The Marquis' Mystical Witch (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Online Free Page B

ham.
    “I know of the family,” his mother said. “Beckett is a Viscount and rather an upstart. He inherited his title from his brother. The previous viscount and his wife died within months of each other, leaving two daughters. From what I have heard, the girls are penniless, except for whatever the uncle will provide. He and his wife are rather cold-natured and colorless, if you ask me. Without a dowry, I doubt the girl will have a successful season this time either.”
    “You always amaze me with your superior knowledge, Mother.” Wulf saluted her with his coffee cup.
    His mother raised her chin. “Don’t be impertinent, young man.”
    He let out a harsh laugh. “Evidently you don't think I'm young. Your frequent insistence that I find a wife indicates you must be afraid I shall see my demise before I can provide an heir.”
    “Your father died unexpectedly at fifty-four and now your brother—" She blinked rapidly.
    Wulf reached out to touch her, but she quickly moved her hand into her lap. He shoved the momentary pain down deep inside.
    "You must consider your matrimonial duties as the marquis,” his mother said.
    “Are you sure I need to wed, Mother? With no heir, your 'problem' will go away when I die."
    “That is enough. We will not speak of unpleasant topics at the breakfast table.” Her chair scraped as she stood. “I must prepare for my friends who will be calling later.”
    She stalked out, head high and back rigid. A small hand reached out and covered his. Jane’s heart-shaped face wore a worried expression.
    “Smile, little one. I don't want to see you get wrinkles.” He lifted his other hand and traced a finger across the lines on her forehead. “How will I ever get rid of you, if you persist on ruining your face?” He brushed a kiss across her hand.
    “You do love to tease me. But seriously, Mama does not mean to sound harsh. She has a headache from all the noise and smoke last night.”
    “Always the peacemaker. What will I do when some lucky man whisks you away?”
    “We will visit often, just to annoy you,” she said and grinned. “But why did you ask about the Beckett's?”
    “I believe I met Miss Althea Beckett last night, but we were not properly introduced. I hoped we might see her today, while out riding, and you could make the introduction.”
    Jane turned her head to the side, studying her brother. “Have you an interest in her?”
    “She's aroused my curiosity.”
    “Are you really looking for a wife?”
    “I haven’t decided.”
    “I believe you and Miss Beckett might suit rather well. Amy said her cousin also prefers the country to town.”
    “But not many women want a scarred man for a husband,” Wulf said.
    Jane jumped up and knelt by his chair. Her sky blue eyes reflected her concern. “You have many women to choose from.”
    “Very few can look me in the face without flinching.” But Miss Althea Beckett had, and she touched him. She removed the pain from his scars. Could she erase the pain in his heart?
     
    * * * *
     
    Thea, Elvie, and Amy rode in their open carriage along the crowded path at Hyde Park. Amy blushed and smiled as several gentleman stopped to tip their hat and greet her. Elvie moved her head from side to side trying to see everything. Her face glowed with pleasure.
    “It’s so exciting. I cannot wait for next year when I'll be eighteen.” Elvie squeezed her sister’s hand. “Do you think I will have my coming out then, truly?”
    Thea said a prayer and forced a smile. “Of course. The man I marry will be pleased to see you have a proper season.”
    The beautiful spring day made Thea yearn for home. She preferred to ride her horse and race across the fields. How could she ever make things turn out right for her and Elvie? Lord Akers had Uncle Rigby’s approval and was determined to court her. Uncle Rigby could not force her to wed him, but if she didn’t do as her uncle wanted, he could place them in an intolerable situation.
    She saw