The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (18 page)

His eyes darkened into molten gold. She looked away, afraid he might notice her longing to reach up and touch his lips with hers.

“Can you make it a little longer?”

“Yes.”

He moved her from his lap to his side. Then, he put an arm around her and pulled her head down on his shoulder. “You’re safe now.”

Thea reached up and touched her face where his fingers had been. Her skin still held the warmth and tenderness. Her mouth yearned for his. She didn’t want a convenient marriage with this man. She wanted to be his wife in every way.

But what did he want? He seemed resolved to keep her at arm’s length, and yet at other times, she seemed close to breaking through the wall he kept between them. Her mama always managed to make her papa forget any irritation he might feel toward his wife. She'd have him laughing and hugging her in a short time. Thea remembered watching their interaction. Thea had much to learn about men, especially the one she married.

* * * *

Enclosed in this small space weakened his resolve. Every time he got near her the desire to reach out and fold her in his arms became more irresistible. Damn, why did he not bring her sister with them? Because the wolf wanted her alone? Had he given in to the wolf’s desire or the man’s? The two were becoming more closely intertwined. Time was running out for any chance he had for happiness. He wanted to make this a real marriage. First, he must break the curse. Until then, he had to stay far away from his bride.

* * * *

Home. The lights welcomed them as they turned the curve and road up the drive to the house. His butler opened the front door and hurried down the steps to greet Wulf and his wife as soon as the carriage came to a stop. Wulf had sent a letter earlier, with instructions to have a meal waiting and Lady Radford’s room prepared.

Wulf stepped out and turned to assist Thea. Her soft gloved hand took his as she stepped down. “Welcome to your new home, Althea.” Wulf watched her carefully to see her reactions. A sweet smile crossed her face.

“It is lovely.”

“A bit old fashioned inside. My housekeeper, Mrs. Sanders, will take you on a tour,” he said, as they climbed the steps to the front door. “You may change any of the interior you wish.”

Thea looked up, surprise on her face. “I may rearrange furniture and paint and change curtains?”

They stood at the front door. His butler had stepped inside to direct the placement of their cases. Light from the chandelier lit the entranceway. Wulf touched her chin with his fingers and leaned down close to her face. “Any room, except for my study and library.” Her sweet breath wafted warm across his lips. Without hesitation, he touched his lips on hers, gentle and fleeting. Then, he straightened, put out his arm to her, and led her inside to introduce the new Lady Radford to his staff.

Standing back he observed her, a slight flush still colored her cheeks. She was a temptation he could ill afford. How could he stem the tide of desire that swamped him whenever she was near? He’d made a terrible error in thinking he had such good control.

Mrs. Sanders offered to take his wife to her room to freshen up before their late-night supper. Wulf nodded, then followed them to the staircase and watched as Althea ascended the stairs to the second floor.

* * * *

Thea glanced back just as Wulf disappeared into a room off the entranceway.

“Don’t worry, Lady Radford. You have plenty of time and then you can enjoy the good food our cook prepared to welcome ye home.” Mrs. Sanders shuffled her along like a mother hen.

They turned left, and Thea followed Mrs. Sanders down a long narrow corridor. Near the end, Mrs. Sanders opened a door and motioned her in.

“This is your room. The décor may not be to your taste. You will probably want to make changes.”

The dark crimson colors made the room darker, even though several candles were lit. Crimson and gold curtains hung at the windows. The bedspread matched the rest of the room. Yes, she definitely planned to decorate her room to suit her taste. Thea’s heart beat fast with excitement. She’d been surprised and pleased when Wulf told her she could do as she wished in the house. She’d not dared to hope for so much freedom to make this truly her home.

“I’ll leave you. Dottie, the upstairs maid, will come and bring you down to the dining room. Do you need anything right now?”

“No, thank you, Mrs. Sanders.” Thea watched as the short, stout woman strode off. Shutting her door, she again noted the room's decor. Wulf’s first wife had probably decorated this room. What type of person would enjoy the strong regal colors? Thea didn’t. They were too dark and heavy for her. Tomorrow she'd start looking for materials and order paint or wallpaper to lighten the room and reflect her own style.

Looking around the room, Thea saw an adjoining door and shivered. Whether from excitement or fear, she wasn't certain. There was so much she didn't know or understand about the man she married. She walked to the two large windows and stared out. In the moonlight, she saw what appeared to be a wide expanse of meadow spreading toward the forest. She recalled her first sight of the house, stately and solid. Was it a refuge for her and Elvie, or not?

Thea spotted a gold trimmed pitcher and basin sitting on a small table with a mirror hung on the wall above. She quickly washed her face and hands and fluffed the short hair around her face, pleased with how it curled along the edge. She’d have liked it all cut short, but this little bit did make her look somewhat different.

“Lady Radford.” A young woman stood at her door. “I am to show you to the dining room.”

Thea followed her back down the stairs and along another corridor. Wulf greeted her at the door.

“Join me. Our cook has outdone herself. We have a feast.”

On the oblong mahogany table sat platters of ham, potatoes, bread, and other vegetables and fruit. A place setting was arranged at each end.

Wulf pulled out her chair. Thea hesitated. Then deciding to be bold and start her new life the way she wanted, she took her plate and silver to the chair on Wulf’s left side.

“This table is too long. I wouldn’t be able to converse with you from way down there.”

Wulf appeared surprised, then lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug and came around to pull out the chair where she stood. As they ate, silence filled the room with only the click of silverware or dishes being moved. Thea refused to let the tension ruin her appetite.

“I plan to start the redecorating with my room,” she told him.

“I imagined the red and gold colors would not be your choice.”

Laughter bubbled up. “It reminds me of a queen’s room. I see myself more as the queen’s servant.”

His intent scrutiny stopped her laughter, and she held his gaze. His warm hand reached out and touched her hair curling around her face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t talk with you first. I never dreamed you would care if I cut my hair.”

Her words seemed to wake him from a trance, and he snatched his hand back. “It’s not important.” The words came out rough and tight.

“You’re wrong. You have done so much for me and I want to be a wife you will be proud to acknowledge.”

His golden eyes warmed her with their fire. Reaching out, he cupped her face in his hands and ran his thumb across her lips. She turned her face and kissed the inside of his calloused hand.

He withdrew his hand. “We should finish our meal,” he said, his voice low and raspy. Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention to his food.

“Perhaps I might play the pianoforte for you tonight,” she suggested.

For a long moment, he observed her, then he stood and bowed. “Thank you, but I have papers needing my attention. I hope you rest well.” His boots rang across the floor as he left the room.

Puzzled, Thea put her fork down, her appetite gone. When he had touched her hair and face, a strange longing curled inside her, an aching need for him to touch all of her. She wanted to run after him and throw herself against his long lean body. Would he pull away or would he catch her up in his arms and hold tight? She was not brave enough to test him, at least not yet.

Thea had no idea how to break through the wall her new husband seemed determined to keep between them. She pushed her chair back. Standing in the doorway to the dining room, the house seemed strangely silent. No one was in sight. She could pull the bell cord, but did not want to disturb anyone. Finding her way back to her room would be her first challenge.

* * * *

Wulf stared out the window into the dark and clenched his fist. He’d certainly not handled things well at dinner. He acted more like an awkward oaf than a titled gentleman. His desire for Thea continued to intensify. What was happening to him? Also, the desire to change was so powerful his body ached with holding it back.

Why fight it? Perhaps a run in the woods might help. Standing in the shadows, he watched Thea go to her room. He waited, then quietly went to his bedroom and locked their connecting door. Thomas, his valet, came in as Wulf turned.

Wulf’s patience wore thin while Thomas took his time helping him out of his tight jacket and boots and arranging his things neatly. Wulf put on his robe.

“That will be all, Thomas. I see you have warm water waiting in the tub. I will bathe later. First, I'll read.”

“As you wish, my lord.” Thomas bowed and left.

The house settled for the night, only a few creaks could be heard on occasion. Wulf went back to the adjoining door and unlocked it. The room was dark, except for a stream of moonlight. On the bed, he saw a small mound. Going across the room, he looked down on Thea.

Her head lay on a soft pillow, her black hair a sharp contrast to the snowy white pillowcase. One hand was under her head, the other curled around the covers. He spotted the ruffle around the neck of her nightgown. Every fiber in his being wanted to pull the coverings off and tear the gown to bare her body to his eyes. His lips yearned to kiss her white skin and feel her respond to his desire. Sweat broke out on his brow.

Wulf stepped back and took a deep breath. She stirred, moved, than settled. He must leave now or he’d never be able to. His body ached to touch her, lay against her, to drown himself in her softness. He practically ran to his door. Closing it, he snapped the lock and leaned against the wood panel. His heart pounded. It was time to change and get away.

Pushing his large chest of drawers aside, he slipped through the secret door and lit the candle placed at the side of the rock wall. He hurried down and along the narrow passageway to the end. Here he shed his robe and his body began its painful movements to change the man into the large wolf.

He stretched his muscles and moved toward a small opening in the wall. Sliding through, he came out behind a large hedge. Quickly, he ran to the protecting trees and leapt across a stream. He ran hard along familiar territory.

His nose picked up the scent of a deer and other small animals. For hours, he ran headlong through the forest, all thoughts clouded by the wolf's enjoyment of the moment. Muscles strained and sweat soaked the brown fur. After a quick plunge in the stream, he stood on the edge of the water and shook himself. Human emotions fueled his energy. Toward dawn, his pace slowed. Tired, he crept toward the edge of the woods. It was late to be returning. Faint light touched the horizon. He waited in the shadows, sensing for humans. No one was about. The powerful wolf sprinted across the open area. For a second, Wulf thought there was movement at an upstairs window.

He slid through the opening and moaned with pain as his bones cracked and changed him back into the man. Exhausted, he lay still until his breathing slowed, then he pulled on his robe. Upstairs a cold bath waited and hopefully a few hours of sleep.

* * * *

Thea woke early and sat on the side of her bed. She’d had a strange dream of a man standing at her bedside hovering over her. The scene fluttered at the edge of her consciousness. Did she dream it or was it real? She’d been so tired. Pulling on her wrapper, Thea went to the heavy curtains and pulled them aside.

Early dawn shed faint light, and Thea opened a window, taking a deep breath of fresh air. She looked across the meadow to the edge of the forest. Happiness enveloped her. This place wasn’t home yet, but it would be some day.

Something caught her attention. A blur of brown raced across the lawn toward the house. She leaned out the opening. The animal looked like a wolf. But, why would a wolf leave the protection of the forest to race toward a house? She must be mistaken. Perhaps Wulf had a large dog? Yes, that must be it. She closed the window and climbed back into bed and under her warm blankets. In her dream, she saw the strange animal again, racing below her window.

The next thing she heard was the early morning noise of staff moving around and a man hollering to another outside. A soft knock sounded at her door.

“Come in.”

Dottie entered, carrying a tray with a cup, saucer, and pot. “Mrs. Sanders thought you might like a cup of chocolate. Breakfast will be served on the veranda if you like. It's a fine morning.”

“That would be delightful. Is Lord Radford downstairs?”