Page 26 of Wild Hearts

On the way home in the carriage she said in a small voice, "You won't tell Paris, will you?"

They stared at her, horrified. "Surely, you needn't ask such a question. What do you take us for?" demanded Alexandria.

Relief swept over her as she realized she would not have to face his implacable anger.

CHAPTER 6

Everyone slept late next morn, but when the day finally got under way, they realized they had had the best of the weather for the previous day's fair. The air was sultry and overcast. Bruise-colored clouds gathered all afternoon. The storm didn't break until after the evening meal. They all gathered in the living quarters, none daring to say they were frightened by the thunder and lightning but glad for each other's company.

Alexander and Troy played chess in a corner of the room. Troy was usually too restless for such pastimes, but the teeming rain made even him content to sit with the family.

Damascus was simply bursting to tell the other girls about Robert's proposal. Her pale green eyes sparkled with mischief as she kept her voice too low for Paris to overhear. "Robert asked me to be Lady Cessford yesterday, but he hasn't asked Paris yet. I've been expecting him all day, but this damned storm will prevent his coming."

Alexandria said wickedly, "You're not the only one to be alone tonight. This weather would keep the damned gypsies away."

Shannon cuffed her youngest sister over the ear, then warmly congratulated Damascus.

Venetia, not to be outdone, confided, "I think David Lennox is going to speak to Paris as well. He made it plain yesterday he was in the market for a certain wife!'

Damascus put her pretty chin up. "I'm very happy for you, but don't forget I was first."

Shannon laughed. "You won't let us forget, love."

Damascus, ever ready with the last word, said, "But it's important. In this world you have to be first or you have to be best. Fortunately, I'm both!"

Alexandria groaned. "How do you manage to delude yourself every single day of your life?"

Venetia suggested, "Let's bring out some of the stuff we got yesterday and perhaps we can exchange with each other."

Paris was studying a sea chart by the firelight, but every time Tabby looked up, she found him watching her: What was he thinking? What was he plotting? Something wicked, something evil, she told herself angrily, fanning the flames of resentment against him. It was her only defense as her heartbeat quickened and fluttered in her breast.

Alexandria had face powder, Venetia had rouge, and Damascus had the box of face patches and eye-black. Shannon fetched out a pot of bright red lip salve. They hadn't been forbidden makeup in so many words, but they knew it wasn't considered respectable to paint your face. The girls were absorbed with the allure of cosmetics, and Paris gave his complete attention to watching Tabby move and how the firelight turned her hair to dark sable fire. The curve of her cheek was so pretty when she put her head to one side like that.

The domesticity was shattered by a booming voice- from the doorway. "You look for all the world like a skulk of foxes, safe in your lair!"

Paris sprang up. "Bothwell! What the hell are you doing here on a filthy night like this? Come in, Francis. Come by the fire and get dry. Troy, go down and see to his men."

As Bothwell came into the room, he had to duck his head at the doorway, he was so tall. His big boots rang out sharply on the stone step. His dark beard accentuated the deep brown hair and eyes. The room was a warm and welcoming haven. The roaring fire, the beautiful tapestries and the thick red carpet kept out any dampness of the night.

Bothwell eyed the five beautiful girls with appreciation. "Forgive this intrusion, ladies." He bowed toward them, then turned back to Paris. "As you know, I'm Sheriff of Edinburgh among other things, and I'm trying to locate the young bride of a prominent citizen who has been kidnapped."

Tabby's heart leaped. At last she was going to be free to return to Edinburgh. Paris shot her a warning glance, but she tossed her head triumphantly, anticipating his defeat with relish!

Bothwell laughed. "There are only half a dozen men in Scotland with enough audacity to carry off such a plan. Naturally, you were on my list." He grinned at Paris.

"You flatter me, milord. You scared me, appearing out of nowhere like that."

"Lying bastard! Naught ever scared you, Cockburn," he said, and laughed.

Paris didn't look in Tabby's direction again, but he was acutely aware of her. "Tell me,. Francis, what would you do if you discovered this kidnapped bride?" questioned Paris casually.

"Throw her in one of my own fortresses and double the ransom, of course," boomed Bothwell.

Tabby gasped and went pale. Why, were men such devils?

Paris said smoothly, "I have no kidnapped brides, but I do have five lovely sisters, milord."

"Ah, yes, the beautiful ladies with the unusual names."

---