by Rose Pressey
Arthur walked down the rest of the steps. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Oh, no, not at all.” I forced a smile. “Please make yourself at home. You can go anywhere in the house.” Well, except for my bedroom and, well, that was probably about it.
He offered another sexy smile. “Thank you. Your hospitality is adorable.”
“Would you like breakfast?” This was another chance for me to showcase my new badass cooking skills.
He stepped closer to me. “Thank you. That would be great. I am hungry.”
I waved over my shoulder as I headed through toward the kitchen. “Well, follow me. It will be the best breakfast you’ve ever eaten.”
That was a bold statement, but I was pretty sure I could back it up. He followed me through the house to the kitchen. I wasn’t sure why I had been suspicious of him before. He seemed perfectly nice now.
Chapter 5
“Follow me and I’ll show you to the dining room.” I gestured.
As I walked through the parlor and library, I kept looking over my shoulder. It made me a bit nervous having him walking behind me. He sure was quiet. When we reached the dining room, I pushed on the door and gestured for him to step inside. It was down the hallway off from the kitchen. A large table took up space in the middle of the room with matching chairs on each side and the ends for a total of sixteen. A buffet sat against the far wall.
Arthur walked in and scanned the room. “It’s elegant, just like the rest of the manor.”
At least he had good taste, but maybe I was a little biased. I thought LaVeau Manor was one of the most beautiful places in the world.
“Please make yourself at home,” I said, pointing toward one of the big chairs at the dining table.
He flashed a smile and said, “Thank you, I will.”
I turned around and left him in the room, walking back to the kitchen. I hadn’t even asked him what he wanted for breakfast, so I just made a little bit of everything. I figured as long as I wasn’t messing things up, why not make it all?
I gathered the items needed to prepare breakfast. I had memorized all the items needed. Breakfast came easy for me, but I was still working my way through dinner recipes. They were a little bit more complex.
As I stirred the pancake batter, I sensed a presence in the room with me. When I turned around, Arthur was standing right there by the island.
He smiled at me again. “I hope I didn’t startle you.”
“As a matter fact, yes, you did.” I tried to force a smile anyway.
“Please accept my apology. Do you need any help?” he asked.
I waved the whisk. “No, I’m fine, thank you. Did you need something?”
“It’s just a little lonely in there. I hope you don’t mind if I stay here in the kitchen with you.” He leaned against the counter.
Oh, dear. This really would make me nervous.
“No, I don’t mind,” I said.
I wondered if he saw through my forced smile. If he did he didn’t let on at all. He pulled out the stool and plopped down on the seat, his long legs stretched out in front of him.
“Breakfast should be ready soon,” I said as I grabbed the wooden spoon.
How would I cast magic spells with him right there? I wasn’t sure if he was aware of the Enchantment Pointe magic thing. I didn’t want to frighten him. I just had surreptitiously sneak a spell or ten in.
He really didn’t want to taste my food without the magic. I could guarantee that.
“How long have you had the bed-and-breakfast?” He stepped over and peered out the window into the back yard.
Now the chitchat would distract me even more. But he was just trying to be nice. Maybe my magic wasn’t so hot after all if I had to concentrate that hard to perform something. I guess I wasn’t as good as I thought. Maybe it would be better practice for me if I did try in front of him.
“I’ve been here for about six months now.” I wiped my hands on the towel.
“How’s that going for you?” He turned to face me again.
I wasn’t going to be honest about that question. “It’s going good.”
I had hesitated. He was sure to pick up on that.
He laughed a little. “Well, that’s good.”
His laughter really was heartwarming, so I decided to be a little more straightforward with him.
“I believe it’s a slow time of the year,” I said.
“I’m sure when everyone sees how charming you are you’ll be overrun with customers.” His voice was just as smooth as his words.
I glanced back at him. I was probably blushing. I decided to change the subject.
“Would you like fruit with your breakfast? I have fresh strawberries and melon.” I walked toward the refrigerator.
“I’ll eat whatever you put in front of me,” he said. “If it’s okay with you, can we enjoy the food right here in the kitchen? It seems more informal and casual. I like that.”
We? I hadn’t realized that he thought I was eating also. “Actually, I have some work to do, but I’d be happy to let you eat right here in the kitchen.”
He really was taking that ‘make yourself comfortable’ thing to heart. That was good though. I wanted my guests to be happy. At least I hoped he was pleased with staying here.
“I’ll be sad if I have to eat alone. It’s tough while traveling and not having friends.” He gave me a sad-eyed look. How had he known I’d be defenseless against that heart-rending stare?
“I suppose I could eat with you,” I said.
“Wonderful,” he said.
“Could you do me a favor?” I asked.
“Certainly,” he said.
“The napkins and stuff are in the dining room. Could you bring the plates and other items for us in here?”
He pushed to his feet. “I would be delighted. I’ll be right back.”
As soon as he stepped out of the room, I hurried over to the bowl and recited the words. “Element of Earth, I call to you. Make the perfect breakfast now.” I poured the batter. “Element of Air, I call to you to make my guest want more.” Flipping the pancake, I recited the words: “Element of Fire, I call to you make him think this is the most delicious meal ever.” To complete the spell, I flipped the pancake one more time. “Element of Water, I call to you. Make a perfect breakfast now.”
I knew I had rushed the spell a little—okay, a lot—but I hoped that wouldn’t cause it to be any less tasty. Footsteps sounded from behind me so I finished up the last of the spices that I need to add. When I turned around, Arthur was already in the room with me. It had taken him a lot less time than I had anticipated. I wondered how long he been standing there.
I placed the dishes on the counter and smiled. He smiled at me, but he didn’t say anything about hearing my spell. He did have that funny look in his eyes, but I supposed he always had that. From the first moment I’d seen him it was as if he knew a secret. Did he know my secret? It wasn’t exactly a secret. I supposed everyone in Enchantment Pointe knew, except for strangers.
He placed the napkins and silverware alongside the plates. “How does this look?”
“That’s perfect. You’ve done that before.” I glanced down at the setting.
“I helped my mother set the table all the time.” He sat on the stool with the plate in front of him.
As I brought the food over, I realized that this was my chance to ask more about him. “Where are you from? You said you were just visiting Enchantment Pointe.” I tried to sound casual, as if I wasn’t suspicious.
“I’m from Shreveport.” he said, as if he’d been waiting for me to ask.
“And you have business in town?” I asked as I placed the food on the island.
He gave me another one of those smiles that said there was no way I was going to get information out of him. He shouldn’t be so sure about that though. I had my ways of finding out things when I wanted. Just wait until my mother got a hold of him. She really would want to know
more. She would ask a million questions until he told her everything she wanted to know.
I sat down across from him and cut into my pancake. It felt strange sitting here, but I tried to make the most of it. I watched for his reaction as he took the first bite.
Just like everyone else, he moaned as he chewed. “This is delicious. Do you cook like this often?”
I smiled and said, “Well, I’ve been trying to do more lately.”
“You should keep it up. I think this is the best food I’ve ever had.” He pointed at his plate with his fork.
“Thank you,” I said.
He was kind of quiet at the moment, focused on his food, but I didn’t want to let him get too quiet. I had a lot more questions to ask.
“You didn’t tell me what type of business you have in Enchantment Pointe?” I practically held my breath waiting for the answer.
Before he could answer though, a bang came from what sounded like outside, followed by a loud groan.
Chapter 6
“What was that?” Arthur asked.
“It sounded like an animal,” I said as I jumped up.
I rushed over to the back door and peeked outside. On the left a distance from the house was the old graveyard. A raven perched on the black iron fence. It seemed as if it was looking in my direction. Was that what we’d heard? There was no way the bird could have made that noise, and Arthur stood right behind me, his presence undeniable.
“I don’t see anything,” I said as I unlocked the door.
I twisted the handle and then pushed the door open. The last time I’d seen Pluto he’d been in the living room lounging on the back of the sofa. I knew he hadn’t gotten out. There must be a stray cat hanging around.
When I stepped out onto the back porch, I looked to my left. A woman was on the ground.
“Oh, my gosh.” I raced down the steps with Arthur right behind me. When we reached the woman, I knelt down beside her. “Are you all right?”
She was probably about seventy years old with gray hair pulled up into a bun. I’d never seen her before, and I knew she wasn’t one of my neighbors.
“Oh, dear. I guess I slipped on the wet grass. You really should put up some sort of pathway.” She scowled.
I hadn’t expected anyone to be walking around the house, but whatever. I supposed she hadn’t seen the stone path that was already there.
I reached down and helped her up. “Are you sure you’re right?” I hoped that she hadn’t broken her hip or anything.
She brushed off her navy blue dress. “I’m fine, dear, don’t worry about me. I have strong bones.”
Well, that was good to know. But now I had to know why she was here.
“Was there something I can help you with?” I asked.
“Yes, honey, I’m looking for a room. I saw your sign out front.” She adjusted the brown leather pocket book on her arm.
Oh, wow, not again. My guests always seemed to come in pairs. Now I really was suspicious. This couldn’t be a coincidence. When I glanced at Arthur, he flashed a quick smile. Why had she come to the back door?
As if she read my mind, she said, “I came to the front door, but you didn’t answer.”
Why hadn’t she tried the doorbell?
She shook her head. “That doorbell seems to be broken.”
Okay, now she really was reading my thoughts. This was freaky.
“Would you like to come inside?” I asked.
“As a matter of fact, I would.” She marched past me toward the door.
Arthur grabbed her bags from the lawn. Once we were all back inside, the woman stood by the island. She peered down at the food.
I could take a hint, so I asked, “Would you like breakfast?”
Without hesitation, she said, “Yes, I haven’t eaten. I would love food. Thank you.”
She sat down on the stool where I’d been sitting and immediately started eating the food on the plate. When I looked at Arthur he just chuckled.
“Ms. LaVeau, I’m sorry, would you like to take my seat?” Arthur gestured.
“No, please continue eating your breakfast. I have dishes to clean up anyway.” I motioned toward the sink.
The woman didn’t seem to pay attention to what was going on around her. She was focused on the plate. Apparently she thought it was good too. I didn’t even know her name yet.
Arthur and I watched the woman devour the food for a few moments longer. She acted as if she hadn’t eaten in a long time.
Finally, I had to ask. “I didn’t catch your name.”
She looked up at me, still chewing a mouthful of pancake. Finally she swallowed. “Cora. My name is Cora Smythe.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Smythe,” I said.
She shook her head. “No, call me Cora.”
“Well, Cora, my name is Hallie LaVeau and this is my guest Arthur White.” I gestured.
She looked from me to Arthur and eyed him up and down. She licked the syrup from her lips.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” he said.
“You may call me Cora, as well,” she said with a wave of her hand.
He smiled at her. “All right, Cora.”
“What brings you to Enchantment Pointe?” I asked as she continued eating.
“I’m visiting a friend,” she said. “She doesn’t have a place for me to stay, so I needed a room here.”
“Well, it’s nice to have you,” I said. “I can show you to your room if you’d like.”
“That will be fine, dear, but I will need coffee. You don’t mind, do you?” She quirked an eyebrow.
“No, not at all. I’ll bring you a cup,” I replied in the nicest voice possible.
“Make it with cream and sugar,” Cora added.
Arthur grabbed the bags that she’d placed by the door. “I’ll carry the bags up.”
I hated that Cora had to climb all the steps. The steep incline could be treacherous. I’d put her on the second floor so there wouldn’t be as many.
She wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin and then headed across the kitchen and through the parlor as if she knew exactly where she was going. Cora marched right to the foyer and paused by the staircase, waiting for us to catch up. I’d been worried about her going up the stairs, but it looked as if she might outpace us. She waved her hand for me to go first, so I headed up with her behind me. Arthur was behind her with the bags.
Chapter 7
We reached the second floor and I turned down the hallway and motioned toward the end. It was the room right across from mine.
After unlocking the door and twisting the old tarnished brass knob, I gestured for Cora to enter. “I think you’ll love this room.”
She eyed me up and down, then finally stepped inside. She immediately went over to the bed and pushed on the mattress. “Seems lumpy.” Cora turned and moved over to the window. She inspected the curtains. “Couldn’t afford the good ones, huh?”
I tried to conceal my astonished expression. She obviously enjoyed being rude and just wanted a reaction out of me.
The room was furnished with a large cherry wood bed covered with a burgundy-colored duvet, a small nightstand, and a matching velvet chair and small table by the window.
I placed the key to the room on the table beside the bed. “There are towels in the bathroom and anything else you might need. Please let me know.”
Cora didn’t answer as she swiped her finger across the dresser. I assumed she was looking for dust. Luckily, I’d just cleaned the room the day before. I had a feeling she was going to be a picky one.
She went back over to the mattress and pushed it again. “Time for a new mattress.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that. “Sorry about that. Please let me know if it’s not good for you.”
What would I do if it wasn’t good? Buy a new mattress? Maybe I’d have to change her to a different room.
“Have you been burning candles in here?” She sniffed and waved her hand in front
of her nose. “I don’t like candles. They make me sneeze.”
I shook my head. “No, no candles.”
“Maybe it’s just your stinky perfume.” She scrunched her face.
When I glanced at Arthur, he shrugged his shoulders, as if he wasn’t going to help me out of this at all.
Cora waved her hands. “Off you go. I want to take a nap now.”
That was fine by me. At least then she would be quiet. How would I ever please this guest? She seemed to like my food, so that would be a plus. If she continued to be picky about the room, I could possibly do something about that with a little of my magic.
Arthur and I stepped out of the room. I eased the door closed behind me. A wry smile crossed his face.
“She sure seems like a picky one.” He chuckled.
“I suppose that’s a word you could use for it,” I said.
He laughed again. It was easy for him to find this humorous because he didn’t have to deal with her.
“I have a meeting in town, so I’ll be taking off now. I’ll be back later this afternoon. Thank you for everything. This morning was great.”
I badly wanted to ask where this meeting was and what it was about, but I had to refrain. I just had to find out another way.
“You’re welcome,” I said. “Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks again. I need to get a few things from my room,” he said as he walked down the hall.
Before I had a chance to clear the hallway, Cora opened the door and stared at me. “Are you going to chitchat out here the whole afternoon or are you going to let me take a nap?”
“Sorry,” I said.
I headed down the hallway and she closed the door. Just then the doorbell rang and I wanted to tell them to be quiet. It was like I had just gotten a baby to sleep. I hurried down the steps as fast as I could before the person rang the bell again.
Who could possibly be at the door? I’d never been this busy before. I’d already seen my mother, Annabelle and Nicolas. Plus, I’d talked to Liam on the phone. Who was left? Maybe it was one of the witches. In the past I would have guessed it was a witch to tell me to stop casting spells. Now I knew it wasn’t my bad magic causing problems for them. Luckily that was no longer an issue.
