Page 31 of Master of Paradise
"I wouldn't hurt her for the world." Bernardshook his head.
"Go to her now and receive your gueststogether. That will please her."
Bernard thought for the hundredth time howeasy Nicholas was to talk to. There need be no pretense betweenthem, no strain. As he left his office, his mask fell in placeagain as he sought Miss Caroline.
Brandon put his arm through Nick's so hewould not be overheard by anyone. "Let's get a breath of air. Walkwith me to the stables."
Amanda came up and took hold of Nick's otherarm.
Brandon said quickly, "Run along Mandy, we'respeaking of men's affairs."
"Affairs! My God, Brandon, you made a pun,and here I thought you were witless," she said cruelly, but Nicklaughed in spite of the cruelty.
"A little gal her age shouldn't know of suchthings. It's disgusting."
"Don't worry, Brandon," she said sweetly,"rumor has it most men are disgusting."
"Not me, dammit. You!" he shouted
She looked wide-eyed at Nicholas. "Now youknow where I pick up my bad language.
"You little bitch. You deliberately baitme."
"Because you always rise to the bait like adamn trout," she said laughing.
Nicholas frowned at her.She knows she'soverstepping the bounds of propriety, as usual. If someone doesn'tput a curb on her soon, she'll be out of control."Mandy, goback to the house. The stable is no place for a party dress. I'llsee you in a little while."
He spoke so sharply, she was hurt. Nicholas,who let her do as she pleased and say whatever she fancied wassuddenly acting as strict as the others. The words 'I'll see you ina little while' stung her vanity.That's what he thinks,shethought savagely, needing to inflict him with the same pain he hadgiven her.You may make time for 'the child' later, but 'thechild' won't make time for you!
Brandon grimaced at Nick. "Father fired up asif I'd set a match to gunpowder. Still, your advice was good. Ifeel better now that I made a clean breast of it."
"You and Mandy are a good pair. Neither ofyou has an ounce of discretion. Your mother overheard theaccusations you hurled at Bernard.
"Good God! How did she react?"
"Fortunately for you, she didn't seem tobelieve it."
"Thank God. Let's hope she thinks I wasreferring to a wench."
"Would that make a difference?" Nicholasasked, at a loss.
"She's a white lady. She isn't going to minda black girl."
Nick looked at Brandon in amazement. "GoodGod, you've a lot to learn about women."
"I'm trying my best." Brandon grinned.
"By the way, your presence is going to beexplained by saying you're transferring to Charleston."
"Like hell, I am," Brandon laughed.
"Then you'll learn to be a planter?" Nickasked.
"I'm allergic to cotton." He grinned. "Nick,all the old boys will be here tonight. Do you suppose we dare get agame going?"
"I don't think the ladies would appreciatethe cursing and drunkenness that go on at one of our pokergames."
"Well, perhaps it would be a mite trickyseeing it's a birthday ball, but if you think there won't be anydrunkenness, you're in for a surprise. By midnight, half the menwill be so liquored up, the fighting alone will be better thanwhatever entertainment is planned. In fact, I think I'll take betson how many fist-fights will break out."
