by Amelia Grey
“Give me your hands, palms up,” the woman said, reaching out to Henrietta so that the candlestick was between her wrists.
Tentative at first, Henrietta didn’t move. She took a deep breath. And another. Why was she hesitating? This woman might be able to help her. She could possibly break the curse and put order back into Henrietta’s life, but there was the fear of the unknown. What would this woman find out?
With renewed courage, Henrietta swallowed her remaining fear and confidently reached out her open palms to Mrs. Fortune. The woman slipped her hands beneath Henrietta’s and lifted them off the table, closer to the light. Her grasp on Henrietta was warm, sure, and firm.
“You must answer truthfully everything I ask you.” Henrietta nodded.
“Your hands are cold. Are you frightened of me?”
“No. I’m frightened of what you might tell me.”
“But you want to know regardless.”
“Yes.”
The woman held Henrietta’s hands closer to the candle. She felt the heat from the flame.
“Who cast the curse on you?”
“I don’t know who cast it. An old woman by the name of Mrs. Goolsby told me I was cursed when I was seven years old.”
“That is very young to be cursed. What did she say about the curse?”
“She said that anyone who had charge over me would die. My parents and five guardians have died in the past twelve years.”
“Who is your guardian now?”
Henrietta’s heartbeat hammered in her chest. Her hands grew colder, even though they were so near the flame that she felt its heat.
“The Duke of Blakewell,” Henrietta said and leaned in closer to the flame. “You must do something about this curse. I don’t want him to die.”
“You love him?”
“Very much. More than my own life.”
The woman laughed softly once again. “Die he will, Miss Tweed. All of us must die at some time, but let me see if he will live to be an old man. Stop trying to see my face. Stare into the candle flame.”
Henrietta had no idea how the woman could tell she desperately wanted to look into her eyes and know if she spoke the truth. But Henrietta obeyed and transfixed her gaze on the lighted candle.
“The colors are soothing, are they not, amber and yellow mixing together? That’s right, look at it, and let its heat comfort you. You are cold. It can give you warmth. It can calm you. Continue staring into the flame and relax your hands.”
Henrietta felt her grip on the woman’s hands go slack. “That is good. Keep staring at the flame. Do your eyes feel heavy?”
Henrietta nodded.
“Close them and rest. I will read your life. Do not think about me. Just relax. Feel the warmth on your face. Let it comfort you.”
Henrietta relaxed into the chair. Her eyes became heavy. She felt at peace, and darkness closed around her like a fine wool blanket.
“Miss Tweed, open your eyes.”
Henrietta opened her eyes, blinking several times. The candle had burned low. She could see all of Mrs. Fortune’s veiled face.
“Did I fall asleep?”
“Not exactly. You communicated with me during the reading. I asked you many questions, and you answered me.”
“I did. Does that mean you can help me?”
“Come, let’s go join His Grace, and I will tell you all I know.”
Henrietta followed Mrs. Fortune through the velvet drapery panels, down the corridor, and back into the dimly lit vestibule. Blake turned from the window where he stood and rushed to Henrietta’s side, sliding his arm around her waist.
“What happened?”
“From what I read of Henrietta’s life, there has never been a curse on her.”
Henrietta gasped in relief. Blake squeezed her close to his side.
“Then how do you explain what the old woman told me about the deaths of my guardians and it coming true?” Henrietta asked.
“The woman, Mrs. Goolsby, must have been a soothsayer. I cannot know for sure, but I believe she simply looked into your eyes and read your future. She knew these deaths would occur in your life, and she feared you because of it, but not because of anything having to do with a curse.”
“She read my future?” Henrietta glanced from Mrs. Fortune to Blake. “But I don’t understand. She told me I was cursed.”
“Of course, I cannot say for sure, but my belief is that she probably didn’t understand her powers to see into someone’s future. Many people who have the gift deny it, and some even run from it, though they can never really give up or escape the gift. Some never embrace it or try to strengthen it. They refuse to make use of their talents to help others and become confused about what they are actually capable of doing. Sometimes it is wise to do so, especially if it frightens them. Perhaps this woman was like that.”
“And Blake, my current guardian?” she grabbed hold of his arm and held tight.
“Have no fear. I see him with you in your future when you are both too old to climb the stairs in his home. And you will spend many more wonderful hours together in his book room.”
Henrietta glanced up at Blake before setting her gaze on Mrs. Fortune. “You know about the book room?”
“How could I not? It is your favorite room in the house.”
Henrietta’s cheeks burned as her breath quickened. “Are you sure we will have a long life together?”
“I am. You are not cursed. You will have many more cherished memories together. I saw into His Grace’s future, too. He opened his mind to me the minute he saw me.”
“I did?” Blake asked, disbelief showing on his face.
“Don’t sound so skeptical.” Mrs. Fortune laughed lightly again. “You were easy to read. You came in wanting my help, believing I could help you.” She turned her face toward Henrietta. “You were not so easy to read. You doubted more than His Grace, but I finally calmed you enough to see into your life.”
“You really read my future, too?” Blake questioned.
“Of course. As I said, you were easy because you were so willing to help Miss Tweed. I cannot change the past, nor can I alter the future. I can tell you only what I see. Neither of you has cause to worry. I don’t see death in your futures for many years to come.”
Henrietta gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Fortune. Thank you.”
“Once you sought my help, it was my duty, and my honor, to be of service to you.”
“You said you think Mrs. Goolsby must have been a soothsayer, but what about you? Are you a soothsayer?”
“I am your servant, Miss Tweed. Call on me any time I can be of service to either you or His Grace.”
“I will always remember what you have done for me,” Henrietta said.
The woman nodded once.
Blake pulled a small drawstring bag out of his pocket and laid it on the table beside the lamp. “If I can ever be of service to you, Mrs. Fortune, please let me know.”
“Likewise, Your Grace.”
Blake opened the door, and they rushed out into the night.
Twenty-One
Dearest Lucien, My Grandson,
While reading last evening, I found this fine quote from Lord Chesterfield. It seems even he couldn’t hold to his own vow not to offer advice on matrimony. I find it comforting to find the man had a few flaws after all.
“Do not be in haste to marry, but look about you first, for the affair is important; let her be of an unblemished and unsuspected character and of rank not indecently below your own.”
Your loving Grandmother,
Lady Elder
HENRIETTA AND BLAKE QUICKLY CLIMBED BACK INTO the carriage, and the driver took off at a fast, rumbling pace. Blake immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.
With his lips not far from hers, he said, “I want you to tell me that all this dark talk of curses is over.”
She smiled and said, “Completely over, my darling.”
He looked dee
ply into her eyes as he embraced her. “I want you to mean it, Henrietta. No more fear or dread.”
“Or worry. I mean it,” she said with all the love she was feeling for him. “I believed her when she said we will grow old together. I believe she saw our future and our past. How else would she have known about the book room?”
“How else?” he said with a grin.
“I only regret one thing.”
“Tell me.”
She gave him a teasing smile. “That we did not take the time to ask her how many children we will have. Maybe we should go back.”
“No. I think she told us quite enough. I want to look forward to those surprises with you.”
She cupped his cheek with her gloved hand. “And I look forward to many years of loving you.”
“And now for what I didn’t do properly in Mrs. Fortune’s house or earlier in the book room. Henrietta, I love you. Will you marry me?”
Her smile widened. “Oh, yes, my love, I will marry you,” she whispered as his lips covered hers in a deep passionate kiss.
His hand slipped under her cape, and he found her breast and softly caressed her as his lips moved over hers.
“Mmm, you feel so good. I might have to see what I can do about speeding up that three-day waiting period for the special license so that we can marry sooner.”
“That would be wonderful, my love.” Henrietta sighed contentedly, feeling happier than she thought possible.
“I have something for you. A wedding present.” Blake pulled a piece of parchment out of his coat pocket and handed it to her.
“A wedding gift? When did you have time to get it? I don’t have anything for you!”
“You have given yourself to me. That is all that I need or want. This is yours, and no one can take it from you.”
Her curiosity brimmed as she unfolded the sheet of paper, filled with writing. At the bottom of it, she recognized the seal for his dukedom.
She glanced up at him. “It is much too dark in here. I can’t read what it says.”
“I will tell you. When I left you this afternoon, I not only went to see Gibby; I went to see my solicitor as well. I had him draw up a document for me to sign that says you are to have complete and total control over the inheritance you bring into our marriage from your father. You are to be its administrator and look after it however you see fit. It is all yours to do with as you so please.”
Henrietta felt her heart leap in her chest. “Blake, you didn’t have to do that. It will be my dowry to you.”
“No, my love. It is yours to keep. I’ve already signed it. Not even our son, should we be fortunate enough to have one, will ever have control of your inheritance, unless you sign it over to him. I want you to know that you are free to live on your own, as you wish, or you can marry me and be my love forever.”
“I will marry you, and be your love the rest of my life, Blake. I’m stunned. I’m grateful. I’m happy. Thank you.”
Henrietta kissed him softly on the lips and then handed the paper back to him.
His eyes questioned her. “You don’t want it?”
“Of course I do.” She smiled. “But, would you mind carrying it for me in your pocket, as I don’t have one and I don’t want to lose it.”
He laughed and put the paper back in his coat.
“I am looking forward to having you by my side, Henrietta. There is never a dull moment when you are with me. You complete me.”
Excitement grew inside her. “And you have made me feel content for the first time in my life. Thank you for giving me a home I’ll never have to leave.”
“Never,” he whispered as his lips closed over hers again.
Their kiss deepened, and Henrietta parted her lips for him. A breathless fluttering settled in her stomach. His mouth and tongue ravaged hers in a slow savoring kiss that thrilled her. His kisses filled her with sweet torturous longing to be completely his once again. She loved this man who was strong and demanding, yet filled with tenderness, too.
He drew away from her once again. “The carriage is stopping. Let’s go inside and finish this.”
They stepped outside, and both noticed that two carriages were standing in front of theirs.
“Bloody hell,” Blake cursed. “Those are Morgan’s and Race’s carriages. What the devil are they doing here, this time of night? Have they nothing better to do than plague me?”
“Do you suppose something is wrong?”
“Probably not. I’m sure they just want to find out why neither of us appeared at any of the parties tonight. I’ll get rid of them quickly.”
Ashby opened the door for them as they approached and said, “Your Grace, Lord Morgandale and Lord Raceworth are here to see you. They are waiting in your book room.”
“They’re no doubt in there drinking my good brandy, but why?” Blake said as he took off his cloak and then helped Henrietta with hers.
“I’ll say good-night to you so you can find out why they are here,” Henrietta said while removing her bonnet.
Blake grabbed her hand and pulled her close. “You will do no such thing. You are coming with me. My cousins are annoying, but they mean no harm. They should be the first to know that we are getting married as soon as legally possible.” He reached down and kissed her on the tip of her nose. “Or maybe they already know that.”
“How could they?”
“Gibby.”
They walked into the book room holding hands. Race and Morgan sat in the two wing chairs, each drinking a glass of brandy.
“I see you two made yourselves at home, as usual,” Blake said.
The gentlemen rose. “Why stand on ceremony with family?” Lord Raceworth said. “Henrietta, how good to see you. You’re looking lovely tonight.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she replied.
“And there are no lasting bad effects from your outing in Hyde Park with Lord Waldo?” Lord Morgandale said.
“None, but how did you know about that?”
“Lord Waldo was telling everyone tonight how you couldn’t stop sneezing when you went for a ride in the park with him.”
Blake made a growling sound. “Henrietta will never have to endure that man’s attention, or the dog’s, again.”
“Dog?” Lord Raceworth asked.
Blake didn’t let go of her hand as he said, “It’s a long story, and the night is already short. What the devil are you two doing here this time of evening? It had better be damned important.”
“Well, of course, it is,” Morgan said. “We talked to Gibby earlier, and he told us everything.”
“Everything?”
They both put their glasses down and reached into their coat pockets. Each cousin pulled out a folded piece of paper and extended it to Henrietta.
Hesitantly, she took them and said, “I don’t understand.”
“We’ve known from the beginning about the deaths of your previous guardians,” Lord Raceworth said.
“And we know all about the curse and your fear for Blake’s life,” Lord Morgandale added. “Because of that, we have each drawn up a document that says that if anything happens to Blake, although we feel certain nothing will, but just in case an accident, illness, or whatever happens, we will be your guardians. You are part of our family now.”
“And we will take care of you,” Lord Raceworth finished for him.
Tears clouded Henrietta’s eyes as she hugged Race and then Morgan. “I don’t know what to say. I never dreamt anything like this would happen to me. Blake, you didn’t know about this?”
“How could I? I’m as surprised by my cousins’ actions as you are.”
“Welcome to the family,” Lord Morgandale said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Henrietta wiped the wetness from her eyes and rushed back to Blake’s embrace. “Blake, I’m overwhelmed.”
“Quite frankly, so am I.” He glanced first at Race and then Morgan. “You won’t ever have to be her guardians, but I do appreciate the offer and, for it,
I’m indebted to you, Cousins.”
“We were hoping you would be,” Race said with a gleam in his eyes.
“Pardon me, Your Grace.”
Blake turned toward the doorway. “Yes, Ashby?”
“Sir Randolph is here and wants to know if he may be allowed to join you.”
Blake looked at Henrietta and gave her a knowing smile. “Of course, send him in.”
A moment later Sir Randolph sauntered in, smiling from ear to ear. Without bothering with a greeting, he said, “I knew you wouldn’t mind if I came over, Blake. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened with Mrs. Fortune. Did it go well?”
“Ah, yes, we were wondering about that, too,” Lord Raceworth said.
“It was exactly what we needed to do, Gib. Henrietta was never cursed. The old woman had just looked into her future and knew what was going to happen in her life.” Blake tightened his hold around Henrietta’s waist. “Everything is going to be fine.”
“I’m completely at ease about the curse and have put it out of my mind,” Henrietta said.
“Splendid,” the old man added gleefully. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Henrietta. “But since you can never be too careful, I’ve just come from my solicitor, and here is a document saying I will be your guardian if anything ever happens to Blake. I’m asking him to sign this and make it legal. It won’t matter if I die; I’m an old man anyway.”
Everyone laughed except Sir Randolph.
“I’m missing the humor in this. I’m trying to do the right thing here.”
Henrietta took the paper from him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “We are laughing because Blake’s cousins just gave me similar documents.” She held up the papers for him to see. “I’m simply overwhelmed by your generosity and compassion for me. I truly feel that I’m a part of your family now.”
“I’m honored all of you are rushing to take care of Henrietta, but nothing is going to happen to me. Now, I would appreciate it if all of you would leave, so that I can have a few minutes of privacy with my beautiful fiancée before I have to say good-night to her.”
After the door shut behind the three men, Henrietta turned and threw her arms around Blake and held him tight. “I am so happy I could cry.”