The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (6 page)

“They visited several days ago. May I introduce Miss Beckett?” Without waiting for her response, Lord Radford continued the introductions. Lady Sheldon nodded briefly, and then excused herself, moving to the far side of the room.

“Did I do something to offend her?” Thea asked as Lady Sheldon walked away, her back stiff and head held high.

“No. That’s just her way.”

Thea suspected otherwise. Lady Sheldon didn’t like Thea and the woman wasted no time letting her know. Thea’s knees were still weak from the encounter in the passageway. Lord Radford had recovered very quickly and must have extraordinary hearing, thank goodness. But the woman across the room struck fear in Thea’s heart. She might gossip and Lord Akers or her uncle was sure to hear whatever she said.

Several other ladies moved around the perimeter. Their outfits were obviously of the finest materials and diamonds flashed from their necks, ears and fingers. Thea’s pearl earrings and necklace would impress no one in this crowd, but they’d see her today and relish passing the gossip around. Thea suspected Lady Sheldon had an eye on Lord Radford and she didn’t like any competition.
As if I might be a competitor to a beautiful, titled woman such as her
. Today’s outing very well might bring disaster to Thea and Elvie.

“Have you seen enough”? Lord Radford asked. “If we want to stop at my home for tea, we should leave.”

“Very well.” Thea reluctantly motioned to Mary. After Lady Sheldon’s response, she was not anxious to meet Lord Radford’s mother.

* * * *

Wicked thoughts and sensations swirled in Thea’s mind from the intimate moment she’d shared with Lord Radford. It was impossible to ignore his forceful appeal. She kept her gaze averted for fear that he’d guess what she was thinking. Thankfully, her broad-brimmed hat hid her flushed face. She just might have all her bonnets made this way. The man was too intriguing and very perceptive. She hadn't realized they’d arrived at his town house until he spoke.

“We’re here,” he said, as the carriage stopped. Stepping out, he offered his hand, then guided her up the steps to the front door.

“Welcome to my home.” He led Thea inside, and his butler came hurrying forward. “Bailey, please take Mary to the kitchen for tea. Where are my mother and sister?”

“They are in the small sitting room, my lord.”

Lord Radford turned to Althea’s maid. “We will join my family and send for you when needed.”

Mary nodded, took Thea’s pelisse and followed the butler. Lord Radford led Thea toward the back of the house. Thea wished she’d thought of some excuse to miss this introduction. His mother surely wouldn’t be pleased to see her son escorting a poor, untitled debutante. Meeting her had Thea tense, and there was the additional fear about answering any questions Lord Radford might ask.

They entered a small, pleasant room. French windows opened onto an enclosed garden. Floral print wallpaper gave the room a feeling of being part of the outdoors.

Thea recognized his mother from the receiving line at the ball. She relaxed slightly when Lady Jane gave her a welcoming smile. Jane must have returned early from her outing. Having tea with Lord Radford and his mother might not be so difficult after all.

His mother sat at the table and did not smile, but studied her intently. Lord Radford made the introduction, and his mother indicated for Thea to sit in the chair beside her.

“You favor your mother in appearance,” Lady Radford stated.

“You knew her?” Thea asked, surprised.

A cool smile crossed Lady Radford’s face. “I met her and your father several times. I remember her because of her striking coloring. You have the same.”

Lord Radford raised a brow. “Mother, you didn’t tell me you knew Miss Beckett’s parents.”

“In spite of what you think, Ulric, I do not tell you everything.” The exchange between Lady Radford and her son exuded no familial warmth. The cool reception to her oldest son puzzled Thea. Usually, the heir got all the most favorable attention.

While they had tea, the conversation, mainly between Lady Jane and her mother revolved around their afternoon outings and the people they met. Lady Radford occasionally directed a question or comment to Thea, but she focused most of her warmth and attention on her daughter. Thea recognized few of the names they mentioned so it didn't matter.

Glancing at Lord Radford, she caught him watching her again. Was he thinking about their interlude at the museum? Did he regret it? Did she? Unfamiliar emotions swirled around her.
No,
even though she should, she didn’t.

“If you have finished your tea, perhaps you’d like to see our garden,” he said.

His mother eyed him. “It’s hardly worth seeing. Town gardens are so small compared to the country.”

He ignored his mother and stood. “Shall we?”

Thea had suspected questions after using her healing powers on him, but for a moment, she’d forgotten. The determination she saw in Lord Radford’s face brought them to the forefront of her mind again. She saw no polite way to refuse. At least outside there was less danger of anyone overhearing them. And they’d be alone. Her heartbeat quickened.

“Of course,” she said.

She took his arm and stepped through the doors. Her nerves trembled at what was to come. Clouds and a strong breeze cooled the air. She shivered, but not because of the weather.

“Shall I send for your pelisse?”

“No, I’ll be fine,” she said, wrapping her arms around her middle.

“I insist you take my coat.” He struggled to remove the tight jacket before placing it around her shoulders.

His fragrance swirled around her head and the warmth from his honey-colored coat seeped into her body. Dressed only in his breeches, white shirt, and dark brown vest, he seemed more approachable, less formal.

“This is not proper,” she said, and began to take his jacket off her shoulders.

“My mother and sister are right inside the room." Without waiting for her reply, he led her along a narrow, winding path where yellow daffodils bloomed on both sides. He bent his head down, and when she looked up, his golden eyes held her attention. "Don't be afraid. I apologize for my behavior at the museum.”

Not sure how to reply, she was relieved to see they were at the end of the walk. A bench set in the shade of a large elm tree.

“Sit,” he directed. “Please.”

“So you can question me?”

He looked surprised, but he didn’t prevaricate. "Yes."

She sat. “What do you want to know?”

“What happened on the veranda last night? How did you manage to take the pain away?” He studied her intently. “My face is only now beginning to ache a bit.”

Her throat tightened. “Why do you suppose
I
did something?”

* * * *

He smelled her fear and wanted to tell her to forget his questions. She held her hands tight and licked her lips.

Her sweet mouth drew him closer. Heated desire swept across Wulf urging him to take her somewhere private and taste, touch, smell every inch of her. The wolf urged him on—take her, take her. Deliberately, he stepped back, further from her.

“I don’t want to cause you any harm. You need not tell me exactly how you made the pain cease. But can you make the aching stop for good?”

“I’m not sure.”

Wulf prowled around the small grassy area. He stopped and sat beside her, taking her gloved hands in his.

“We all have secrets. I won’t ask yours. If you decide you can help me, I will be most appreciative.”

This close, her scent almost overwhelmed him. Not just the delicate perfume she wore, but her special essence. His hunger to claim her clawed at him.

“No one must know if I help you.” She glanced around to search the area.

“I understand. Tell me what trouble's you.” He lowered his voice. “Is it Lord Akers and his interest in making an offer for you?”

She pulled her hands away from his. “How do you know about Lord Akers?”

“I saw him observing you at the ball. He told me he plans to marry you.”

Pain flashed across her face. “My uncle wishes that.” The words came out slow and leaden.

“And do you want this marriage?” From her tone, he guessed not.

Her crystal clear gaze roamed across his face. He forced himself to cool his desire and look back at her with what he hoped was encouragement.

Apparently satisfied with what she saw, she spoke. “I do not want to marry him. I would do so only under duress.” She shuddered. “He disgusts me.” Thea put her hands over her mouth, as though frightened of the words she’d spoken.

“No one can hear us.”

Unconvinced, she stood. “I must go. If my uncle heard of our being alone in the garden he would consider our behavior most improper.” She handed him his coat, walked quickly to the French windows and disappeared inside.

He struggled into his jacket and strolled in behind her. His mother frowned.

“Miss Beckett said she must return home, so I’ve called for her maid and the carriage.”

“Thank you, Mother.” He went to Thea’s side. “We have plenty of time to reach your home before half past six.”

Thea ignored his reassurance. She thanked his mother and sister before she and her maid went to the carriage. Wulf followed close behind.

Unlike the ride from the museum, the silence between them now was awkward. He cursed himself for not handling the situation better. The ride was all too short.

“May I call on you again? I’d like to take you to Kew Gardens, much superior to my small array of flowers. My family has permission to visit there anytime. My mother,” he smiled cryptically, “is very well connected.” He studied her face. For a moment, he thought she would refuse, but she surprised him.

“If you wish,” she replied.

Satisfied, he assisted her and her maid from the carriage. The maid went inside.

“Would you care to come in?” Thea asked. Her tone not inviting.

He took a deep breath. “No, thank you. Would tomorrow afternoon be a good time for our visit to Kew Gardens?”

She hesitated on the door step, chewing on the edge of her lower lip. “My uncle will not be pleased if I make arrangements to see you again.”

He waited, expecting her to change her mind and say no to the invitation.

“I realize this sounds dreadfully improper, but may I meet you at the entrance to the gardens tomorrow at two o’clock?”

Now was his turn to think. Why did she prefer he not come for her? There was no reasonable explanation why her uncle might prefer Lord Akers to him. Wulf outranked Akers.

“My sister and I will meet you. She'd enjoy the outing too.” He noted Thea's faint smile and obvious relief.

“Yes, I’d like that,” Thea said. “Lady Jane is very sweet.”

He bowed. “Tomorrow at two.”

* * * *

Thea waited at the door and watched as his carriage disappeared from sight. She had hoped to go upstairs before encountering her aunt or uncle, but Aunt Cornelia stopped her and told her to join them in the drawing room. Elvie, Amy, and her aunt were having tea. Elvie smiled her sweet smile and patted the seat beside her.

“I’ll sit, but I’m full of tea and sweets. Lord Radford introduced me to his mother. His sister also joined us for tea.”

“Was his house beautiful?” Amy asked.

“I saw very little. We went directly into a small, bright sitting room off an enclosed garden. Quite pleasant.

“And what did you think of Lord Radford?” her aunt asked.

“He is all that is gentlemanly, always most gracious. The museum had many interesting exhibits." Thea glanced around. "Where is Uncle Rigby?”

“He had to go out,” her aunt replied. “He plans to have supper at one of his clubs. We will have a quiet night at home.”

Thea stood. “That sounds wonderful. If you will excuse me, I will go upstairs and change.”

“Take your time. We're having a light dinner in about an hour,” Aunt Cornelia said, her voice silky smooth.

Thea wrinkled her forehead. Aunt Cornelia acting pleasant was unusual behavior for her. Realizing moments had passed and all three were staring at her, Thea smiled. “How thoughtful, Aunt Cornelia. Thank you.”

A chill went down Thea’s spine as she closed the door. Her senses were heightened. Something dreadful was afoot.

She climbed the stairs to her room. On entering, she took off her hat and sat at her dressing table to remove her hairpins. She ran her hands through her hair, then picked up her brush.

“May I join you?” Elvie asked as she peeked around the door.

“Of course, come in. Sit. I hoped to have a private moment to discuss something with you. Lord Radford invited me to join him and his sister at Kew Gardens tomorrow.”

“Uncle Rigby will be angry,” Elvie said.

“He will be at one of his clubs and I overheard Aunt Cornelia tell Amy they were to visit her sister tomorrow afternoon. I’m sure she won’t want us along.” Thea put down her hair brush and moved to the bed to sit beside Elvie. “I told Lord Radford I’d meet him at two o’clock. They should be gone by then.”