Bewitching My Love (14 page)

Fern watched her walk to the cot and lie down, facing the wall away from them. “Tell me what you mean, I don’t understand,” she pleaded.

“
We have to go Fern. Put your Vizard on. Please, we must hurry.” Rowen’s powerful grip on her elbow pulled her away, but she kept her eyes on Mary for as long as she could. “Where are we going, Rowen?” She asked when she noticed they were headed away from the cave. She had to practically run to keep up with his pace.

“
Mary told me of a place beyond the village. A secret cottage that she and Jonathan built before Jonathan married Sarah. She gave me the key and told me to take you there until after…” He cut his words off then. He wanted to avoid talking about the execution.

“
Until her death, is that it, Rowen?” Stopping, she pulled her hand from his. “I can’t allow her to die Rowen, we have to come up with a way to stop it. We only have a few days left, we must figure out a way.”

“
Then we have a lot of work to do, don’t we?” Taking her hand again he forced her to follow.

Fern found herself running again to keep up with his long strides. His legs were so long it was as if he took two steps to her one. Breathless and hot, she was happy when they finally stopped. “I hear a river, Rowen, are we close?”

“
According to Mary, the Ipswich River is just past the cottage, it should be somewhere in those trees.” Rowen concentrated on the forest before them.

Fern followed his hand to where he pointed. The forest was thick and dark with trees; it was frightening. She had the vivid image of the cowardly lion holding Dorothy’s hand just as Rowen took hers again before heading into the darkness. They were just getting ready to disappear into it when she spotted the warning sign. “Look Rowen.” They both stood looking down at the old worn wooden sign with words scrolled across it in what looked like blood.
“Beware to all that may pass. Witches abound beyond this forest. DEATH to all who enter.”

“
Freaky,” Rowen replied, then looked down at Fern’s frown. “You’re not worried, are you, Fern? You know, if we were back in our own time, none of this forest would exist. I think this is the same spot where that crazy used car dealership sits. You know, the one where the guy rides out on a broom trying to sell cars.”

Fern knew the commercial. Laughing, she replied. “Yeah, did you see the one where he pretended to be burned at the stake?” Deepening her voice, she continued. “He says,

Buy your next used car from the best used car lot in Salem. We’ll smoke the neighbor with our deal.

“
I thought I would laugh myself silly over it.”

Rowen laughed, he knew the one. Glancing past her then, he saw a reflection in the distance. “Look over there. That must be the cottage.” Taking Fern’s hand, he brought her close to his side as they stepped past the sign. “Tomorrow I’ll knock that thing down.”

“
No Rowen, don’t. It might keep people from coming here and finding us.”

“
You’re right, I’ll leave it.” Still holding her hand, they continued until they stood outside the door, looking at the cottage before going in. It was enchanting, almost Hansel and Gretel enchanting. “Where are the gumdrops?”

Fern laughed, she was thinking the same thing. “You have to admit, it is charming. Come on, let’s go inside, I can hardly wait to see it.” She stood close to Rowen’s back as he unlocked the door; she was still fighting the creeps. The inside was just as lovely as the outside. The furniture was tasteful for its time, and obviously expensive for its time. Fern knew Mary didn’t come from money, so it had to have been bought by Jonathan.

“
I think this furniture was built by Kenelm Winslow Fern. This is called a Plymouth serrated cupboard. My father would have killed for it. You probably noticed the old furniture in my home before I brought you here. This piece alone would be worth more than my entire estate in our own time.” As if it were a delicate piece of lace, he let his fingertips run over it gently, smiling when he saw how she watched him. “Look there,” he pointed. “The bed is a masterpiece.”

“
Yes, it is isn’t it?” Fern gave him a half smile as she watched him sit on the thickly padded down mattress. It brought back memories of how close they’d come to making love, again. During her confinement in the cell she’d come to the conclusion that she wouldn’t let herself get tempted again. She would avoid physical contact with him, no matter what. The first time was by accident, their close call yesterday was from sheer desire. She’d probably never see him again after they went back to their own time so there was no sense in allowing herself to get hung up on him. “Why don’t I see what’s here to eat, I’m starved.”

Rowen watched her turn toward the next living area, then he lay back against the pillows. Closing his eyes, he let himself rest. His head was still sore where the old woman had hit him. That reminded him, “Fern, did you happen to see how Elizabeth got me in her carriage? I can’t imagine her being strong enough to carry me.” He heard her call back from the other room.

“
No, I didn’t Rowen. I was gagged and tied after she made me dress. I didn’t see how she did it. But I don’t think she was alone, it seems like I remember hearing her talking with someone, maybe a man. The voice was deep.”

Rowen sat up when she carried in a plate filled with cheese and fresh slices of fruit. And two cups filled with water. “Looks good, I guess I am hungry. A deep voice huh, I wonder! Maybe she has someone helping her.” Pointing to the mattress next to him he beckoned to her. “Sit down, Fern, I promise not to bite, you anyway.” Smiling, he popped a slice of apple in his mouth.

Fern frowned then sat down as close to the edge as she could. “How about we go to Elizabeth’s house tonight after dark, Rowen? Maybe we’ll find out who he was. We could hide in the bushes outside the back door and wait.” She bit into a piece of the strong goat cheese and grimaced. Taking a drink of the cool water, she washed it down as quickly as she could. She watched Rowen eating his own cheese and let her gaze travel over his finely sculptured features. With his black hair so long, and pulled back in the rawhide string, he looked the part of a Puritan. Right now his hair was in disarray from lying down and she had to fight an impulse to smooth it back with her fingers.

“
You know, I think we could get by with it, Fern. I thought I saw a paddock out the back window, maybe we’ll get lucky and Mary will have a horse here we can ride instead of walking again. I’ll go look after we eat.” He winked at her when she creased her brows. “You’re not afraid of horses are you, Fern?”

“
N… no, not really. I really don’t know. I’ve never ridden one, to tell you the truth.” She turned away to avoid his amusement. “You don’t look anything like your pictures in the
Salem Evening Newspaper,
Rowen.”

“
Pray tell, do I look better or worse?” He thrust his jaw out for her inspection.

Fern’s cheeks turned red then, she shouldn’t have opened her mouth. “Hmm, let me see.” Getting up, she stood in front of him and stared down into his eyes. With her chin in her hand she scrutinized him, twisting her head from one side to the other.

Grabbing her by her hips, Rowen pulled her down to sit on his knee. “Damn it woman, if you have to think that hard on it, you must think I’m pretty hideous.”

Fern giggled when his fingers dug through the material of her dress against her hipbones. She was terribly ticklish. Squirming against him she struggled to get up, she’d promised herself to avoid this type of contact. “Let me go, Rowen, I need to go clean up before we leave.”

Rowen let his hand slide up her back to rest at the nape of her neck. With his other hand entwined in the auburn locks, he pulled her head back until she was turned to him, their mouths only millimeters apart. He looked into her eyes and saw her desire; she wanted him, a fact that brought instant heat to his groin. “I think we have something to finish, don’t we, Fern?”

Even with the thick material between them, she could feel the impact she was having on him. “I’ve decided we should…” She moaned softly when his lips moved against hers like soft butterfly wings, caressing her lips in a sweet and tantalizing way. When he drew his lips over her neck then up to nibble her earlobe she fought for control. Standing quickly, she backed away from him until she felt sure she could get away if he reached for her again. “Rowen, listen to me. I’ve decided not to let this happen between us. When we go home, you’ll be off in your own world and I in mine. We have nothing in common away from here, you have to agree with me about that.”

The empty spot on his lap left him feeling cold. “I will never forget you, Fern, never. As long as I live you’ll be a part of my life, don’t you know that?”

“
Sure, like your business associates. One day I’ll be just as indispensable and you know it. I meant what I told you before, Rowen, I’m saving myself for the man I will one day love. Now please promise me you’ll stop trying to tempt me.” She watched the corners of his mouth deepen to a sulking frown. “Promise me, Rowen!”

“
I won’t, Fern. I can’t; you’re much too tempting. I’ll only promise you that I’ll try.” Standing, he pulled his coat back over the ruffles of his sleeves and slid the ridiculous shoes back on before heading to the door. “It takes two, Fern, give me one indication that you desire my touch, and I’ll have you in that bed before you can decide if love will satisfy you as much as I can.”

Fern stumbled to the bed and sat down before her knees gave out. It was pure torture to deny their physical attraction. She’d never had thoughts about a man like she did for Rowen. She almost felt like she should repent. What if she did give in and go all the way, what then? Flinging herself back against the pillow she caught his lingering scent and closed her eyes. She never was one for timing, and it seemed now was no exception. Jumping, she sat back up when the door flew open. Rowen stood staring at her from the doorway.

“
I’ve found a horse, he’s a big brute, but I don’t think we’ll have much trouble with him, come on, let’s go.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

The small cave had been abandoned. Jonathan stood hunched over, looking around for signs of where Rowen and Fern might have gone. He was still trying to adjust his eyes to the darkness when the old woman spoke his name. He had no fear of her and many times had to ignore her for the sake of his love for Mary. “What do you want, old woman? Leave me, or I shall have ye arrested.” Ducking through the opening of the cave, he towered over her when they came face to face.

“
You hath seen the man from your future?” Elizabeth croaked the words.

“
I have, and I know your plan, Elizabeth Wilds. Ye will be stopped before ye can cause any more pain to befall my love.” He growled back into her wrinkled old face.

Elizabeth studied him from behind half closed lids, scanning his rich attire to allow her eyes to rest on the gold chain where it shined behind the white of his shirt. “How might ye have my daughter’s cross?”

“
She gave it to me when I last spoke to her. She has placed it in my safe keeping.” Unconsciously he placed his hand over his chest as if she could stop his heart with just one of her evil glares. Walking around her until he could make his escape, he paused only once. “Leave these people alone, Elizabeth, or face the consequences.”

“
You have no power over me, Jonathan Nichols. Ye and your sweet wife will die, this I promise ye.”

Jonathan watched her turn on her heels and limp away. With his fingers wrapped around the cross he made a decision. If the old lady won and he did die, he didn’t want her to gain possession of the cross. By the look on her face she wanted it, most likely for one of her evil deeds. He entered the cave again, groping around until he found a large rock. He buried it in the very back of the cave in the soft sand, and then covered it with the rock. One day he would come back for it, one day, when the old woman was gone for good.

* * * *

“
Shhh Fern, we don’t want the old witch to see us.” Fern was sitting in the tall grass next to him. She’d just sneezed and was now sniffling from it.

“
Sorry, Rowen!” Fern whispered back. “I have terrible allergies.” Sitting up on her knees, she let her hand rest on his shoulder for support. She hadn’t realized she’d been rubbing her fingers gently back and forth until he looked down into her eyes. “Oops!” she let her hand fall and turned her eyes back toward the house. “I think she’s back, a candle just lit.”

Rowen followed her gaze back to the house. Fern was right, Elizabeth was back. Picking up her hand he stood up, taking her with him. “Come on, let’s get closer. I want to hear if she speaks.”

“
Do you think we should, what if she sees us?” Fern tried to still the butterflies in her belly. She was more nervous than she thought she would be.

“
She won’t, Fern, let’s just duck down right here under the porch, she’ll never know.”

They sat waiting, for how long, they didn’t know. If they could just find out who was helping Elizabeth, then maybe they would have something to start with. It seemed hours had gone by and Rowen was thinking it might be best to go back to the cottage when they both heard heavy footsteps of boots on the porch. Rowen felt Fern’s fingers dig into his thigh again and flinched. He looked into her wide eyes and pressed his finger against his lips. They both waited and listened in silence.