The Marriage Spell Read Online Free Page A

in.”
    Someone muttered, “Not only a wyrdling, but a woman. The poor devil’s luck has finally failed him.”
    A blond man with a military air gave the other fellow a quelling glance before turning back to Abby. “Where shall we take him?”
    â€œThis way.” To the footman, she said, “Bring a medical kit immediately.” Then she led the men into the dining room. The parlor maid yanked the decorative epergne from the center of the table.
    â€œMove him carefully,” Abby said. As the limp, heavy body was shifted sideways onto the tabletop, she clasped the bloodied head firmly to keep it steady during the transfer. When he was settled, she used her fingertips to explore the gash in his skull. Long and gory, but not too serious, she thought.
    She was wiping her hands on her apron when she got a clear look at the victim’s battered face.
Jack Langdon.
Or more accurately, Lord Frayne. She must remember to think of him as Lord Frayne.
    The smile was gone, the strong body broken, the pulse of his life force barely a flicker. If he wasn’t such a strong man, he would be dead already. She felt a wrench of deep sorrow that his warmth and laughter had been snuffed out so senselessly.
    She glanced around the room. Most of the men who had carried the victim shifted uneasily, not certain what to do. Their restlessness was distracting. “There’s no need for you gentlemen to stay, and your horses shouldn’t be left standing around in a cold wind. I’ll know more later, after I’ve examined him.”
    Looking relieved at having permission to escape, five of the seven left. The green-eyed fellow and the blond military man stayed. The former said, “I’m Ashby and this is Ransom. We’ve known Lord Frayne for a long time. Perhaps we can help.”
    Her brows arched as she realized this must be the Duke of Ashby. She knew that the duke hunted around Melton, but she’d never seen him. He wasn’t what she would have expected of a duke. “Thank you, your grace.”
    He gave her a twisted smile. “Ashby will do.”
    The footman arrived with the medical kit. As she laid several pieces of cotton gauze over the bleeding scalp wound to make a temporary bandage, Ransom asked, “Shall we cut the boot off his right leg?”
    She glanced up, wondering where on earth he’d been concealing that very lethal-looking dagger. “Not yet. He’s lost a lot of blood, but I’m afraid that in his present condition, any jostling might drain what little strength he has left. Wait until I’ve examined him so that we know what we’re dealing with.”
    The knife disappeared. Abby hoped that Ransom wouldn’t feel inclined to use it if she was unable to save his friend. She started her examination by pricking Frayne’s hands and legs with a needle. There wasn’t even a twinge of response. Not good. “Please be very quiet while I do the scanning.”
    Both men nodded. She was glad they knew enough not to waste her time with questions. She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath as she meditated. Accurate scanning required total concentration, yet also deep relaxation. Nothing less would allow her to grasp the full extent of Lord Frayne’s injuries.
    When she was centered, she opened her eyes and attempted to scan—and sensed nothing. All she could see was his battered physical body, the same as any nonwizard would see. A second attempt at scanning was equally unsuccessful.
    â€œLord Frayne must be carrying a charm to shield himself from magic, because I can’t scan him.” Which meant the charm was exceptionally powerful. Her magic was strong enough that most such spells didn’t affect her, but this one stopped her cold. She could probably penetrate it given time, but she had neither time nor power to spare.
    â€œDo you know where he carries it? If so, could you remove it?”
    The men exchanged a