“Someone has broken your heart,” she said after a moment.
She was not willing to admit as much. “I’ve learned a lesson,” she corrected.
“Yes, I see. You use anger as a shield.”
How the blazes could she know such? This was the very reason Diana hadn’t gone to Adam’s grandmother, the wizened gypsy, because she could see too much and Diana didn’t wish for anyone, especially her family, to know how deeply she’d been hurt by that rogue.
Lady Faye came forward and placed several soaps, candles and sachets on the counter, then Miranda did the same.
“Excuse me.” Brighid returned to the other side of the counter to complete the purchases while Diana wandered about the shop. There was nothing here to help her. Only time would ease her pain.
“Diana, Lady Faye brought her carriage and offered a ride back to Keyvnor. Do you mind?”
“You may come with us as well,” Lady Faye offered.
“No, go on ahead.” Besides, she preferred to return alone.
“Though you don’t seek anything for yourself, what did your sister hope you would gain by coming to my apothecary?” Brighid asked after Miranda and Lady Faye had exited the shop.
“Nothing you can provide,” she assured the old woman.
“One never knows.”
Diana blew out a sigh. “The first was a love spell, which is quite silly. Even if such existed, I’d not use it. If a gentleman cannot fall in love with me naturally why would I wish him to do so under the influence of magic.”
“Few are as wise as you,” the witch chuckled. “I know the rumors that surround me, and many misses have come seeking such a charm.”
“Yes, well, I’m not so foolish and I’ll never be foolish again.”
“Be careful that you do not guard your heart so tightly that you miss out on the very thing you seek.”
“I seek nothing,” Diana insisted.
“Do you not?” Brighid questioned, her eyebrow raised as she studied Diana. “You said the first thing your sister suggested was a love spell, what was the second.”
“Something to ease the pain in my heart.”
“Yet you do not ask for such.”
“No. It’s safer to remember the pain so mistakes are not made again.”
Brighid tisked. “I fear you are blinding and binding yourself. You might believe you were foolish before, and perhaps you were, but forsaking any chance at love is equally as foolish. Do you wish to grow old alone?”
These were words that Diana did not want to think on. Further, Brighid was wrong. “It’s preferable when a heart cannot be trusted.”
Brighid took Diana’s hand in hers. “It is not a love spell you need, or something to ease your pain, but clarity to see the truth.”
Diana blinked at her. Clarity would ease much in her mind. “Does such exist?”
Brighid took a deep breath. “I must think on it.”
Chapter 7
James had finally takenhis last sip of tea, though he’d done little reflection. His need was the same as when he’d first entered the establishment. All he wanted was a peaceful conversation with Diana. A chance to explain. However, he also wished to protect himself so that she didn’t have a second opportunity to crush what was left of his heart beneath the heel of her kid boot.
As Brighid had not returned, James stood and made his way back into the shop, certain that Faye had found what she needed and was ready to depart. Instead he found Diana, her hand wrapped in those of the witch.
“Miss Vail,” he greeted.
