“May I help you?” An older woman with long black hair streaked with grey greeted him. Blue woad markings of Celtic symbols were upon her fingers and knuckles, which were quite fascinating. As it was impolite to stare, James focused on her face. She certainly had the eccentric appearance of a witch, he supposed. Though she was far from the hag he’d imagined.
“I’m with my sister.” He nodded to Faye who was sniffing the different soaps.
“Are you certain there isn’t something you need for yourself?” She pinned him with such an intense stare that James wondered if the witch could see into his mind, his soul.
“You come seeking help, yet you are afraid to ask.”
James hated that his face began to heat. He was not a gentleman who became embarrassed.
“I can assure you, that I am in need of nothing.” Besides, if he did ask the witch for assistance, he’d never hear the end of it from Faye.
“Come.” She stepped from behind the counter. “Share a cup of tea with me and tell me what burdens you.”
“I should remain with my sister.”
The witch chuckled. “Your sister will smell the soaps over and over until she decides. She’ll then spend time with the sachets and candles.”
There was no harm in a cup of tea, he supposed, and hopefully, the air wasn’t so pungent in the other room, as he was beginning to develop a headache.
The witch led him to the back where there was a small kitchen and he took a place at the table as she went about heating water. She said nothing, nor did she ask questions and James grew uncomfortable sitting in the silence.
“I am Brighid,” she finally said as she gathered cups. “You are?”
For a moment he considered giving a false name so that nobody would ever learn that he was here. “James Bryant.” Instead, he just omitted his title.
Brighid tilted her head and smiled. “It is an honor to have the Earl of Somerton in my humble shop.”
How the blazes did she know who he was?
Then again, she was a witch, supposedly.
She placed a cup in front of him, the liquid was not as dark as the tea he usually enjoyed, but light, almost a pale greenish, yellowish brown. James leaned forward to sniff.
“Sip and reflect. I will return momentarily.”
He didn’t come here just to drink tea.Blast it all. And what the hell did she wish for him to reflect upon? He already knew what he wanted: A chance to explain to Diana and to also protect his heart to keep from falling in love with her again or being hurt.
* * *
Oh,Diana did enjoy being in the apothecary. A delightful little shop filled with herbs, candles and whatnot. It also smelled delightful, as if she’d stepped into the garden filled with fragrant wildflowers. She paused just inside the door and inhaled deeply, bringing all the fragrance into her being before blowing out a breath and almost instantly she relaxed.
“Faye,” Miranda proclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
Lady Faye Bryant was the younger sister of Somerton, and Diana quickly glanced about the shop. Thankfullyhewas not here.
“Shopping, of course!” Lady Faye smiled brightly. “Isn’t this delightful?” She held up a lavender soap to Miranda to sniff.
“Lovely! I must get one for myself.”
Maybe her fear of having to speak with Jam…Somerton was causing Diana to be suspicious of everyone and every place. And she must refer to him as Somerton, even to herself. The days of intimacy were gone.
“How may I help you?” Brighid glided from the back of the shop toward the two women.
“It is my sister who needs your help,” Miranda answered.
Diana shot Miranda a look. “My sister is mistaken,” Diana ground out.
Brighid approached and stared into Diana’s eyes. It was quite unnerving.
