The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Rachel McNeely Page A

really know the man, but the way he handled himself this morning had impressed him. He was satisfied. Hopefully, Thea and her sister would be safe. If only the full moon was not so close.
    He pulled his watch out. Next he needed to make a visit to the Archbishop’s office. With a special license, they could be married next week, if things went well. He’d have to be gone at least overnight at his estate. He’d best notify Jeffrey to be available during that time.
     
    * * * *
     
    Elvie waited upstairs for Thea. “What happened?”
    Thea took Elvie’s hand and pulled her along the passageway and into her bedroom.
    “He got the note and came.”
    “I knew he would, if he got the message. What did he say? Uncle Rigby was furious when he came in to get you.”
    “I am not sure how he managed it, but I am to marry Lord Radford and you are to come live with us.” Saying the words made it real and Thea had to sit on the side of her bed. Her legs shook and then her whole body followed, in reaction to all that had occurred since before dawn.
    Elvie sat beside her and pulled Thea into her arms. “It will be fine,” Elvie murmured, while she held tight to her sister.
    “How can you be so sure?” Thea asked, wiping tears off her cheeks.
    “I feel his goodness whenever he’s present. Uncle Rigby and Lord Akers have black spots around them. Lord Radford doesn’t. White and soft indigo and violet colors surround him.”
    Thea sat back and studied her sister. “It’s your gift.”
    Elvie looked puzzled. “You mean like Mama always knew people?”
    “Yes.” Thea gave her a watery smile. “It is not surprising. I'm glad you inherited mama’s gift and possibly grandmamma's since you anticipated the occurrences last night. We must go see her soon. She can teach us more about our gifts.” Even as she said the words, Thea remembered the mixed emotions she had regarding her grandmother. As a child, she had found her frightening at times. A hunched over old woman with pale green eyes and faded red hair. Grandmamma often frowned at her daughter and Thea. Sharp words were spoken. Thea remembered her father’s name being mentioned and wondered if grandmamma did not like him.
    On their way home from their visits, her mother reassured Thea that grandmamma did like Thea’s father, but worried about them all. Sadness shadowed her mother’s eyes, and Thea did not believe her.
    “Will he let us go visit her?”
    Thea almost jumped when Elvie spoke. “I hope so,” Thea said. She knew so little about the Marquis to have placed herself and Elvie in his hands.
    “When are you to marry?” Elvie asked.
    Her sister asked the question which concerned Thea the most. “We did not discuss a date, but soon I hope. I don't believe Uncle Rigby and Lord Akers will give up so easily.”
    “Miss Beckett.” The downstairs maid stood in the doorway. “There is a man to see you. He said Lord Radford sent him.”
    “Ah yes, please take him to the kitchen for coffee. I will be down in a moment.”
    The maid nodded her head and left.
    “Who can it be?” Elvie whispered.
    “Our guard, I assume. Lord Radford said he would send someone to be nearby and to accompany us on outings. You must not leave the house without him, Elvie.”
    Elvie nodded vigorously, her blue eyes large with surprise. She caught hold of her sister’s hand as Thea went to leave. “I still feel the darkness in here.” She touched her heart. “We are not safe yet.”
    “I agree. We must be careful until we are safely away from this house.”
    Thea tiptoed downstairs, hoping to avoid her aunt and uncle. Relief washed through her when she slipped into the kitchen unseen. A stranger sat at the long wooden work table, his hands cupped around a mug of coffee. He looked up at her with deep set, tobacco brown eyes. When she walked toward him he stood, and although he was short, his body was thick and hard with muscle.
    “Lord Radford sent you?”
    He held his hat in his hand