“No.” She placed a hand against her breast. “If Madam Boswell saw them, then it must be as she says.”
Damon blinked at her again. “You trust the old woman?”
“She has a true gift, not a charlatan like so many others,” his mother assured him. “If she sees or feels something, pay attention and do as she tells you.”
“I was hoping you would be dismissive of her,” he grumbled.
“Why?” His mother became alarmed again.
He then explained the darkness surrounding him.
His mother frowned. “She does not know the cause or when?”
“No. She could not tell me anything further.”
She turned and grabbed his arm. “There is only one darkness we must fear. Witchfinders!” She whispered the last word.
“I am not a witch,” he reminded her.
“You are responsible for witches. The darkness surrounds you, but it is another who is in danger.”
Damon nearly snorted. “I am too cautious to let anyone near who could harm my family.”
His mother looked pointedly at Miss Cordelia.
“The Vails are not a threat,” he reminded her. Of that he was certain.
“Perhaps they aren’t, but that doesn’t mean we can trust everyone in Bocka Morrow. If Madam Boswell saw the darkness, then it was near or will be here.”
“Nothing will happen to you or my nieces,” he promised.
“This is why we must not leave Nightshade Manor again. Madam Boswell has warned us, and I do not take such lightly.”
“I will not be sequestered to this estate for the next three years,” he argued. Except, if that was necessary to keep his family safe, he would do so. “Nightshade Manor is protected so that those who should not be here cannot step on the land, correct?”
“It only works if the gates are closed,” she answered.
“Then keep them closed and locked at all times. If I need to leave, I’ll do so by this gate as few know of its existence.”
His mother frowned.
“I cannot hide here and wonder when, who, or what may strike. I must be free to come and go.”
His mother sighed. “I will do as you say for the main entrance. But for this gate, it will be shielded by roses and bushes, only to part for those who mean no harm.”
It was a concession he could accept. Damon just dreaded having to speak with his nieces again and warn them not to leave Nightshade Manor under any circumstances. Ianthe was already afraid, and he didn’t wish to make it worse. “What she saw could also be nothing more than a storm,” he said, not willing to fully believe an evil darkness was stalking him or his family. He’d remain alert, but he wasn’t going to hide.
His mother pursed her lips and stared at him out of the corner of her eye. “It is never so simple. Do not take this lightly.”
Damon held up his hands in defense. “I promise that I will not. I will protect you and the girls.”
His mother gave a nod as if she was satisfied with his response and went back to watching Ianthe and Miss Cordelia. His niece was now grinning up at her teacher.
“Miss Cordelia may have been of assistance,” his mother mumbled.
“Perhaps we will not need to worry about Ianthe running away again,” Damon suggested.
“I’ll make certain it is not possible.” His mother nodded to the wild roses. “They can keep someone in as easily as they can keep them out.”
