For now, she enjoyed the feel of his steady heartbeat at her back. “You speak as though she’s standing here with us.”
“She is.”
Marlene turned her head and glanced at him. He gave her a wink. “I told you that my ancestors often visit me. That has not changed. The power of our bloodline is strong enough to withstand centuries.”
“How remarkable,” she breathed, as she laid her head back against his shoulder. “I wish that I could speak to mine as easily.” She gave a heavy sigh. “But at the same time, I don’t have to see Mama or Papa to know that they would have loved you as I do.”
“You do have Mr. Ashley as your channel through the ages,” he noted. “As the author of the Book, I believe that is how you were able to recall such incantations so effortlessly, since you asked me to secure it in the hidden study.”
“I never thought of that possibility,” she murmured. “I just seemed to know what I was saying and where to look.” She paused. “But now that you mention it, I didn’t have the Book in my possession for that long.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I suppose it was just meant to be.”
“As are we.”
She turned her head again, but this time Alaric captured her mouth in a kiss that nearly made her levitate off of the ground. At least, she felt as though she was lighter than air.
“I would appreciate it if you gave us some sort of notice if you intended to engage in such shameless flirtation.”
Marlene turned her head and offered Lady Catharine a smile. She held her faithful, black cat in her arms. It made her wonder why Luciena never wished to assume her human form any longer than necessary.
As if reading her thoughts, those sensual, red lips curved upward in a smile, and Lady Catharine’s dark eyes shone with lust. “I fear I keep my lover hidden from prying eyes that might look at her with the same adoration I do. I find that I am terribly jealous.”
Marlene laughed. “I am certainly not one to question your relationship with your feline partner.” She turned in Alaric’s arms and wrapped her arms loosely about his neck. “I find I indulge in the same possessive nature with your High Priest.”
Lady Catharine was wearing her usual black attire. Her long hair was trailing down her back. “It’s about time someone dared to take on that beastly nature.” Her gaze shifted to Alaric. “There was one time I imagined I could foolishly allow my heart to engage with him, but it would have been quite broken the moment he laid eyes on you. I could sense his faithful devotion to you the moment he arrived in London. He was prepared to die for you then and gained his desire last evening.” She looked back at Marlene with a grin. “Little did he know you were too stubborn to let him go.”
“I am lucky to have found my companion at last,” Alaric said, as he held Marlene close. “Something tells me you’ve done the same.”
“I admit that should I have pursued my infatuation with you, Sir Gothry, I would have come to regret my decision.” She brought her cat closer to her, where she rubbed her cheek against the purring mass of black fur. “I’m quite content with my choices.” She gave a sigh. “Which is why we have come to say goodbye. It’s time we returned to London where the depravities we enjoy so much are well at hand. I lingered as long as I dared to ensure there wasn’t going to be a need. But now that the rest have said their farewells, so shall we.”
Marlene disengaged herself from Alaric and walked over to her. After a brief hesitation, she reached out and embraced her. Her throat was thick with emotion when she said, “Thank you for everything.”
Lady Catharine allowed the hug, but when Marlene withdrew, her eyes were steady and focused, as if she were struggling to shed that tough exterior shell.
When Alaric moved to Marlene’s side, she appeared to have regained her emotion. He inclined his head respectfully. “You have filled the role of High Priestess for many years. For that, I am grateful for your continued loyalty. I may call upon you again for assistance someday.”
She offered a slight curtsy. “I shall be there when the command is given.”
With that, she turned and walked out of the gallery.
Alaric parted ways with Marlene for a brief time later that afternoon. He could tell she was weary and needed some rest, so while she lay down, he sought out his aunt.
He found her in the front parlor, staring rather in a melancholy fashion out the window. She turned when she heard him approach, offering him a smile, and then turned back to the scenery beyond. “I have always had a certain passion for the barren moors.” She paused, and Alaric waited patiently for her to continue. “But I shouldn’t wonder if it is enough for me anymore.” She faced him once again. “I should like to do a bit of traveling. See more of the world. Perhaps I might start with Italy.”
He crossed his arms and stared down at the floor. For a long time, he had noticed the changes in his aunt, her restlessness that had turned to loneliness. “You don’t have to leave,” he said quietly. “You are welcome to remain here as long as you would like.”
“I know that,” she returned gently. “But I imagine you and Miss St. Clair will soon wed and wish to start a family of your own.”
He eyed her firmly. “Don’t speak as though you should be a hindrance.”
“Oh, no,” she denied. “I only wish to see this house full of love and happiness again. I feel I would only drag everyone down if I remained. The very thought of doing something on my own makes me feel energized.” She glanced down at her weathered hands. “I allowed my heartbreak over Herbert’s loss to send me into a miserable cocoon, but it was of my own making, because I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it.” She lifted her eyes again. “But now, I can see that and more. I have come to terms that he is gone, but I am still here. I want to live again.”
As much as Alaric would hate to see her go, he found that he couldn’t deny her logic. Once one was broken, if the opportunity presented to repair the break and move on from such a devastation, that chance should be embraced. It was no wonder she wanted to venture past this manor.
His silence must have compelled her to add, “I have already spoken to Heloise, and she has agreed to join me.”
Alaric rolled his eyes dramatically. “The two of you crones wreaking havoc upon the continent. Heaven help us.” He softened his words with a teasing smile, and she chuckled.
She got up with the assistance of her cane and moved to his side. She set a hand on his chest, directly over his heart. “I did not want to leave until I knew you were settled, but now I can rest assured that you have found a woman worthy of you. I love you, Alaric.”
