Page 3 of Wicked With You
Henrietta and Annie shook their heads.
“Do t-tell,” Eva said.
Gran’s entire face lit, her hazel eyes sparkling. “I left the gypsy wagon and walked right into your grandfather. We never looked back, and though we faced challenges, ours was a grand love.”
“Do you think the stone would work for us?” Lilli asked, then worried at her lower lip.
Gran reached for Lilli’s hand and squeezed it. “I believe it to be a powerful crystal. It brought Grandpa and me together, and I believe it still holds the power to unite soulmates.”
“H-how does it w-work?” Eva asked.
Gran gave her a warm smile. “You simply keep it near and let the crystal do the rest. My children were so successful during their seasons that I forgot all about the quartz. I’d wager it’s been over thirty years since I held it.”
She leaned forward and placed the pink crystal on the mahogany table in front of her. “I want you girls to have it. Take turns with it until all four of you have found love.”
Annie could not help herself. She leaned forward and took hold of the stone. Rubbing her finger over the rough surface, she glanced at her cousins. “Who should go first?”
“I am in no hurry,” Henrietta said, then pressed her lips together and shook her head.
Eva averted her gaze. “I don’t w-wish to e-either.”
“You have possession, Annie. Why not start with you?” Lilli said as she pushed a blond curl from her forehead. “Plus, you are the oldest. It would make sense to take turns based on age.”
She glanced at Gran, who gave a firm nod. “Annie first, then Henrietta followed by Eva and me.”
“Agreed?” Annie asked, her pulse thumping wildly.
Once all of her cousins gave their agreement, she tucked the stone into her glove. Perhaps when they went to the village, she could have it placed on a chain? Or would that ruin its magic?
“Gran, can the stone be altered? Placed on a chain perhaps and worn as a necklace?”
“It is not the shape of the stone that holds power, but the very essence of the quartz. The gypsy told me that Aphrodite herself is responsible for the existence of the stone and as the goddess of love gives it its power.”
“Then I would like to have it put on a chain… if no one objects.” Annie rubbed the lump in her glove where the stone now pressed against her wrist.”
“It is a splendid idea, just do not get too used to wearing it. I’d like to have my turn before the next season starts,” Lilli teased, a crooked grin pulling at her lips.
“I have no doubt you shall,” Gran said. “It is a powerful stone.”
She turned her attention to Henrietta. “You will soon believe.”
Annie hoped Gran was right.
CHAPTER1
Lancashire
Country House of Grandmother
"Iam in despair of my daughter ever finding a suitable match.Threefailed seasons! Is Henrietta to live with us as a spinster her whole life?"
Miss Henrietta Eveline Sutton did not understand why she allowed those words to pierce her chest in such a frightful manner. Her mother had not meant to be cruel or unkind. In truth, those words had been said to the Dowager Countess of Birchwood, Henrietta’s grandmother, in the despairing tones of a mother who loved her daughter and wished her only happiness with her lot in life.
"It is not only Henrietta who has failed to secure a proper suitor. Do you not notice that her cousins have followed suit?" Her grandmother huffed. "I’ve even heard that some in town called themwallflowers. A very unflattering sobriquet to follow our girls.”
A heavy sigh sounded from her mother. “Trust those girls to do everything together. Whatever are we to do?”
“Well, Annie has found her match with the Duke of Rutland. It is a love match, and she is happily wed as of last week. Perhaps Lilli, Eva, and Henrietta will also be lucky in love. Just give them some more time. They will surprise us yet.”
