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

by Rachel McNeely

  The sound of a door slamming jerked them both back to reality. She’d stopped rubbing and had been holding her hand against his injured side, letting her heat complete the treatment.

  Wulf straightened in his chair. His fingers brushed across where her palm had rested. “Whatever magic you possess, my scars respond well. The ache is gone.”

  “We must do this each day to hope for the most benefit. After time, my grandmother said it might take away the pain and smooth out the scars, but they will not disappear completely.”

  He nodded, but avoided looking her in the eye. Her offer of help was tantalizing as was she, but he would not put her in danger. “You must be very busy with preparations for the party.”

  “Mrs. Sanders and the cook are well organized. I will make suggestions for the menus,” she let a wry smile cross her lips, “but I doubt they need my input at all.”

  “Then we will meet here late each afternoon to continue working on my scars. I don’t want you to worry about anything else. I can handle it.”

  “All right, but afterwards, I want to help. Right now we will make this a happy time for your sister.”

  She gathered up her jar and shawl. “The guests will be here soon. Excuse me, while I go upstairs to change and then check on any housekeeping details that may require my attention.”

  Thea swept out of the room in what she hoped was a regal fashion. She refused to let him see how disappointed she was at his unwillingness to accept her help in finding a way to end the curse. Give him time. She heard the words inside her head, as she went to her room.

  * * * *

  Early the next day, Thea prepared herself for the onslaught of guests. Last night, Jane had mentioned Lord Stanley’s father, Lord Northcutt and his wife would be arriving today. Add on Wulf’s relatives, and a number of neighbors who must be included in the list for the dinner and dance, and this promised to be a full two days.

  Wulf left a message for Thea to add Jeffrey to the guests expected, as he had sent a messenger that morning to invite him. Thea smiled to herself. Wulf didn't just come tell her because he was hiding by finding problems outside the house that needed his attention. She sometimes wished she could hide with him. With so many women involved in the preparations, the house was a hive of activity.

  Every available hand helped with preparations, including Hawley and Garr. With all this company, there wasn’t much danger anyone would be foolish enough to try and hurt her or Elvie.

  As the first carriage came into sight, Wulf’s mother came downstairs and stood at the front door taking the position of greeter. Thea watched her from the drawing room. Lady Radford took charge without saying anything to her. Thea took a deep breath, stifling the words she wanted to say to her mother-in-law. It was easier to allow her to have her way. Thea did not have confidence in her role as the lady of the manor, and Lady Radford was quick to realize and take advantage.

  * * * *

  Hidden behind bushes, Akers watched through the open windows. The ladies gathered around, chattering like a bunch of hens, and the gents stood apart telling fine tales no doubt. Carriages had arrived all day. What with all the scurrying around to meet the needs of the members of the Ton, one more person would never be noticed. He smiled and rubbed his hands together. In that crowd was the one he wanted and he planned to have her.

  Heat seared his belly and hardened his shaft. He’d been cheated. No one did that to him. She'd pay for all of them with their noses in the air and their sly looks and laughs. His hands folded as though around her soft white throat, pleasure and pain, he was the expert at creating fear. Scare someone enough and they would do anything you asked. There was no sound to his dry laughter.

  Letting the bush spring back in front of him, he strolled casually away, looking like he belonged to the group inside. He wouldn’t wait much longer. The fire inside of him burned for revenge. Who said evil never triumphed?

  * * * *

  Thea glanced out the windows. A shiver slid across her shoulders and down her spine. Darkness clouded around her. She blinked, trying to dispel the aura of evil crouching close.

  “Are you all right?” Jane asked. “Your face is so pale,” She reached out and touched Thea’s arm. “And your skin is cold.”

  “I’m fine.” Although shaken, Thea tried to smile reassuringly at the other women suddenly giving her attention. “Excuse me. I'll going to get my shawl.

  “Mrs. Sanders can get it for you,” Jane said, putting a hand out to stop Thea’s departure.

  “She's busy. I am sure your mother can take care of our guests while I'm away.” Thea nodded to Lady Radford standing beside another older woman, and then hurried across the room before anyone else might attempt to halt her flight. She gave a sigh of relief when she closed the bedroom door behind her. Their guests were enjoying the social hour before dinner and most would not notice she'd left.

  Thea did not light her candles. Instead she went to the window and pulled back her curtain. There was nothing to see. The smooth lawn was empty. There was no breeze. The trees stood tall and still. And yet it was hard to shake off the odor and bitter taste of something or someone menacing.

  “Help me see what I need to know.” She chanted the words over and over. Opening her eyes, the figure of the witch, her long ago ancestor with black hair blowing around her and hate filled eyes, floated in the reflection of the window. Her angry voice mocked Thea.

  “I will not let you destroy my curse. I am stronger. I shall win. You will not see the danger because I will block it from your sight.”

  Thea shook her head. “You will not win this battle.”

  “You are foolish. You may look like me, but you do not have my strength. I will destroy your man and his family once and for all and before he dies, he will destroy you.”

  The shrill laughter bounced off the walls, and Thea held her hands against her ears to block out the mocking. Did she have enough knowledge? Grandmamma said she did. Believe in yourself. Thea heard her grandmother's words. Doubt will defeat you.

  She lit her candles and sat staring at her reflection in the mirror on her dressing table. Whatever could she do to make this all come out right? Realizing time was passing, Thea picked up her comb and ran it through her hair, then she picked out a cream-colored cashmere shawl to go with her light blue gown. She had to push her worries aside and go downstairs. Dinner would be served soon.

  The guests were entering the dining room when she returned. She went to her seat at the foot of the table. Glancing down the long expanse of white tablecloth and around flower arrangements, Thea saw Wulf talking to his mother. She sat at his right side. The other guests arranged themselves in their seats and the low hum of conversation flowed around the room.

  Thea picked at her food and took small sips of wine. She must keep her senses on alert this weekend. Why, she wasn’t sure, but there was something unsettling in the air.

  Elvie sat to her left. She leaned toward Thea and whispered, “Someone is here to do us harm. I do not know who. I don’t believe the person is in this room.”

  Thea nodded. “I sense the same. Be alert.” She turned to the Earl of Northcutt on her right. “I hope you found everything to your liking in your room. Please let me know if you or your wife need anything.”

  “The room is quite pleasant. My wife hopes to get to walk in your beautiful gardens during our stay.” He smiled and turned his head toward his wife to include her.

  “Oh yes, my dear,” Lady Northcutt responded to her husband and smiled at Thea. “Lord Radford’s mother has remarked frequently about the beauty of your gardens. I am quite eager to see them. Gardening is a particular interest of mine.”

  “I would be pleased to join you. I have had little time to visit the gardens myself,” Thea said. “Shall we say around eleven tomorrow?”

  “Wonderful. I imagine this has been a disruption for you and your husband, being newlyweds. Please forgive us for intruding. Lady Radford assured us you would be agreeable since
Lady Jane and our son want the announcement made so they can set a wedding date. Young people are so precipitous these days.” Her soft words did not denote any ranker.

  “You are right,” Thea said. “We make quick decisions.” Especially when other decisions being made for you are so frightening. Thea did not regret her marriage. Her desire was to solve the mystery of the curse and find a way to save her relationship with Wulf. Fate brought them together. She would use determination and her skills to keep her love and her home.

  Wulf indicated for her and the ladies to retire to the drawing room. Thea asked Elvie to play the pianoforte. She ushered the women into the room and sat beside Jane.

  “Is everything to your liking?” she asked her sister-in-law.

  “Yes, and I see the improvements you've started in the house. I can envision how much brighter and happier the place will be when you finish.”

  “Thank you. I did find some drapes and furniture in the attic to help lighten the heavy atmosphere.”

  “I’m glad my brother married you. You will be very good for him.”

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

  Jane chuckled. “I was sure when I saw the two of you together the first time. My brother showed an uncommon interest in you.” She studied Thea. “You know he has been a recluse for many years? It is good to see he is no longer alone.” Jane leaned back in her chair and faced the front where Elvie was playing. “I am much more comfortable accepting Lord Stanley’s offer and moving away knowing he has you.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Lady Radford and Thea observed their handiwork. The large salon had been converted to a huge ballroom. Two large chandeliers and many other candleholders lit the room with soft light. The fragrance of roses floated on the breeze from the open French windows. The cool night air kept the crowded room from becoming too warm and smoky.

  Guests danced to the tunes played by the local band. The ladies swirled in a kaleidoscope of rainbow colors. Jane and her fiancé danced by, her face beaming.

  “Jane did very well. Lord Stanley is a Viscount now, but he is heir to his father’s earldom and the fabulous estate included,” Wulf’s mother said.

  “She appears to be in love with Lord Stanley,” Thea said.

  “What is not to love? The man is handsome, wealthy and titled.”

  “I do not believe Wulf would have given his permission for the marriage if he did not believe they were in love.”

  Lady Radford turned on her, displeasure plain on her face. “My son’s name is Ulric, not Wulf! Why did you start calling him that terrible name?”

  “Jane does and his other friends.”

  “You are his wife. It is not proper. Anyway as I was saying, Ulric may not have been sensible in his own choice for his wife, but he knew I would not stand for him interfering in my decision of the best person to be a husband for Jane.”

  “Do you dislike your son?”

  “What a stupid question,” she whispered. “Please leave me alone.”

  Thea bit her lip. Glancing around the room, she decided she had time to take a break before the announcement coming in the next half hour. She carefully made her way to a door and slipped out. A light shining from the partially closed door of Wulf’s study beckoned to her. She knocked.

  ****

  “Come in.”

  “Am I disturbing you?”

  Wulf motioned for her to enter. “I see we are both hiding from the crowd.”

  Thea sat on the chair in front of his desk and folded her hands in her lap. “They all seem to be enjoying themselves.”

  “Thanks to you and my mother for decorating and doing all the numerous tasks necessary to make Jane’s ball a success. I appreciate what you have done. I saw you even found time to walk with Lady Northcutt.”

  “Your mother and Mrs. Sanders did the work. I went along to learn.” Her mouth quirked up.

  Wulf gazed at her. Every cell in his body alert in her presence. Soft black curls clung to her forehead and her long hair was pulled up in a twist in the back. Her gown of green, blue, and gold complemented the creamy expanse of skin and made her eyes shine deep green. He tightened his grip on the arms of his chair to keep from rising and going to her side, to prevent him from touching her soft skin and tasting the sweet curve of her shoulder. He feared if he started, he wouldn’t stop.

  As if she read his thoughts, slowly and deliberately she came around his desk. He turned to the side to meet her head-on. Her fragrance, honeysuckle and roses, tantalized his senses.

  He stood and cupped her face in his hands. Her eyes widened and her mouth parted. Her pink tongue darted out to wet her lips. He bent and kissed the side of her face, her pert nose, and her lips. She moved her head, reaching for his mouth as he moved on to her chin.

  He raised his head and chuckled. “So eager,” he whispered before bringing his lips down hard on hers and thrusting his tongue into the warmth of her mouth. She tasted of cinnamon and spice. A wave of pleasure drilled through him and he pulled her body tight against his. He licked at her lips and moved down to her soft neck and the sweet indentation along her shoulder.

  His hands followed, caressing satin skin. When they arrived at the edge of her low-cut gown, he pushed the fabric aside to reach her rosy nipples hidden beneath. Thea moaned and held his head closer. The knock at the door make her jerk back.

  “Who is it?” Wulf growled.

  Bailey answered through the door. “My lord, your mother said the time has arrived to make the announcement.”

  “Tell her I will be there.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Wulf watched Thea straightening her gown and hair. His body raged with pent-up need. Walking to the carafe on his side table, Wulf poured a generous splash of brandy and drained his glass dry.

  “Ready?” he asked, putting out his arm.

  She put her shaky gloved hand out to him and steadied herself. “Jane and your mother will be wondering where we were.”

  “Don’t worry about them.”

  She smiled a wry smile. “You do like to issue orders.”

  “I have a feeling you like to ignore them,” he retorted.

  * * * *

  Several people in the crowd turned in unison when they entered. Wulf walked her to his mother’s side and excused himself to go to the podium.

  “Where have you been?” Lady Radford demanded.

  “Ulric is beginning his speech,” Thea said, ignoring the question. She stepped forward a few steps to get away from her daunting mother-in-law.

  “Thank you all for being here with us on such an important occasion. With much pleasure Lord Northcutt and I announce the betrothal of my sister, Jane, to his son, Lord Stanley. I hope you will join our families in wishing them all the best.” Wulf moved his hand to indicate Jane and her fiancé standing beside Lord Northcutt.

  The guests clapped and cheered. Filled champagne glasses were passed around and a toast made to the couple.

  Thea searched the room looking for Elvie. Cold sweat broke across her forehead and her hands went clammy. Elvie was nowhere in sight. She forced herself to take deep breaths. Maybe she went to her room for something or stepped away from the group as Thea did earlier. She worked her way through the crowd and out of the room. Seeing the butler, Thea went in his direction.

  “Bailey, have you seen my sister recently?”

  A worried frown crossed his face. “No, is she not in the ballroom?”

  Thea wrung her hands. “I can’t find her.”

  “I’ll ask Hawley to check outside and I will cover the inside. Do not worry. She is probably resting in a quiet spot.”

  Thea shook her head. “She would not miss the big announcement. Please hurry.”

  Wulf came out of the ballroom, and Thea motioned to him. “Elvie is missing. Help them search please.”

  He touched her shoulder. “We’ll find her. Jeffrey and I will circle around outside. Go to your room where I know you will be safe.”

 
; “I want to help.”

  “Staying safe will be the best help,” Wulf insisted.

  * * * *

  “Dang it, watch your feet, you clumsy fool. We’ve got a bright moon tonight. No excuse to stumble around.”

  "I didn’t want no part of this. Shut your mouth or I’ll leave you to do the job alone.”

  “Shh, follow me,” the thin lanky man said, and he melted into the shrubbery, darting from bush to bush. Seeing the guard making his rounds, they jumped him, knocked him out and bound his mouth, hands, and feet.

  The boss came, carrying a woman, also tied up. He slung her down on the ground.

  “She the one we’re to take to the carriage?”

  “No,” the man snapped. “We discussed the plans. She is the decoy. Up there is where you will find her ladyship. Bring her to me.” The man, moving quickly, faded into the darkness.

  “I ain’t climbing no trellis. I’d bust my chops,” the shorter man whined.

  “You don’t have to, you idiot. Keep watch and whistle if anyone else comes around.”

  The tall, thin man climbed the winding vine and pulled up to the window. Peeking inside, he saw her empty bed. Taking a piece of metal out of his pocket, he broke the window and reached inside to open it. He stepped in and blew out the candles, then waited.

  * * * *

  Reluctantly, Thea went upstairs. Her room was dark. Strange, she remembered leaving one candle burning. The window was open and a breeze blew the curtains inward. It must have blown out. She walked in and closed her door. Moonlight cast a silver streak across the rug and Thea stepped cautiously toward the nearest candle.

  The flash of a body came at the same instant as hands grabbed her. One hand covered her mouth and the other pulled her by the waist close against his smelly shirt. Thea bit the hand, and the man yelped, smacking her and gagging her with his dirty handkerchief.