“We have to find a protection spell.” Poppy began flipping pages in the ancient tome, relieved that the English translation seemed to work throughout the book and not just the first page. “There’s got to be a way to protect The Chase and our neighbors.”
“Protect everyone from what?”
“Those vicious dogs from last night.” Poppy continued searched the pages. “They’re hellhounds. An entire pack of them.”
“Hellhounds?” Laurel scrunched up her nose.
“And they’re not the only things that may be lurking in the woods,” Poppy echoed Alec’s earlier words as a shiver raced down her spine. Goodness! What could be worse than hellhounds? “Captain Galbraith said they’ve been drawn here by our powers. There should be a spell in here that will protect The Chase. Aunt Alora should have cast it after she returned our powers, but she must not have done so.”
“Because Captain Galbraith said so?”
Poppy scowled at her sister. “He ‘s been right about everything else.”
Luckily, Laurel didn’t argue that point, and she began looking through the book’s pages as well. “I just don’t like him casting aspersions on Aunt Alora.”
Poppy shook her head. “I don’t think he meant to. For all we know, the protection spell might have been the first thing she meant to teach us that next morning.” Honestly, there was no way to know what their great-aunt had planned. “Anyway, he said it should be in here. We just have to find the right spell.”
“Oh!” Laurel pointed at the page. “I think it’s this one.”
* * *
As Alec nearedDaniel’s bedchamber, he’d made up his mind to return to London at dawn. Staying near Poppy Elstone would be utter madness, and remaining sane was rather important to him. It always had been. He’d become a master at self-preservation at a young age and had managed his life rather well once he’d made up his mind to make his own way in the world. Of course, he’d never encountered anyone like her before. He’d never craved the briefest touch of anyone until now. The magic that swirled within her called to a long dormant part of his soul. Too much time spent in her company could easily cause Alec to toss aside his good sense and freewill. Without question, he needed to return to the safety of London just as soon as possible.
“…heard your compatriot Stephen Blackburn has settled down.” A man’s voice drifted from within Daniel’s chamber and down the corridor.
What was that about Blackburn? Alec slowed his pace.
“How did you possibly hear about that so soon?” A slight panic laced Daniel’s tone. “Do you have spies all over Yorkshire?”
“Spies?” Amusement sounded in the other man’s voice. “When the Duke of Birkby’s granddaughter marries rather hastily, news of the nuptials reach even this far corner of Devon, my dear nephew. I’ve also heard thatyouwere present at the wedding in question.”
“He asked me to stand up with him.”
The other man – Viscount Halwell, no doubt – sighed. “Dare I hope that witnessing such an event has made you contemplate your own duties to our family?”
Daniel groaned. “Please, Uncle Henry. I am in rather a lot of pain at the moment. Perhaps we could have this conversation another time?”
“Another time when you’re able to run away on two good legs?” Lord Halwell mused aloud.
“Preferably.”
“Oh, no, a captive audience will do just fine for now.”
A creak came from the room and Alec surmised that the viscount must have begun pacing the floor. He halted his own step completely to keep from making any sounds in the corridor. After all, he’d rather keep his eavesdropping a secret.
“I havefour daughters, Daniel,” the man continued. “The four most wonderful girls any man could ask for. But the truth is, I do wishoneof them had been a son. Thatoneof them would be obligated to take care of the others after I pass on from this life.”
“You are whole and hale,” Daniel said. “Hardly time for maudlin thoughts, Uncle.”
“Well, none of us pick the time when we move on. Your father was younger than you are now and in the peak of health at the time of his passing. Why should I live to be an old man when my brother did not?”
“I dare say that your social circle is different than my late father’s.”
Lord Halwell sighed. “True. I do not recklessly race phaetons to pass myennui.Still, that does not change the fact that despite my best intentions, I am not guaranteed a long life. I need to know that the Halwell line is secure. I need to know that my wife and daughters will be taken care of after I leave this world for the next.”
“I will always see to their wellbeing,” Daniel said. “I’ve told you this often enough, Uncle Henry.”
“And I believe you mean those words in this moment.” The floor creaked beneath the viscount’s feet once again. Had he stopped moving or was there a loose board under his step? “But time does change things, Daniel. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve seen old men do things their younger selves could not even contemplate. So, you will forgive me that your assurances do not bring me the peace you think they should.”
