Spellmaker

She was getting ahead of herself. Taking a couple of deep breaths, she sat on the trunk once more.

“See, that’s why I was gonna wait.”

“We . . .” Elsie met Bacchus’s gaze, trying to sort through the tumult of her thoughts.

“We can postpone,” Bacchus assured her. “Find another ship.”

“Will we get a refund?” she asked.

Bacchus batted the concern away with a wave of his hand. “It doesn’t matter. This is important to you. We should inquire now.”

“Don’t fret over it.” Reggie folded up the article and tucked it into his pocket. “I’ve checked up on leads for her before, only for it to amount to nothing. Don’t hold up your plans. If this is something, I’ll send word right away. Even spirit line it. I promise. Besides”—he smiled—“I have a date, and I’ll be batty-fanged if I miss it.”

Elsie’s brows drew together. “What do you mean you have a date?”

Reggie grinned and hooked a thumb under his suspenders. “You know. Met a girl in Brookley. Asked if she’d see me and she said yes.”

Elsie laughed despite herself. “You scamp!” Emmeline had been hinting about liking a lad, but she’d been rather close-lipped about the whole thing. Elsie had hoped, but she hadn’t wanted to assume.

Reggie shrugged noncommittally, but Elsie knew she was right. She stood, her mirth mingling into something uncertain. She leaned on Bacchus. “But Alice.”

“I’m going with one of my friends to look into it this weekend. Really, Els. Don’t fret over it. Go have yer honeymoon. I’d feel awful if I spoiled it.”

Bacchus ran his hand up and down her back.

Elsie straightened, nodded, and dug into her reticule for a few coins. “The spirit line, if you would.” She put the money in Reggie’s palm.

Reggie whistled. “Yes, ma’am. I’d feel bad taking this if you weren’t so fancy ’n’ all.”

Bacchus snorted.

Below them, the front door opened, and Elsie heard Mariah’s voice call out in greeting. She was the new maid, who would be looking after the house while they were away.

Slipping her reticule away, Elsie embraced her brother. “Thank you for your help. Let me know immediately.”

“You won’t even be in Barbados yet—”

“Immediately,” she reaffirmed, releasing him. She stared into his blue eyes, so much like her own. “Promise.”

He gave her a lopsided smile. “Promise.”

Elsie stepped back. Even if it wasn’t her Alice Camden, it would drive her mad thinking about it. She itched for something to do. Some kind of distraction. Perhaps Bacchus could offer her one in the confines of their carriage. The thought tempted her mouth into a mischievous smile.

“I suppose we shouldn’t miss our boat. If you two would be so kind.” She gestured to the devilish trunk.

Reggie bowed. “Yes’m.” As he and Bacchus took up the handles, he added, “Can’t you enchant this to be lighter or something?”

“No magic on my clothes,” Elsie quipped, which earned her chuckles from both men as they hauled the thing through the doorway and down the stairs.

Despite the hiccup of information from her brother, Elsie was glad for the journey, though she was not yet sure how strong her seafaring legs were. She’d finally get some blissful time alone with her husband and see his other side—the side that craved oranges and loved the ocean. She was looking forward to promised walks on the beach and picnics beneath palm leaves. She was looking forward to being with him, without any doubts, fears, worries, or secret murderers riding their trail. Then they’d come home for Christmas, where they’d host Ogden and Emmeline and Reggie, and perhaps hear rumor of engagements, and they’d spend the New Year at Seven Oaks with the duchess, and everything would be how it was meant to be.

They had already set up a tutor for her in Barbados, who would record all the remarkable progress she was to start having, which would push her ahead of schedule once she returned to England. Then it would be only another year for her to be official. To put away the hiding and be what she’d always wanted to be.

A spellbreaker.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thus ends my first duology. I am so grateful to those who have stuck with me through thick and thin, supporting me in this amazing career, helping me refine and polish one story after another. I am forever and always indebted to each of you.

Many thanks to Jordan, who is my rock. I had quite a stumble in 2019 when drafting this book, and he was there to hold my hand through all of it, always making sure I had what I needed to get back on my feet. I could not accomplish half of what I do without him.

Thank you to Tricia, Rebecca, and Leah for reading through my rough draft and helping me get that first round of edits done. Your input was golden, and I’m very grateful for the time you spend on my projects!