Page 3 of Pure Magic
I don’t like being the center of attention. It seems strange, since I run a coven and am often the center of that, but this was different. The entire neighborhood was staring at me because he chose me as the most beautiful woman in Windsor. Of course, that’s not true, which is more proof that he knows who I am and wants something from me. Perhaps he wants to distract me to accomplish his goals, whatever they may be.
Sylvia says my name as if she’s said it a few times without a response.
“What?”
“Are two chickens going to be enough for dinner tonight?”
It takes a few seconds for me to focus on the food, not that witch. “Yes. That will be fine. Perhaps we’ll roast them with some nice potatoes and vegetables. I can make gravy and bake some bread.”
When we return to the coven house, our basket is full of lovely things. I’m ready to get into the kitchen and forget about the mesmerizer and his tricks.
The cart’s wheels at the back of the house alert us to Prudence’s arrival. I place our wares on the table in the still room and run out to greet the great mother.
I don’t know exactly how old the great mother is, but it’s somewhere in the neighborhood of two hundred. Witches, if they don’t get sick or meet with an accident, can live a very long time. Even so, Prudence Bishop is ancient even for a witch. She’s also the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever known. She shares her knowledge and wisdom without any attempt to usurp my position as high priestess. I love her like a mother.
She climbs from the fine carriage on loan from Sir William and Esme Meriwether. As a gentleman and a witch, Sir William straddles the line between societies. He’s always gracious in offering his vehicles when needed.
Prudence gives me a warm smile and opens her arms for my embrace.
I rush forward and hug her gently. “I missed you, Great Mother. Did you enjoy your time in the country?”
Pulling back, she pats my cheek. “It was nice to spend some time there without demons lurking inside witches.”
Her reference to Trina’s possession and the subsequent battles with the demon Forrester, my old lover Orin, makes my gut twist.
Trina alights from the carriage. “It was nice to see the place through my own eyes as well.” She flips her brown hair over her shoulder and grins before hugging me. “We had a lovely visit with the townspeople and a relaxing summer.”
The other witches, June and Winnie climb down and greet me.
As I take Prudence’s arm to go inside, another carriage rolls down the alley. Minerva and Jonah Allen rush to see Prudence.
Once we’re all in the gathering room upstairs, I say, “I’m going to cook if you have no other need of me, Great Mother.”
She waves me off. “I’m well attended. Oh, I invited someone to join us for dinner.”
I stop at the kitchen door. “Who?”
“I’ve been corresponding with a young man from Scotland. He’s come on hard times. Actually, he’s had a long struggle, not of his own doing. He should be in town by now, and I’m sure he will join us tonight.” She blinks at me as if daring me to challenge her invitation to a stranger.
Of course, I know better. He will sit at this table if the great mother deems him worthy. “Scottish, you say?” The hair on the back of my neck stands up.
Sylvia laughs. “He wouldn’t pass himself off as a traveling mesmerizer and trickster, would he?”
“I cannot say.” Prudence smiles, and her gray eyes light with amusement.
It will be an interesting night.
Two hours later, I’m deep into my cooking. Other witches rarely enter the kitchen when I’m preparing a meal. I prefer to work alone. When the door opens, I call out, “I’m not in need of assistance.”
“I only came with an apology and to introduce myself. I shall note your lack of need, though.” His voice is deep and full of amusement.
My body might burst into flames from his rich tone and woodsy scent. Steeling my expression, I turn. “You might have introduced yourself in the market square today.”
Goddess! He’s even more handsome, dressed in simple white shirt and trousers with a black coat. His cravat is perfectly tied in a simple knot, and those green eyes are warm as they study me. “I apologize. I admit I knew who you were. I’d made a few inquiries when I arrived this morning. The local people gave me a very intriguing description.”
“I can only imagine.” I try not to care, but my eyes roll just the same. “Go ahead. What did they say? Did they call me harsh and overbearing? Did they say I’ve cursed all the men to impotency?” That one is my favorite.
His laugh is round and does inappropriate things to my female parts. Not that I’m a prude or a virgin, but I don’t even know this witch.
