“It’s possible he wasn’t wearing it that night, but that wasn’t like Father. That ring had been in the family for generations. Why would anyone steal it and leave behind more than one hundred dollars in cash?”
Suspicions rose to the surface of Grace’s mind, but she didn’t dare voice them.
“I must confess, I fibbed about the water,” Belle went on as they entered the kitchen. “I simply had to get away…from the smoke.”
“The atmosphere in that room was rather oppressive,” Grace agreed.
“I also wanted to be away from Donnal.”
“Oh, dear,” Grace said, surprised at Belle’s candor. “Have the two of you quarreled?”
Belle shook her head. “There would be no point. He willnotdo what I want him to do.”
“And what is that?”
“I want him to send that awful woman and her insipid niece away from here. He claims he cannot turn them away.”
“Perhaps they have other family, somewhere to turn, at least while the two of you settle in to your marriage. I can see that Lady Sybil would be a bit hard to take.”
“Actually, she’s not the one who worries me the most. It’s Lady Edythe.” Her chin quivering, Belle moved closer. “It feels as if we are rivals. Donnal has tried to convince me it’s all in my mind, but I know what I feel.” Twisting her hands, she pulled in a breath. “I often sense that Lady Edythe views me as an intruder.”
Grace considered her next words carefully. Was it possible the women were the ones to fear, and not Raibert? Had Mrs. Carmichael been mistaken about the talismans she found? Were the charms meant to transmit evil, and not protect the bearer?
“This afternoon, someone left silver talismans in my chamber.”
Belle gasped. “What are you saying?”
“Small charms were placed on our bed. Mrs. Carmichael also found a charm in her room. I strongly suspect this ties in with spellcasting. Please tell me the truth—was it you?”
“No.” Belle gave her head a miserable shake. “It’s followed me.”
“Did Lady Sybil or Lady Edythe leave those talismans?”
“I don’t know. Truly, I don’t.” Anguish colored her words. “I’ve made a terrible mistake. My father died because of me…because I pursued this horrid magic.”
“You cannot blame yourself.”
Belle caught her hands in hers. “I cannot go through with it—I cannot go through with this ceremony. What does it matter? We’ve already spoken our vows. We’ve already wed. More guests are set to arrive tomorrow. I must send them away. I don’t want anyone else here. Donnal will understand. I know he will.”
“Do you trust him?”
Belle stilled. “I do love him. More than anything.”
“That isn’t what I asked.” Grace steadied her voice. “Tell me the truth. Do you trust him?”
“I would not have married him if I did not.” Belle turned away. “It’s those women. It’s their fault. I feel it.”
“Belle, I believe you may be in danger.”
She whipped around, her lower lip quivering as she shook her head in adamant denial. “Donnal would not allow that. He loves me. And in my heart, I know he’ll protect me.”
Grace could not back down. The fear in Belle’s eyes was very real, even if she wouldn’t admit to it.
“How well do you know your husband? Do you know what he is capable of?”
“Capable of? What do you mean?”
“You may be in danger—it’s possible he isn’t the man you think he is.”
