Page 5 of Bound By The Christmastide Moon

Hardly.

“Absolutely,” Mallory shared aloud. She kept her gaze trained on the duke for fear she’d burst into laughter if she caught Felicity’s eye.

She gave up when Felicity let out a very improper snort.

With the duke appearing satisfied by their introductions, Mallory stepped forward, her welcoming smile returning.

Assessing Felicity, Mallory noted the woman had lost weight, her always tall, thin frame becoming lankier without any added pounds about her hips and bust. It was an issue Mallory’s brother was constantly teasing her about—her wide hips, heavy bosom, and legs as sturdy as an aged mare.

Felicity stepped close, and Mallory wrapped her arms about the woman. The embrace was more for Mallory’s benefit as she knew Felicity did not see the purpose or gain from human contact. Yes, Felicity had researched the effects of interaction via touching and how it correlated with one’s health and mental stability. Her friend had actually written her a fifteen-page exposition on the subject matter the previous year.

The instant they touched, Mallory’s vision blurred, and she knew the normally light grey color of her eyes had turned to a deepening, rolling smoke, as if a storm passed through her.

A jolt of scorching heat coursed through her as Mallory blinked several times to clear the vision from her mind.

Peculiar…and intriguing.

She leaned close to Felicity. “So, you shall kiss the handsome duke—”

Felicity stiffened, holding Mallory close for a moment longer to whisper, “I shall die first.”

“Suit yourself,” Mallory replied with a nod, closing her eyes for a brief moment as Felicity fled her embrace.

Opening her eyes, Mallory saw the duke inspecting her closely. Had he seen the storm rage in her stare when the vision had been upon her? Perhaps, but Wycliffe and his opinion of her were of little concern to Mallory.

What was very concerning was her friend’s reaction to the man.

The heat that had coursed through her spoke of Felicity’s inner turmoil. She was angry—no, furious at something. Likely the duke’s announcement his ward would be traveling to London for the Season.

“Shall we go inside, then?” Wycliffe broke the uncomfortable silence, holding his arm out to her.

Mallory silently chastised the man. While she did not seek to be part of society, she adhered very strictly to societal protocols…and society deemed the duke should offer his arm to Aunt Hettie, not Mallory, and most certainly not Felicity—though that would be a sight to see.

Blessedly, Felicity slipped her arm through Mallory’s and started for the manor.

“You are greatly vexed, Felicity,” Mallory hissed when they were several paces from the carriage, affording them a spot of privacy. “A scorching heat nearly had my knees buckling beneath me.”

“We shall not discuss it now,” Felicity retorted.

“It is none of your business, my child,” Aunt Hettie shushed, making both women jump at her close proximity.

It very much was something Mallory need speak to her friend about, yet it could wait a while until the women were left to their own devices and free from Aunt Hettie’s hovering.

“Thank you for offering Aunt Hettie and me lodging.” Mallory hurried to match Felicity’s long strides as they reached the house. “It will only be a day or two—three, at most. Mother wants us returned to Blenheim Park in time for the new year.”

“My home—err, the duke’s home—is always open to you and your family.” Felicity turned a pointed glance on her. “Although, I find it rather startling you are betrothed to a lord you know naught of.”

“He will hopefully be far better than the men I do know,” Mallory laughed, dispelling the heavy air that had settled about the group. “Now, more importantly, tell me of your project. Last you wrote me, your experiments were progressing with a startling speed and efficiency. Do tell me the duke’s arrival will not halt your tests.”

“Oh, Mallory.” Felicity stepped closer to her but refrained from entwining their arms. “There is so much I must tell you. I am exceedingly close to my goal, but I fear my time is running out.”

They stepped over the threshold and into Tetbery Estate, its warm, inviting interior always a calming balm for Mallory. Felicity prattled on and on about her recent discoveries in correlation with her experiments surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone, and an elixir to promote immortality. While the matter was of grave importance, and Mallory was anxious to hear all about it, it also afforded her a moment’s distraction from what the coming days held for her.

Chapter 2

The ancient, thick wooden door slammed solidly in Silas’s face, cutting off the miniscule amount of heat that escaped the castle to warm him from the plummeting coastal December air. The envelope in his hand was nearly as dense as the door several inches in front of him.

And it meant nothing.