Page 87 of Tempting the Highland Spy
“Someday,” she agreed. “You care for him. I can see it every time you look at Harry. You deserve to know the ghosts that haunt him.”
“Caring for him is a fool’s game, isn’t it?” Grace questioned softly.
“At times. All through our lives, we face untold danger.”
“And Harrison…” Her eyes locked with the older woman’s. “Is he worth the risk?”
“Only you can answer that, Grace.”
“Thank you—I needed to know… I needed to understand.”
“I thought so,” Mrs. Carmichael said. “There’s something else I must tell you. Please, be extremely cautious when you’re away from Harrison or myself. I do not know who to trust in this place. Raibert makes my skin crawl. I don’t like the look in his eyes.”
“I’m actually starting to feel this has all been a bit of a goose chase. I don’t believe Belle is capable of violence, and Raibert only appears to be guilty of possessing an overblown sense of his own importance. The strangest of the lot are Lady Edythe and Lady Sybil. Both speak as though they practice some sort of witchcraft. But they seem harmless enough. It’s all rather silly, really.”
The color drained from Mrs. Carmichael’s face. “Don’t make the mistake of underestimating them, Grace. I didn’t want to alarm you, but I found something on the bed this morning when I returned from breakfast.”
“What was it?”
The older woman retrieved a small, embossed silver charm from her bag. “It’s an amulet. If my ability to decipher one of these things remains intact, it’s a talisman.”
“Someone tried to put a curse on you?”
“No, just the opposite. This is a protective symbol. Whoever placed this in my room was not a foe.”
“But isn’t that a form of witchcraft?” Just saying the words unsettled Grace, as if she’d traveled back to Salem in 1692.
“It’s possible,” Mrs. Carmichael agreed. “Or the practice may reflect an ancient superstition. At this point, it’s not possible to say. Let’s check this room to see if you received a similargift.”
A quick search of the chamber revealed two similar charms, one placed upon each pillow.
“Well, this is unsettling. Although, it could be worse,” Grace said, swallowing against a tiny pinch of fear. “It appears someone wishes to protect us.”
“The question is—against what?” Mrs. Carmichael’s tone was matter-of-fact as she went to the door. “Do be cautious, dear. Takenothingfor granted. And trust no one. I suspect this is only the beginning.”
Grace rushed back to the study where Belle waited for her. She flashed a smile and laughed softly.
“I was about to send a search party for you.”
“I am sorry. My secretary, Mrs. Carmichael, was involved with some correspondence that required my attention.”
“Oh, I do understand,” Belle said. “Shall we move to the terrace? Lady Sybil and Lady Edythe won’t be joining us.”
“Of course,” she agreed, eager to drink in fresh air and the beauty of the surrounding grounds. She’d enjoy putting her pencil and pad to good use capturing the scene. And, perhaps, she’d gain more insight into Belle in the process.
They strolled beyond the confines of the house. The aroma of spring flowers surrounded them, a light, delightful blend of scents. Belle said little until they reached the gazebo, well out of earshot of those in the house. She swept her skirts to the side and settled on a wooden bench. “Lady Sybil developed a megrim, and her niece immediately followed suit. I did not realize they were contagious.”
“What a pity. I so enjoyed speaking with Lady Sybil.”
Belle nodded knowingly. “She’s not so bad as she seems. At least, I keep telling myself that.”
Grace set her drawing book on the bench, but she was too restless to sit. She leaned against the pillar of the wooden structure. “I’m starting to feel I’ve offended the woman in some way. It’s the oddest thing.”
“Don’t give it any thought. If I did, I’d go mad. Lady Edythe tries to be pleasant, but her aunt is a well-spoken dragon in silk.”
“Perhaps she’s gone to mix up a potion,” Grace said lightly as she watched for Belle’s reaction.
Belle cocked a brow. “I suspect herpotionscontain a good deal of laudanum. I certainly would not touch one.”
