Magic and Mayhem Collection Volume 1, page 10
“It is custom.” Charlotte smiled, though her mother still insisted that she be dressed as a proper English lady. “And you’re one to talk about hair!”
Her cousin smiled sheepishly. “How did you know?”
“That you’d turned it orange? I’m afraid the whole castle knows by now. But never worry. That scarf looks lovely on you, and quite decidedly Gypsy. You will fit right in.”
The feasting and drinking would go well into the night, and probably into tomorrow, but Adam had a much more enjoyable way to celebrate his wedding to Charlotte. It was time to take his bride home. Except it wasn’t to Hollybrook Park, but to the cottage, situated further away from the others, the place he’d built for his grandmother, that would be his and Charlotte’s tonight.
At the nudging of his grandmother, Lady Halesworth came forward and unbraided Charlotte’s golden curls before his grandmother placed the headscarf on her head, knotting it and proclaiming Charlotte to be a married woman.
All Adam wanted to do was sweep her up in his arms, race across the camp, and disappear into the cabin. His mother’s family would cheer and perhaps a few guns would be fired off as laughter followed them. However, it wasn’t just his family here but Charlotte’s too. Her parents had remained seated with his grandmother all evening, taking everything in, smiling politely, though their discomfort was obvious. This was not the type of wedding celebration they were used to in society. The traditional wedding breakfast had been replaced by an outdoor buffet, the earthy dances of the Rom took the place of country dances, and the music came not from a small orchestra on a dais, but from his family’s handmade instruments.
Redgrave, Lord Henry, and Lord Michael enjoyed themselves the most, getting to know Adam’s relatives, asking questions, learning the customs, and dancing with the pretty women. Redgrave, normally sober and controlled, even relaxed and allowed himself to be pulled into a few dances. Adam had expected he would be the one to disappear early, but it had been Lord Henry.
His grandmother nodded and Adam approached; taking Charlotte’s hand, he led her around the merry group toward the cottage. The farther they walked, the darker it became, easing farther and farther from the light and music.
Her small hand trembled in his, and Adam feared she might be having second thoughts. This was rather quick. Quicker than he’d ever imagined, but his heart and soul called for Charlotte, and now she was his.
They paused at the entrance after Adam opened the door. He turned, swept Charlotte up in his arms, entered, and kicked the door shut behind him.
Nineteen
It would be a wedding she’d never forget, but now she was alone with her husband. The violins and laughter could be heard in the distance, and they’d probably hear them long into the night.
Adam let her slide from his arms, her body against his until her toes touched the floor. Her heart pounded and body heated, and she tilted her head back waiting for his kiss.
Instead, Adam grumbled and set her aside.
Had she done something wrong?
“One moment.” With that, he locked the door and pushed a tall dresser in front of it. He then made certain all the windows were locked and curtains were securely closed and nobody could enter.
“My many cousins are drinking heavily tonight.” He laughed. “It is not unusual for them to pull pranks in their inebriated state, and I don’t want them to decide to visit us.”
Her face flamed. “Perhaps we should return to your home or the castle.”
“No, my love.” He drew her back into his arms again. “We are safer here than either of those places, especially Castle Keyvnor.”
Truthfully, Charlotte hadn’t felt safe anywhere since she’d been attacked in Adam’s home.
“Put thoughts of danger from your mind and think only of love.”
“Love?” she blinked at him.
“Yes, love. You are my heart, mate to my soul, the very breath I breathe.”
Her heart melted. “And you are my heart. You lived in me before I ever knew you.”
Adam brushed his lips against hers, ever so lightly and gently. Charlotte ached for more.
“The passion I feel for you is barely contained.”
“Unleash it.”
“I don’t want to rush this.”
“Rush?”
“Passion reigned that first night we kissed. I shall rule it. It is your wedding night, and I want you to know tenderness.”
“What if I don’t want it ruled?” She didn’t. She wanted to be swept away by his lips and his touch. To burn with the need that nearly engulfed her before.
Adam cradled her face in his hands and lowered his lips once more. This time he didn’t tease but pressed on. Charlotte grasped him to her, molding her mouth to his, opening to him, needing to be closer. The flame ignited, her skin heated, her breasts swelled, and her clothing became unbearably tight. She pushed the coat from his shoulders, then started pulling at the buttons on his waistcoat as he loosened the back of her gown. He pushed her away only long enough to slide the sleeves down her body, and soon she was standing in only her shift, with the silk pooled at her feet. He stepped back, keeping her at arm’s length as his blue eyes raked her from head to toe. His heated gaze nearly scorched her.
“So beautiful. So perfect.”
Adam ripped the shirt over his head and then yanked both boots from his feet before returning to her.
“I must see what you’ve hidden from me.”
Charlotte blinked up at him as her face heated. He didn’t really expect her to be completely unclothed outside of the bed, did he?
A slow smile came to his lips. “There is no need to be shy, Charlotte. Not now. Not ever.”
And then, he touched her. Lifting her breasts as if weighing them. Her nipples tightened as heat shot to her most private areas. A moment later Adam pulled her against him, lifting her higher, and his mouth captured one breast through her shift.
Charlotte let her head fall back as a moan escaped her throat.
Adam carried her to the bed and together they fell onto it, their bodies entwining, his lips everywhere, and her hands caressing his skin.
She didn’t know how or when, but soon all clothing was gone and he was upon her, pressing against her womanhood. She wanted this. She needed this now. Charlotte arched and drew his mouth to hers as he thrust. The pain was gone almost as soon as it began and then he moved, drawing back and then forward. An ache, a need, pressure, pleasure, spinning, and building. His lips on hers, his hands on her breasts, her body lifting to meet his.
“Come with me, Charlotte,” he whispered against her mouth.
And with those words, the most extraordinary burst of pleasure exploded deep inside of her as Adam arched and groaned, filling her deeper than he had before. The bed shook at the intensity, and fragile items fell from the shelves, crashing to the floor.
Adam stilled and lifted his head.
Charlotte glimpsed at him. At first, she’d thought the pure, exquisite eruption from within had altered everything around them, but now that she was more aware, coming back to the present, and reality, she realized that the shaking was something else altogether, though she wasn’t sure quite what it was.
“The earth moved,” Adam laughed.
“What do you think happened?”
“I’d like to think it was forces beyond our understanding removing Lord Tyrell from your presence,” he said as he pulled away from her and went to the window. Pushing the curtain to the side he glanced out. “My family, they’re looking to Castle Keyvnor and the sea.”
Charlotte pulled herself from the bed, her legs shaky from what she’d just enjoyed with her husband, and wrapped a blanket around her before joining him to look out. Some of his family was pointing, others were rushing towards the sea. “Do you think we should find out what is going on?”
Adam pulled her close. “If there is an emergency, or if we are needed, they will come for us.” Turning toward her, he hugged her close, then pulled the blanket away. “This is our night, and I’m not leaving this cottage until the light streaks the skies.”
The cloud of passion lifted, and Adam stared at the ceiling while rubbing his hand up and down Charlotte’s back. He’d meant to remain in control. To be gentle and loving. But twice now he’d failed. However, he wasn’t the only one who’d been ruled by passion. She’d torn at his trousers while kissing his chest, needing him to be in her as much as he needed to be there after he’d first undressed her. Her enthusiasm for his touch hadn’t lessened the second time he brought her to him.
Would it always be like this, or was it simply because it was their first night together? As invigorating and satisfying as this was, Adam did hope that in time they could enjoy each other, prolong the ending, giving and getting pleasure, lazy and slow.
Charlotte tilted her head back and smiled up at him. The only thing she wore was the putsi around her neck, which would remain until tomorrow when they were surrounded. The last thing Adam wanted was for Charlotte to be attacked tonight, of all nights. He didn’t fancy fighting a ghost in the nude.
“I do love you, Charlotte Vail.”
“And I so love you.”
Twenty
The camp was quiet when she and Adam emerged from the cottage the following morning. A few people were about, but most everyone was still asleep even though the sun had risen hours ago. Not that Charlotte blamed them. They had celebrated long into the morning hours. She’d heard them.
Whatever had happened last night that caused the ground to shake must not have been so dire or the celebration would have ceased.
Adam took her hand in his as they started for this grandmother’s wagon. Charlotte should be tired as well, having not slept much herself, but instead, she was exhilarated and ready to start her life as Adam’s wife.
And, in the light of day, she had a hard time believing any of this was real. Had she really met a beautiful man, fallen in love, and married in less than a week? She fingered the putsi around her neck. Had she not come for her fortune that first day, her parents may have already buried her instead.
A chill shot down her spine as the memories of being strangled flooded her mind.
The putsi had protected her, but had it made her fall in love too? Would this euphoria of being with Adam disappear once she returned the emerald? That was what she feared most. She hadn’t believed in magic when she arrived at Castle Keyvnor, but she certainly believed in it now. What if what tied them together was magic, a green stone that she must now hand over to his grandmother?
The older woman waited for them, a smile on her wrinkled face. “It is done.”
“I am now free?” Charlotte began to take the putsi from her neck.
“Leave it child. We were only assuming marriage and bedding would keep you safe.”
Her heart skipped a beat. The rushed wedding may not have been necessary? Not that she’d change anything that had happened since she had first glimpsed Adam chopping wood--other than near death--but Charlotte wasn’t certain how she felt about needing to wear this for the rest of her life.
“Remove it at Castle Keyvnor, near your family for your protection. It is where the baron wanders, where his strength may be. If he does not come after you when you remove it there, then you are safe.”
She let the pouch drop and nodded. “I’ll return it to you as soon as I know for certain that I am safe.”
The old woman grasped her hand. “No. Keep it.”
“You might have need for it?”
"The putsi is yours, it cannot help another." Her smile was kind, loving. “The emerald I will hold safe for now and for those who doubt the heart of another. One day, your children will have need, and it will show them their love as well.”
Daughters and sons? Of course she and Adam would have children. He did need an heir and a spare, but she really hadn’t given much thought to children.
“And, since my grandson’s passion for you is so strong, you will see your firstborn before a year has passed.”
Charlotte removed the emerald from the putsi and placed it into Madam Boswell's ancient hand. The woman then took it away, far enough that the glow was no more.
“Is that her fortune, Puri daj? The one Charlotte came looking for?”
“No, Adam. Her fortune is you, and she is yours.”
Charlotte looked up into Adam’s blue eyes. He was her fortune and her future, and her fears this morning were for naught. He was her heart and her soul, and she didn’t need any stone to make it so.
Adam took a deep breath and escorted Charlotte into Castle Keyvnor. They would not remain here as her things had already been delivered to Hollybrook Park, and as soon as the reading of the will was complete, her family would join them there until the wedding. It was the wedding that would be reported in the newssheets, if anyone bothered to ask. As far as Adam cared, he’d not set foot in London again, until it was absolutely necessary. He no longer had need to search for a wife.
Redgrave stepped into the foyer, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “You are still wearing that thing?” Then sent Adam a censuring look. “Did matters not proceed as planned?”
Was the man actually asking if Adam was not successful in bedding his wife? Had Charlotte not been standing there, Adam would have assured Redgrave that he’d done his duty, several times last night.
But as Redgrave was also Charlotte’s older brother, that might not be wise. “My grandmother thought it best to remove it here, where the threat originated, with others present in the event help was needed.
The light humor dropped from Redgrave’s lips and he sobered. “Of course. I’ll summon Michael.”
The brothers returned a short time later. Lord Michael had to be pulled from bed. His hair had not been combed, and his eyes were red from a night of celebration and too much wine. “Must we do this now?” he complained while rubbing his temple.
“Yes. I want it gone,” Charlotte nearly screeched and then grinned when Lord Michael winced.
“You’ve always had a cruel streak.” Lord Michael walked past Adam. “I should have warned you, but now it’s too late.”
“Enough,” she finally said and took a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”
The three of them surrounded her in the sitting room and Adam watched as she lifted the putsi from her neck, stretched out her arm, closed her eyes, and dropped it into his hand.
They waited.
Charlotte opened one eye. Then the other. Then looked around. Not even a slight breeze.
“Step back,” Adam said. Perhaps the putsi was still too close to her person.
They did. Still nothing.
He took another step back, putting distance between himself and his wife while he held tight to the talisman.
The air didn’t even stir.
“It really worked?” she asked in a whisper
Adam moved forward and pulled her into his arms. “It really worked.”
“I’m free,” she cried with happiness, and it was as if he could feel all tension leave her body, as it had a few times last night.
“That all depends on what you consider free. You are stuck with him now.” Lord Michael smirked.
“I’ll have you know that I’m very happy to be stuck with him.”
“And I couldn’t be happier to be stuck with her for the rest of my days.”
Epilogue
Adam took his seat at the back of the formal sitting room as requested. All other chairs were occupied by the relatives and highest-ranking servants in Castle KeyvnorHe was still perplexed as to why he'd been summoned for the reading of the will. The missive had been received this morning, with an apology from the solicitor for having overlooked him.
In truth, Adam believed his being here was a mistake. Banfield hated his grandfather and the feelings were mutual. They were not blood relations and the only closeness they shared was a border between their estates. He was certain that by the time the reading was complete, they'd all realize the mistake of Adam being here, but as he was, he'd try to be attentive and then return to his wife as quickly as possible.
In the Name of God, Amen, I, Jonathan Hambly, Earl of Banfield, of Bocka Morrow in the County of Cornwall, resident of Castle Keyvnor, on this 11th day of August, 1811, being of weak body but of sound mind hereby declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
Gentlemen, first I will that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid by my Trustees and Executors hereinafter named.
I charge my second cousin Allan Hambly, with the care of my wife, Evelyn DeLisle Hambly, shall she survive me. Allan Hambly shall see to her care and comfort within Castle Keyvnor for the remainder of her days. Allan Hambly shall continue to employ the servants who currently serve and see to her care and comfort.
I give and bequeath to my second cousin Allan Hambly the sum of twenty thousand pounds of Lawful money of Great Britain, the same sum my wife brought to the marriage, for her care, comfort and for wages of the servants tasked with her care.
I give and bequeath to my niece Gwendolyn Beck, Marchioness of Halesworth, the blue and gold porcelain tea service.
Adam nearly snorted. His now father-in-law had complained of traveling all this way for the reading of the will, as had his sons as they saw no purpose. He wasn't certain he wanted to be around when they learned it was for a tea service However, Adam was quite happy they'd made the trip because he'd gained far more than he ever dreamed possible--Charlotte, the Halesworth's only daughter, and now Adam's wife.
Maybe he was here simply because he'd married Charlotte and was now related. Though, that didn't make sense because her brothers weren't even here, but waiting back at Hollybrook Park.
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and stifled a yawn as the solicitor droned on about bequeaths. Since he'd married Charlotte he did not sleep much at night. He thought that once the enchanted emerald was no longer in their presence the passion wouldn't be so strong, taking control of their bodies. He soon learned that the emerald had nothing to do with the need they had for the other. Though perhaps they should sleep in separate chambers. Or, they could never leave the bed and simply have meals delivered to them. That would be quite nice and he might just make such a suggestion once he returns.
