Page 69 of When He Was Wicked
“Hush, and I will tell you all about it.” Gran relaxed back against the settee. “When I was a young debutante, I too went more than my share of seasons without garnering much interest from the gentlemen. One summer, after a particularly disheartening season, I attended a local fair.” She closed her eyes as she continued. “I can still see the gypsy wagon, still hear the voices floating on the wind.”
Annie sat forward and propped her chin on her hands.
“The gypsy wagon captivated me. Odd as I’ve always been skeptical of magic and fortunes, but nonetheless, I found myself powerless against its pull. And when I drew nearer, I encountered a kind old woman with the warmest cocoa eyes I’ve ever seen. Madame Beannaithe knew before I said a word that I sought a love match. She also knew I had given up hope. To be honest, I was rattled by her perceptiveness. It was… unsettling to say the least. Yet the gentle understanding she conveyed held me captive, much like a comforting blanket on a chilly winter night. And then she showed me the stone…” Gran paused and held up the rough crystal. “The gypsy said the rose quartz would lead me to my true love. Unable to resist, I accepted the crystal and gave her a shilling in exchange.” Gran looked from Annie to Lilli, then from Eva to Henrietta. “And do you know what happened next?”
“No,” Lilli said in a whisper.
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.
CHAPTER ONE
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?"
