“Mr. Tregarrick!”
I jumped at the sound of her voice. I took slow steps to the top of the stairs and stopped, jaw clenching. The last thing I could afford to do was admit this woman into my home again.Ever.
I must be your worst nightmare.
Indeed, the last time had very nearly resulted in tragedy. Despite carrying her injured from the heath, I had been in no way prepared for that sudden flow of fresh, hot blood—even if just a trickle—when the knife opened her finger. That metallic, red stain was to me as opium to those in its thrall.Farmore to me than the vital essence that merelykept me alive. How I had bargained with myself in that moment.The smallest taste will be enough. Just this once, and I’ll forget her.
I fought something very like addiction in not admitting her now. I fought my own nature. And God help me, I fought a burgeoning curiosity that likely would never have swollen fully to life had I not brought her here the first time.
A series of thuds landed against the chapel door. I closed my eyes.
“Mr. Tregarrick?”
I crossed to the chapel window, a stained glass depiction of Christ healing a leper. From here I could watch her go. Make sure she made it safely back to the road.
She’ll only come back.Little as I knew her, I suspected a stubborn streak. Again she pounded on the door, punctuating my thought.
“Why aren’t you afraid of me?” I muttered, though there was no one but Christ and the leper to hear.
Because you’re not trying hard enough, fool.
I would have to try harder, or one of the monsters on my estate was going to end up killing her. And I’d sooner die myself.
The Alchemist
I was going when the door swung suddenly inward, causing my breath to catch.
“Come in, Miss Penrose,” Mr. Tregarrick greeted me stiffly, turning and moving away from the door. “Leave it open,” he said as I crossed the threshold.
“It’s a lovely day,” I said brightly, though I was clearly unwelcome. Best to keep this visit short. “I’m sorry to disturb you, sir. I’ve brought you some lunch in thanks for your recent kindness, but mainly I wanted to—”
“Please sit down.”
I hesitated near the door, studying him. His dress was the same as last time I saw him—fine, but old-fashioned. I noticed the top button of his shirt was loosed and the ruffled collar lay open, revealing the small hollow at the base of his throat. Something red had blotted the white fabric just below that. I hoped after what he’d told me that it wasn’t blood.
His hair hung loose in waves to just past his chin, and his face was drawn and very serious. He gestured to one of the dining chairs, which was turned out to face the room.
I don’t belong here. I should go.
My heart lost its rhythm as I walked to the chair.
“I can see that I’m intruding,” I said quietly, unable to fully hide my hurt at his manner. “There are some rumors in the village havingto do with you and your solicitor. I thought you should know, so I’ve come to tell you. After that, I’ll go.”
“There is something I must tellyou, Miss Penrose.”
I stared at him, confused by how changed he was from the day he’d brought me here. Wary, I said, “All right, sir.”
“You must not come here again.”
I nodded, feeling small now, as well as hurt.
“Of course,” I said, voice trembling slightly. “I’m sorry if I’ve said or done something to offend you, Mr. Tregarrick. It’s the last thing I—”
“Miss Penrose,” he said, huffing in disbelief, “this estate isdangerous. I would think you of all people would understand this by now. You risk your life in even setting foot on it.”
My chest loosened and I let out a breath, finding this easier to stomach than the idea I had made him angry with me. “It was out of concern, sir.” I held back from sayingfor you. I’d overstepped enough. “You took considerable trouble in helpingme, and I thought it only right—”
“You thoughtwrong.” His look was almost baleful, the color of his eyes deeper than I remembered, making me think of the pool on his estate. His cheekbones looked higher and sharper. He stepped closer, stopping my breath. “Understand me, Miss Penrose, it’s not just the estate.Iam dangerous.”
