The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (17 page)

“Come, everyone, I believe cook has outdone herself to prepare a wedding meal. Reverend Smyth, I hope you and your wife will join us,” Wulf said.

Reverend Smyth’s pleasure reflected on his shiny round face. “It would be our honor, Lord Radford.”

Thea sat at one end of a long table with Wulf on the opposite end. She was relieved to see Elvie seated to her left and Lord Kenelm at her right.

The first course was passed around the table. Thea had just swallowed a spoonful of soup when Lord Kenelm spoke.

“I was most curious to meet the lady who convinced my friend to marry.”

“Lord Radford has been most kind to me and my sister. I myself have been surprised he agreed to marry me.”

“You jest. One has only to view your beauty to understand.”

“No, you jest, Lord Kenelm. We both know my husband had the choice to marry the loveliest woman available.”

“How strange that you wouldn't think of yourself as beautiful. Perhaps Wulf can convince you otherwise.” Jeffrey tilted his head to the side. “His scars do not bother you. Many women turn away because of them.”

“They are a part of him and add to his mystic.” Thea reached for her glass of wine to wet her mouth.

“Ah, what a rare jewel he has found.” Jeffrey raised his glass.

Thea looked to see if he was jesting, but saw respect in his eyes.

“In honor of you,” he spoke softly and raised his glass.

Flustered, Thea glanced down the table and found Wulf’s eyes on her. Even from here, she saw his face harden.

She frowned, then lowered her head and finished her soup. Thoughts of tonight and tomorrow swirled in her head. Would he come to her room tonight? What would it be like at his estate?

Jane mentioned an old building with long dark corridors and rooms left the way they were for the past ten years or more. Jane said she'd encouraged her brother to make changes, but he shrugged his shoulders and left things as they were.

Thea had dreamed of marriage and having her own home. How much would she be treated as the lady of the manor, or would she and Elvie be shoved aside down a deserted wing and soon forgotten? She was glad they were leaving tomorrow. The sooner her questions were answered the better.

Wulf and she both loved the country and that gave them a starting place to get to know each other. She glanced at Elvie. A huge smile lit her face. Thea’s marriage was as much for her sister as for herself.

For a second, deep sadness filled Thea’s heart. Would anyone ever really care for her? Looking around the table, she listened to the conversations. Their guests were smiling and enjoying the meal. Only she and Wulf silently studied each other across the long, cluttered table.

Wulf crooked one eyebrow and held up his wine. Thea raised her glass. Both took a sip. Wulf put his glass down and turned his attention to the rector sitting beside him. Thea took a deep breath. The unknown future stretched out before her.

After their wedding meal, the guests left and Wulf excused himself and walked toward his study. Thea started upstairs. Wulf caught her on the way. His hand reached out and held her arm. Heat seared through her body.

“Take only what you will need right away. The rest can be sent later. We leave at dawn.”

She bit the edge of her lip. “It gives us little time to prepare.”

“The maid will help you. Your sister will stay here.”

“But…”

“She will enjoy staying in town with Jane. After we are settled, you may write and have her join us. I've decided to travel straight through and we'll arrive at my estate by tomorrow night.” With those brief words, he let go of her arm and disappeared behind his study door before she protested.

Thea hesitated a moment and considered following him to discuss his decision. She’d looked forward to having Elvie’s support during the trip and settling in her new home. But, no doubt he was right. Newlyweds were expected to spend at least the first month together without company. Many traveled overseas. She was glad they were going directly to his country estate.

She went to look for Elvie and then she'd have the upstairs maid help her finish packing. She found Elvie in her room.

"Of course I understand." Elvie gave her a knowing smile.

Obviously, her sister thought they wanted the time alone. "We'll send for you as soon as we're settled," Thea said.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

How awkward with her and Wulf rattling around in the large, old house. Thea hated leaving her sister behind. Yet it would give her time to adjust to her new role and learn Wulf’s expectations before Elvie arrived. She kissed Elvie's cheek and went into her own room.

Thea's maid finished the little packing that was left and brought her a cup of tea before retiring for the night. Thea lay awake, jumping at every sound, wondering if Wulf would come to her. Once, she thought she heard a noise outside her room, but when she got up and opened the door, no one was around. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or sad. She slept little. Now, she watched the darkness turn to grey and finally weak sunlight filtered through the crack between the curtains. It must be time to get up. Her two cases sat by the door, ready to be placed in the carriage. It was time to start her new life.

* * * *

Dressed in a dark blue wool gown and short boots, Thea gathered her pelisse and reticule and went to her sister’s room. Elvie was dressed. Her face reflected her happiness for Thea.

“Aren't you excited about seeing your new home?”

“Yes, I am.” Thea hoped her uneasiness didn't show.

Elvie grabbed Thea and hugged her tight. “I was so afraid you would end up marrying Lord Akers. He looked at you very strange.”

So her sister had noticed. Of course, Elvie was very observant.

“Lord Radford is a good man. Lord Akers is not.” Her sister spoke in a matter-of-fact manner.

Soon, Thea thought, I will have to see grandmamma and find out how to help Elvie develop her gift. It was becoming obvious her sister did have the same gift as their mother—the uncanny ability to see the true person. Thea wondered what Mamma would have said about Wulf. A brief knock turned the sisters to the door.

“It is time,” Wulf said. “My driver will place your bags in the second carriage.”

He waited. Thea and Elvie stepped out in front of him and descended the stairs. Wulf’s mother stood at the bottom, staring coldly at her new daughter-in-law.

“Do you wish me to visit next month and introduce you to the neighbors?”

If she’d asked with even a fake show of kindness, Thea would have said yes. Thea worried about how the gentry would accept her as the lady of the manor. “That won’t be necessary,” Thea said. “However, I do appreciate your gracious offer.”

His mother said nothing else. She turned and walked toward the small dining room. Thea watched her enter without looking back.

Wulf moved them along. “Cook packed a breakfast. We should be on our way. It will be late before we get to Radford Hall.” He looked from Thea to Elvie. “I’ll wait outside while you say goodbye. Remember, Elvie, it won’t be long.”

Elvie nodded and blinked back tears. Thea hugged her. “I’ll be looking forward to you joining us,” Thea said.

“Have fun. Don’t worry about me. Go. Your husband is waiting.” Elvie pushed her out the door and waved.

Thea stepped into the luxurious coach and sank onto soft, blue velvet seats. Matching pillows sat against each end. Wulf leaned inside.

“I’ll ride Batair. The hamper on the floor is your breakfast.”

“What about you?” Thea asked.

“I’ve eaten.” He raised a hand and closed the door. Immediately, the coach pulled forward.

Thea waved at Elvie until she was a black speck in the distance. She looked forward and saw Wulf rode just ahead and to the right of the carriage. What a strange way to start their marriage.

* * * *

Wulf let Batair lead the way. The crisp morning air blew away the concerns of the night. He knew his new bride wondered about his behavior. He surprised himself with the conflicting emotions running through him since the wedding.

A flash of jealousy? Could he have been jealous of his good friend, Jeffrey, when his new wife smiled and gave him attention during their wedding meal? And Reverend Smyth admitted he told Thea about the gossip that he’d murdered his one time friend. Not the best timing, but still she married him though she really didn’t have much of a choice.

When he talked with her at the stairs last evening, his whole body ached with desire. Her light, flowery fragrance reminded him of the lilies growing by his library and her soft lips tempted him to capture them with his. Most especially when she nibbled at her lower lip, an endearing habit she had when she was worried. He already knew some little things about her.

As he rode on, he wondered how he would manage this marriage. Thea observed everything around her. How long could he keep the curse a secret? And he had to keep distance between them to prevent having children for he knew already, that given a weak moment, he would take his wife to bed.

His wedding night had been the first test. He'd stayed in his room and prowled from one side to the other until finally he strode down the corridor to her door. His struggle not to turn the knob and go in and take her almost had him on his knees. But then he heard her footsteps and he moved quickly out of sight. The memory brought a flash of need and heat rolling through him. Ah, yes, his lovely wife was very desirable and totally unaware of her charm.

He urged Batair forward. He'd ride ahead and make arrangements at the next inn. It was close to noon. They’d stop for a meal. The clouds had rolled away and sunlight shone on them. They'd reach Radford Hall late tonight. He was determined.

* * * *

The coach slowed, and Thea looked out to see an inn. Wulf came to the door when the carriage stopped and helped her out. His warm hands took hold of her waist and swung her to the ground, holding her a second longer to let her get her balance.

“Did you have a good ride?” Thea asked.

“Yes, Batair was longing for a good run.” He took her arm and led the way inside.

The dark entranceway blinded Thea for a moment. Wulf placed his hand over hers where it sat lightly on his arm.

“The private dining room is to the left. I rode ahead and ordered some refreshments

“How considerate. Thank you.”

Wulf led Thea into the small dining room. A table sat before a fire and fresh bread, slices of ham and cheese, and bowls of warm soup made Thea realize she was hungry.

“It all smells delicious,” Thea said.

Wulf pulled out her chair and then sat to the right of her. He piled her plate high, and Thea ate the food quickly.

She laughed. “I’m afraid I have eaten in a most unladylike manner, but the meal was excellent.”

“I've stopped here before,” Wulf said. “The proprietor and his wife always prepare warm, satisfying food.”

A short stout woman came to the door and, after a brief knock, entered. “Was everything to yer likin’, Lord Radford?”

“As always, Mrs. Barnes.”

“Yer horses are changed. My man said to let you know he’d send that stallion of yours on to your estate after he’s rested.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Thea. “My dear, perhaps you would like to freshen up and meet me outside. We need to leave soon.”

Thea nodded, and Mrs. Barnes showed her to a small, clean upstairs bedroom. A pitcher of warm water and a basin sat on a small table with white towels. Glancing around the room, Thea saw she had everything she needed. "Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. I'll be down shortly. Mrs. Barnes smiled, then went out and closed the door behind her.

Thea quickly freshened herself and hurried out to join Wulf. He helped her into the carriage and followed behind, taking the adjacent seat. He signaled to the coachman, and they were once again on their way.

Thea leaned back against the cushions. She was filled with mixed emotions, excited, scared and hopeful. She glanced across at her husband.

“If you want to rest, stretch out and sleep,” he said.

Thea pulled a cushion under her head and lay back closing her eyes, shutting out the disturbing man across from her. She didn’t expect to sleep.

It was dark and she could hear dogs. Or something howling in the distance. Then a noise and the door handle moved. She opened her eyes wide, trying to see in the blackness of her room. A shadow slipped in and crept toward her. She wanted to scream or move, but her body refused. Thin bony hands reached for her and she managed to curl her hands into fist and connect with his face. He staggered back. “Damn, woman.” He swung his fist.

Thea screamed. Wulf reached across and gathered her into his arms, then sat back down with her in his lap.

“Are you all right?” he asked, brushing her hair off her face. Thea tried to sit up, but Wulf held her firmly against him.

“I think so. It was a horrible dream.” She glanced out at the shadows of late afternoon.

Wulf trailed his fingers across the side of her face. “You’re tired. A few more hours and we will be home.”