“Send us hot tea and breakfast for Miss Beckett.”
"I don't need anything," Althea protested.
"You will be better able to make decisions after a respite of tea and food."
* * * *
Thea watched him speak to the butler, authority in his every movement. Uncle Rigby had said nothing but to go to his study. She’d been expecting to find Lord Akers. Seeing Lord Radford standing straight and tall by the windows stunned her. What had happened and what did this mean? Dizzy and weak, she managed to sink into the nearest chair, afraid to hope and yet…
“Shall we wait for the refreshments before talking?” Wulf asked as he settled in the chair beside her.
Heat radiated from his body. His eyes were a soft bronze color.
“You received my message.” It was a statement, not a question.
“The man you sent put the letter in my hand.”
“Elvie is a good judge of character. She said she knew someone who'd have it delivered to you.”
He turned at the knock on the door and stood while the maid arranged the tea pot and food on the small table by Thea’s chair.
“Thank you,” Thea said and watched Lord Radford close the door behind the maid.
“Drink some tea and eat. We’ll talk afterwards.” This time he sat across from her.
“I don’t think I can swallow anything until you tell me what has occurred,” she said, feeling the lump of fear still in her throat.
“Then eat while I talk.” He didn’t start until she poured their tea and took a swallow of hers and a bite of egg.
“Lord Akers was here when I arrived. I did not let the butler deter me from meeting with them. Your uncle and Akers were not pleased.”
Thea studied him. The light in the room was dim from the rainy day, making his scars less noticeable. He was a handsome man. She felt no revulsion in looking at his face. And although they'd only met recently, she had no one else to trust.
“In fact, your uncle threatened to have me thrown out,” Wulf added.
“I am sorry to have caused you such trouble. You hardly know me, and I have asked too much from you.”
“As your message indicated, you were desperate and had no one else to help you.”
“Thank you for coming so promptly. There is no way I can ever repay you.”
“You might not want to thank me when you hear how I prevented your marriage to Akers.”
Her hand stopped on the way to her mouth. She put down her fork. “I cannot imagine anything that would be less favorable than marriage to him.”
Lord Radford stood and walked across the room. He stopped by the windows and turned to her.
“I believe I have a solution to your problem and I discussed it with Lord Beckett.”
“What solution?” Thea leaned forward.
“I have offered to marry you.” He stared into her jewel green eyes. “Will you marry me, Miss Althea?"
Thea heard the rain drops in the background. He offered for her. She hardly believed her own ears. She wanted to say yes to his proposal immediately, but instinctively, she sensed there was something more to be said. Nothing could be read from his closed expression.
Why did Uncle Rigby agree to the marquis' offer? Did Lord Radford have to offer money to her uncle for permission to marry her? Her face heated at the thought. She was almost certain Lord Akers planned to pay her uncle. It was all very embarrassing.
"Or perhaps you had another idea of how to resolve your difficulties?" he said, breaking the silence.
Thea’s heart pounded, and she held her hands together to still the tremors, as Lord Radford began to move toward her. Smooth muscles rippled under his tight coat and there was a sure step to his walk. He returned to his seat.
“Before you accept my offer, I must tell you a few things you may not know about me.”
“You don’t have to say anything. We talked before about everyone having…”
He caught her fluttering hand. His strength flowed through her fingers and up her arm to flood her body. With a sigh, she stopped talking.
“I was married once before,” he said with no preamble. “We were wed about two years." He rubbed his free hand across his scars. "After my run-in with a wild wolf, she recoiled from me. A few months later, she left me for one of my best friends. She died in a carriage accident on their way to board a ship to Italy.”
He spoke the words with no emotion and a flat expression. Thea gasped. “How awful for you.”
He blinked at her words and dropped her hand. She could feel him physically and emotionally pull away.
“She loved you when you married her?” Thea could not stop the question.
His lips curled up. “Perhaps she believed she loved me for a short time. Fool that I was thinking she could overlook the scars.” He grimaced. “After I was injured, she never came near me again.”
Thea reached toward him, but he stood and moved several steps away.
“I promised myself I would never marry after that, but I find my family rather insistent on changing my mind.” He took a deep breath, and she found herself holding hers. “All I can offer you, at this time, is a marriage of convenience, but I do want my family and others to believe our marriage is normal in every way.” He leaned against Uncle Rigby’s desk. His razor sharp stare never left her.
“What about my sister?”
“Your uncle has agreed I will be her guardian, and she will live with us.”
A tight knot loosened in Thea’s chest. She realized she held her hands in such tight fists her nails had cut into her palms. She relaxed her fingers. There was more he wasn't saying. She was certain of that, but it didn't matter. He offered safety for her and Elvie.
“I will accept your proposal. Will we live in the country?”
A small smile crossed his face. “Yes, I don't believe you will be inconvenienced if we seldom visit London.”
“No, I am pleased.” For a second, she saw that strange reddish glow in his eyes, before he blinked and lowered his lashes. A shiver ran across her shoulders. If she had time, she'd wait to make her decision, become better acquainted, but there was only now.
“Good. Before we go and tell Lord Beckett that you have accepted my offer, there is something else I need to discuss with you.”
Thea stood, and her gaze connected with his. He pushed away from the desk and came to stand close in front of her. She found herself mesmerized by his eyes. Now, the gold color seemed to swirl and brighten. Liquid warmth rushed through her.
Unconsciously she moved her mouth higher. A need deep inside her moved across her sensitive breasts and down her abdomen to her core.
Wulf bent his head and brushed his lips across hers. She put her arms around his neck and leaned into him. He groaned and pulled her tighter against his hard frame. His mouth urged hers to open, and his tongue swept in, sending a fierce ache through her.
The sound of a voice close by jerked them apart. He was the first to step away. His eyes changed quickly from shining gold to a dull shade of amber. Or had she imagined it?
“As I started to tell you, I am assigning one of my staff to stay with you and your sister until we are married. He will be here if you need anything. Do not go out without him. Is that understood? Promise me you will follow my instructions.”
“Of course,” Thea took a deep breath to calm her rioting emotions. “Thank you for your consideration.”
“Shall we go?” His voice, low and husky, sent shivers down her spine.
Thea put her hand on his rock hard arm as they left the room. She gazed at his profile. His face might have been carved out of marble, but she hadn't imagined the warmth he displayed just minutes ago. Heated feelings flared between them often, and yet he'd said he only wanted a marriage of convenience.
If that was his wish, she'd have to agree. She mustn't forget what he was doing for her and Elvie. Somehow, sometime, she'd repay him.
Chapter Six
An annoyed Bailey gree
ted Wulf when he arrived home.
“What is it?” Wulf asked.
“You want me to outfit that man?” Bailey said. He held his nose up in the air and his voice reeked of distain.
“I expect you to follow my orders. See he is outfitted and be quick about it.”
Bailey started to protest again, but Wulf quirked an eyebrow at him and he understood the warning. Mumbling, Bailey left the room.
Wulf’s father and Bailey had worked well together, and his butler was one of the few staff that knew about the curse. But, the old butler didn’t seem to realize Wulf was no longer the son of the marquis, but the marquis himself. Bailey needed to understand that Wulf was not his father.
There were more pressing matters to attend to right now. A conversation with his mother was called for and couldn't be delayed. He didn’t look forward to their discussion. Perhaps the surprise of his impending marriage would prevent her from complaining about her future daughter-in-law’s penniless state, but he doubted it. He entered the small dining room and found Jane and his mother having breakfast.
“You went out early this morning,” Lady Radford commented when she saw him at the door.
“I was hoping to find you both here, so I can tell you my news.” Wulf strode across the room to the sideboard. He put a biscuit and piece of ham on a plate, then poured himself a cup of coffee.
Jane looked up, curiosity in her eyes. “What? I love surprises.”
He smiled at her. Jane was one of the few people who brought a smile to his face. He was aware he’d become rather morose since his injury and then his wife’s betrayal and death.
His mother stared at him as he moved to the side of the table and sat between them. She observed him thoughtfully, but didn’t speak.
“I have good news. You should be especially pleased, Mother.”
“You know I do not like surprises,” she reminded him.
“It can’t be helped. Events occurred and decisions were made.”
“Do not talk in riddles, Ulric. Say whatever it is you think is so important.” Her sharp words rolled over him. He was used to her displeasure.
“I am betrothed.”
For once his mother appeared speechless. She daintily touched the corners of her mouth with her fine linen napkin. Her steely gaze never left his face.
Finally finding her voice, she asked, “Whom are you planning to marry?”
“Miss Althea Beckett.”
Jane jumped up and rushed to give him a hug. “I am so very glad. I do believe you and she will be quite happy together.”
“Sit down, Jane,” her mother ordered. “You have only known the girl a few days, so your opinion is of no value.”
Jane looked startled. Wulf’s eyes narrowed. His mother rarely used her sharp tongue on Jane, reserving it for her first born and anyone else who displeased her.
“Vent your anger on me, Mother,” Wulf said. “Jane meant well.”
“Althea Beckett has no dowry. She is no one of importance. How dare you even think of bringing someone such as her into this family?
"Lady Sheldon spoke with me after seeing you two at the museum. She warned me then that this Miss Beckett might be aiming high.”
Wulf pushed away from the table. “Who would you suggest, Mother? Another silly debutante? One who would run away with another man, rather than live with me and my scars?” His harsh voice filled the room. “Was once not enough for you?”
"I'd suggest Lady Sheldon, a widow, with a sensible head on her shoulders and still young enough to give you an heir."
Irritated, Wulf started to walk away. A chair pushed back from the table. He glanced around and saw his mother preparing to stand. Returning to her side, he leaned down. “I will marry whom I please and it would never have been Lady Sheldon. You will treat the wife I've chosen with the respect she deserves.”
His mother was not a weak woman. Wulf respected her strength. She pushed him aside and stood. “I will do as I please. If you choose this woman, I will not come to the ceremony. All of the Ton will know of my displeasure and shun her.”
Mother and son were locked in anger and determination. From the corner of his eye, Wulf saw Jane start to rise. He shook his head at her before returning his full attention to the woman in front of him.
“I will do as I said,” his mother snapped and turned to leave.
He waited until she reached for the doorknob. “Remember who controls the money, Mother. I can make it very uncomfortable for you.”
Her face paled. She turned to face him. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I am my father’s son.”
Cheeks flushed and head high, she stormed out of the room.
He could almost hate her. Jane’s soft hand on his arm brought him back to the present.
“You can not do that to Mama, Wulf. Her place in society is all she has.”
He clasped her small hand in his. “I prefer not to, but she must accept my decisions.”
“I will talk with her. She will change her mind given time.”
“Jane, you want us all to be better than we are.” He shook his head. “Sometimes I think you are a changeling, left by mistake at a house full of monsters.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her cheek. “And what a blessing you have been.”
“How silly you talk.” Jane smiled and blushed. “You are everything that is kind and gracious.”
Wulf kissed her hand and watched as she left the room. If you knew the truth little one, you would recoil from me in horror. His body grew taut with his next thought. The one way his mother could really hurt him would be to tell Jane of the curse. To tell Jane he was a monster. A werewolf. He hoped his mother didn’t know the power she held.
Walking to the windows, he looked out at the grey skies. He had several important errands to run, but first he needed to speak with the man who would be protecting his future wife. He went to the door and found Bailey stationed right outside.
“Did you get the new man a uniform?”
“Yes, Lord Radford.”
Wulf studied his butler. Obviously, he had not gotten over his displeasure at Wulf's order. “Send him to me. I shall be in my study.”
The fire had not yet dispelled the morning chill. Wulf added another log causing sparks to dance up the chimney. Pausing, he held his hands toward the warmth and considered his future. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in.”
The man looked decidedly different cleaned up and with his hair combed. “You wished to see me?”
“I take it you are still agreeable to be in my employ?”
“Yes, my lord.”
Wulf walked around the man. “You appear strong. Do you know how to fight?”
“Wouldna lasted in the streets this long if I din know how to use me fists.”
Wulf nodded in agreement. “I have a special assignment for you. I believe you can be trusted.”
The man nodded. He stood straight and unflinching before Wulf’s direct stare.
“What is your name?”
“Garr.”
“Garr, I’m to be wed. I want you to protect my fiancé and her sister until the wedding. Any questions?”
“Do I need to know who I’m protecting them from?”
“Anyone that appears to want to harm them. They are not to leave the house without your escort, and you are to be within range of them in the house, just in case they need you. Day and night.”
“The ladies are willing?”
“Yes. If anyone tells you different, send a message to me. If I am not available, send one to this man.” Wulf scribbled Jeffrey’s name and address. “Can you read?”
“A little, but me brother can and he works for Lord Beckett.”
“I did not tell you the name of my future wife.”
“No, but it don’t take no brains to figure that out after the note.”
“You knew who it was from?”
“Miss Elvie told my brother.”
“All right, go
now and stay with them until I say otherwise.”
“I won’t fail ye. Been on the streets too long.”
The young man’s eyes were aged beyond his years. Wulf reached out and touched his shoulder. “I know.”
Garr touched his hat and bowed before exiting the room. Wulf didn’t really know the man, but the way he handled himself this morning had impressed him. He was satisfied. Hopefully, Thea and her sister would be safe. If only the full moon was not so close.
He pulled his watch out. Next he needed to make a visit to the Archbishop’s office. With a special license, they could be married next week, if things went well. He’d have to be gone at least overnight at his estate. He’d best notify Jeffrey to be available during that time.
* * * *
Elvie waited upstairs for Thea. “What happened?”
Thea took Elvie’s hand and pulled her along the passageway and into her bedroom.
“He got the note and came.”
“I knew he would, if he got the message. What did he say? Uncle Rigby was furious when he came in to get you.”
“I am not sure how he managed it, but I am to marry Lord Radford and you are to come live with us.” Saying the words made it real and Thea had to sit on the side of her bed. Her legs shook and then her whole body followed, in reaction to all that had occurred since before dawn.
Elvie sat beside her and pulled Thea into her arms. “It will be fine,” Elvie murmured, while she held tight to her sister.
“How can you be so sure?” Thea asked, wiping tears off her cheeks.
“I feel his goodness whenever he’s present. Uncle Rigby and Lord Akers have black spots around them. Lord Radford doesn’t. White and soft indigo and violet colors surround him.”
Thea sat back and studied her sister. “It’s your gift.”
Elvie looked puzzled. “You mean like Mama always knew people?”
“Yes.” Thea gave her a watery smile. “It is not surprising. I'm glad you inherited mama’s gift and possibly grandmamma's since you anticipated the occurrences last night. We must go see her soon. She can teach us more about our gifts.” Even as she said the words, Thea remembered the mixed emotions she had regarding her grandmother. As a child, she had found her frightening at times. A hunched over old woman with pale green eyes and faded red hair. Grandmamma often frowned at her daughter and Thea. Sharp words were spoken. Thea remembered her father’s name being mentioned and wondered if grandmamma did not like him.
McNeely, Rachel - The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 8