Diana jerked at his voice and glance toward him. “Lord Somerton,” she replied crisply.
Brighid looked between the two, studying. “Your sisters brought you here?”
He nodded.
“Yes.” Diana answered.
“Whereismy sister?” James asked when he noticed that Faye was not about.
“She returned to the castle with Miss Miranda, inyourcarriage,” Brighid cackled.
She wouldn’t. James strode toward the door and out onto the walk. His carriage was gone.
She had better be in hiding when he returned to the castle, or he’d…James wasn’t certain what he’d do but considered whether she was too old to be taken over a knee.
Irritated, he pushed his fingers through his hair and stepped back into the apothecary.
“I believe the sisters are trying to bring about a match,” Brighid observed. “Am I correct?”
“We need no assistance,” Diana ground out. “There is no match. There never was.”
“And you have judged me without question.”
Diana raised an eyebrow in challenge. “There are those who don’t wish to wait so long, Lord Somerton.”
“Perhaps what youbothrequire is clarity,” Brighid announced and made her way to behind the counter where she stopped to study the numerous jars stacked along the back wall before she began removing a few and putting them on the counter, all the while mumbling to herself. One she lifted then shook her head and put it back.
“This really isn’t necessary,” James insisted only to be shushed by Brighid.
“I’d really rather just go.” Diana started for the door.
“Your sisters want this. You will stay. Come back and stand beside Somerton.”
Brighid hadn’t even glanced in their direction so how did she know that Diana had already been half-way to the door?
She edged herself back to her space as Brighid turned, placed another jar on the counter then retrieved her mortar and pestle.
“My sister doesn’t believe in magic,” James stated.
Brighid arched a questioning eyebrow at Diana.
“You know my sister does,” she admitted.
Brighid nodded. “One sister decided a chance meeting was needed and another wished for magical elements to help the courtship along.”
“There is no courtship,” Diana insisted.
“After you’ve brewed this tea, you must drink it at the same time and in the same room,” she instructed as she began pinching out the herbs, leaves and dried flowers from the array of jars, dropping them in the small bowl. “Once you’ve finished your cups, you will be in the correct frame of mind to discuss what troubles you both. It will bring clarity of mind and heart so that you can truly know one another.”
Diana snorted. “Lord Somerton doesn’t wish to hear what I have to say.”
“I heard plenty. You are the one who isn’t willing to listen to me.”
“You’ve no defense. You readily admitted your plan to remain a bachelor for at least another twelve years,” Diana nearly yelled.
“Oh, I do believe I need to make this stronger than normal,” Brighid tisked as she measured more dried leaves and flowers before putting then into a pestle.
“While I appreciate your offer of assistance, Brighid, I’ve had quite enough interference already.” Besides, did he really wish to know what was in Diana’s heart? Did he wish for her to know his? “First my sister drags me here and then absconds with my carriage. And when at Castle Keyvnor, Lady Isolda won’t give me any peace.”
