The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (16 page)

Shivers of anticipation rippled along her spine. Would he refuse to marry her? Maybe he'd been waiting for such an opportunity to cry off. She tried to swallow and found her throat tight and dry.

“Your mother assured me it is most fashionable to have short hair. I intend to make my own decisions regarding my person.” The words came out clipped with only a slight quiver, which she hoped Wulf didn't notice.

“Mother is always current with fashion.”

His voice gave away none of his feelings. Thea wished she knew what he was thinking. His coolness rattled her nerves, more than if he expressed his anger.

“I came to tell you that my rector will be here at two o’clock tomorrow to marry us. I trust you will be prepared to leave for the country early the next morning.”

“Lady Radford is planning a ball to announce our marriage and introduce me to the Ton as your wife.”

“I am sure she will understand my need to return to home. Leave mother to me.” With that he turned on his heel and started toward the French windows. He glanced at the woman standing to the side. “Don’t touch another hair on her head,” he snarled, before walking briskly toward the sitting room.

“I have no say in the matter?” Thea's voice stopped him. He didn’t turn around.

“No.” He disappeared into the house.

The hairdresser gathered up her belongings and hurried away. Thea touched the soft curls clustered around her face. Tomorrow she'd place her life and her sister’s into Lord Radford’s hands. He was a strong man, and she believed he'd protect them from harm. When she thought of it that way, the matter of the way she wore her hair seemed inconsequential.

* * * *

Wulf took the stairs two at a time and found his mother sitting in front of her dresser. She raised her eyes to the mirror and saw his reflection.

“So you are back.”

“And none too soon.”

“I take it you have seen your bride’s new coiffure?”

“I have.” Wulf sauntered into the room and leaned against the wall, still watching his mother’s expression. She did not turn around.

“It was her idea. I only assured her it was fashionable. It will go well with the many gowns I helped her choose.”

Wulf curved his lips in a slight smile, a dangerous smile. “I arrived in time. My wife will have fashionable curls around her lovely face, but the rest is left untouched."

She turned and used anger as usual for her defense. “You told me to help her prepare for your wedding.”

“You knew how I'd feel about her hair being cut.”

“Men! How silly you all are about long hair. It is good she chose to stand up to you. Your sister warned her.”

He ignored her comment. “We will be married here at two o’clock, tomorrow and leave for the estate early the next day.”

“But I am planning a ball. It is the least you can do to appear proper.”

Wulf strode to the door. “We leave the day after tomorrow.”

He laughed when he heard her hair brush hit the door sill. His mother was so predictable.

Entering his room, Wulf went to the fireplace and put another log on the fire. Flames leaped up, and he spread his hands out to the warmth. He briefly wondered if he should call off the wedding.

He'd talked with Reverend Smyth after he left Jeffrey's. He and his wife had arrived in town that morning. Everything was in order with him. Still, there were other difficulties facing them, not the least, the wolf inside him. His desire for Thea definitely increased the problems.

Wulf had thought of another solution, but giving them money and sending them to their grandmother would not protect them from Beckett and Akers. He shook his head. He gave his word. He would not recant now. Heat stirred low in his belly. He didn't want to cancel the wedding.

* * * *

Dinner was a silent affair. Thea sat to the right of Wulf and Lady Radford sat at the end of the long table. Even Lady Jane and Elvie were subdued, although earlier their excited chatter had filled the rooms when some of the new gowns arrived.

Wulf turned his attention to Thea. “Your hair is most becoming tonight.”

Thea searched his face. Did he mean it or was he reminding her of his displeasure. He seldom displayed any emotion and tonight was no different.

“I hope you are happy, Ulric. You frightened my hairdresser so badly she will not ever want to come here again.” Lady Radford glared at her son.

“You may tell her she is welcome anytime my wife is not in residence.”

The shock of his words brought a soft gasp from Thea.
His wife.
Tomorrow they would be married. Hearing his words brought stark reality to what she had agreed to.

He was an enigma, and she had no time to understand him better before the ceremony. A cool chill raced along her body and anxiety tightened her throat. Yet, she admitted to herself, there was also a tiny flicker of excitement deep inside.

Wulf signaled to a nearby footman. “Have Miss Beckett’s maid bring her shawl to her.”

“I'm fine,” Thea protested.

“It’s no trouble.” Wulf motioned the man on. “I saw you shiver.”

His concern for her comfort brought a lump to her throat. She blinked her eyes to keep the tears away. Since her parents died no one had shown such consideration. When the footman brought her shawl and Wulf stood to place it around her shoulders, she thanked him.

His mother said nothing, but studied them intently. Thea ignored her and tried to eat some of her meal. She was relieved when after dinner Lady Radford decided to retire to her room. Thea followed right behind her. Elvie and Lady Jane peeked around Thea’s door before going to their rooms.

“Will you try on your wedding gown for us?” Elvie asked.

“I’m tired. You will see me in it tomorrow.” Thea hated seeing the disappointed looks on their faces, but she needed time alone to calm herself and to begin to pack. Busying herself with activity might prevent her from falling to pieces.

Finally, exhausted and ready to sleep, Thea started to reach for her nightgown. Instead, she turned and opened the box holding the fragile, cream silk wedding gown.

She'd been shocked when the gown was delivered late this evening. Lady Radford had said she expected no less. "The mantua-maker would have put several of her seamstresses to work on the dress right after we left. I paid them extra," Lady Radford stated in her cold tones. Thea had taken the unopened box to her room and returned downstairs for dinner. Now, Thea's fingers reached inside and touched the raised design. Carefully, she pulled the dress out and decided to try it on.

Soft as a feather, the material floated against her arms and down her body. Delicate lace and lustrous pearls edged the scoop neckline and the puffed sleeves. The bodice fit snugly and the skirt fell in soft flowing lines to her feet. Curls edged her face and her long hair fell in waves down her back.

She was almost beautiful, the way she’d hoped she would look at her wedding. Only, in her dreams, her future husband adored her and she went forward with a happy heart.

“Mama and Papa,” she whispered. “How I wish you were here.” Almost imperceptibly a light puff of air brushed across her cheek. Tears held back spilled and ran down her face. Of course Mama and Papa were always only a thought away. She removed the gown and got ready for bed. Tomorrow would be here too soon.

Dressed for his wedding, Wulf went to his study and closed the door. He took a small key out of his pocket and felt along the bottom of his desk until he touched the catch and a hidden drawer dropped down. He unlocked it.

Inside, a long slim box lay amongst his papers. He took it out and opened the top. A necklace sparkled up at him, pearls and diamonds. Tiny matching earrings and a thin band of diamonds and gold completed the set.

He reached in his coat pocket and removed another gold band, wide and plain. When he put this ring on her finger she would be his.

His to desire, but not touch he reminded himself. They'd return to his estate and live their lives together, yet separately. Unless he broke the curse. Now more than ever he was determined to end the nightmare. Leaving his office, he went in search of Jane. Their few invited guests were due to arrive shortly.

* * * *

Thea took one more look at herself. A lace veil lay lightly on her hair. Long cream-colored gloves completed her ensemble.

Someone knocked at the door. When Thea answered, Elvie and Lady Jane came in.

“You look beautiful,” Elvie said, awe in her voice.

Lady Jane agreed and stepped forward, handing Thea a long slim box. “Wulf asked me to see you received this before coming downstairs.”

Elvie and Lady Jane clustered around her as she pulled the lid off. A soft gasp came from all three. Thea’s hands shook as she held the necklace up to her neck.

“Let me help you.” Lady Jane took the ends of the necklace and fastened it. Then she helped Thea with the earrings and handed her the ring.

Thea touched the necklace. The sparkle gave the finishing touch to her ensemble, turning her into a fairy princess. She chuckled at her foolish thought. The pearls gave a soft glow and the diamonds flashed with fire. Like her and Wulf. Where she might have warmth, he was all fire. She hoped his fire wouldn't consume her. With Elvie and Lady Jane's encouragement, Thea started down the stairs to face her uncertain future.

Wulf had dressed in black, like the first night she met him. He stood beside a small man with twinkling brown eyes. Turning to greet Thea, the words froze on Wulf’s lips. His eyes blazed as they took in her appearance.

“Thank you for my jewelry.” Thea ran her hand along her neck, touching the cool stones.

Still Wulf stared and Thea knew her face flushed red. Clearing his throat, he motioned to the man standing beside him. “My dear, may I introduce our rector, Reverend Smyth? He has come from the country estate to marry us.”

“I am very glad to make your acquaintance on such a happy occasion.” The rector beamed at her and stepped forward, taking her hand.

“I am pleased to meet you, Reverend Smyth. I hope to attend the village church and meet our neighbors.” She saw a flicker of a frown cross Wulf’s face.

“If you will excuse me, I will greet some of our other guests. I leave you two to become better acquainted,” Wulf said.

He walked across the room to join a small group of guests gathered at the doorway. Large vases of white roses arranged around the drawing room scented the air with their sweet smell and the glow from numerous candles lit the otherwise shadowy room. Rain pattered softly against the windows.

“You will be good for him,” Reverend Smyth said, drawing her attention back to him. “He hasn't come to church in many years and seldom sees the neighbors except for some hunting with the men. All the gossip that he had murdered his friend when the man ran away with Lady Radford caused him to become a recluse.”

“Killed his friend?”

“You didn’t know about the accusations?”

"No." Glancing around the room, she saw Wulf talking to a tall, blond man. The man said something and Wulf looked across the room, his eyes instantly finding her. Thea forced her lips to curve into a smile. Why would he have kept it a secret she wondered? He never mentioned it the day he proposed they marry. It didn’t matter. She tried to ignore the unease the rector’s words had created.

Wulf immediately returned to her side. “Are you all right?”

The rector started to speak, but Thea flashed him a warning look.

“I am fine. Shall we proceed?”

Wulf tipped up her face. He knew she was lying, but he apparently decided now was not the time to question her. He removed his hand from her chin and took her arm, leading her to the front of the room.

“It is time for the ceremony.”

Thea heard the rustle of skirts as the ladies took their seats and the gentlemen joined them. The rector smiled encouragingly and stepped in front of her and Wulf.

Anxious, Thea clasped her cold hands tight. She responded automatically as told. The ceremony was short, and afterwards, they signed the parish book the rector had brought with him.

Pleased and relieved, Reverend Smyth announced to all, “Meet Lord and Lady Radford.”

Jane and Elvie hurried up for a hug. Wulf’s mother barely touched Thea’s hand before she turned to her son. Nodding briefly, she walked to the far side of the room.

Wulf introduced Thea to the blond haired man he'd been talking with before the ceremony. He, along with Wulf’s mother, had signed the marriage register as witnesses.

“Jeffrey, Lord Kenelm, is an old friend. We went to school together as boys.”

Jeffrey bowed. “I am pleased to meet you. I hope you will come to consider me your friend also.”

“Thank you.” Thea studied this man who knew her husband so well. His openness and friendly overture were the opposite of Wulf. “Forgive me for staring,” she said when she realized the length of time she spent looking at him.

“That’s quite all right.” Jeffrey shrugged and grinned. “Perhaps you can not understand how such a friendly lad as me could be friends with such a morose character?” That the words were said in jest was obvious and a rare smile broke across Wulf’s face.