Mother Radford?” She didn’t wait for a response. “Mrs. Sanders will take you to the green room. I thought you might enjoy the sunsets reflected in the lake.”
His mother’s shocked expression brought a rare smile to Wulf’s face. Few people succeeded in surprising her and leaving her speechless.
“Humph, we shall see. I prefer well-lit rooms.”
“As you know, the green room has windows on both the west and north side,” Thea replied then turned to smile at Jane. “Mrs. Sanders has everything ready in your old room. I hope that is all right.”
“Perfect.” Jane smiled. She hugged Wulf. “It is good to see you, brother. We have news that I can't wait to tell you. Let's have tea first, and then we'll go upstairs to rest."
“Good, I'll have time to finish checking my accounts after we talk.” Wulf couldn't wait to hurry back to his study to hide. Four women in the house promised to be a challenge. With all his problems, he'd thought it couldn't get worse, but he was wrong.
McNeely, Rachel - The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 21
