The Marriage Spell Read Online Free PDF

available to at least consider trying, but without him, the attempt would be hopeless. Not to mention dangerous.”
    Ashby and Ransom shared a glance. Apparently reaching some decision, Ashby said, “Frayne and Ransom and I met at Stonebridge Academy. From your expression, I see that you’ve heard of it.” His mouth twisted. “The headmaster did his job well, but I’ve always heard that magic is inherent and can’t be beaten out of a boy, even if the desire to use it is. Since I had some power then, presumably I still do. Would you be able to draw on that if I joined the circle?”
    Stonebridge Academy? Intriguing. “May I scan you?”
    The duke nodded. He must have neutralized a shielding charm at the same time because his aura suddenly blazed with power. Closing her eyes, she assessed him. What a very intriguing background he had. It explained the dark coloring as well as the magic. Reminding herself to stick to the matter at hand, she said, “You have a powerful gift. Perhaps it is enough to make a difference, but since you are untrained…” She shook her head doubtfully.
    â€œWhat if I joined the circle?” Ransom said. “I also had magic. Once.”
    As he released his shielding charm, she closed her eyes and found that he was an immensely complicated man, spun of contradictions that spiraled down into mysterious depths that included magic. “You would contribute enough power that we might just have a chance of success if I am able to channel the energy properly.”
    â€œThen will you do it?” Ashby asked, his gaze intent.
    She frowned as she looked at Lord Frayne. Lucky Jack Langdon. He probably wouldn’t have smiled at her on the streets of Melton Mowbray if he’d known she was a wizard. More likely he would have sneered and turned away. Yet the man still drew her, both for her memories of him healthy and for his present vulnerability.
    â€œI want very much for him to live,” she said honestly. “It would be a tragedy for a strong young man who has such a gift for inspiring friendship to die needlessly. But…I don’t know if I can do this. Would it be worth risking my life when I don’t know if there is a real chance of success?” She bit her lip. “My father would be most disappointed if his only daughter killed herself while attempting something beyond her abilities.”
    â€œIs there anything that would make the risk worthwhile? If you wish wealth or independence…” Ashby’s voice trailed off suggestively.
    Abby studied Frayne’s unconscious form, aching with frustration that his life was slipping away, and she didn’t think she could save him. It was absurd to be half in love with a man she didn’t even know.
    An outrageous thought struck her. More to herself than the men, she murmured, “There is something that would make the risk worthwhile, but it’s not a price Lord Frayne would be willing to pay.”
    â€œSouls can’t be stolen,” Ransom said. “Anything else is open for discussion.”
    She laughed at the absurdity of her idea. “Even marriage? I doubt he would do that, even to save his life.” Yet as she gazed at him, she realized that she was willing to risk her life for no payment whatsoever, simply because she wanted him to live.
I’m sorry, Papa, but I must do this.
    To her shock, Ashby studied her through narrowed eyes. “Ask him. He might surprise you.”
    Her jaw dropped. “You can’t be serious. The idea is outrageous.”
    Before she could say that she would attempt the healing circle without any extra incentives, Ashby said, “You may be a wizard, but you are also a lady, so it’s not an unreasonable idea. Jack has said a couple of times that he really ought to be looking for a bride, but he can’t face the horrors of the Marriage Mart. What could be easier than a wife who can save his life and