The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (21 page)

He turned his head, and his eyes stared into hers. The deep gold color flared fiery red, and then imperceptibly, his eyes cooled to the more familiar golden brown.

“Did you need something, my dear?” His cool, clipped voice did not welcome her.

“I saw the open door. I didn’t know this room existed.”

“I prefer most people don’t. This is my private sanctuary.”

In spite of his cool reception, she found herself drawn in. Her hand reached out and touched a squirrel sitting on its hind legs holding a nut. “Your work is beautiful. He looks like he would come to life, if you breathed on him.”

Wulf shrugged. “This is my hobby. For times I want to be alone.” He stressed the last word.

“I understand. Forgive me for disturbing you.” Thea backed to the door and went out closing it behind her. She pulled the drapes shut and left the room. Her husband was determined to keep her at arm’s length in every part of his life.

* * * *

He’d seen her eyes. She was observant and caught the change in his. When he’d looked up and saw her standing there, a wave of desire rolled through him. Even now he smelled her particular scent of woman, sweet flowers and her desire. The wolf in him found it more and more difficult not to reach out and take her. He wanted to run his fingers over her soft skin, taste her, sink into her soft body and claim her as his own.

The wolf and the man wanted her. The wolf had no patience. The man had to fight his desire. Not yet, not yet. If he took her now, the wolf won and he might have a son to carry on the curse. But how long could he manage to hang on to his control? The wolf was getting stronger.

He’d been damn careless to leave the door open and curtains aside. He couldn’t afford to make mistakes. The tension inside him tightened. The hunger of the wolf curled inside grew. He wanted out, again.

Wulf hit his fist against the wood table and accepted the pain to take away the thoughts of the wolf. His mood ruined, he left the room and headed for the stables. He'd ride Batair through the rain and wind and try to control his hunger.

He hoped her sister arrived soon. Perhaps the two of them could keep busy with the household and out of his business.

* * * *

Wulf and Thea sat silently at the table. She'd seen him ride off after her visit to his private room. His hair still shone damp and shiny from his ride. He’d changed into black breeches and coat. He was a dark, troubled, handsome man, and she desired him more every day.

The fish, though soft and tasty, stuck in her dry throat, and she washed it down with red wine. A drop fell on the white tablecloth, reminding her of how she’d cut her finger on the amulet. She would tell him now, but she preferred the servants not overhear. She'd wait.

The meal finally came to an end, and she stood. Wulf stayed, leaning back in his chair and staring into space. “Will you join me in a few minutes? I will play the pianoforte.”

He roused himself and glanced at her, no expression on his face. “No, thank you. Not tonight.”

She bent her head and left the room. Coldness settled inside her. She'd go to the sitting room and get her book. Her bedroom, with a cozy fire, would be much more comforting.

Changed into her wool nightgown and settled in a chair by the fire, Thea pulled a blanket over her lap and legs. Outside the wind howled and a tree branch knocked against her window pane. Inside, at least for now there was warmth and safety.

She must have gone to sleep. When she awoke, her legs had stiffened from being curled under her. The fire had died down and smoldered. The only light in the night sky was a sliver of moon.

Thea got up and started toward her bed, but stopped at the windows. In the distance, she saw the dark shapes of tall trees and then she looked closer, where a solitary moving shape caught her eye. She pressed her nose against the pane, and saw the wolf. It was not as distinct tonight, more a shadow, a different shade of black in the blackness of the night. The wolf ran toward the house, going around the same side and disappeared.

Tomorrow she'd search that area for some sign. Did the wolf have a place to burrow down for the night close beside the house? If so, she intended to find it.

She climbed into bed and curled into a ball, seeking warmth. Almost asleep, she thought she heard her husband’s voice on the other side of the locked door.

Why would Wulf be up so early?

* * * *

After a quick breakfast, Thea hurried outside. Sunlight peeked around the clouds. Thank goodness, the earlier rain had stopped. She wore short boots since the ground was muddy. Lifting up her skirts, she walked around the house toward the place she last saw the wolf.

She spotted footprints leading to a large yew hedge with lovely white roses planted in front of it. She donned her gloves and slid into the small area between the hedge and the wall of the house. At the bottom of the wall, almost hidden from sight, was a long, rather narrow opening.

A large wolf would have to struggle to get through such an opening. And where did it lead to? The cellar? She must return to the house and check. Her heart beat faster, thinking about a wolf inside the house, running along the corridors.
And I thought I was safe last night.
She'd never feel safe again until she found out where the wolf hid.

Mrs. Sanders tried to reassure Thea. “It's impossible for a wolf to get inside, my lady,” she protested, while following Thea to the cellar.

There were no openings.

“This is the bottom floor?” Thea asked Mrs. Sanders.

“Yes, my lady. See, you have nothing to worry about. You probably had a bad dream. We haven't seen a wolf around the house in many a year.”

“Of course you are right, Mrs. Sanders. How silly of me.”

“Not to worry. This is an old house. It gives a fright to us at times.” She smiled, her eyes reflecting kindness.

Cheeks hot with embarrassment, Thea readily agreed, and the two returned upstairs.

“I’ll send you a pot of hot tea and some fresh scones,” Mrs. Sanders said.

“A good cup of tea does seem to make things right. I'll be in the sitting room.”

Thea strolled around the room, touching small figurines on a side table and fluffing the cushions on the gold sofa.
She saw the opening outside.
Mrs. Sanders' reassurance did not calm the flutter of uneasiness in her stomach or the preposterous thoughts beginning to form in her mind.

She decided to go back outside and check the opening again. As she stepped out the front door, she saw a black speck in the distance. Gradually, the object grew larger, and she realized it was a carriage coming down the muddy drive toward the house. More neighbors? She hoped not.

Hurrying back inside, she went to the sitting room, picked up the book she’d discarded the other day and tried to read. Bailey would take care of any visitors. Wulf had left specific instructions after Lady Goodman’s visit.

She heard voices. It couldn’t be. Thea dropped her book and hurried to the door. Her sister stood in the foyer, smiling at Bailey.

“Elvie.” Thea ran to her with open arms.

“I came as quick as I could after I received Lord Radford’s invitation,” Elvie said. “I thought I would have to wait at least another few weeks.”

“Lord Radford sent for you?”

“You didn't know?

Thea shook her head. “He must have wanted to surprise me.”
Or divert my attention.
It didn’t matter, she was glad to have Elvie with her.

Thea glanced around and saw Mrs. Sanders. “Do we have a room ready for my sister?”

“Lord Radford instructed us to prepare a room in the south wing.”

“Good. Elvie, this is our very capable housekeeper, Mrs. Sanders. Mrs. Sanders, my sister, Elvie Beckett."

“I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Elvie. Please follow me to your room.”

Elvie walked beside Thea and hugged her arm. “We drove straight through except for stops for horses and food. I was too excited to sleep.”

“Then you must rest this afternoon and join us later for dinner.”

“Must I? I'd prefer to spend the time with you and explore the house.”

“Yes, you must.” She smiled when Elvie frowned. “I will sit with you until you fall asleep.”

Her room faced the front gardens. The tinkling of water dropping from one level to the next in a nearby fountain could be heard through the open windows. The room’s light pink walls and lacey white curtains complemented Elvie’s cheerful countenance. She danced around. Her feet skipped across the plush flowered carpet.

After the maid put Elvie’s clothes away and pulled back the bed, she left the sisters alone. Thea helped Elvie change into her nightgown and get into bed.

“Relax and close your eyes. You will be asleep in minutes and when you wake it will be time to dress for dinner.”

“I am too excited.”

“Close your eyes.” Thea sat beside her sister and rubbed her head, brushing the silvery strands back from her forehead.

Elvie’s eyes popped opened and stared at her. “Something is wrong. I sense it and see it in your eyes.”

Thea didn’t try to deny it. “We must visit grandmamma. It is important.”

Elvie yawned. “Then we will.” She closed her eyes and lay quiet, appearing to be asleep.

Her sister was right, she needed to tell Wulf of her plans. What if he said no to the trip? He must not. She'd show him the amulet. But how to explain that her grandmother might be able to help them? She didn't want him to know her grandmother had special powers. Not yet. Not until their relationship was stronger. Going to her grandmother's was a chance Thea had to take.

Going to her bedroom, she took out the box. A slight vibration sent tingles through her fingers. She suspected finding the amulet had stirred whatever evil or good was enclosed, and it would not wait long before exerting an influence. She must tell Wulf
now
about this strange, old wedding gift she'd found in the attic.

Wulf entered the front door as she came down the stairs with the box in her hand. He’d been riding. His hair, blown from the wind, gave him a rakish younger look.

“Your sister arrived?”

Thea smiled. “Word travels fast. Thank you.” She saw him glance around. “She is upstairs resting. May I speak with you?”

His attention centered back on her. For a moment, he said nothing. “Of course. You sound worried.”

She took a deep breath. “Perhaps it is nothing.”

He took her arm. “We will talk in my study.” He glanced down at her hands. “Did your sister bring you a present?”

“No.”

Wulf closed the door after them and motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs by the fire. He went to his desk.

“Do you mind if I smoke my pipe?”

A small smile lit her face. “Papa smoked a pipe. I liked the smell of his tobacco.”

He picked up his pipe and tin of tobacco before joining her. “Now tell me what has you biting your lip.”

Startled, Thea stared at him. He reached across and ran his finger along the area where her teeth had just been. Fire ran through her veins.

“It is an endearing habit,” he whispered.

Feeling shaken and breathless, Thea glanced at the box she held in her hands. She’d almost forgotten her purpose. The vibration had reminded her. She feared the amulet might be evil and hoped she was wrong. Perhaps, it might bring them peace instead of more discord, but she doubted it.

“I found this in the attic under some very old gowns.” She took away the linen wrapping and handed the box to Wulf.

He put his pipe down and stared at the words carved on top. “To the bride. Whose?”

“I don’t know, but the box was in the bottom of an old chest. Open it carefully,” she warned.

He lifted an eyebrow, but did as she advised. “What the he…”

They both stared at the gold amulet. A strange feeling came over Thea. She sensed an entity in the room, and couldn’t resist, as she had in the attic, from looking around in the recesses of the study. A heavy aroma of jasmine wafted across her nose and the air felt chilled. Wulf raised his head and glanced around before looking back at her.

“It is both beautiful and ugly. Who would send a bride such a strange piece of jewelry?” Wulf asked, as he resumed studying the amulet.

“Whoever received the gift apparently felt the same, and that’s probably why they buried it in the old trunk,” Thea said.

Wulf started to remove the necklace from the box. “Be careful. The one side is sharp. I cut my finger.”

He nodded and held the necklace by the chain. The amulet swung gently in the air. Light from the fire made it glow. Wulf reached out and carefully closed his hand around the amulet.

“Hot and cold? What is this thing?”

Now was the moment to bring up her grandmother. Thea’s insides quaked, and she had to clear her throat. “I want to take it to my grandmamma.”

“Why?” Wulf raised his head and stared at her.

“I believe she may be able help us with some answers.” Her face paled when she saw the questions in his eyes.