Page 80 of Magic Touch
Is that what I'm doing? Telling myself it's better to be proper is a way of running from a situation that makes me uncomfortable. There is no doubt that this is not how I planned to meet William's mother. In fact, I never gave any thought to actually meeting the lady at all. Foolish on my part. "As you wish, William."
Disheveled from the events at the coven house, William still looks every bit a gentleman as he pulls me through to the parlor. I hope I look more composed than I feel.
Sitting with Simon in her lap, a beautiful blonde strokes the purring kitten's fur. Her black evening dress is formal and dour at the same time. Its high neckline is ringed with a feminine run of white lace that matches at the sleeve. With the same eyes as William, though a bit sadder, she regards us both with a warm smile.
Simon gives a long meow, then resumes his purring.
William crosses and kisses her cheek. "It's good to see you, Mother. What brings you to town?"
Her slim shoulders lift in a slight shrug. "I had a feeling I might be needed."
William watches her with eyes full of love and admiration. "I see you have met Esme's cat, Simon. May I introduce Miss Esme O'Dwyer. Esme, this is my mother, Theodora Meriwether."
I make a curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Meriwether."
"You are lovers?" she asks, making no pretense at why her esteemed son might be bringing a woman home late at night.
"We are committed to each other." William corrects his mother without denying anything.
Somehow his telling her that warms me, and I feel less nervous. I want her to like me, but it's comforting to know that regardless of his mother’s feelings, William and I will not be parted.
Theodora lifts one brow. "I see. Perhaps you have more to tell me about the events since last we wrote to each other?"
"There is more to tell," William admits. He turns to Rogers, the butler who is hovering in the doorway. "Is there anything left from supper, Rogers? I'm famished, and I'm certain Miss O'Dwyer is hungry as well."
"I shall go and check with Cook."
Henry smiles and bows before he, too, leaves us alone in the parlor.
Theodora's eyes narrow. "You had no supper?"
William offers me a seat on an overstuffed sofa across from his mother, and sits beside me. "We had a rather large meal with some friends, but it seems like a long time ago now."
"Friends?"
Simon jumps down and runs over to the curtains, where he bats at the tassels hanging near the floor.
Brushing the black and white hair from her black dress, Theodora examines us both for a long moment. "What is going on? Who are you, Esme O'Dwyer? How did the two of you meet? Who are these friends you dined with?"
On a long breath, William leans back against the cushion. "May I ask you something before I answer, Mother?"
She inclines her head. "Ask."
"Did you know father was a witch who suppressed his gifts?"
Never in my wildest imagination had I expected him to ask her such a thing. I gasp and cover my mouth to prevent further shock from pushing its way out.
In contrast, William's mother is not shocked. She looks perfectly calm, and perhaps even relieved. Her hair is swept into a stylish coif with curls creating a crown. She pats at one side with her palm. "Of course, I knew. He couldn't hide anything from me. He told me when you were three and nearly died in a fall from a horse. He saved you and had no choice but to make a confession."
William stares at the floor. "Why did neither of you ever tell me?"
"If you had not inherited the affliction, there was no point. I'm sure your father intended for you to be told if ever you showed signs of magic. You didn't, so he thought the spell that holds the family benign worked. It worked on him unless he was extremely upset." Sorrow floods her eyes, and she pulls a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabs her eyes. "When you went to war, and said nothing of strange happenings, I kept his secret as well."
"Do you have gifts as well, Mrs. Meriwether?" I keep my voice soft and hope she's not offended by the question.
"I don't know. I sense things. I could tell something was wrong with William. Two days ago, I felt a sense of loss and horror, then relief. I sense now that you are in danger. It is why I returned to Windsor."
"I see."
