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

by Rachel McNeely

  At the snap in his voice, the two girls hurried out. The room went silent for several moments. Uncle Rigby and Aunt Cornelia’s distaste shone clear in their expressions.

  “He is paying you,” Thea said.

  “What are you talking about?” her aunt snapped.

  Thea licked her dry lips before confronting her uncle. “You know what I mean. Lord Akers must be paying you to force me to marry him. That is the only reason you would not want a marquis to show an interest in me.”

  “The arrangements of your betrothal are not your business.”

  “Whose business is it, if not mine? You should know I will not marry Lord Akers.”

  Her aunt and uncle exchanged a glance. “Go on your outing tomorrow," Uncle Rigby said. "We do not wish to insult a marquis. We have Amy’s future to consider. But, do not accept any further invitations without my approval.”

  She nodded and stiffened to hide the trembling of her body. Her legs felt like lead weights as she walked away. She had almost closed the door, when she heard her aunt’s voice.

  “What are you going to do about her?”

  “I'm not sure. I'll discuss the problem with Akers. He said he had some personal matters to take care of first, or we'd have her wed to him by now. Don't worry. Akers will think of a plan and it better be soon."

  Thea hurried to her room. The trap around her grew tighter every day.

  Chapter Three

  Wulf took an immediate dislike to Thea's uncle. Short, plump, with small, drab eyes, Lord Beckett presented himself in an excessively officious manner. After greeting Wulf, Beckett escorted him to his study and poured them both a glass of whiskey.

  “I was quite surprised when my niece informed me yesterday of your wish to call on her and escort her to a museum.”

  “The Egyptian Hall is very popular. I thought she might like to see the Napoleonic relics.”

  “That’s not the name she mentioned. Where is Egyptian Hall?”

  Wulf let a faint smile curve his lip. “Another name is Bullock’s Museum located in Piccadilly.”

  “Sounds like a bunch of rubbish to me.”

  “Perhaps, but the ladies don’t think so.”

  “You’re interested in her?” Beckett lit his cigar after offering one to Wulf.

  Wulf motioned no to the cigar and took a swallow of his drink. The cheap whiskey burned his throat on the way down. His mother had been correct about this man. No taste, no style.

  “By her, I assume you mean your niece, Miss Beckett?"

  “Yes, of course, Radford.”

  “She is pleasant and intelligent, traits I value. If you are asking whether I plan on courting her…” He stopped and stared at Beckett. “I may. Do you have an objection?”

  “I don’t want any disreputable business going on here.”

  Wulf picked up his polished black cane leaning against his chair. He stood, glowering at Beckett. “Are you impugning my honor, Lord Beckett?” He noted with pleasure the flicker of fear that crossed Beckett’s pale face.

  “Not at all. My responsibility is to watch out for my nieces since my brother died. I meant no offense.” He walked around his desk and motioned for Wulf to follow. “I must warn you, another gentleman is interested in my niece.”

  “Ah, yes, Lord Akers.”

  “You know?” Beckett appeared stunned.

  “He told me himself.” Wulf flicked his coat sleeve, as though removing a spot of dust. “But my understanding is that it’s not official yet.”

  “No.”

  “Then there is no issue. Shall we join the ladies?” he drawled.

  Wulf accompanied a frowning Beckett to the front drawing room. The puzzle regarding Miss Althea Beckett became more interesting. Wulf sensed her uncle had a hidden agenda, but he had no idea what it might be.

  Thea sat on the edge of the settee. Worry lines creased her forehead. Her aunt sat across from her, sewing.

  “Sorry to keep you ladies waiting,” Beckett blustered. “Althea, Lord Radford is here to take you to the museum.” Turning toward Wulf, he asked, “What time might we expect her return?”

  “I hoped Miss Beckett might enjoy joining my mother and sister for tea on our way back.” Wulf took his watch out of his pocket. “We should return no later than six or six-thirty.”

  “Very well.” Lord Beckett turned and went to the doorway. “Angie, our maid, will accompany you.”

  “I asked Mary, my maid, to come with us, Uncle Rigby. She is ready and waiting upstairs. I will have Angie call her.” Thea moved quickly through the door and directed Angie to have Mary join them.

  Beckett stiffened, but said nothing. Wulf noted the interchange between niece and uncle and Althea’s obvious relief that she’d won this concession. More and more questions tweaked his interest.

  Mary joined them and handed Thea her dark blue pelisse. Wulf escorted them outside. He breathed deeply of Althea’s scent as he helped her into the carriage, then he took his seat across from her and her maid. Beckett watched from the entryway until the carriage turned the corner.

  “Your uncle is very protective of you,” Wulf spoke softly.

  “What did he say?” Thea asked.

  “Nothing important,” Wulf hedged and changed the subject to divert her attention. He heard the anxiety in her voice and decided now was not the time to further this conversation. “Have you heard of the Egyptian Hall?”

  A slight smile crossed her face. “I have not. Is the Hall part of the museum?”

  “Many people use Egyptian Hall as another name for the museum. I hope you will enjoy your visit.”

  “I'm sure I will.”

  Wulf wanted to stop the polite conversation and ask the many questions rolling around in his head. He resisted the urge to gather her into his arms and carry her straight to his home. His body pulsed with desire. However, he controlled his expression and remained silent as her maid sat alert and interested beside her. He’d find a way to speak to Thea alone. Perhaps during their tea, he'd offer to show her the gardens. A plan in mind, he forced himself to relax and be the proper escort.

  * * * *

  Thea studied Lord Radford discreetly as they rode to the museum. He had deliberately changed the subject. Uncle Rigby must have been impolite. Most likely, her uncle wanted to discourage any further interest the marquis might show her.

  Sitting directly across from him gave Thea an opportunity to observe both sides of his face. His left side was quite perfect. How tragic for him to have to see the difference in his appearance every day, reminding him of whatever happened to destroy his handsome face.

  His manner, speech and the way his tall, strong body moved denoted a person used to being in command of his surroundings and a man able to handle problems. Just the type she needed to help her escape the trap her uncle had created for her and Elvie. But dare she trust him?

  The carriage lurched suddenly, and Thea fell forward. Lord Radford reached out and caught her. She gripped his muscled arms with her gloved hands and a heated current ran between them. She moved quickly back into her seat and straightened her hat.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, thanks to you.” She heard the breathlessness in her voice.

  “These roads can be a hazard.” His rakish gaze sent liquid heat swirling through her veins. It was an unfamiliar reaction, but pleasant.

  Thea’s mother had only begun to teach Thea about being a woman before her father’s death. Afterwards, she had walked around the house, a fragile ghost, already haunting the place of her recent happiness. Then, she died of pneumonia. Now, the only person left to teach her about life and her gifts was grandmamma.

  Thea had to find a way to visit her mother’s mother in the small village where grandmamma had lived all her life. Her grandmother held the family secrets regarding their powers. Thea still had much to learn. If anything happened before Thea visited her, that knowledge was lost forever. But the village was far from London. When and how to get there were the im
possible questions.

  “Here we are,” Lord Radford said, interrupting her thoughts.

  They stopped in front of a large building. “What an unusual style of architecture,” Thea commented.

  Lord Radford smiled and helped her and her maid down from the carriage. “The design was reportedly inspired by an Egyptian temple. You can see the statues and columns used in the facade.”

  “You are very knowledgeable about architectural styles,” Thea said.

  “My interest in history has taken me down many different avenues.”

  He offered his arm as they entered the building. The first floor held examples of Egyptian symbols, including a crocodile which fascinated Thea and her maid.

  “It’s all quite interesting,” Thea said, glancing at Lord Radford. She found herself caught in his mesmerizing gaze and realized he had not been looking around, but instead studied her.

  Her throat tightened as she remembered what she believed was his real purpose for bringing her on this outing. She worried about how to answer the questions he would most assuredly ask at the first opportunity. Determined to enjoy her time at the museum, Thea tried to focus on the displays. But nothing could make her forget the quiet man strolling by her side.

  They turned a corner and walked several steps before realizing there were no exhibits here, nothing but an empty corridor. They were quite alone. Her maid, captivated by the many exhibits, strolled a good distance behind. The low murmur of voices was the only sound as she gazed into Lord Radford’s eyes.

  “We seem to have taken a wrong turn,” his smooth voice whispered over her. But he didn’t escort her back. Instead, he stepped closer and she was aware of nothing but his cool, clean fragrance and those golden eyes with flecks of red. Slowly he bent toward her.

  “Now is the time to walk away.” He whispered.

  Her feet didn’t move, couldn’t. Every muscle in her body reached out to him, and her mouth rose to greet his. His warm, firm lips caressed gently across her mouth, over her closed eyelids, to her chin and back. She gasped, and his tongue slid inside to take a deeper taste of her. Molten fire danced across her body.

  He’d heard the noise first, she realized. His hands set her firmly back from him and turned her body in one smooth movement toward the room they’d left. Dazed and confused, Thea tried to clear her head.

  “Lord Radford.” A thin, sharp voice brought Thea’s attention to the woman standing at the entrance to the corridor. Lord Radford’s forearm tightened under Thea’s hand. Nonchalantly, he walked her to the woman.

  “Lady Sheldon, how nice to see you.”

  Lady Sheldon observed Thea, from the straw bonnet with yellow ribbons that matched her gown to her slippers. Her mouth pursed as she glanced at the empty space behind them. She returned her attention to the marquis. “I am surprised you did not bring your mother and sister to see such an interesting display.”

  “They visited several days ago. May I introduce Miss Beckett?” Without waiting for her response, Lord Radford continued the introductions. Lady Sheldon nodded briefly, and then excused herself, moving to the far side of the room.

  “Did I do something to offend her?” Thea asked as Lady Sheldon walked away, her back stiff and head held high.

  “No. That’s just her way.”

  Thea suspected otherwise. Lady Sheldon didn’t like Thea and the woman wasted no time letting her know. Thea’s knees were still weak from the encounter in the passageway. Lord Radford had recovered very quickly and must have extraordinary hearing, thank goodness. But the woman across the room struck fear in Thea’s heart. She might gossip and Lord Akers or her uncle was sure to hear whatever she said.

  Several other ladies moved around the perimeter. Their outfits were obviously of the finest materials and diamonds flashed from their necks, ears and fingers. Thea’s pearl earrings and necklace would impress no one in this crowd, but they’d see her today and relish passing the gossip around. Thea suspected Lady Sheldon had an eye on Lord Radford and she didn’t like any competition. As if I might be a competitor to a beautiful, titled woman such as her. Today’s outing very well might bring disaster to Thea and Elvie.

  “Have you seen enough”? Lord Radford asked. “If we want to stop at my home for tea, we should leave.”

  “Very well.” Thea reluctantly motioned to Mary. After Lady Sheldon’s response, she was not anxious to meet Lord Radford’s mother.

  * * * *

  Wicked thoughts and sensations swirled in Thea’s mind from the intimate moment she’d shared with Lord Radford. It was impossible to ignore his forceful appeal. She kept her gaze averted for fear that he’d guess what she was thinking. Thankfully, her broad-brimmed hat hid her flushed face. She just might have all her bonnets made this way. The man was too intriguing and very perceptive. She hadn't realized they’d arrived at his town house until he spoke.

  “We’re here,” he said, as the carriage stopped. Stepping out, he offered his hand, then guided her up the steps to the front door.

  “Welcome to my home.” He led Thea inside, and his butler came hurrying forward. “Bailey, please take Mary to the kitchen for tea. Where are my mother and sister?”

  “They are in the small sitting room, my lord.”

  Lord Radford turned to Althea’s maid. “We will join my family and send for you when needed.”

  Mary nodded, took Thea’s pelisse and followed the butler. Lord Radford led Thea toward the back of the house. Thea wished she’d thought of some excuse to miss this introduction. His mother surely wouldn’t be pleased to see her son escorting a poor, untitled debutante. Meeting her had Thea tense, and there was the additional fear about answering any questions Lord Radford might ask.

  They entered a small, pleasant room. French windows opened onto an enclosed garden. Floral print wallpaper gave the room a feeling of being part of the outdoors.

  Thea recognized his mother from the receiving line at the ball. She relaxed slightly when Lady Jane gave her a welcoming smile. Jane must have returned early from her outing. Having tea with Lord Radford and his mother might not be so difficult after all.

  His mother sat at the table and did not smile, but studied her intently. Lord Radford made the introduction, and his mother indicated for Thea to sit in the chair beside her.

  “You favor your mother in appearance,” Lady Radford stated.

  “You knew her?” Thea asked, surprised.

  A cool smile crossed Lady Radford’s face. “I met her and your father several times. I remember her because of her striking coloring. You have the same.”

  Lord Radford raised a brow. “Mother, you didn’t tell me you knew Miss Beckett’s parents.”

  “In spite of what you think, Ulric, I do not tell you everything.” The exchange between Lady Radford and her son exuded no familial warmth. The cool reception to her oldest son puzzled Thea. Usually, the heir got all the most favorable attention.

  While they had tea, the conversation, mainly between Lady Jane and her mother revolved around their afternoon outings and the people they met. Lady Radford occasionally directed a question or comment to Thea, but she focused most of her warmth and attention on her daughter. Thea recognized few of the names they mentioned so it didn't matter.

  Glancing at Lord Radford, she caught him watching her again. Was he thinking about their interlude at the museum? Did he regret it? Did she? Unfamiliar emotions swirled around her. No, even though she should, she didn’t.

  “If you have finished your tea, perhaps you’d like to see our garden,” he said.

  His mother eyed him. “It’s hardly worth seeing. Town gardens are so small compared to the country.”

  He ignored his mother and stood. “Shall we?”

  Thea had suspected questions after using her healing powers on him, but for a moment, she’d forgotten. The determination she saw in Lord Radford’s face brought them to the forefront of her mind again. She saw no polite way to refuse. At least outside there was less danger of anyone overh
earing them. And they’d be alone. Her heartbeat quickened.

  “Of course,” she said.

  She took his arm and stepped through the doors. Her nerves trembled at what was to come. Clouds and a strong breeze cooled the air. She shivered, but not because of the weather.

  “Shall I send for your pelisse?”

  “No, I’ll be fine,” she said, wrapping her arms around her middle.

  “I insist you take my coat.” He struggled to remove the tight jacket before placing it around her shoulders.

  His fragrance swirled around her head and the warmth from his honey-colored coat seeped into her body. Dressed only in his breeches, white shirt, and dark brown vest, he seemed more approachable, less formal.

  “This is not proper,” she said, and began to take his jacket off her shoulders.

  “My mother and sister are right inside the room." Without waiting for her reply, he led her along a narrow, winding path where yellow daffodils bloomed on both sides. He bent his head down, and when she looked up, his golden eyes held her attention. "Don't be afraid. I apologize for my behavior at the museum.”

  Not sure how to reply, she was relieved to see they were at the end of the walk. A bench set in the shade of a large elm tree.

  “Sit,” he directed. “Please.”

  “So you can question me?”

  He looked surprised, but he didn’t prevaricate. "Yes."

  She sat. “What do you want to know?”

  “What happened on the veranda last night? How did you manage to take the pain away?” He studied her intently. “My face is only now beginning to ache a bit.”

  Her throat tightened. “Why do you suppose I did something?”

  * * * *

  He smelled her fear and wanted to tell her to forget his questions. She held her hands tight and licked her lips.

  Her sweet mouth drew him closer. Heated desire swept across Wulf urging him to take her somewhere private and taste, touch, smell every inch of her. The wolf urged him on—take her, take her. Deliberately, he stepped back, further from her.