Page 94 of Master of Paradise
Philip held out his hand to assist her fromthe bottom step. "I'd willingly forfeit claim to my title if thatsmile were for me."
She examined him closely. He was so differentfrom his brother. Philip was extremely tall and slender with fairhair and light complexion, and yet the aqua eyes told her they werebrothers.
He danced divinely, and she promised to takesupper with him. Clay Hampden danced with her next. "Mandy, you'vechanged so much, ah can't hardly believe it's you." Though theywere the same age, she had become a woman, while Clay was stilljust a boy.
Clay was in a sullen mood because Beau andhis father Wade were off to war, while he had been forbidden.
Amanda tried to placate him. "Clay, yourmother will need a man to run the plantation, and that's a heavyresponsibility. The only thing is, there isn't any glory attachedto it."
He grinned reluctantly. "You always did havea knack for making me feel better.
Mandy danced with Ty Caldwell andcongratulated him on his marriage to Julia Hampden, then she gaveequal time to Wesley Davis and Stuart Beverly, who always looked ather with his heart in his eyes.
She glanced at the Vickers brothers.Kingand Duke Vickers actually look civilized in their gray uniformswith the yellow stripes down the trousers.Fear for themclutched her heart.They will be such brave, reckless boys,galloping heedlessly into danger, shouting their brave rebelyells.
The party was an unqualified success, andJennifer Joy the belle of the ball. The kitchen staff underSamuel's direction had outdone themselves. The centerpiece of thebuffet consisted of four heavy, silver tureens filled respectivelywith pearl gray, jet black, coral red, and golden caviar.
Amanda stood observing the guests as theyslowly began to take their leave, and she realized that thingswould never be quite the same again. The girls in their lovelydresses with tea roses and cape jessamine in their hair; the men intheir dashing uniforms, stealing the flowers for keepsakes andplacing them over their hearts in their breast pockets; the mothersand fathers beaming with pride for their offspring; all of them sopampered and privileged, herself included.
Nicholas came up behind her and whispered, "ADusk Of The Gods."
"Oh, please don't say that." She knew he hadread her thoughts.
He bowed low before her and swept her intohis arms. He waltzed her into the gardens, where the deep shadowsprovided a haven for amorous couples. "My Mistress of Paradise," hemocked, his eyes glittering with anticipation.
"My Devil of the Night," she answeredtauntingly.
He tightened his arms to bring her closer inhis embrace as they danced. "My Goddess of the Dawn," heteased.
She longed to be kissed, but would not lethim know. "My Demon of Darkness," she hissed at him between herteeth.
Nicholas looked at her the way every womandreams a man will, with naked love, his face filled withtenderness. She was so soft, and vulnerable, and fragile. "Mylove," he whispered. They were both weak with desire. He danced herback inside where only a few guests still lingered. He slipped onearm beneath her knees and lifted her against his heart. Withouttaking his eyes from her, he swept her up the staircase. His gazewas intense, daring her to protest.
She rested her head against his shoulder,content to let him have his way; eager for the mysteries thatawaited her in his great bed.
They slept late the next morning. When Amandaopened her eyes she found Nicholas gazing down on her, as she laycurled against him. The game began again. "Good morning, my SaucyRebel." She felt his shaft harden and thrust against her thigh."Good morning, my Cocky Englishman."
The door burst open and Rafe Collins strodeinto the room.
Mandy cried out and scrambled behindNicholas's broad back. She peered over his shoulder at theintruder.
Rafe was surprised that Nicholas was notalone, but he put a bold face on it and laughed. "Aye, aye, what dowe have here? Two bloody imposters! One pretends he's celibate, theother pretends she's virgin."
Mammy Lou came in with a breakfast tray. "Ahcouldn't stop him, Masta Nick."
Nicholas threw out his arm. "Come in Lou--make yourself at home. By Christ we must be the most star-crossedlovers ever born. We've waited years to awaken in the same bed, andnow I suspect someone's selling tickets to the event."
Mammy giggled as she hastily put the tray onthe bed and retreated.
Rafe selected a luscious Scupernong grape andpopped it into Mandy's mouth. "I love to watch you eat," Rafe saidavidly.
"You damned half-breed," Nicholas accused, "Iwouldn't trust you alone with my wife for ten seconds."
"I don't blame you. She might start to makeodious comparisons between us," he boasted.
Nicholas reached for his trousers. "Come on,let's give the lady some privacy." He turned and kissed her."Remember where we left off," he admonished.
"Reminds me of an old Southern expression--If you weren't so ugly, you'd have it all." As soon as they closedthe bedroom door, Rafe said, "I'm sorry Nick."
