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 withonlyhis 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 teatodayand 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 smoothedher 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.
