If the tea that Brighid provided didn’t work, perhaps Madam Boswell would have a suggestion. The only problem in going to her was that she saw too much, as if she could read your very thoughts and see into your soul. Her being able to do so had never bothered Cordelia, but she hadn’t been obsessed with an estate before, nor smitten at first sight.

  Until she overcame her fascination with Nightshade Manor, it was best to stay away from Madam Boswell.

  Chapter 6

  Damon had pondered his meeting with Miss Cordelia for the rest of the afternoon and evening, though he hadn’t said a word of the encounter to his mother. Nor had Ianthe because Damon had asked her not to.

  It was his mother who insisted they weren’t to leave the estate. He’d questioned her in the past why this was so, and her answer was that the residents might expect an invitation, and nobody could visit Nightshade Manor while a young witch was learning to control her powers.

  He understood her concern, and even more so after his brother’s death. However, if it was no secret that they were witches, why did they need to remain within the walls of Nightshade Manor for the next three years without visiting the village? If the residents of Bocka Morrow, and especially his neighbors already knew, there was no harm in leaving, or even inviting someone to visit.

  Except, he didn’t know if the residents were aware, other than perhaps Brighid. It may only be her, the other witches and the Vail family. In that case, it would be best if his nieces remained sheltered.

  However, that didn’t mean he had to remain within the safety of the estate. It hadn’t really mattered before as he’d only visited for short periods of time. The longest had lasted two months. As he was now to live here for at least three years, he couldn’t do so with only his mother and nieces for company. He may adore them, but it would certainly drive him mad in time.

  “I’d like to invite Viscount Lynwood, his wife and sister, Miss Cordelia Vail to tea,” he announced over breakfast.

  Not that he’d ever tell anyone what he truly wanted, but Damon had a deep desire to come to know Miss Cordelia Vail further. He was intrigued by her, and it wasn’t just her beauty. He couldn’t even put into words why he wanted Miss Cordelia in his home. He simply did, which was rather disturbing if he were to be honest with himself. The one type of person he did his best to avoid was marriageable, innocent misses.

  “You most certainly will not invite anyone,” his mother rebuked. “It’s too dangerous.”

  He was rather surprised that even she stayed within the estate because his mother enjoyed entertainments and being with others. The only times she’d missed a full Season in London was when his sisters had been learning to control their magic and even then, she attended for a month so that nobody thought her absence odd. In the summer, she traveled to house parties and invited others to their home in Kent, as she had less than a month ago. Yet while in Bocka Morrow, she became a complete recluse because the fear of discovery was so strong.

  “They already know about the family,” he said calmly.

  “They do not.” She set her cup of tea into the saucer with such force that it rattled. “Since Nightshade Manor was constructed, we’ve gone to great pains to make certain nobody knew its purpose or that we are here for our protection. It is why we rarely visit outside and never allow anyone who is not like us on the inside.” Then she straightened. “Did one of the servants speak out of turn? If so, I demand to know which one. They’ve been loyal to this family for generations, and I demand to know who it was. Do they realize the danger that could be brought to us?”

  Perhaps it truly was a secret held by few. Except many of their servants either resided in Bocka Morrow or had family members who lived in the village, so it was likely their secret had been shared even before he was born.

  “It wasn’t a servant.”

  “Then who?”

  Damon took a deep breath knowing that his mother would not be happy and told her what he and Ianthe had learned yesterday. After he was finished, his mother sat in silence.

  “They saw?” she asked after a moment.

  “Edward had details that nobody could know if they were not present,” Ianthe confirmed.

  “While I’m not pleased with your leaving, Ianthe, in this case, it is good that we know.” She focused on Damon. “We will invite them to tea today and explain how important it is that they keep our secret.” She crushed the cloth napkin in her hand. “I hope that neither this Edward nor Miss Cordelia mentioned what they saw to anyone.”

  “I’m certain that they did not,” Damon assured her.

  “We shall see.” His mother tossed her napkin onto the table then strode from the room.

  Cordelia smoothed her skirts as the carriage drove through the gates of Nightshade Manor.

  Nervous excitement fluttered in her belly, and she couldn’t wait to see the grounds and the manor.

  The invitation to tea had come as a surprise as she was certain Bentford would wish to have nothing further to do with their family. Or perhaps it hadn’t been his doing, but Lady Chandos had issued the invitation to be neighborly.

  It didn’t matter the reason because Cordelia was beyond thrilled to finally be able to visit the mysterious Nightshade Manor and had nearly gasped when they drove through the gates. Even the grass was greener here than in anywhere else in Bocka Morrow. Or it could be her imagination because she’d been obsessed with this place for as long as she could remember.

  The dirt of the road changed into a gravel drive once they were on the estate and wound and curved around various species of trees and colorful flowerbeds and she strained, waiting for the manor to come into view. When it did, she gasped once again.

  Nightshade Manor was unlike any other home she had ever seen.

  The square, four-story building of white stone seemed to loom over them as they came closer. The front was lined with Corinthian pillars and reminded her of the drawings she’d seen of Greek temples. This home did not even come close to resembling any of the other manors she’d visited or had ever seen in England.

  When the carriage came to a halt and the footman opened the door, it was all Cordelia could do to contain her excitement and awe. Long, white stone steps led to a wide portico, supported by the four-story pillars, and offered shade to the front of the manor. She did her best not to gawk at the double-entry and tall windows that encompassed the front of the home. She didn’t even feel it right to call this place a manor, but more of a temple for a Greek god or goddess.

  Not that the Drakos family was such, though in truth, Lord Bentford could be mistaken for a Greek god.

  Heat infused her cheeks at such a wayward thought, but Cordelia couldn’t help but imagine him draped in a chiton tunic of light linen secured over one shoulder.

  Goodness, what had come over her? She’d never imagined a gentleman in any way, especially not dressed so…improperly.

  The double doors were opened as soon as they drew near, and Cordelia and her family were ushered into a wide entry that was nearly two stories tall and cavernous.

  “Please wait here,” the butler instructed. “I’ll announce your arrival to Lady Chandos.”

  Cordelia didn’t mind that they were left to cool their heels as she used the opportunity to take in all that she could see. Before them was a wide, stone staircase, though the railing was made of wood. The white and bright polished marble floors were nearly blinding as light danced off them and she idly wondered if the girls living within often took off their shoes to slide across the open floors in their stockings as one would do on a frozen lake with blades attached to boots.

  “This way, please,” the butler announced as he returned then escorted her family down a corridor. Cordelia glanced into the different rooms as they passed, noting that each was white and gave the illusion that they were huge with few pieces of furniture to fill the vast space. The sitting room that they were led to was no different. The only colors within were the bolder blue of the draperies and deep red of the upholstery, which complimented the oak tables. One would think that with such stark walls and limited furniture, the manor would be cold, but there was still a warmth within, even without rugs.

  The original Drakos family had moved from Greece centuries ago, which was clearly what had inspired the design of the manor.

  Then she saw Bentford standing next to Lady Chandos and her stomach did that odd little flip again, especially when she wondered how he would appear standing within this Greek-inspired home wearing only a tunic.

  Her cheeks heated once again, and Cordelia quickly chastised herself for being so fanciful. If she didn’t retain a modicum of decorum, she’d likely make a ninny out of herself.

  Chapter 7

  Damon waited in the formal sitting room with his mother for the arrival of Viscount Lynwood, Miss Cordelia, and Mr. Edward Vail. They’d accepted their invitation but had sent the regrets of the viscountess. In time, Damon was certain that he’d meet her, but the person he was truly looking forward to seeing was Miss Cordelia. His mother thought their visit today would be brief and never happen again. Damon was not of the same mind. There was something about Miss Cordelia that pulled him to her, though he couldn’t begin to understand why. He knew several beautiful women but hadn’t felt the desire to seek out any of them since he’d become a guardian of his three nieces.

  “I’m ready for tea,” Ianthe announced with a smile. Her hair was curled with a bow tied in the back and she wore one of her best dresses, usually suited for Sunday. Given how badly she’d wanted to attend his mother’s fête champêtre less than a month ago, no doubt his niece had spent the day preparing.

  “You look very nice, Ianthe,” his mother said. “Now be certain you pay close attention to what I do because one day you will be the hostess.”

  His niece nodded obediently, anxious to grow up. Thankfully, he still had five years until he was forced to take her to London. The idea of presenting Ianthe, Nephele and Clio to society was enough to make any gentleman nervous, but if all three were present and unmarried at once, that would be quite terrifying. No wonder his father’s hair had turned nearly white after the youngest of his sisters made her debut.

  “Viscount Lynwood, Miss Cordelia and Mr. Edward Vail,” the butler announced.

  “Please escort them in.”

  Damon tugged on his grey spencer jacket and fought the urge to run a finger between his tightening cravat and neck. Why the bloody hell was he nervous? He knew Lynwood, Edward was just a boy, and since when did a miss set him on edge?

  The three were escorted into the formal sitting room and Damon’s eyes were drawn to Miss Cordelia and he nearly forgot to breathe. Golden curls cascaded over her left shoulder and her blue eyes danced with merriment, a delightful smile upon her rosebud lips. She did not resemble the stern miss who was chastising her brother yesterday, but a young woman eager to be out. Her pale blue dress was quite complimentary to her eyes and complexion, and it hugged her bodice in the most delicious manner.

  Damon cleared his throat and took his eyes from Miss Cordelia and wondered when the hell he had noticed what a woman was wearing? He’d never done so before, unless it had been his mistress, and then it had been designed to tempt him. Miss Cordelia’s gown was quite modest and certainly not intended to tempt a gentleman, yet he was definitely enticed.

  Except, he wasn’t in the position to be enticed by anyone at this juncture in his life, especially by an innocent miss who had no experience with witches.

  “Thank you for coming,” his mother said with cool formality.

  “Thank you for the invitation,” Lynwood returned almost cautiously.

  Damon also knew that his mother didn’t intend for this to be a pleasant tea. His intentions were not the same.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Chandos,” Miss Cordelia offered pleasantly. “Might I inquire after your daughters? My sister, Adriana, had hoped that Lady Larisa had accompanied you.”

  “They remain in Kent and are doing well,” she answered. “Larisa may join us later.”

  May? His sisters were going to be here within a month. Why had his mother lied?

  “Adriana would like that very much. She is a dear friend.” Miss Cordelia was being pleasant, his mother, however, was barely amiable.

  “Yes, I know,” his mother clipped. “Those two spent most of the season with their heads together and whispering behind their fans.”

  Had his mother not approved because Larisa should have been searching for a husband, or did she fear that Larisa was sharing secrets with Adriana because she was from Bocka Morrow and believed her to be a safe confidant?

  Miss Cordelia’s smile grew tight before she shifted her eyes to Lynwood.

  “Lynwood, it is good to see you again,” Damon finally managed to say. “You as well, Miss Cordelia, and Mr. Vail.” At least he would be hospitable even if his mother was being difficult.

  Damon frowned when he noticed that the lad was holding flowers. They were a haphazard collection of wildflowers that could be picked anywhere between here and Bocka Morrow, yet Edward had done so and brought them to the manor.

  Edward stepped forward and held out the small bouquet. “Miss Ianthe, I’d like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I was rather mean.”

  His niece came forward to accept the flowers, brought them to her nose, then offered a shy smile. “Thank you, Edward,” she said. “I should apologize as well, for I was unkind.”

  The lad blushed, as did Ianthe.

  Did he have more to worry about than his niece’s magic?

  “George, please have the flowers put in water and the vase placed in Miss Ianthe’s chamber.”

  The footman came froward and took them from his niece as another footman set a tea service on the table. His mother then directed everyone to take a seat as she settled onto what Damon had come to think of as her throne since the chair sat a little higher than the rest of the furniture and was covered in a deep red velvet. Miss Cordelia settled on the settee and Ianthe across from her and next to his mother. Lynwood sat beside his sister and then Edward, leaving the one chair for him. Though Damon was furthest from Miss Cordelia, he could watch her easily enough, though his mother may notice if he paid too much attention.

  Then again, perhaps she wouldn’t mind. If she thought that Damon might be considering courtship, she might finally leave him be about finding a wife. It would at least afford him some peace for a short time, until his mother realized that Damon still had no intention of marrying.

  Though his mother, while asking each guest their tea preferences, made an attempt at polite conversation, it was strained and uncomfortable. His mother was doing everything properly as he’d witnessed on previous occasions, however this time, she lacked her usual friendliness. Too often they lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, which was completely out of character as his mother was quite skilled in directing a conversation and making guests feel welcome in her home.

  That was it! The Vails were not welcome here. His mother was exhibiting all the pretense of a proper tea, but with none of the comfort and warmth she usually displayed and all because their guests were not friends, and she did not trust them.

  Miss Cordelia glanced about the room as if she wanted to take it all in or was overly curious. Lynwood watched Edward out of the corner of his eye as if he feared the lad might misbehave. Edward looked everywhere, uncomfortable in this setting and pulled at his cravat each time he happened to glance at Ianthe, who would blush when she glanced at Edward. As for his mother, she shrewdly kept an eye on the Vails. She did not trust them, but she’d invited them to Nightshade Manor anyway.

  After each guest had received their tea, his mother settled back into her thron…chair, lifted her cup, and sipped.

  “I understand that Miss Cordelia and Mr. Edward believe they witnessed something of, um, interest when our family arrived.”

  Good God, her tone reminded Damon of when he was a lad at Eton and called before the headmaster when he’d misbehaved. Those conversations also began with a curious question before he was scolded for having gotten up to mischief.

  Miss Cordelia looked down into her cup, and Edward glanced away.

  Lynwood frowned.

  “What did they witness?” Lynwood finally asked.

  “They did not tell you?” his mother asked in mild surprise.

  “No, other than they met Bentford and Miss Ianthe yesterday on the road to Bocka Morrow.” He glanced to Cordelia. “Is there more that you haven’t mentioned?”

  “Your sister and brother climbed a tree that overlooked the drive to Nightshade Manor on the day of our arrival,” his mother informed.

  “Cordelia climbed a tree?” Lynwood asked in disbelief. “I believe such of Edward, but certainly not Cordelia.”

  “I did,” she whispered.

  “What possessed you, of all people to climb a tree? Of all my siblings you are the most proper.”

  Why the blazes was Lynwood talking to her as if she was a child when there was nothing childlike about Miss Cordelia. Was she younger than he believed?

  No, it wasn’t possible. Miss Adriana was her younger sister, who was the same age as Larisa, which meant Miss Cordelia was at least twenty years old, yet she’d been talked to as if she were ten. He’d wonder if she were simpleminded, but as he’d had a conversation with her already, Damon knew that not to be true.

  “And boring,” Edward muttered, to which Lynwood shot his younger brother a warning glare.

  “Be that as it may, your sister and brother did climb a tree and watched as my family and I arrived at Nightshade Manor. That is the reason I’ve invited you here today.” His mother sat forward. “I must prevail upon you the need to hold the secrecy of what they may have witnessed.”

  “What did you witness?” Lynwood asked Cordelia with concern.