Page 41 of Potions and Proposals
“The Mathersons can hardly claim superiority; they’ve had their equal taste in blood.”
“That’s enough, Lucy,” Wilhelmina snapped, resting her hands on the table.
Grams ate another mouthful of tiramisu, eyes flicking from Benedict to Emerson with evident enjoyment. Lucinda ignored her mum, keeping her attention fixed on him.
“She’s right. My family have many sins to repent for. Not all families can be as Good as the Hawthornes,” Benedict said, not caring to let Lucinda see how much her words had cut him.
Wilhelmina turned her attention to Emerson, and Benedict leaned in close to Lucinda. “Though I think you’re being a little hypocritical,” he added, glancing pointedly at the fire roaring behind them.
“I warned you not to antagonise him! This ismywork you’re threatening with your dick-measuring contest!” she hissed back. For a moment he thought she might pick up her dessert and throw it at him.
“Are you sure you two are engaged?” Emerson half-joked.
“Yes.”
“No.”
Their replies came at the same time. Still glaring at each other, neither were willing to be the first to break away.
“You’re so beautiful when you’re angry,” Benedict said suddenly, pulling Lucinda close and kissing her cheek for real this time. He didn’t know what had come over him, but when he leaned back he could still feel the warmth of her skin against his lips.
To his delight, Lucinda blushed. “Benedict, why do you have to be such a—” she started, but Grams interrupted.
“Lucy, will you give me a hand clearing the dishes? I think we’ve all had enough for one evening.”
Benedict sensed the old woman wasn’t talking about the dessert.
“Happily,” Lucinda bit out, nudging him away. He didn’t even attempt to hide his smile. Even if she was angry at him, Emerson was no longer her main focus.
“Let me give you a hand cleaning up,” the professor offered as Wilhelmina reached for his plate. “No, I won’t hear of it. Benedict will help,” Wilhelmina smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Benedict evidently wasn’t the only one eager for him to leave the table.
“She’s right. You’re a guest – you shouldn’t have to lift a finger,” Benedict said, taking the plates from Wilhelmina. Clearly, the High Priestess wasn’t going to let the two of them be alone in the same room together. If every inch of him hated the order Emerson belonged to, he hated the thought of him getting close to Lucinda and the Hawthornes even more.
Hearing hushed voices within, Benedict lingered by the kitchen door, plates piled in his hands. He didn’t want to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t resist once he heard his name.
“I think Benedict has feelings for you,” Grams was teasing.
His chest tightened as he waited for Lucinda to respond.
“Don’t be ridiculous. The only thing he feels for me is disdain.”
Only when you bring strangers to your house!He heard what sounded like a cupboard opening.
“I wouldn’t be so sure. He looked at Emerson like he was going to steal you away,” Grams said. “He came here of his own volition. When has he ever simply dropped by?”
Lucinda sighed. “None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t cast that damn spell.”
Benedict’s ears perked up. He was eager to hear if she’d told him the truth, but the sound of running water quietened their voices and he was forced to move in closer.
“What if the spell did something to him that made him act like this? There’s no way to know what’s true. Anyway, he’s just trying to make sure he doesn’t lose his chance to take my seat as head of the coven. His heart has nothing to do with his motives for being here.”
“A spell or potion can’t fabricate love, nor force anyone to feel or act a certain way. We acted for your own good. Was it rash and in hindsight a terrible decision? Yes, but it’s done now, and you need to keep your eyes and heart open,” Grams said.
The tension in Benedict’s shoulders eased at the knowledge that Lucinda truly hadn’t had any part in causing their elemental switch.
“What about this new professor, then? He seems to have a kind spirit, loves books and history, and works at the university. You both have plenty in common – and he turns up the day after the spell is cast. That’s a lot of coincidences!”
Grams’s list did nothing to ease Benedict’s irritation towards Emerson. It seemed she thought, and maybe Wilhelmina did too, that the spell had called Emerson here.I can’t believe they’d prefer to see Lucinda with a member of the order than withme.He wanted to interrupt before Grams could convince her further, but he also wanted to hear Lucinda’s reply.
