Miss Ianthe gave a quick nod. “It was nice meeting you both.” Then she exited the apothecary.
“How very odd,” Cordelia murmured.
“She came for something I cannot give her,” Brighid offered. “How may I help you?”
Cordelia chose her words carefully. “I have been plagued with an obsession of sorts these past few days, which I would rather not describe. I was hoping that you would have a tea to settle my mind.”
“An obsession?” Brighid asked. “Or a calling or need?”
The witch was too insightful by half. “All three if I am to be honest and I wish to quiet the yearning to seek what is none of my concern and bring an end to the dreams that have also plagued me.”
Brighid gave a quick nod then pulled jars from the shelf behind her, measured the ingredients into a jar. “This could help quiet that desire,” she offered. “However, if this obsession, calling or need is meant to be, it will not go away until it’s satisfied no matter how much tea you drink.”
“Thank you.” Cordelia took the tea and paid Brighid, certain that the tea would cure her.
“If the need is strong enough, so that it is constantly on your mind, then it is not to be ignored,” Brighid warned.
“I fear I must.”
Brighid grasped Cordelia’s hand and stared hard into her eyes. “Nightshade Manor is what calls to you.”
A chill snaked up Cordelia’s spine, but she didn’t answer.
“Perhaps it was providence that brought you and Miss Ianthe to my shop today. Do not ignore such but listen to the inner voice that guides you.”
Cordelia pulled her hand back. Brighid was only surmising what called to Cordelia because the obsession began near the time Miss Ianthe and her family had arrived. It was simply an assumption. Therefore, Cordelia was determined only to listen to the voice that told her to drink the tea and let go of her obsession.
She’d just turned to exit when the bell above the door tinkled, and the entry was filled by the gentleman who had arrived at Nightshade Manor only a few days earlier.
Cordelia sucked in a breath. He was far more handsome up close with his wide shoulders, tapered waist, strong jaw, firm lips, dark hair and light brown eyes.
She resisted the urge to fan herself when the apothecary suddenly became unusually warm.
Goodness, he’d not done or said anything, and she was struck speechless.
Brighid grasped her hand again. “Destiny, Miss Cordelia,” she whispered. “Fate may have arrived.”
Cordelia leaned close to the proprietor. “If I was seeking a fortune, I would have visited Madam Boswell instead of coming here.”
Brighid chuckled as she let go of Cordelia’s hand and straightened. “How may I help you?”
Cordelia presumed Brighid knew that the gentleman came from Nightshade Manor or were her words of fate merely a coincidence?
“I’m looking for my niece,” he said stepping further into the apothecary. “She is about this high, red hair.” He held his hand at about the height of the child who had just left.
“Miss Ianthe?” Brighid questioned.
“Yes. Is she here?” He glanced about.
Cordelia blinked as his words registered.Uncleand not father? At least it explained why he didn’t look old enough to have a twelve-year-old daughter.
There hadn’t been parents with Miss Ianthe…then she remembered that Adam had mentioned that an Evander Norcott and his wife had died a few years earlier. Had they left behind daughters?
“She’s already left, Lord Bentford,” Brighid offered.
He frowned. “You know who I am?”
“Your niece did explain where she was from and who accompanied her.” Brighid smiled. “I do hope your mother visits. I’ve not seen her in three years, and I do enjoy taking tea with her.”
