As they made their way back to the sofa, the door opened and Gavin walked into the living room followed closely by Emrys, Larkin, and Ambrose. It was quite revealing to see how similar Ambrose and Emrys were, even in their actions. They both went directly to their wives, and bending down, holding their medallions from falling forward, kissed our foreheads.
Ambrose took Phoebe’s hand and said, “Priscilla has our room ready, my dear.”
Emrys took my hand and said, “I am quite ready to retire too, my love. Are you coming?”
Amrita and Melinda exchanged smiles and stood up to greet their husbands. Phoebe gave us all a hug and smiled as she turned back before leaving. “Goodnight my lovely family. It is so great to be home. And thank you for the opportunity to cuddle with your little ones, Melinda. I have truly enjoyed this evening.”
Amrita sighed after the door closed. “I wonder which suite Priscilla gave them.”
“They will be right next to your suite, Sister. Priscilla thought you might like that.” Emrys grinned.
“Really? I shall have to thank her tomorrow morning,” Amrita said, returning a smile.
After a few more hugs and good-byes, we left Gavin and Melinda and the four of us started down the hall. Everyone deep in thought, no one spoke. Once we parted ways and made it to our wing, Emrys put his arm around my waist. “Did you have a nice time with the ladies?”
“It was nice, yes.” I glanced up. He was as gorgeous as ever, but smelled of cigar smoke.
“If I offend you, I can take a quick shower, my dear.”
We were walking past the library, and once again, whispering came floating out into the hallway. This time it sounded frantic, but I refused to let it bug me. I took a quick peek in and spotted Veronica sitting in one of the chairs. She was barely visible in the dark, only one lonely light burned behind her. When she noticed us walking past, she stopped talking. I bit my tongue to keep from saying what was on my mind, and instead turned to Emrys.
“I have a better idea, my love. How about we take a long soak in the hot tub?”
“Now that is a grand idea!” he laughed softly. He knew exactly what else I had in mind and he pulled me closer, whispering, “And yes, there will be kissing.”
* * *
The following week went by in a blur. Emrys and I resumed our fencing practice in the mornings, and after lunch I managed to grab some time with Melinda and the triplets. They were growing so fast now, and sometimes even gave me cute little smiles. Although, deep down, I still wondered if they mistook me for Lindy, it didn’t stop me from cherishing our snuggly times.
Phoebe and Ambrose seemed to settle into our daily routine in no time at all, and Emrys and I paid them a visit on occasion, though most days it seemed that Phoebe’s time was filled with activities that included Amrita. Emrys never complained about his mother’s apparent lack of time for him; he understood how much Amrita needed her attention, and instead made sure to keep Ambrose entertained whenever the women went off on their own.
Kelsey had mentioned how often she’d seen them out in her gardens, just strolling and chatting, and sometimes I’d see them sitting in the lounge for hours trying to catch up on so many missed years.
One day Ambrose accompanied us to observe our fencing practice, and even gave me several compliments. The better acquainted I became with him; the more obvious it was that I’d pegged him all wrong. All I had seen prior to his return was the hurt he’d caused by banishing Phoebe and then leaving his son and Ravenswynd. By looking at only the negative, I’d failed to understand how much compassion Ambrose really had for others. He always had a kind word for anyone who waited on him, and never seemed to look down on our donors. Instead he went out of his way to make them feel welcome and to show how much he appreciated their loyalty to his family. It was easy to see that Emrys had acquired many of his wonderful qualities from Ambrose, just as much as he had from Phoebe.
Towards the end of the week, I remembered Melinda’s request to babysit for her and realized I had been so busy and preoccupied I never got back to her to see if she’d changed the reservations or not. We’d just gotten back to our suite after a great workout in the fencing arena, when I mentioned it to Emrys. I felt terrible that I’d completely forgotten about it, and said, “No wonder she appeared quieter and more reserved this entire week. She never did like having to ask anyone for favors.”
“Melinda has asked Veronica to care for the children,” Emrys explained and then quickly added, “Gavin asked me about our trip too. But… now I am wondering if we should cancel our holiday - for now anyway.” He gave me a quick glance as he stripped off his sweaty clothes.
“Why, Emrys?” I asked, feeling glum. “I was looking forward to seeing your perfume factory and meeting Vartan.”
“Under the circumstances, I was thinking we could postpone the trip for a few weeks. I feel bad leaving my parents so soon after their return. Besides, this way you can let your sister know that you will be able to help with the triplets and she can get her well-deserved break. I believe she would do the same for you if the situation were reversed.”
Now I was irate. “You don’t have to guilt me into postponing the trip, Emrys. If you want to spend more time with your parents before we go, just say so. Don’t make it all about Lindy and the babies!”
“My darling wife. I am simply trying to show you the up side of not taking our trip just yet. Perhaps we can help your sister out tonight, and then on Saturday I shall ask my parents if they would like to join us in an evening out. How does that sound?”
“Now you’re just trying to bribe me!” I said, trying not to smile.
“Maybe I am,” he said with a grin. “Is it working?”
He came to me and gently touched my cheek, sending the usual electrical charges skittering all through me. With a quick shiver, I nodded. “It is now.”
“I will make it up to you, Elizabeth. And I promise we shall still visit Italy before the year is over.”
I gave a sigh. “Okay. I guess you better make some calls and I’ll go and unpack.”
With a raised eyebrow and a quick wave of his hand, he said, “There is plenty of time for that business. Right now, we must shower.”
* * *
Needless to say, by the time I finally called Melinda to let her know I was available to babysit, they were already in London. They had decided to leave earlier, take in a movie, and then go out to eat. But she sounded excited when I told her I’d check in on Veronica anyway and see if there was anything I could do to help.
“I’m sorry I never got back to you, Sis,” I said into the phone. “It’s been such a hectic week.”
“I know, and I understand, but I’m still glad you’ll be there while we’re gone.” I could almost hear her relaxing.
“I’ll pop over there after supper,” I said, knowing that by now, Emrys must be starving, and he would expect me by his side at the dinner table. “Maybe I can help get them all to sleep.”
“That would be great, Lizzy. Thanks so much.”
“Anytime, Lindy. Talk to you later.”
Hearing Lindy’s relieved tone actually made me glad we’d postponed our trip, and I couldn’t wait to get to her suite and see the kids now.
On our way down the stairs to the dining room, I glanced out of the gigantic window overlooking the front of the estate. I spotted Veronica coming up the walkway pushing the big double buggy, apparently on her way back from taking the babies out for a stroll. In my jealousy, I was tempted to relieve her of her duties right then and there, but Emrys steered me out of the foyer and towards the scrumptious aromas coming from the dinner table. Apparently he was starving and in no mood to have any such discussions right now.
My stomach gave an unexpected growl. Emrys gave me a nod and a knowing look. “You can go up there as soon we finish dinner, my love. There will be plenty of time for you to snuggle with them before bedtime. The babies will be fine, you can eat first.”
“I certainly hope
so,” I said, suddenly getting a strange sinking feeling in my gut. I wasn’t sure if it was due to hunger, or if something else was going on.
It was far too quiet at the dinner table, and with Lindy and Gavin gone, the two chairs beside me were empty. Emrys was so busy eating that he barely said two words to me, making me feel even more out of sorts. Down at the far end of the table, Amrita and Phoebe chatted quietly while they ate, and several times I’d catch Ambrose joining in with them. That scene was the highlight of my evening; Ambrose and Amrita conversing without all that tension and stress.
With Veronica busy upstairs with the triplets, Heather had to serve everyone by herself. Watching her scurrying around, I was strangely unaffected by her delicious scent. It didn’t seem to attract me in the least. I should have known something was off right away, but apparently my sense of smell had been overridden by whatever this gut-wrenching feeling was.
Anxious to get upstairs, I ate faster than normal and, as usual, my actions and my thoughts did not go without notice.
“What is the rush, my lovely one?” Emrys asked between bites of his steak. “And what is this nagging worry?”
“I don’t know for sure; maybe I just miss the babies.”
He issued one of his there is definitely more to this story looks as he chewed.
“I really don’t want them to get too used to Veronica. I’m their auntie, not her.” I sighed and shook my head. “I guess I just want them all to myself; call me selfish,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Emrys gave me an understanding grin, still engrossed in his meal.
A short time later I said, “I’m not all that hungry, Emrys. I think I’m going to head up there now. You don’t mind, do you?” I pushed my half-finished meal away.
Swallowing his sip of water, he smiled and said, “I will come up and join you as soon as I am finished; go on up and enjoy your snuggly time.”
After a quick kiss to the top of his beautiful head, I rushed out of the dining room. The little I’d eaten had done absolutely nothing for the strange sensation in my stomach and, as I hurried toward the stairs, the sinking feeling increased and quickly turned to unexplainable dread. Now truly alarmed, I raced to Lindy’s suite.
CHAPTER 15
SUSPICIOUS MINDS
Veronica’s head twisted around when I let myself into Lindy’s quarters, apparently not nearly as quietly as I thought I’d been. I shut the door, trying not to smirk. Her expression said that my presence was completely unexpected, and then the look on her face suddenly changed. It was odd, and at first I couldn’t pinpoint this new behavior. Was it guilt? She flipped her phone shut and jumped up off the sofa. In a desperate attempt to appear innocent, she forced a grin.
“Oh, hi Lizzy. Is there something I can help you with?” Her voice was all singsong and sweetly ingenuous. I saw right through her.
“Oh, you didn’t expect me, did you?” I asked in a mocking tone, no longer hiding my growing realization of her games.
“Actually, you surprised me. Melinda told me that you’d be out for the evening, and that’s why she asked me to sit with the children.”
“Our plans have changed,” I said curtly, not caring if she thought I was snippy. I didn’t trust her as far as I could throw her. I only wished more family members would believe me – could see what I saw so plainly.
“Well, as you can see, everything is under control. The babies have all been fed and changed, and they’re all fast asleep now.” I wanted to slap the fake smile right off her face.
I tilted my head and said, “Oh, really?” I was thinking that there was no freaking way she could have accomplished all that in the short time since I’d seen her coming back from their walk. “And they didn’t give you any trouble at all?”
“No,” she said shaking her head. “They were all great. There’s nothing more to do, so you really don’t have to hang around. And besides, I suspect Melinda and Gavin will be home soon.”
I knew this was a lie. I’d just spoken with my sister, and they were still in London.
Why would she lie like this? Why is she trying so hard to get rid of me?
Taking a few steps into the room, I said, “Well, in that case, I think maybe I’ll just sneak in and take a quick peek at them.”
“Uhh… actually, I did have a hard time getting the boy to sleep, so I wouldn’t want you to wake him…” Backtracking now, she licked her lips - looking more nervous by the second, and suddenly clamped her mouth shut when she realized how much she was pissing me off. Shaking my head, I started toward the nursery door, ignoring her completely.
The boy. The blonde bimbo didn’t even know their names.
She lurched toward the nursery, arriving moments before me, and pleaded, “Please, Lizzy. Don’t go in there.” She planted herself in front of me; blocking the door and holding her arms out wide. I wanted to slap her silly and scream – “only my friends called me Lizzy!” But instead, all I did was glare at her.
It struck me as quite suspicious when she began to look downright panicky.
What the flaming hell is her problem?
Rolling my eyes and trying to maintain a calm tone, I said, “I just want to see them for a minute; I won’t wake them. And even if I do, I’m perfectly capable of getting them back to sleep. I help Lindy with them almost every day. Come on, step aside.”
“But…it’s just that…” she stammered and then licked her lips again, still not moving.
I was completely out of patience, and now in a raised voice I said, “Get the bloody hell out of my way. Or, perhaps you’d prefer it if I removed you myself?” I bared my fangs. There was no way she was going to pull this crap on me. Who did she think she was, anyway?
Her lower lip quivered. “I’m so sorry, Lizzy,” she whispered, now breathless and starting to cry. “I never wanted this to happen.” Her voice cracked, and as she nearly collapsed in fear, my heart began to hammer. I reached for the doorknob and she sobbed, “He told me they’d kill everyone if I didn’t cooperate.”
My fingernails dug deep into the skin of her neck as I clutched it tight, but I didn’t stop to ask her who she was talking about. I flipped her aside like an old, raggedy stuffed animal, and her head slammed into the stone hearth with a heavy thud. I noticed the scent of blood long before it began to pool under her head. Flinging the door open, I raced to the closest crib. Heart in my throat, I slowly lifted the blue blanket off the soft looking mound. A strong lemony-vanilla scent filled my nostrils. Armand was gone! And in his place was a large bouquet of luminous-white trumpet shaped flowers. I choked back my terror, made a frantic beeline to the other two cribs - phone in hand, already dialing Emrys’ number. Both of the girls were missing too, and under their pink blankets were more white flowers. Forgetting I’d dialed the phone, I flew back into the living room and yanked Veronica up by her shirt, violently shaking her limp, semiconscious body, and I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Where are the babies you filthy lying bitch!?”
And then everything went black.
* * *
The next thing I knew, I was looking up into Phoebe’s blurry face. Blinking repeatedly, it slowly came into view, but she had a strange golden aura around her head, and it matched the color of her amber eyes. Everything else was fuzzy, like a television screen between channels, and I heard a buzzing white noise coming from all around. She put a straw to my mouth and said, “Drink, Elizabeth. It is a rare day when the devil’s weed does not kill a Raven.”
My mouth was dry, absolutely parched, and my spinning head made me feel nauseous. At first I sipped cautiously through the straw, but then suddenly I couldn’t seem to get enough Ambrosia and I drank faster. I didn’t stop until the blue ostrich standing behind Phoebe let out a raucous squawk. Gasping, I tried to speak, but my vocal chords seemed shriveled, or perhaps paralyzed. Either way, I couldn’t say a word. I peered beyond Phoebe’s hazy looking head and the ostrich squawked again and then vanished with a popping noise. A movement on the ceiling caught m
y eye, and when I glanced up, it was raining – shiny, pink apple blossoms. I frowned, wondering what the flaming hell was going on.
“Are you still seeing things, my dear?” Phoebe asked in a sweet, calm voice that seemed to echo from a great distance.
I blinked and carefully nodded my throbbing head. Each time I blinked I saw rainbows of colors zooming past her white hair. It was as though someone had given me some kind of hallucinogenic drug. And then it came back to me: Sacred Datura.
“It should pass shortly. We had the entire nursery fumigated while you…slept.” She grinned at me and her teeth turned silver. Or was it just the light glistening off them? I tried to smile back, but I couldn’t feel my face. I desperately wanted to know what was going on with the children, but couldn’t ask.
“Apparently you came in contact with a very small particle of the Datura on your fingertips when you touched the blankets. Good thing, too. A bit more and surely you’d be dead by now.” She set the empty glass down on the tilting table; it looked like it was pitching sideways as though someone had shortened two of its legs. I couldn’t believe the glass didn’t slide right off and I blinked, trying to focus and get everything to stop swirling around.
“Emrys found you lying next to the betrayer. She was bleeding from her head, but she’ll live.” Phoebe sighed, as though she couldn’t care less if Veronica lived or died. She put a gentle hand on my cheek but it felt more like the tickle of a feather. And then I heard the sound of soft violins playing. I had no idea if any of this was real or not.
“You feel much cooler now,” Phoebe said. “Try to speak again, Dear.”
Licking my lips, I cleared my throat and squeaked, “The babies?”
Phoebe’s face fell.
My heart stopped.
I tried to sit up, but Phoebe put a hand on my shoulder. “Not yet, Elizabeth, I’m afraid you will pass out again. But never fear. We have something they want, and when they come back for it, I will follow them to the babies.”
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 92