Page 54 of No One's Bride
“Professor Mangold?” Annoyed, Sebastian stepped closer.
The fellow glanced at them through his magnifying glass, his overly large eye less intimidating than the one painted on the brickwork outside.
“Lord Denton, I presume.” Mangold stood briefly to bow and remove his tasselled black cap. “I trust you found me without too much trouble. Forgive the secrecy, but there are those amongst us who think the unexplained should remain a mystery.”
The only mystery was why this man spent hours in a dingy basement. “Allow me to present Miss MacTavish. We’ve both been affected by a strange phenomenon and pray you’re equipped to offer expert guidance.”
That said, there was nothing strange about lusting after a beautiful woman. What proved confounding was Miss MacTavish’s interest in him.
The man’s beady gaze shifted to the lady in question. “You come on Lady Perthshore’s recommendation. She said you spoke to her about this unusual problem.”
Miss MacTavish managed a smile that conveyed naivety. “I didnae know who else to confide in, sir. Lady Perthshore said ye came to her home to give a talk on the supernatural. She was kind enough to write to ye for help on my behalf.”
As luck had it, Daventry was firm friends with the matron.
“Lady Perthshore makes regular donations to our efforts. As such, we consider her a valued friend.” He rubbed his boney hands together as if his palms itched for coin. “Investigating the unexplained can be a costly business.”
Daventry had advised they make a donation, and so Sebastian removed the signed bank note from his pocket and handed it to the professor. “Allow me to offer a small token, recompense for your time.”
The professor mumbled and stuttered, acted flabbergasted by the generous gift. “Well, this is a welcome surprise. And will pay towards the study and purchase of ancient texts.” He motioned to the chairs flanking his desk. “Please sit. I’m afraid I cannot offer refreshment at present.”
He did not say why.
Perhaps his cauldron was away for repair.
“We merely seek any advice ye can give us regarding love spells.” Miss MacTavish settled into the seat. As soon as Sebastian sat, she looked at him with a mix of soul-deep yearning and lusty desire. “Ever since that devil recited the love poem, we cannae control our feelings.”
She spoke the truth.
Though the problem ran deeper than the need for physical gratification. When a man wanted to share his darkest secrets with a woman, that was cause for concern.
Professor Mangold removed a clean piece of paper from the drawer and dipped the nib of his quill in the ink pot. “Where did this occur?”
“At Chadwick’s Auction House.” Sebastian saw the nervous flicker in the professor’s eyes. “We sat together. We both wished to purchase the rare copy of More’sUtopia.”
The professor froze. Ink dripped from his nib and stained the page. He muttered to himself before grabbing another sheet. “Someone recited the spell without thoughts of the consequences?”
Miss MacTavish mentioned the assistant. “He read from an old grimoire, sir. Ever since, we cannae bear to part company. I fear we’re under the spell. That we’ve nae choice but to fall in love.”
Sebastian listened to her heartfelt account. Whatever existed between them had always been there, lingering beneath the surface. They thrived on every argument and heated exchange. All the grimoire had done was turn rivalry into lust.
One kiss had led to many.
One touch would lead to something far more intimate.
He felt the inevitability of it deep in his bones.
“But there must have been other men in the room,” came the professor’s logical reply. “What makes you think you’re in love with Lord Denton?”
A rosy blush stained her cheeks. “Sir, the need to be with him is like a hunger I cannae sate. He fills my waking thoughts, plagues my dreams, too.”
Days ago, Sebastian might have praised her acting ability.
Now he knew there was truth to that claim.
“I see. It sounds like a classic case of infatuation.” The professor scribbled a few notes. “Can you remember anything about the spell?”
“I believe I can recite the first few lines.”
