Page 33 of An Enchanted Knight

Derrick raised an eyebrow. “Tristan? Are you on a first-name basis with the ghost?”

“Enough,” Edith interrupted, in a soft, stern voice. “Please let’s retire to the sitting room for a glass of brandy. I think we need it.”

Once in the sitting room, Derrick poured them all a drink while Edith spoke. “The matter of Miss Lockhart’s employment is not up for discussion. I am of sound mind and will decide when and if we will cease in this pursuit. I believe you are swayed by your desire to take over the estate and transform it into that distasteful public attraction of yours.” She rolled her eyes at Derrick, who reddened but remained silent. “I am not required to hand over management of the estate until my eighty-fifth birthday, which isn’t for another year, dear nephew. Until the last day of June, next year, I will remain steadfast in my decision to do anything I can to free Tristan McRainey.”

Gwen didn’t dare argue, but she’d made up her mind. She was not accepting any payment for working on Tristan’s release. It was now a personal quest.

Once Derrick left, Gwen got up and poured the women a second drink. “I meant what I said Edith. I don’t require payment of any kind. I want to do this.”

Edith reached for her glass and smiled at her. “In love, are you?”

Sabrina let out a loud laugh. Gwen’s face grew hot.

“Why is everyone saying that?” She sputtered, not enjoying that Edith joined in Sabrina’s laughter. “I like him. Of course he’s very handsome—who wouldn’t find him attractive…” She gave up and fell on the chair shaking her head; they weren’t listening to her anyway.

Edith sobered first. “I’m sorry dear, but we have to find humor where we can. I am worried about Tristan, too. What could possibly be detaining him?”

“Tristan McRainey needs yer help, lass,” a deep voice shocked them.

They were struck silent as the man, who’d suddenly appeared, moved toward them. To say the man was a beautiful creature was a total and utter understatement. The golden warrior stood before them, his heavily lashed, honey-colored eyes scanning their faces, waiting for some sort of reply. Golden waves framed his face and fell to his wide shoulders. Dressed in soft leather britches and a belted white linen shirt with a huge sword on his hip, he embodied every woman’s dream of what a warrior should look like. Muscles rippled on his huge frame as he moved to get a closer look at her. Despite his large size, he was as graceful as he was gorgeous. Until he tripped on the carpet and almost fell face first on top of her. She held her arms up, glad the huge man had managed to stop his fall.

Gwen finally was able to speak. “You must be Gavin Campbell.”

He nodded, the golden waves of his hair fell forward, and he brushed his hair back, an impatient gesture. “I came to fetch ye, Gwyneth. You must come to the alter-world with me.”

Gwen gasped. “What happened to Tristan?”

Gavin’s eyes flickered to Sabrina. He hesitated for a second before returning his attention to Gwen. “Meliot has taken him. Ye must come and help Padraig. Only by combining your magic, can we stand a chance against Meliot.”

“Well I’m not sure about this,” Edith began, standing up to the large man. She didn’t seem as affected by his looks. “Look here, Campbell, let’s discuss this before you go off with Gwen. How do we know you are who you say.” She finished by pushing a bony finger at his bicep. “Prove who you are.”

The Scot gave Edith an incredulous look before he began untying the laces to the front of his shirt.

“Oh, this is going to be good,” Sabrina whispered at Gwen, taking a sip of her brandy, her eyes glued to the Scot’s chest. “Take it off, baby.”

“Be quiet, Sabrina,” Gwen hissed at her sister, who gave her a wicked smile in response.

“I believe this should prove who I am,” Gavin told them, pulling out a talisman that matched Tristan’s, except this one had a heart stamped on it, not a clover.

“Well, that was a letdown,” Sabrina muttered, leaning forward to study the talisman. Gwen noticed that Gavin tensed, leaning away from her sister. Interesting.

Gwen reached for the talisman; she had to stand on her toes to see it more closely since it hung from a leather strap around Gavin’s neck. His golden eyes studied her while he waited for her to decide.

“How are you able to come here?” Gwen asked, “I thought each of you could only appear at your ancestral homes.”

He shrugged, “I never tried to come here until today. In the past, I have not been successful in appearing anywhere but Castle Campbell. I visited McRainey lands once before the enchantment. Tristan and I are childhood friends. Perhaps that is why I can.”

“Let me get a jacket and the book.” Gwen dashed out of the room. She wasn’t surprised when Sabrina followed her.

“I know what you’re going to say, but I have to go.” She ran into her bedroom and pulled a heavy denim jacket from her closet. She sat on the bed and pulled on hiking boots as Sabrina shoved the spell book into a knapsack.

She eyed her sister who rushed about and continued shoving items into the bag. “Sabrina what all are you stuffing into that bag?”

“I’m not going to try to convince you not to go. It’s useless. Not sure what you may need, so I’m adding some energy bars, Chap Stick, tampons, and sanitizer wipes. Also, a couple pairs of clean panties, two pairs of socks and lastly this extra t-shirt.” Sabrina rolled the shirt and slid it into the deceptively small bag.

Grabbing the bag from her sister, Gwen hurried back to the great room. No telling how long Gavin could remain before being pulled back to the alter-world.

Once again, she was struck silent when she saw Gavin. As much as she preferred Tristan, it was almost impossible not to gawk at the man.