Page 21 of A Duke Under Her Spell
“Ghost stories?”
“Yes, the legend of the witch of Blackleigh Castle is a very popular one around here. I am certain that she grew up hearing it as well.”
“The reason we met all those years ago. You came to the castle on a wager of bravery, but you never did tell me the story.”
“Your grandmother never told you?”
“No, she did not.”
“Well…” Oliver rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “The story goes…” and he started in on the recitation his words and tone causing gooseflesh up and down her arms. A shiver ran down her spine as his voice wove for her the tale of the witch of Blackleigh.
“The fairest of maidens with black raven hair,
She fled through the forest her feet light as air,
The Lord in pursuit his treasure to wrest
From the thieving fair maiden’s breast.
She ran through the night her safety forsaken
In the ruins of Blackleigh where refuge is taken
She hid the treasure in the darkness below
Climbing the tower, the Lord did follow
His threat to take her virtue stands
as a reminder to every man
for upon him then her curse she did bestow
the Lord and his progeny her words made low
‘No matter the punishment ye may wreak
Ye will never find the treasure ye seek.’
And with that the maiden leapt from the tower
Surrendering her life, but never her power
For if ye go walking in the forest of Arkley
Ye might just find the witch of Blackleigh.”
“That sounds like a story my grandmother once told me about a woman in her family from centuries ago. She did not say it quite how you did just then, and she most certainly did not refer to her as being a witch, but it was very similar. Is that what has caused the superstitious nonsense about my grandmother and myself?”
“I am certain that it has played a role, but it is not the only thing that has labeled both of you as such. You know that as well as I.”
“Yes, I am afraid that I do.”
“His Grace does not seem to mind your reputation,” Oliver noted.
“Or yours,” Marybeth teased gesturing with her eyes up at the petite face of the kitchen maid peering down at them from the loft.
“He is an understanding man.” Oliver grinned, winking up at the girl above them.
