Page 5 of Love Set Apart
Angus kissed the tip of her nose. “I love ye and yer witchy ways, woman. Do no’ forget it.”
“And I love ye and yer Highland cheekiness. Now, as much as I’d prefer to stand here smooching with ye, we’ve got a job to do.”
Angus removed his arm from her waist, but not before kissing her breathless.
Edna couldn’t speak as she brought herself back to the task at hand and moved away on unsteady feet. Looking back, Angus wore a satisfied grin that almost undid her resolve right then and there.
* * *
Edna packeda bag of witchy essentials. She took only what she felt was necessary, including a deck of cards just in case she needed help reading the situation, a wee book of spells and a potion that could heal just about any wound or illness they may encounter. In a moment of inspiration, she paused just long enough to cast a spell on the bag that might come in handy later.
William was quite put out to be left behind and he was letting her know by showing her his backside as he walked away every time she tried to pet him. “I’ll be back soon. Maybe ye can come next time.” He eyed her with a slight bit more interest. “It’s just that this is me first job as a member of the council and I need to concentrate all me efforts on getting it right. I’d be worrying about ye the whole time. What if I lost ye?”
He stared at her a moment appearing particularly affronted—as ifhe’dget lost—then turned his back to her once again.
“I’d be miserably unhappy and ye ken it, so stop trying to make me feel bad.”
William pranced away out of the room, leaving Edna to finish packing.
“Doona think I willnae remember this lovely sendoff ye’re giving me, William,” Edna called after him. He knew exactly what he was doing and Edna was feeling the effects of it. Guilt, sadness and worry all together almost made her relent, but she wouldn’t. Not this time.
Luckily William was well-loved by Mrs. Clyman and Edna was sure he would probably gain a few pounds by the time she returned.
“Are ye almost ready?” Angus asked, peeking his head in the door.
“Ye’re in a hurry, are ye no’?” Edna asked, buckling up the one bag she was bringing along. It was small enough to sling over her shoulder or tie around her waist. It was important that it didn’t get in the way and become a burden instead of being the help it was meant to be.
“I’m excited to go,” Angus said.
“I can tell.” She glanced around making sure she wasn’t forgetting anything. “I’m ready,” Edna announced.
Angus stuck his elbow out for her to take. Edna gave him a peck on the cheek before they headed downstairs.
Once at the door, Edna turned to say goodbye to William. She couldn’t see him, but knew he was right where he could see and hear her. “Goodbye, me little love. Be good for Mrs. Clyman and we’ll see ye soon.”
2
Arriving at the offices of The Council of Witches, Edna had a great deal of pride in showing Angus around the place and pointing out the changes she’d made. They were alone in the office. Edna wasn’t sure where the others had gone, but assumed they’d be back quickly. They wanted her to leave today and she was more than ready to go.
“Ye saw all the flowers in the close,” she said.
“I did and they are beautiful. Ye’ve always had a green thumb, me love.”
“I’ve done a lot here as well.” She pointed out how dark it had once been and how now everything was much brighter. “I would never have said anything to the council, but it was a bit depressing in here.”
“Then ye’ve done what ye set out to do. It’s quite cheerful,” Angus said.
Edna seemed pleased that Angus appreciated her efforts. “The council were a bit skeptical at first, but once I put up some colorful artwork and brought in furniture that was no’ only beautiful but functional, they were quite happy.”
“Where do ye think they are?” Angus asked as he wandered around the office, peeking at the papers on each desk.”
“Angus.” Edna shook her head. “They could be anywhere.”
“Do ye think they’re watching us?”
As if in answer to his question, the witches three materialized in front of them.
Edna frowned on seeing them, while Angus stood wide-eyed and perfectly still.
