The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney Page B

For that matter, I’ve never known you to show much interest in acquiring a husband at all.”
    Abby paused at the window to gaze at the winter-bare fields. There had been men who had showed flattering signs of interest. She had never reciprocated. “Jack Langdon is the only man who has ever really caught my attention. At first I didn’t know he was heir to a title; it was he himself who was appealing. He never noticed me, of course, except once we almost ran into each other outside a shop. He had a…nice smile. I never imagined we would meet, much less have any kind of relationship. I just admired him, like a sunset or a fine spring day. Then suddenly he was right there, dying on my dining room table.”
    Abby turned from the window to face her friend. “I knew it was unlikely that he could be saved, but his presence sparked those vague thoughts I’d had for years into a kind of recklessness. I was frightened of leading a circle for the first time. Perhaps asking for marriage was a way of giving me courage by making the reward worth the risk.” Her mouth twisted. “Or perhaps I was just greedy and selfish and wanted him, so I forgot every ethic ever taught me and asked for marriage in return for his life.”
    â€œWhen the man you’d always fancied turned up in desperate need of your skills, it’s not surprising that you became a little reckless,” Judith said thoughtfully. “Do you think marrying him is meant to be?”
    â€œI’d like to think so,” Abby said morosely. “Divine inspiration sounds much better than selfishness and ambition. But I heard no angelic voice telling me that Jack Langdon is my destiny. I just…wanted him.” Dear God, how she’d wanted him. Only now would she admit to herself how true that was.
    â€œThere are worse reasons to marry,” Judith said wryly. “I’ve never known you to be selfish and insensitive, so acquit yourself of that, at least. I find it interesting that Frayne not only agreed to your terms initially but has made no attempt to wiggle out.”
    â€œAs you say, it’s a matter of honor. He gave his word and hasn’t thought about it since.” Abby cast about for a suitable analogy. “Rather like placing an order for a pair of boots. Even if he decided he didn’t want them, he would take delivery because he said he would.”
    Judith laughed. “You’re hardly a pair of boots, Abby! If he genuinely didn’t want to marry you, I believe he would have made that clear by now. Perhaps he rather likes the idea. None of his friends seem too horrified, which is a good sign.”
    â€œYou have some ability to see the future, Judith. Can you see us together?”
    Judith’s eyes drifted out of focus. “I think you’d suit each other very well. He’s a good-natured fellow who is kind but…driven by inner demons. He needs a strong woman who can help him master those demons.”
    For the first time, it occurred to Abby that Jack might need healing of the spirit as well as of the body, and she was better qualified than most to provide that. “It makes me feel better to think I might be of service as a wife.”
    â€œDon’t marry him thinking to be his maidservant,” Judith said tartly. “The man would be very lucky to have you. You’re attractive, intelligent, agreeable, and one of the best healers in Britain. What more could a man want?”
    â€œIn this case, a woman with no magical ability at all. He hates and fears magic.” Abby thought of what she had seen the night Jack was feverish. “I don’t know if he would ever be able to accept me as a woman instead of a wizard.”
    Judith’s eyes crinkled. “Daily life takes the mystery out of magic very quickly. One could live with the handsomest man in the world and hardly notice his beauty after a month. What matters is the small acts of life. Is