Page 41 of Haunted Hearts

Eleven

“Sister, where have you been?”Serena ran up to meet Lillith, with Posy on her heels. “It’s been hours since Milo returned. He said you were right behind him.”

“Yes, what took so long?” asked Posy. “We were so worried about you. We knew you were with . . . ” Posy stopped in midsentence, looking over Lillith’s head to Blaze who was right behind her.

“Everything is fine,” Lillith told them. “We were caught in the rain and stopped at Alderwood Castle to see Mother and Uncle Arthur.” Lillith dismounted before Blaze had a chance to help her.

“You went home? With Blaze?” asked Serena, her jaw dropping.

“What did your uncle say?” asked Posy. “I’m sure he wasn’t happy about it.”

“That’s nonsense, Posy,” said Blaze. “Why should Arthur be anything but happy about seeing me?” He slid off the horse. “After all, I am betrothed to you now, Serena, so I am part of the family.”

Lillith looked over at her sister, seeing her face pale. Serena reached out and grabbed on to Posy’s arm.

The rain had stopped and the sun broke through the clouds.

“Lord Payne. Can I take your horse for you?” asked Orvyn, rushing over to meet them. Lillith noticed the stablemaster, having seen him on foot, slipping through the gate just before them. He had been coming from somewhere, and she wondered where he’d been. He was a pesky man who always seemed to be around without really being seen.

“Mother, there you are,” said Blaze, making Lillith turn to look. Minerva was standing right there, and Lillith hadn’t even seen her walk up. The woman wore a long gown that was wispy and flowed in the breeze. It was made from a dark purple cloth with patches of white lace embroidered on to it in the shape of moons and stars. While it was odd in nature, and not the normal type of clothing a lady would wear, Lillith rather liked it. Minerva cradled her black cat in her arms, petting its head.

“Your gown is pretty,” Lillith told her. “I love purple.”

“I remember,” said Minerva. “Blaze’s bedcurtains are still remembering it.”

“Where did you get the gown?” asked Lillith.

“I make all my own clothes,” said Minerva proudly. “I could make a gown like this for you too, my dear.”

“Mother, that’s not necessary,” said Blaze in a warning voice, but the woman just continued.

“Why don’t you join me in the solar later, and I will take your measurements and get started. Actually, I have an extra gown just like this that I don’t know what to do with. I can alter it so it fits you.”

“Well . . . I. . . .” Lillith looked over to her sister and Posy. They were both shaking their heads, warning her not to accept the offer. Blaze turned and walked away with his raven flying above him. “I do believe I’d like that, Lady Minerva,” Lillith answered, wanting to get to know Blaze’s mother better. Lillith remembered her from the time she spent here with Blaze when she was growing up, but Minerva always seemed preoccupied or distant and hadn’t spoken much with Lillith. Mayhap this would be a good chance to do so now.

“Wonderful. I’ll be off then.” Minerva picked up her skirt and headed away, mumbling to herself. “There is so much to do. We need to start planning for the holiday festivities.”

“What did she say?” asked Serena. “Was she talking about All Hallows’ Day?”

“Aye. I believe so,” Lillith answered, knowing Minerva really meant Samhain, but Lillith didn’t want to mention it to her sister and handmaid.

Minerva stopped in her tracks and turned around. “Lady Serena, I’d like to get to know you better since you will be marrying my son soon. I look forward to your help in planning the festivities.” Her cat started meowing, so Lillith reached out to pet it.

“This is Sam. Short for Samhain,” she said with a smirk and headed away.

“Lillith!” squeaked Serena in a half-whisper. “She just said Samhain. That proves she’s a witch.”

“Plus, she has a black cat. It’s probably her familiar,” added Posy.

“Sister, I don’t want to help her plan any kind of festivities. You’ve got to get me out of here. Please.” Horror filled Serena’s eyes.

“You aren’t going anywhere,” said Lillith. “This will be your home now, and we have a lot of work to do before the wedding.”

“Nay! I’m done with this ridiculous plan. I want to go home.” She turned to head to the stable, but Lillith grabbed her arm and squeezed it tightly, talking to her sister in a low voice. “This wedding will give Blaze the chance to have a life he’s longed for. Without it, the feud will never end.”

“You’re hurting me, Lillith. Let go.”

“Not before you promise not to cause trouble.”