Page 25 of No One's Bride
“Without some communication with the Divine, I cannot see how the mystic could have predicted future events. How could she have known Nicholas would fall and land in a cowpat?”
“Did yer brother nae punch him, and that’s why he fell?”
“Yes, but how could she have known events would transpire as they did?” Helen sipped her tea. It was a matter of seconds before she turned to the dreaded topic of Ailsa marrying. “Maybe the man who hasUtopiawill be dark-haired and dashing. He will be so grateful for the return of the grimoire he will ask you to ride out tomorrow.”
Ailsa inwardly groaned.
Not because Helen was a daydreaming romantic. But because Ailsa envisioned a man with golden hair, erotic hands and a gruff temperament.
Being a realist, she made a confession. “’Tis of nae consequence, as I cannae marry. I made a wager with yer brother.” She explained the nature of the vow.
Helen almost choked on her tea. “Have you lost your mind? You love those books more than life itself. Why would you risk losing them? Oh, Sebastian must be rubbing his hands together in glee.”
Making the wager was foolish. She would never give up her precious collection. “As a gentleman, he wouldnae take my books. He simply wished to unnerve me during the auction.” She did not mention the wager was her idea.
“Trust me. Sebastian is quite rigid when it comes to oaths.”
Ailsa swallowed hard. Oh, she knew how rigid the viscount could be. The moment was ingrained in her memory. What beggared belief was why a man who despised her had found himself aroused.
Ailsa glanced at the casket—the portent of evil. “Hence why I must get rid of the grimoire and put all thoughts of spells from my mind.” The sooner she did so, the better.
Lord Denton arrived moments later, his deep masculine voice echoing through the hall as he conversed with the butler.
Ailsa stifled a gasp when he appeared, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, an arrogant grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
“You’re still eating.” Annoying cobalt-blue eyes scanned Ailsa’s hair. His nose wrinkled with disapproval upon noting the severe knot. “We’re expected at Chadwick’s within the hour.”
“It’s very good of you to accompany us,” Helen said, oblivious to the fact her brother had taken work with Mr Daventry. “I know Ailsa is particularly grateful.”
Lord Denton’s brow rose in disbelief. “I can spare two hours, no more.” He stood like he had a sharp stone in his shoe, and the barest movement might cause significant discomfort.
“Then we will ready ourselves at once.” Helen dabbed her mouth with her napkin, and the footman helped her out of the chair. “I shan’t be a moment. Ailsa will keep you company. She’s been ready to leave this past hour.”
Lord Denton kissed Helen’s forehead as they met in the doorway. “You look a little pale today. I trust you’re well.”
She patted his muscular arm affectionately. “Yes, quite well.”
He nodded and waited for Helen to leave before entering the dining room and dismissing the servant.
Gripping the top rail of the chair, he leaned across the table and whispered, “You’ve not mentioned what occurred between us last night? You’ve not told Helen we were alone in the house?”
“We agreed to keep our interactions a secret.”
He exhaled a relieved sigh. “Good. If Helen knows I compromised you, she’ll think there’s some truth to the crone’s prediction.”
Ailsa shivered at the memory, goose pimples rising to her skin. He had touched her barely clothed body, held her tightly in the darkness. Another woman might use the fact to her advantage.
“Ye had nae choice but to come to my aid. I’ll nae see ye punished for that.” Being stretched on the rack would be less torturous than a life spent bickering. “Marriage to me would be a fate worse than death.”
His gaze roved over her dull dress before he agreed. “I’d rather gouge out my eyes with a butter knife than make both our lives miserable.”
Reassured they were reading from the same page, Ailsa managed a smile. “As we’re both quite determined to keep our oath, we should encounter nae problem. Except Helen insisted on acting as our chaperone. I’m nae sure how we’ll question Mr Murden while she’s present.”
Lord Denton considered their dilemma. “Allow me to interrogate Murden first, and then you may speak to him alone.”
