Page 94 of Magic Touch
"That the Great Mother marry Esme and me in your tradition and immediately." I remain standing and take Esme's hand.
With a look at Minerva, and then at Sylvia, Sara Beth says, “My mother would say your children will be too powerful and tip the balance. I begin to question a great deal of what my mother believed. She ruled by fear. Her own, and that of others. It is too heavy a burden to continue in this way. I want to be a priestess who listens and rules with love. Is that not possible?" She turns to Prudence, sitting at the foot of the table.
"My child, you are not your mother. Betty was a good woman and a fine leader for her time. She didn't see any way to do this but on her own, and not asking for help cost her life. You are far smarter and more powerful. You see the value in love and in the witches who would be loyal to you. The decision is yours." Prudence opens her arms then lets them settle on the table.
Sara Beth turns to Esme and me. A wide smile breaks across her face, turning her from pretty to beautiful in an instant. "You are granted your condition. Gather your mother, who I know will not wish to be excluded, and your people, and we shall celebrate this night."
I'm about to ask questions, but Esme tightens her grip on my hand.
Sara Beth gives orders to have the lower level prepared for a wedding. She also sends Minerva, Vivian, and two other witches to the castle to fortify the magical defenses.
"We should go and get ready. But I have no gown suitable for a marriage." She looks down at her day dress. "This will have to do."
Once we're in the carriage, I pull her into my arms. "I would marry you in rags, my love. But I think we can find you a gown. Let's see what Mother can do."
Her face pinkens to the most charming shade. "I wouldn't want to be a bother to anyone."
"You will offend her if you don't let her help."
Samuel drives quickly through Windsor and jerks the horse to a halt in front of my townhouse.
In the foyer, I call for Mother and the staff. Once everyone has gathered with shocked expressions at being summoned, perhaps for the first time ever in such a way, I announce, "Miss Esme O'Dwyer has agreed to become my wife. We shall save the traditional English ceremony for banns to be read. However, tonight, at the stroke of midnight, a wedding in the bride's tradition will be held across town. I would be pleased if any of you wish to attend, and not offended if some of you prefer to remain here."
Mother is agape for several unladylike seconds before she snaps her mouth closed. "We need a gown. Anne! Take two footmen and find my trunk in the attic. Those dresses will need some alterations, but they should do nicely."
Esme leans toward me. "Is she happy or put out? I can't tell."
"I think happy." I kiss her hand.
Staff run in every direction. Cook calls for Mirna, the scullery maid. "We'll not show up without a full pot with all the fixings. Come on, girl, seven hours, and we'll be at the wedding of Sir William and his lady."
Dove marches forward. "May I offer my congratulations, sir, miss? I'm very happy for you both."
I offer my hand. "Thank you, Henry. Will you stand as my best man?"
For just an instant, emotion overwhelms Henry's eyes. It's gone just as fast. "It would be my honor, Will." He shakes my hand then rushes up to my rooms, probably to brush out my best suit.
Mother grabs Esme by the hand and drags her away, saying how thrilled she is.
Esme looks back at me with terrified eyes.
I shrug and head upstairs with more joy than I have in my entire life.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
ESME
I never in my life expected to marry anyone. It's just not that common for a witch to marry. A lone witch might. My mother became a lone witch so that she could marry my father.
I have been ordered to wait in the carriage outside the coven house. It's the first moment I've had to catch my breath and think about agreeing to join the coven. My mother might be rolling in her grave.
The door swings open, William jumps in, and takes my hands. "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing."
"If you're going to lie, you'll have to close your mind off, my love. I know something is troubling you. If you don't wish to marry so quickly, I'll call all of this off. I'll wait for you no matter how long you need. I thought this was what you wanted." The abject despair in his handsome face is near comical.
