Nina wasn’t to have ever spoken with Nephele, but the little girl had discovered her one afternoon. It had been delightful to speak with someone from the outside, even if she was ten. After that, Nephele visited often, and Nina always escorted her back so that she never got lost.

  She’d also asked the little girl not to tell anyone that they had ever met. Those of the Drakos blood were to remain on the other side of the boxwoods, and she was supposed to remain on this side.

  Now, another had discovered her, and Nina feared what might happen next. Would he return with others, or could she hope that he’d forget?

  Two

  Orion kept glancing over his shoulder as he followed Nephele back to the boxwoods, certain that they were being followed and watched, but he didn’t see anyone.

  Once they stepped into the clearing, Nephele turned to him. “You must not mention anything about the lady.”

  “You had already mentioned the lady, which is why I followed you.”

  Nephele dropped her chin and bit her bottom lip. “Can we pretend that we did not see her?”

  “You wish for me to lie?” he countered.

  Nephele blew out a deep breath. “I suppose not, but I do not want the lady disappointed or angry with me.”

  “Why can we not know she is there? Why is it a secret?”

  “She said it was too dangerous for her and the others if anyone visited.”

  “What others?” Orion frowned. “Why is it dangerous for anyone to know?”

  “She did not explain, nor have I seen the others,” Nephele answered. “She only insisted that I keep her secret, or she will not speak with me again.”

  “Have you visited with her before?”

  “Oh, yes. I met her for the first time nearly a fortnight ago. She is very nice.” Nephele sighed again. “I just hope that she is not too angry with me.”

  “Next time you are with her, offer an apology.” He then knelt and balanced on the balls of his feet so that he could look the little girl in the eye. “Tell her that I promise not to tell anyone.”

  “Do you promise?” Nephele asked with suspicion. Since when hadn’t his niece trusted him?

  Orion traced an ‘X’ over his heart. Besides, he didn’t want anyone else to know that a beautiful woman lived in the grove. Well, not in the grove, as he was certain she had a cottage somewhere. But who was she and what was she doing on Nightshade Manor land? Those were the answers that he intended to learn.

  He glanced back one last time. He would find her again and would not leave Nightshade Manor until he learned all he could.

  Perhaps she lived on a neighboring estate. Orion really didn’t know what was beyond the grove, or how far the estate extended. It was also possible that he hadn’t even been on Nightshade Manor land, though he found it unlikely since he could think of no other family who would have a folly that resembled a Greek Temple besides someone of Drakos blood.

  Nephele ran ahead of him, but Orion strolled at a slower pace. Tomorrow he would return, and he would find the enticing woman.

  As he reached the other guests, his mother pulled him aside and away from the others.

  “Is there a lady in the grove?” she asked pointedly.

  “Ah, you heard what Nephele said.” Orion laughed.

  “You did not answer my question.” She searched his eyes, concerned.

  Suspicion settled into his gut. What did she know?

  “I spent much of my childhood in that grove and never saw a lady.”

  “What of today?”

  His mother knew something, or she wouldn’t be this concerned. He had also promised Nephele that he would keep her secret while wondering what secrets his mother kept from him. “Is there a lady in the grove?” he countered, curious about her response.

  “Lady in the grove?” Cassian asked as he joined them.

  Cassian Jourdain had washed up on the shores of Nightshade Manor when he was a lad. The ship that he had been on had gone down in a storm and he had been the only survivor. Cassian was lucky that all the families had been in residence at the time, or he may not have received the help he had needed.

  Cassian had wanted to stay at Nightshade Manor, hoping that his mother had also survived. Instead, he went to live with Orion’s aunt and uncle, the Cardwells, who lived not far up the coast in Jory’s Bay.

  “Nephele claimed that she had seen a lady in the grove,” Orion explained and shook his head as if to dismiss it as a child’s imagination.

  Cassian grew serious. “I should go see if that is true.”

  “I was already there,” Orion offered.

  “Did you see anyone?”

  It was a direct question that he could not answer honestly and still keep Nephele’s confidence. Instead, he turned to his mother. “I did not know that there was a way to get to the other side of the boxwoods. It is brilliantly hidden.”

  “You are not to be on that side,” his mother reminded him.

  “Why? Is it not our land?”

  “It is, but it is sacred.”

  That took him by surprise. “Sacred? Is that why there is a Greek Temple?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is there a lady?” Cassian nearly demanded. He seemed overly concerned about the prospect of someone being there.

  Orion shrugged, careful with his words. “When I stood in the temple and looked around, I didn’t see anyone but Nephele.”

  Cassian’s shoulders dropped with what Orion assumed was disappointment, though Orion couldn’t understand why. If his friend wished to meet a lady, several available ones had attended the wedding and were still milling about.

  “Do not go there again,” his mother ordered.

  “I am hardly a child any longer,” he argued. “Then you worried about us getting lost. I can assure you that I am old enough to take care of myself.”

  She took a step toward him. “It is a place where my sisters-in-law and I go. No male is allowed, as it has been since our family came to own this land.”

  If it was only for his mother and aunts, then it was only for witches. Another archaic rule that had stood for much longer than was necessary. Was it simply another place where witches could hide? If so, no male in his family would ever reveal it to anyone.

  Did that mean the lady in the grove was also a witch. If so, why did she hide when she’d be welcomed at Nightshade Manor?

  None of this was making sense to him.

  “Why can only you, Aunt Cassandra and Aunt Eugenia go to the grove and not my female cousins or sister?”

  The question gave her pause. “We have been remiss. We should have taken them there before now.”

  That did not answer his question or why it was only for females. “Why a Grecian Temple?” he asked.

  “To honor the Goddess Gaia.”

  Of course! He should have realized before he even asked the questions. Orion then shook his head. He’d realized at a young age that his mother and aunts, and the women who came before them, often did things for reasons he would never understand—such as keep a grove a secret. Yet even though he had been forbidden from going there again, the pull to return was still within.

  Did he defy his mother, or did he fight the urge to see the lady in the grove once again?

  “You were seen!” Cassian nearly yelled as he entered the cottage.

  Nina feared that her brother would learn and would be angry when he did. But who had told him? Nephele or the beautiful man. “I am sorry.”

  “You were to hide, yet a little girl claims to have seen a lady in the grove.”

  “She came upon me unawares.”

  “Luckily she is a child, so others were not certain whether to believe her or not.” He pushed his fingers through his dark hair, which was in dire need of a trim. “At least you had the good sense to hide, or perhaps you were not even about when Nephele brought Orion to the grove.”

  Orion! That was the name of the beautiful man. Orion Drakos, second son to Lord and Lady Wharton.

  Oh, she knew all the names of the three families that visited and sometimes lived in the grand house, but she did not know the faces to which the names belonged. Further, she couldn’t ask Cassian because then he would know that she had spied on them and be angry with her.

  “What did he say?” she asked.

  “Did you see him?” Cassian demanded.

  “Yes,” Nina answered and hoped that her brother didn’t press for more.

  “He claims not to have seen anyone, and his mother has forbidden him from returning.”

  Orion had kept her confidence, but Nina’s heart constricted knowing that she’d not see him again.

  Her brother settled onto the chair across from her. “What possessed you to go beyond the boxwoods?”

  Nina’s eyes widened. How had he known?

  “I caught a glimpse of you within the trees near the water’s edge. It was dangerous, especially when there are guests about.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest. “Did anyone else see?”

  “No,” he answered. “Someone would have said something. I saw and only because I can see what is meant to be hidden better than the rest.”

  Nina knew that she shouldn’t have gotten so close but couldn’t help herself. “I wanted to see how others celebrated.”

  Cassian reached across the table and put his hand on hers. “I am sorry that you miss so much, but you and I both know what could happen if you leave here.”

  She could die. They weren’t certain that would happen, but nobody was willing to take the risk.

  “Yes, but the rest of the world calls to me.” It was something Nina rarely admitted to herself as it did no good to acknowledge her desire. “I try to be content with where I must be, but too often I am overwhelmed with the need to be a part of more.”

  “That is my fault.” He stood and crossed to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “If I would have just listened.”

  “Abandoned me.” They had this conversation in the past. “I do not blame you,” Nina assured him. “And I am sorry if I cause difficulties.”

  “You do not.”

  Cassian smiled but it didn’t fully reach his grey eyes. There was a sadness within, and Nina wasn’t certain if it was because of her or what had happened when they were but children.

  “I am back for good now,” he promised. “My education is complete, and I traveled to the one place that I needed to visit. I will not leave again.”

  “Please, do not confine yourself to the grove even if I must.”

  “Not the grove, but I will not travel far. I will remain close and make my home with you.”

  “That is not fair to you,” she said. “I want you to be happy.”

  “We will be. Or at least content and grateful that we still have each other and that the Drakos family has been generous in giving us a home and supporting us.” He lifted his glass and sipped again. “Besides, it cannot have been easy living alone in this cottage since Maude passed last year.”

  Maude had been Nina’s governess and caregiver since she arrived in the sacred grove.

  “Men are not supposed to live in the grove. You are lucky that you are allowed to visit,” Nina reminded him.

  “I am trusted. As you will remain here, it was logical that I live with and protect my sister.”

  Cassian was always the more reasonable and accepting, but Nina longed for so much more—a life she would be denied, including that beautiful man, Orion Drakos.

  Three

  His sleep had been fitful and full of dreams of the lady in the grove. Her sunrise tresses danced on the wind as her angelic voice called to him from across the cove, pulling him toward her, arms out beckoning. Orion tried to reach her, but something kept pulling him back. He could not see what it was, but it kept him from moving forward the grip was so tight.

  He needed her.

  He desired her.

  He wanted the lady for himself.

  Orion woke suddenly having broken out in a sweat and achy with need.

  Bloody hell! He’d never had such an intense dream in his life. She’d been so real.

  His mother may have ordered him away from the sacred grove, but Orion would not stay away. He could not. The lady called to him, and he couldn’t rest until he at least knew her name.

  He could ask Nephele again, but Orion wanted to hear it from the lady’s lips.

  But how could he go there without anyone noticing or questioning him?

  On any other day, if he decided to walk the paths in the grove as he had done as a child, no one would think it odd. Now, if he stepped a foot in that direction, his mother would become suspicious, then, follow to make certain that he did not go beyond the boxwoods.

  She knew something. Of that he was certain. Her questions had been too demanding of what he had seen.

  Could it simply be that he’d been to the scared grove and viewed the temple?

  No, it was more, and he’d wager his quarterlies that Mother already knew about the lady in the grove.

  At his age, he should know how to get around her, but he must be very careful because she was far too perceptive, which he had been reminded of far too many times in his youth and even into adulthood. Sometimes he wondered if his mother didn’t already know all his secrets, even who he bedded and when.

  That certainly was not a pleasant thought, but she had let too many comments slip that had him wondering.

  Of course, she was a witch, but she didn’t have the power of second sight.

  Unless she did and had never told them.

  Blast! Now he was being paranoid of his own mother when it was nothing more than she was perceptive and knew her children too well.

  Therefore, he must find a way into the grove without her being wise to his plans.

  Perhaps a boat?

  There were three and it wasn’t unusual for any of them to sail down to Bocka Morrow or up to Jory’s Bay. He would need to wait until the time was right so that he could hide the boat in the grotto beneath what he now knew was the secret grove. It wouldn’t be low tide for several more hours and at this time of the morning, the opening was barely visible. But the sea would drop and then he’d leave.

  Once there, he would tie the boat off, then exit through a break in the rocks and take the path to the top.

  With those thoughts, Orion pulled himself from the bed, dressed for the day and made his way to the breakfast room where most of his family had already gathered.

  “You have never told me how long you and Pierce intend to remain at Nightshade Manor,” his mother inquired.

  Orion glanced to his older brother. They had not discussed their plans, but there was no reason to return to London since it was summer. He had also declined any invitations to house parties since they came from mothers with daughters ready to wed. Though, if those mothers had a choice, they would prefer Pierce, also known as Viscount Harcourt, and Father’s heir. Nor was there any reason to return to their family estate, Markella House in Wiltshire.

  “I had thought to remain here,” Pierce answered. “Damon will be too distracted by his new bride, and he does have the responsibility of his nieces.”

  “I can see to my granddaughters,” Aunt Cassandra announced from her place near the head of the table.

  “That was my excuse to remain,” Pierce teased. “Since the estate remains open, I would like to enjoy this corner of Cornwall, unless there is an objection.”

  “You are of Drakos blood,” his aunt reminded him. “Any family member can reside here if they wish, no matter who the Earl of Wharton happens to be. It has always been that way.”

  Nightshade Manor was never a place anyone lived for long, unless a daughter was gaining her magical powers, but anyone in the Drakos line could visit when they wished, even though it was his father who owned the estate.

  Except, when the estate was sealed off from discovery. Then the men needed a witch to break the spell to allow them in. Even the trees at the narrow opening of the cove closed in so no boat could get through.

  If Pierce stayed, then so could Orion. “I believe I will remain as well. I have nothing pressing, and I might enjoy fishing, sailing, or going into Bocka Morrow. I have not spent time here in years.”

  His mother narrowed her eyes, as Orion anticipated. “Is that the only reason you are staying?”

  “There are no entertainments in Wiltshire, and my family is here.” Then he looked to his first cousin once removed. “Though I may reconsider. How much control do you have, Ianthe.” She was just coming into her powers, which could be quite disastrous for those who were in too close a proximity to her. “What chance do I have of you turning Pierce into a frog?”

  Ianthe giggled. “I do not know how to do so,” her grin widened, and Ianthe’s eyes twinkled with merriment. “Yet!”

  “It will be good to have you here,” Aunt Cassandra announced.

  “Yes, all of us enjoying Nightshade Manor will be pleasant.” His mother studied him with an arched eyebrow.

  He never could fool her, but now he must, because he had every intention of returning to the sacred grove and finding the red-headed lady.

  This was the first time that Nina was unable to enjoy her book. She read every day, often finishing a book the same day she began it or the next day. It was the only way that she could experience the rest of the world.

  Today was different because her mind was on Orion Drakos.

  Oh, she knew that she should forget him, but she could not.

  She had even dreamed of him last night. She held out her arms and called to him. He seemed to want to come to her, but he couldn’t, as if something was holding him back.

  There was anguish in his brown eyes as he reached out. Still, she called, but he did not come and then she was awake.

  What did it all mean?

  Nina rarely had such vivid dreams, so it must mean something.

  Did she want him, or did she want to be free? Maybe it was both, though it was foolish to entertain either possibility. He lived in his world, and she would always remain in the sacred grove.