A Witch in Time

pretty and unusual, miss. I didn’t have to do much.” When Melinda reached for her hand to help her with the gloves, Elise suddenly pulled away. “Beggin’ yer pardon, miss,” she said in a timid voice. “Them gloves can be hard to put on by yerself.”
“I’m used to it.” She hoped she didn’t traumatize the young maid by practically yanking her hands away, but if she had touched her bare hands, it would have been an even bigger disaster. “Um, Melinda, thank you so much. Would you mind giving me some privacy?”
“Of course, miss.” The maid stepped back, gave her a small curtsy and then hurried out the room.
Elise sighed and turned back to the mirror. She really didn’t look half bad. A wave of mortification swept through her again thinking about what she and Julianna were wearing as they paraded down the street. The people around here must have thought we escaped from the insane asylum. The dress she wore now—a dark blue silky gown—was much more subdued than her previous outfit, but just as lovely.
You can do this, she told herself. All she had to do was smile and look pretty. That was what most women in this era did, right? She had to remind herself this wasn’t a Regency romance novel. This was real life. The best thing she could do was blend in and not get caught. Cross and Julianna would do the heavy lifting, all she had to do was not give them away. She’d already done that today, and hopefully she didn’t ruin their chances of getting the dagger.
Smile and look pretty.
And definitely don’t gawk at Reed Townsend.
I can totally do that.
Tucking back a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she walked out of the room. Much to her surprise, her companions were already walking down the hallway. Julianna looked absolutely gorgeous in her champagne evening gown, tucked into the right places to show off curves she usually hid in her pantsuits. Jane must have been an even better hairstylist, because she somehow managed to pile and tame Julianna’s hair into a mass of curls and braids that made her seem feminine and alluring. Cross, on the other hand, looked incredibly handsome in his claret jacket, waistcoat, dark trousers, and boots.
“Don’t you both look stunning,” she commented as they met in the middle of the hall.
“I had to go find my own clothes,” Cross said. “Since no one here was as tall as me. I hope this is okay.”
“You look hot,” Julianna commented. “Trust me.”
Although Cross’s cheeks colored again, he ignored the comment. “We should head downstairs.”
They went downstairs on Cross’s arm, and the footman showed them the way to the library. When she saw the occupants—Eleanor and an older man—she told herself she was relieved that Reed wasn’t here.
Eleanor greeted them enthusiastically as they entered and introduced her husband, Jeremy Griffiths, Earl of Winford and Beta of the London clan, to each of them.
“Miss Henney,” Winford began. “My dear Eleanor has not stopped talking about your brave deed and how you put your own life on the line to save our dear William. It is a debt we can never repay you.”
“It was nothing, my lord.” Elise lowered her lashes.
“Oh no, Miss Henney, for a parent, it was everything.”
Being the perfect hostess, Eleanor must have sensed the lull in the room. “Holden,” she called to the butler. “Why don’t you serve some refreshments and—oh, good. You’re here.”
Elise didn’t have to turn around to know who had just entered the room. Her wolf stood at attention, its ears perking up. She moved stiffly to face the newcomer.
Reed stood at the threshold, dressed in all black, save for the snowy white shirt. While on most people, black had a slimming, sobering effect, it seemed to do the opposite on him—it made his powerful shoulders seem broader, and the trousers molded to his legs showed off the muscles as he walked toward them. His hair, which had the tendency to curl at his nape, was brushed back perfectly to show off his tanned, handsome face. And those ebony eyes—though they only glanced at her briefly before greeting his brother-in-law and sister—seemed to bore into her. She tore her eyes away, suddenly finding the wallpaper interesting.
“Nice to see you finally socializing, Hunter,” Winford said as he gave Reed a pat on the back.
“You make it sound like I’m some monk locked up in an abbey, Winford.”
Reed’s low baritone held a tinge of mockery in it, and while Elise usually thought arrogant men were a turn off, something about the quality of his voice sent shivers through her.
Winford didn’t seem to mind as he continued good-naturedly. “In any case, I’m glad to finally see you outside our meetings. And of course, thankful for our guests from across the pond.”
“Indeed.” Reed’s dark gaze narrowed. “Speaking of which, I’ve searched what correspondences and records I have from my father’s office. There was no mention of America or New York. Tell me. Who is your Alpha again? What’s his name?”
“George,” Julianna offered.
“Michael,” Cross blurted out at the same time.
“George Michael?” Reed frowned. “What a strange name.”
“It actually sounds like a very English name to me,” Julianna said wryly.
“Excuse me?” Reed’s dark brow rose to his hairline. “I’ve never heard of an Englishman with that name.”
“You’ll have to take it on faith,” Julianna quipped then added, “Your Grace.”
Elise began choking on her drink which was a good distraction. Julianna patted her back and handed her a handkerchief while flashing her a tiny smirk.
Cross gave her a reproachful look before turning to Reed. “Are you looking forward to your ascension ceremony, Your Grace?”
Reed shrugged. “I suppose.”
“Reed has been acting as Alpha for the last six months,” Winford explained. “It’s more of a formality at this point.”
“Are you having the ceremony here?” Julianna piped in.
“Yes, but it will be a small affair,” Reed answered. “I only want my grandmother, Eleanor, Jeremy, and William there.”
“Family only,” Eleanor said. “No need for fuss.”
Elise could see