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

by Rachel McNeely

  “I slept a little. I’ll bathe and change while you talk to your visitor.”

  “I have a visitor?”

  “Madeline is anxious to speak with you.”

  “Thank you for bringing her here. I do want to see her.”

  Wulf went to the door, said something and came back to her bedside. He reached into his pocket and pulled out her ring. “This led me to you.” He kissed the ring and slid it on her finger.

  Thea held her hand against her chest and tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Leaning down, he brushed his lips across hers then he walked to their adjoining door. “Yell if you need me.”

  She laughed. “I doubt Madeline would do me any harm.”

  He agreed and disappeared as someone knocked.

  “Come in.”

  Madeline stood in the doorway. One of Thea’s wool shawls wrapped around her shoulders. The two women stared across the room at each other. Thea sat up and opened her arms. Madeline hurried to her side. At first, Madeline hesitated, but then she put her arms around Thea and started crying.

  “Here, sit beside me.” Thea patted the side of her bed. She held onto Madeline’s thin hand. Madeline was clean and her hair, a soft light brown, flowed in waves around her. She had on a light pink muslin gown and slippers.

  “I hope you don’t mind. Your husband told the maid to alter one of your gowns to fit me.”

  “You're certainly welcome to anything of mine. You helped me so much. But are you strong enough to be up and about?"

  "I didn't really do anything, but yes, the doctor said for me to try walking short distances to regain my strength. Also, I've had several small but nourishing meals. I can feel my body growing stronger."

  Madeline smiled, and her whole face lit up. “You and Lord Radford have given me my life back. Lord Akers, I’m sorry to say, survived, but he is in prison. Lord Radford has assured me that he will be brought to trial.” Madeline took a deep breath. “Do you know your husband is arranging for me to meet with my family? I told him I'd like to leave England after I visit with them. I want to keep what happened to me private. I'd like to start a new life in America."

  “Are you sure? You might have an easier time here supported by your family.”

  “I want a chance to start fresh, and Lord Radford said he has a friend who will understand and help me.”

  “How long did I sleep? You must have had some time to think about all these decisions.”

  Madeline smiled again, a tentative curling of her lips, as though she had almost forgotten how. “I've had plenty of time to think about what I would do if ever I was freed.”

  Thea shuddered. “I still feel the cold and fear, the hollowness in my stomach. I want to curl up in my bed and stay forever.”

  With a fierce expression on her face, Madeline leaned closer to Thea. “Don’t let this change you. You are brave, and you must go on and have a happy life. I refuse to lose this second chance.”

  “Perhaps after all you are the bravest.” Thea patted her hand.

  "No. You are. I can never thank you enough. Even in all the confusion, you didn't let them leave me behind or the others. I will never forget.” Madeline kissed her on the cheek, rose and walked to the door. "I'll be staying at my parent's home until I leave for America. I'll write and let you know about my adventures." With a wave, she slipped out the door.

  Curled up on her bed, Thea’s thoughts went to Madeline’s imprisonment in Bedlam. She thought about her own future. Madeline would have lived her life out at Bedlam if her husband had his way.

  A husband had tremendous control over his wife. The thought frightened Thea even more than before. She’d realized women were vulnerable when married to the wrong man, but in her wildest dreams, she had not conceived how little control a wife had.

  Her father had been a sweet, loving husband, and she expected to find the same type of man. Now, she had seen that a husband could beat his wife, send her away or make a slave of her. People would frown. Seldom did they intervene.

  Wulf cared for her, she reminded herself. He let nothing deter him from rescuing her. He must love her. She remembered her grandmother’s words, not to let doubt cause her defeat.

  Still her head spun with confusing thoughts. Her cold hands clutched her shawl tight as the connecting door opened.

  * * * *

  Wulf saw the worry in her eyes. “What’s wrong?” He knelt beside her bed.

  “Nothing.”

  He studied her face trying to understand. “We can return to the country or stay in town for a few days. Mother and Jane arrived this morning."

  “Is Elvie with them?”

  “No. I asked her to stay at the estate. Now that Akers is behind bars, I believe you'll both be safe.”

  “I would prefer to go home,” Thea said.

  Sudden warmth flooded his chest when she called his estate home. “I have some business to conclude first. I must make arrangements for the two men we released and for Madeline.” He held up his hand, seeing Thea’s expression. “The men are going to be fine thanks to you. We will plan on leaving for home early tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I'm sure my mother will have many questions for you. Would you prefer I ask her to not question you about the past few days?” Wulf brought her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her soft skin.

  Thea pulled back and sat up. “I will dress and go downstairs." She put her hands to her face and whispered, “I don't want to talk with anyone about it, except maybe Elvie.”

  Pulling her hands down, Wulf stared directly into her eyes. “I will take care of everything.”

  She stood abruptly. “I am not a weak, pitiful woman. I can take care of myself.”

  “No one is saying you are weak.”

  She raised her hands and pounded on his chest. “I have no rights. You can do anything you want with me. I am nothing more than another object you own.”

  Wulf grabbed her hands and pulled her tight against him. He cupped her head and nestled her against his shoulder as sobs shook her body. When the crying subsided, he loosened his grip and handed her his handkerchief.

  “Have I ever treated you with such disrespect?”

  Her eyes downcast, she shook her head. "No."

  He tipped her chin up and kissed her brow. “I will never treat you or any woman in such a way.” He went to his door. “Come downstairs when you're ready. I’ll try not to be gone too long.”

  * * * *

  Thea stared after him. What was wrong with her? Her hysterical behavior appalled her. She'd go downstairs and greet her mother-in-law and Jane. As Madeline said, she must not allow the recent events to turn her into a coward. Wulf had looked tired. He'd apparently sat by her bed for hours. She was ashamed of the things she said.

  Her maid knocked and entered. “Would you like to bathe and dress, my lady?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m anxious to start the day and have my breakfast. I’m starving.”

  The maid smiled and said, "Then we'll hurry."

  “Yes, I have no more time to waste.”

  * * * *

  Wulf went first to his solicitor’s office and reviewed the true will written by Thea's father. Armed with all the information he needed, he continued on his way to visit the Becketts. His meeting with Thea’s aunt and uncle promised to be very interesting and rewarding.

  A cool mist blew across Wulf’s face as he stepped out in front of the Beckett's town house. After several knocks, the door opened. This time the butler did not question his visit. He motioned him inside and led him to a small dining room at the back of the house. Lord Beckett and his wife had almost finished breakfast.

  Beckett stood. “Lord Radford, welcome. We heard of your daring rescue, of not only our niece but several other poor souls.”

  Curling his lip in distain at Beckett's fake greeting, Wulf nodded to Lady Beckett and sat where she indicated. She directed their butler to get him coffee.
r />   “I am not here for a social call.”

  She looked down her nose at him with her icy blue eyes. “Whatever your reasons, we will behave as civilized people.”

  Wulf’s laugh rang out, loud and sharp. “Civilized people do not rob innocent young women, especially not their own relatives.

  Fiery red color flashed across Lady Beckett’s face. “Those ungrateful girls—”

  Wulf raised his hand. “Don’t say any more. I might forget I’m a gentleman and can not hit a lady. Of course you aren’t a lady.”

  Fear reflected in her eyes, and she clasped her hand to her throat. “You would not dare.”

  He let the threat hang in the air for a second. “I know you were trying to rob my wife and her sister of their inheritance.” He heard Beckett’s gasp. “I have the original will in my possession.”

  Beckett cleared his throat. “Well, what do you plan to do about it?” He sneered. “If you persist in giving me any trouble, I'll see that rumors start concerning the mother's family. I've always suspected they were witches.” He glared at Wulf, his face mottled with red spots. “Go back to your country house and we will forget about your nasty insinuations. After all I can blame my solicitor. I’ll say he withheld the real will so he could blackmail me later.”

  Wulf snarled and yanked Beckett out of his seat, slamming him against the wall in one smooth motion. “I warned you not to test me. I had decided not to have you arrested, but maybe prison would be the best place for you.” He tightened his grip around Beckett’s neck and enjoyed seeing his face turn purple and to hear him gasp for breath.

  Lady Beckett came to Wulf’s side and pulled on his arm. “Let him go. You will kill him.”

  When he turned his face her way, he curled his lips up and let his eyes flame. She dropped her hand and fell backwards. “What kind of beast are you?”

  Wulf whirled around and threw Beckett into a chair. “Now the two of you will listen to me.

  “I am a marquis and my lineage is long. The Prince, for a price, would see you both transported out of the country for stealing my wife and her sister’s money. Any gossip you started would be seen as trying to retaliate. I would not advise you to pursue such a course.” Wulf took a deep breath. “This is what you are going to do.” He motioned for Lady Beckett to sit.

  “You will receive the yearly amount listed in the original will. If you are frugal, you can manage.”

  “No one can live on such a sum,” Beckett protested.

  “Many do on much less.”

  “Thea will not want to see our daughter hurt. She will not make a successful marriage with no dowry,” Lady Beckett said.

  “You are probably right. My wife has a soft heart. I do not.” Wulf glanced from one to the other. “I believe we understand each other. Good day.”

  His last impression was of them flushed with anger and obviously frustrated at their inability to do anything to change their future. In spite of the pain in his arm, he chuckled. Good riddance.

  * * * *

  Lady Radford greeted Thea with cool politeness.

  Jane rushed to her side. “How did you stand being in that horrible place? I would have died.” She hugged Thea tightly, before stepping back and adding, “You are very brave.”

  “You would be too under similar circumstances.” Thea winced, thinking of anyone having to be in that horrid place. “I did the best I could to survive until Wulf came. I knew he would find me.”

  “My son’s name is Ulric!”

  “Everyone calls him Wulf,” Thea said.

  “That stupid name they gave him after they thought he survived a wolf attack. Has he told you all of his secrets?”

  “What are you talking about, Mama?” Jane’s voice quivered.

  Thea sent a warning glance to Lady Radford. “I know about his first marriage,” she said, hoping to stop any further revelations.

  Jane apparently did not know about the family curse. Wulf would be devastated if his sister turned from him in horror, especially since Thea sensed and hoped, they were close to finding a way to rid the family of the spell cast over a century ago.

  Lady Radford gave her a hard look. “You know? You accept all of him?”

  The wolf and the man, two sides of her husband. His mother did not accept the two sides of him after all these years. She directed her anger at her late husband and Wulf. Yet they had not been able to control their fate. They hadn’t had a choice.

  Silence fell between the three women. Jane glanced between Thea and her mother, questions in her eyes. Thea wet her lips, delaying her answer while she searched her heart.

  “I love your son. All of him.” When the words came out, Thea realized she told the truth. Any lingering doubt fell away. How could she not love the man who rescued her twice and demanded nothing in return?

  The attraction had been there between them from the start. Love grew as she began to know the man. She sensed his pain, not only from his facial scars, but the pain inside him from the battle he fought to resist whatever clawed at his soul. They would break the curse, whatever they had to do. Thea took a deep breath and steadied her trembling hands.

  Lady Radford stared at her, as though she could look into Thea's mind and see the truth. “Hold tight to that love. The years go slowly, and like steady drops on a surface, they wear feelings down until nothing is left but hate.” Lady Radford excused herself and walked out. For the first time, she looked like an old woman to Thea.

  Jane looked puzzled and started to say something.

  Thea stopped her. “I’m very tired. Would you mind if I went into the small sitting room and spent some time alone?”

  “No, of course not. Mama and I have planned to go to the mantua-makers’ for my fitting for a new gown.” Jane’s face glowed. She kissed Thea on the cheek before leaving.

  Thea walked two doors down to the quiet sitting room. She chose a chair near a window. Picking up a small book of sonnets, from the table beside her, she opened it but couldn't concentrate enough to read. She was glad for the small fire to take away the chill in the room and in her.

  Bailey knocked and entered. “My lady, something arrived for you.” He laid a small package, wrapped in brown paper, on the table beside her and left, closing the door.

  She was almost afraid to remove the paper. Determined to shake off her unreasonable fear, she took control of her thoughts, and then gently pulled the paper open at the top. Inside was a wrapped gift.

  Wulf had written a short note on his calling card. Saw this in the store and thought you would like it. Will be home soon. She tore the wrapping away and found a dainty fan edged in fine Brussels lace. The back was painted with birds and butterflies colored in beautiful jewel colors.

  Thea spread it out on her lap. Her hand lingered across the dainty paintings. Hope filled her heart. It was a beautiful, thoughtful gift. If they could end the nightmare, she and Wulf had a chance to find happiness. They must plan what to do next. She sensed they were close to discovering all the answers. A dark cloud wavered in front of her, outlining a woman’s figure.

  “Don’t forget me. I will say when and if the nightmare ends.”

  “Grandmamma told me I am stronger. The choice will not be yours.” Thea spoke with determination to the ghost of her great-great grandmother.

  The figure swirled, and as she disappeared, the fire flashed up the chimney. Outside thunder boomed.

  The answers were at her grandmother’s house— in the book. She felt certain of it. She and Wulf must visit Grandmamma soon.

  A letter from Elvie arrived shortly after Thea's package. Thea started to read her message when Jane peeked into the room.

  "May I join you? We're not going out until later."

  "Of course, please do."

  "I see you have a letter. Will I disturb you if I play some music?"

  "No. I'd enjoy it.

  Jane smiled and walked over to the pianoforte. She began to play soft classical music while Thea read.

 
Dear Sister,

  I hope when you receive this letter, you will be safe with Lord Radford. My heart tells me he will find you soon.

  I am sorry to send bad news. We received a note from a friend of Grandmamma's, telling of her death shortly after we left. I was not surprised, since she told us that she would not see us again.

  Please write as soon as you can. With all my good wishes.

  Love,

  Elvie

  Thea held the paper against her chest. A tear rolled down her cheek.

  “What is the matter?” Jane knelt beside her.

  “Sad news. My grandmother has died.”

  “I am sorry."

  “If you will excuse me, I think I'll go to my room.” Thea walked slowly out the door and up the stairs.

  She and Elvie were alone. They had no other family. You have Wulf. Yes, but they still had many unresolved issues, and she had to admit handling everything without her grandmother’s help was a daunting task.

  You can manage, have faith. Grandmamma’s voice came to her firm and clear. Remember, you are strong.

  After this last episode, she was tired of people always expecting so much from her. She would love to lay her head on Wulf’s shoulder and lean against his strength, let him handle all the problems. But, he can not win this battle alone. This time you might have to save him.

  Thea had only been in her room a few minutes, when someone knocked. She called out and Wulf walked in.

  "You're back," Thea said, feeling relief flow over her.

  “I hurried as quickly as I could. Jane said you received a letter from Elvie saying your grandmother died.”

  “Yes. Although it was not unexpected, I had hoped she would be there when we went to her home. I feel we must go there together.”

  “You want to go now?”

  “Yes. I will visit her grave and then we will look for her book of secret spells and potions. I hope to find the answers to end the curse, or solve the puzzle of the amulet.

  “While she was alive, Grandmamma had to keep the book in her possession. Now, as her closest living relative, the book comes to me and Elvie.”