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

and nodded. “You be Miss Beckett?”
    “I am Miss Althea Beckett. My sister, Miss Elvie Beckett, is upstairs. You are to protect us?”
    “Yes.”
    “Have you been long in Lord Radford’s employ?”
    “Since this morning.” He hesitated. “I delivered your letter.”
    “Your brother is one of our kitchen workers.”
    A slight smile crossed his craggy face. “He likes Miss Elvie Beckett. Said she was a good lady, treated folks with kindness, and told me not to fail in taking the message. I din’t.”
    “Thank you. My sister and I will be forever in your debt.” Hearing a noise, Thea walked to the door and glanced out. No one was there. She hurried back to the man. “What is your name?”
    “Garr.”
    “Don’t trust anyone, especially not my aunt and uncle.”
    “I won’t trust no one ’cept me brother.”
    “Good.” Thea checked again and slipped back out the door. She had barely reached the stairs when Aunt Cornelia came out of the front drawing room.
    “Come here,” she demanded.
    Feeling it best to comply, Thea went to her aunt and followed her into the room.
    “Sit.” Aunt Cornelia pointed to the chair across from her. “Why would Lord Radford be willing to marry you? What have you told him about us?”
    Thea studied her aunt’s unpleasant face. Her perpetual frown had left permanent lines across her forehead and around her tight pursed lips. “I do not need to explain anything to you,” Thea stated with emphasis. “Soon, my sister and I will no longer be of any consequence to you or Uncle Rigby.”
    Aunt Cornelia stood in front of Thea, her anger rolling off her in waves of heat. Reaching out with bony hands and surprising strength, she grabbed Thea and yanked her up. Releasing one hand, her aunt swung back and slapped Thea’s cheek before she saw the blow coming. The noise reverberated around the room.
    Suddenly, Aunt Cornelia was pulled back and thrown into her chair. With fists balled, Garr snarled, “Ye don’t touch Miss Beckett nor her sister. Not with me around.”
    “And who the hell are you?” Uncle Rigby hollered, coming into the room.
    “Garr, step back,” Thea ordered. She glared at her uncle. “He is here to protect Elvie and me from anyone who wishes to do us harm.”
    “Get out,” her uncle growled at Garr, “or I will have you arrested.”
    “Lord Radford sent him, Uncle Rigby. Perhaps you should talk with him first.”
    “This is my house, and he will go.” Uncle Rigby pointed a finger at Garr.
    Garr continued to stand in front of Thea to protect her. His face flushed red, but he didn’t say anything.
    “Then my sister and I will also leave. Elvie and I will wait at the country estate until Lord Radford comes for us.”
    “You will stay here and do as you are told. He has not married you yet.”
    “The betrothal announcement should be in tomorrow’s paper.” She didn’t know if that was true, but maybe it would stall him until she and Elvie could leave.
    “Only weddings are announced in the paper,” he blustered.
    Uncle Rigby’s morning attire showed wrinkles, and he had removed his cravat. His thinning hair gave evidence of his fingers pulling through it. If Thea didn't dislike him so much, she would feel sorry for the man. His plans had gone awry, and he was not taking it well.
    “Garr, ask for a carriage to be prepared for tomorrow morning. We will leave early for home.” She looked back at her uncle. “If you try to stop us, I will send another message to Lord Radford.”
    “So, that is how he knew. Who is the traitor in this household?” he yelled and looked around the room.
    He grabbed Garr by the collar. “Do you know?”
    Garr stood still and silent in his grasp. Uncle Rigby pushed him away. Garr staggered, before catching himself.
    “You will stay here and attend the balls with Amy and your aunt. You will be pleasant to Lord Akers. Who knows if Lord Radford will follow through as he's said? Time will tell.”
    A knock at the front door