Page 2 of Pure Magic
Mr. Markham, the cobbler, steadies me. He’s a few inches shorter than me, but sturdy and strong. “I’m terribly sorry, Miss Ware. Forgive my clumsiness.”
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
His attention is still diverted by whatever had him rushing away. Others are hurrying in the same direction.
Mr. Markham points to the east end of the square. “A mesmerizer is performing at the other end of the square. I’m told he can make a dove appear out of thin air.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands up. “Is that so?”
Nodding, he adds, “That may seem a small feat to you ladies, but it’s all in good fun.”
Putting on my best warm smile, I say, “Carry on, sir. We’ll follow behind and have a look with you.”
Rather than rush off, Mr. Markham accompanies us to the small platform where announcements are often made and the occasional performance is given. Since Mr. Markham has been making shoes for witches for over two decades, as did his father before him, he’s well aware of what we are. In fact, most of our close neighbors know and respect what we do to protect them and our king.
Still, no one speaks of magic.
It’s an amicable arrangement, and the neighborhood is warm to witches making life easier.
“Oh, my Goddess.” Sylvia clutches her chest as the man onstage comes into view. “How entirely delicious he is.”
I can’t argue with her. The man is stunning with red-tinged brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a lean, tall figure. Magic tingles along my skull. I lean toward Sylvia’s ear. “He’s a witch.”
She moves her hips seductively. “Clearly, but what a witch.” Her voice is full of sensuality.
“Have you no interest in his character before you fall for his pretty face?” Despite my schoolmarm tone, my body heats.
Sylvia shrugs. “Perhaps if I wanted to keep him, that would be important. At the moment, I’m only shopping, not buying.”
Laughing despite my concerns about what brings this witch to Windsor, I give Sylvia’s arm a warm squeeze.
The man scans the audience with a smile that will melt the hearts of women, young and old. He’s far too handsome with his warmly tanned skin and broad shoulders. “Thank you for the warm welcome to this fine town of Windsor,” he says with a thick Scottish brogue.
The crowd applauds.
It should be more of a warning, but his deep accented voice sends a bolt of need between my legs. Is that his magic? Does he seduce with his voice?
Not willing to risk it, I cast a blocking spell around Sylvia and me. I’ll not be made a fool of.
Sylvia shifts and looks at me. “You think he’s bespelled us?”
I shrug. “I don’t know.” The spell has little effect on my growing attraction for this stranger. “Perhaps he’s just handsome, and I’ve been alone too long.” I wink.
As the gathering quiets, he continues. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve today. I hope you’ll enjoy my amusements.” With that, he pulls two doves from his sleeve. The show continues for twenty minutes with an array of animals, flowers, and love letters seeming to appear out of nowhere.
I observe and extend my powers to feel if his magic is dark or light. He uses no magic for his performance, only sleight of hand and tricks to distract the eye. He’s very good but does nothing to warrant my interference.
“One last conjuring,” he announces. “I’m calling on the angels to shower the most beautiful woman in Windsor with my attention.”
Magic tingles in the air. My muscles stiffen, and I hold my magic ready for whatever he might be up to.
Pale yellow rose petals flutter from the sky like the feathers of those angels he spoke about. They brush the skin of my cheeks, neck, and arms and land on my shoulders and skirt, contrasting with my navy-blue dress.
I look toward the stage, and the witch stares back with a warm smile. He bows to me as the crowd erupts in applause and cheers. They toss coins into a small basket at the edge of the stage.
Sylvia and I walk to the butcher’s shop. “Do you think he knows who I am?”
“I think it’s likely, but maybe he just found you lovely. You are quite attractive, Sara Beth. Perhaps both.” Sylvia steps inside the shop and calls out a friendly greeting to the butcher.
