“You are a guest at Nightshade Manor. She has a daughter and three sons, not to mention that Petra and Maia are just as close to Antonia and often about, so why you and why me?”
A part of her wondered if he would mind so much if it had been someone else sent with him.
“She is up to something,” Cassian finally said.
“What would that be?”
“I am not certain. Or there was a reason she kept her children home.”
“Are they not all adults?”
“Yes, but…” He pushed his fingers through his thick, dark curly hair. “It simply is not like her and instead of being irritated, which I was, perhaps I should be more concerned.”
“I do not believe there is cause,” she said after some thought.
Cassian narrowed his eyes. “You can detect some emotions…a person’s music. Is there anything that may alarm you from my adoptive mother?”
“If there was, I would not tell you as it would be personal, such as telling a secret. However, I have not picked up on anything that should be a concern. Or at least nothing unusual given the circumstances.”
“What circumstances?”
Samantha chuckled. “Christmas, the wedding, a lunar eclipse, Haloa festival all approaching rather quickly. She has much on her mind.”
Cassian nodded and blew out a breath. “I was the one who was around, and she kept me there. Had it been Simon who had walked in with you, likely he would be sitting in this carriage.” With that he relaxed back against the squabs. “I apologize for being unpleasant.”
“There is no need to do so. You are clearly worried about Lady St. Alban.”
“Yes, and I intend on having a private audience with her when I return home. I believe there is a discussion that must be had.”
Chapter 11
His adoptive mother was playing matchmaker!
It wasn’t just Eugenia but his entire adopted family who had set out to settle his life.
Cassian should have realized their intentions before now. It was Eugenia who had him take Samantha to the Sacred Grove. Maia was the one who suggested he show Samantha where to view the dolphins. Then, the following morning it had been Simon, Ajax and Ares who joined Samantha to watch the sunrise. He had assumed their intent had been to be difficult, or perhaps make him jealous, because they had enjoyed teasing him the day before, hinting at a courtship that would not take place.
Bloody hell!
They also needed to understand that there would be no courtship and no match.
How could they even think there should be?
It did not matter that he was infatuated with Samantha, and if his life circumstances were different, he would court her, but they weren’t.
“Shall we start with The Hourglass?” Samantha asked.
It was a shop owned by a witch who sold candles, sachets, and teas. But for those magically inclined, one could purchase what was needed for a spell.
“We will at least be able to get the candles for the meditation,” Cassian answered.
“There are herbs on the list too,” Samantha reminded him as he assisted her from the carriage.
“We shall start there, then visit any other shop that is necessary until we have purchased everything required.”
Samantha graced him with a beautiful smile. “And, if we are organized enough, it should not take us so very long.”
Except, he was no longer bothered by being sent away on errands, since he now understood the reason. Further, it was not Samantha’s fault and he should not take his irritation out on her, especially since he enjoyed spending time in her company despite the fact that they could never be more than they were right now.
