Page 88 of Tempting the Highland Spy
“If you don’t mind me saying so, they seem a bit eccentric. What was that about love potions?”
A bit of color drained from Belle’s face. “Oh, dear, I was hoping you hadn’t taken her seriously.”
“Of course not. It was rather odd, though, when Lady Edythe mentioned she’d said too much. She definitely has a talent for making it seem as if she’s revealing some grand secret.”
“Edythe does enjoy stirring a scandal where there is none, but she did touch upon the truth.”
“What do you mean?”
“I do feel I can trust you, Grace. I pray you will not think ill of me.” Belle swept her long, unpinned hair over her shoulder. “Who knows what else she’ll say, so I suppose I need to explain. You see, before I left America I dabbled in…shall we say…the arcane arts. Parlor tricks, really.”
“Did you actually blend potions?” Grace infused surprise in her voice.
“I toyed with the notion of spellcasting. The idea intrigued me…at first.”
“Surely it was all harmless fun.”
A look of regret clouded Belle’s expression. “In the beginning, I believed it was. It seemed an amusement, nothing more.”
“Did something happen?”
Belle looked away, her gaze seeming to trace the path of a hawk soaring across the sky. “My father died.”
“You cannot possibly believe there was a connection.”
“I don’t know.” Anguish made the words a raw whisper. “Father wanted to keep me from Donnal. Once, not long before his accident, I had the most awful thought.” Her sigh held notes of grief. “I wished him out of my life…forever.”
“Belle, you cannot think you had anything to do with his death. It was an unfortunate coincidence.”
“If only I could be sure.” She wrung her hands nervously. “After my father’s death, I wanted no part of it.”
Grace pulled in a breath. Witnessing Belle’s distress was difficult. She had not anticipated her grief. “And your fiancé… Was he also involved with…magic?”
Belle came to her feet and gripped the side rail of the gazebo, as if to steady herself. “In the beginning, I’d thought it was all rather amusing, like a magician’s trick, but now, I cannot be sure. Suppose it was real. Suppose—”
“Of course it wasn’t real. You shouldn’t torment yourself like this.”
“There are times when I’m afraid. I shouldn’t tell you this, but somehow, you’re the only one I feel I can trust. Donnal assured me he’d given it up. But I feel he’s lying. Why else would he associate so closely with Lady Sybil?”
Grace pictured the woman and her niece, recalling no resemblance between them and Raibert. “I was wondering about their connection.”
“The ties between their families span generations. Or so I’m told. Beyond that, I know little, other than it seems they’re always in tow. I first made their acquaintance when we arrived in Scotland several weeks ago. Lady Sybil and Lady Edythe were visiting in the city. Since then, they’ve been a near constant presence.” Belle looked away again, seeming to collect her thoughts. “I don’t really mind. Not for the most part, at least.”
“Lady Edythe seemed excited by the prospect of meeting Mr. Thornquist. With any luck, he’ll sweep her off her feet.”
“And out of my life.” Belle pressed her hand to her mouth. “Oh, goodness, I am sorry to be so blunt.”
“There’s no need to be sorry. I am your friend. I want nothing but the best for you.”
The thinnest of smiles lifted the corners of Belle’s mouth. “That means a great deal to me, Grace.”
“It won’t be long before you’re settled in here. Leaving New York behind was a difficult transition. But you’ll do well.”
“If only I didn’t feel my every move was being scrutinized. It’s so very awkward.”
“Surely their interference will come to an end once you and Donnal have celebrated your vows. After all, you’ll be the lady of the house then.”
“There are times when I don’t want to be here. Not with them. Not with Donnal.” Belle’s lower lip trembled. “Do you ever… have you ever felt that way with your husband?”
The question caught her by surprise. “At times,” Grace replied, trying not to stumble over her words. “It’s normal to have jitters before one’s wedding.”
“It’s not quite so simple as that.” Tears brimmed in Belle’s eyes. “If I wanted to leave, there’s no way out. You see, we’ve already spoken our vows.”
