Free Love's Eternal Embrace by Karen Michelle Nutt

him. Even
though she didn’t believe in ghosts, Mr. Donner’s parting words
chilled her all the same.
    “You must leave before the fog rolls in. If
you don’t, it will be too late.”

 
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    Excerpt:
     
    The library located on the first floor served
as the tearoom. Two cushioned green striped chairs faced the
fireplace for a more cozy setting. At the far wall, tables and
chairs were stationed for those who wished to enjoy a cup of tea or
perhaps a late night snack. She chose an empty table, not wanting
to intrude on anyone’s romantic interlude.
    Four couples were already enjoying their teas
and scones before Mr. O’Grady arrived with a freshly brewed pot for
her. “Is your room to your liking, Miss Jules?” he asked doing the
honors of pouring the tea into a dainty rosebud cup.
    “Yes, it’s lovely.”
    “Splendid. Give me a moment to tend to the
other guests, and I’ll sit with you a spell.”
    Her lips curved. “I’ll be here.”
    He bustled out of the room with spry steps.
Obviously, he enjoyed his job.
    Aubrey bit into a scone and instantly thought
she’d died and gone to heaven. She’d have to see if she could
finagle the recipe out of the cook.
    After her second scone and two cups of tea,
she decided to make herself at home, looking around the room,
admiring the knickknacks and old books lining the mahogany
bookcases. She leaned forward to peer into the curio cabinet. On
the upper shelf, a resin faery stood forever posed with a bouquet
of flowers in her hand. Below it, her gaze landed on a replica of
Bunratty Castle. She’d seen the real one in Ireland. The impressive
ruins were now restored to the castle’s original splendor. Tourists
could experience castle life with entertainment and elaborate
banquets.
    “Oh, I see you found it.”
    Startled, she turned to find Mr. O’Grady
looking over her shoulder. She wondered how he’d been so quiet on
his feet. “I found it?” Her eyebrows rose in question.
    “The magic box.”
    Her attention drew back to the cabinet, her
gaze locking onto the box in question. Funny, she hadn’t seen it
there a moment ago stashed between the shamrock paperweight and
Blarney Castle teapot.
    Mr. O’Grady moved around her to unlock the
curio cabinet, rearranging the items so he could reach the box
without tipping anything over. His age-spot hands handled the box
as if it were made of fine china instead of sturdy oak.
    “Tell me a little about it,” she asked,
curious to know the history. “How does the magic work? What’s the
trick?”
    “Trick? Harrumph , trick indeed. This
here box isn’t your average Tomfoolery with nothing but smoke and
mirrors. No, the box is older than time—and crafted by the wee
folk.”
    Aubrey hid a smile behind her hand and
cleared her throat in hopes of swallowing a chuckle. She didn’t
want to offend the old man. He believed in the box and what it
could do.
    Her gaze studied the box with its intricate
Celtic knots and ancient carvings surrounding all sides, including
the lid. She had to admit, there was something rather otherworldly
about it. She had the urge to run her fingers along the etched
lines. “Our sources told us it grants soul mates.”
    He glanced around him as if he feared they’d
be overheard. Then he stepped closer. “Aye, that it does.”
    She concentrated on stopping her lips from
twitching into a smile. “Really?”
    “You don’t believe me.” He let out a breath
that was half frustration and half impatience. “Don’t go denying
it, now. I can hear it in your voice. No matter, it’s what it
is.”
    His feelings were hurt and that wasn’t her
intention. This wasn’t personal. She was here for her job, not on a
quest to prove anything. “I apologize. I’m not trying to be
disrespectful. There’s been very little magic in my life, and it’s
difficult for me to believe in the impossible. So, please forgive
me.”
    It took a moment,