Cree stared at her, his eyes roaming over her face. What was it that kept his eyes drawn to her face? Something about her features. Something he could not place. Something he struggled to remember.
“Excuse me, I did not mean to intrude.”
Cree and Dawn turned startled by the voice and to see Old Mary standing in the doorway.
“I was told I could have a short rest here in the conservatory before resuming my readings,” Old Mary said.
“Come in, sit, and rest yourself,” Cree offered, pointing to the overstuffed floral cushions that graced one of the wicker chairs.
Old Mary nodded as she shuffled in, her steps slow and careful. “The years have caught up with me. I feared I would not make the event tonight, the journey here difficult.”
“Where is it you came from?” Cree asked, assisting her to sit in the chair and offering her a flute of champagne that she accepted.
“Quite a distance,” she said and took a sip and smiled. “A far better taste than the drink I am accustomed to.”
Dawn caught Cree’s attention and tugged at her apron and pointed to the door.
“You need to return to work,” he said, and she nodded. “Go then, and I will find you and make sure Colum doesn’t bother you.”
She smiled her thanks and acknowledged her departure with a nod to Old Mary and Cree.
“You waste time. Time you do not have. Go after her,” Old Mary urged. “Do not lose her.”
“What are you talking about?” Cree asked, this time wanting more of an explanation of her confused ravings.
“This night is fragile between the past and the present.”
“I know, you told me earlier. Spirits walk among us, if only briefly,” Cree said.
“Not only spirits. It is a time the wise ones can travel along time, seek out the souls in need, and help them find their way.”
“So when you say you live quite a distance does that mean you come from another century?” Cree asked, a teasing note to his voice.
Old Mary finished the last of her champagne and stood, her step nimbler than before. “You were never a fool, Cree. Do not be one now.”
He watched her walk away and wondered where his mum had found the crazy woman and why her words disturbed him. He didn’t believe in such nonsense and yet… Cree shook his head and returned to the gallery, his mum rushing toward him.
“I have been looking for you,” she scolded. “I finally calmed Lady Anne. She’s talking with friends, but she continues to insist on an apology from the servant.”
A high-pitched screech nearly broke his eardrums and he didn’t need to look to see who it was.
“My ring! My family heirloom ring is gone,” Lady Ann cried out.
Cree didn’t like the way people were shaking their heads and whispering. This event was going to be a disaster and the way his mum paled, she thought the same.
“We cannot let this continue. The event will be ruined and a worthy cause will suffer for it,” his mum said, voicing both their concern.
Cree had no intentions of letting that happen.
He took his mum’s arm and they approached Lady Ann.
“She stole it. That servant stole my ring. That was why she purposely bumped into me, to steal my ring,” Lady Ann accused, tapping her finger where, supposedly, the ring had been.
Cree had seen the incident and it had appeared to him that Lady Ann was the one who had bumped into Dawn, but that debate had long since passed. Now there was damage control to see to.
“It may have fallen off your finger,” Cree said, many nodding and thinking the same for a theft at a party could mean a long night of searches and questions by the police.
“I tell you she stole it. I demand you bring her here now,” Lady Ann ordered.
Cree stepped closer to the irate woman and kept his voice low but by no means tempered. “There is no reason to ruin the evening for the other guests. I will escort you to the library and have the servant brought there.”
Lady Ann’s chin went up and her eyes sparked as she went to raise her voice.
“You do yourself no justice by screeching like a banshee,” Cree reprimanded in a sharp tone.
Lady Ann’s eyes widened at his comparison and anger flashed in them at his reprimanding tone, though she pinched her lips closed.
Cree leaned down to whisper to his mum. “I will see to this. She will disturb our guests no more.” The look of relief on his mum’s face had him deciding one thing. When this missing ring matter was settled, he was going to see Lady Ann escorted home… never to return.
He caught sight of Torr and motioned him to follow as he escorted Lady Ann to the library. Once inside the room, he asked Torr to find Wintra and the servant called Dawn and bring them both there. He needed someone who could communicate easily with Dawn and Wintra could do that.
“I want the police called,” Lady Ann insisted.
“Until a theft can be proven the police will not be summoned,” Cree informed her. “And do not dictate to me what will be done in my home.”
Lady Ann tossed her chin up perturbed that he would refuse her request, but remained silent.
As soon as Dawn entered the library and saw the woman who had caused her trouble, a nervous shiver ran through her. The problem was no way near settled and she feared the outcome.
“You stole my ring,” Lady Ann accused, shaking her finger at Dawn.
Dawn shook her head frantically and signed. Wintra was quick to interpret. “I stole nothing.”
“She lies. Check her pockets,” Lady Ann demanded and took a step toward Dawn.
Cree stepped in front of her, blocking her from approaching Dawn. “You will keep your distance.”
Lady Ann backed away, continuing to insist on Dawn’s pockets being checked.
Wintra spoke up, once again interpreting for Dawn as she signed. “I have nothing to hide. I took nothing. I don’t steal.”
Cree walked over to her. “Then you do not mind emptying your pockets?”
Dawn shook her head as her hands went to her skirt pockets and turned them inside out to show they were empty.
“Make her take her apron off and check the pocket,” Lady Ann insisted.
Dawn didn’t hesitate, though upset at being accused of theft, her hands trembled and fumbled with the apron strings.
Cree went to her and stepped behind her, brushing her hands gently aside, noticing how long and slender her fingers were and an image shot through his mind of her stroking his body, lovingly, gently, and with familiarity. As crazy as it seemed, he felt that he knew her intimate touch and he ached for its return.
He hurried to undo the ties and remove the apron and reach in the pocket, though he already knew what he would find… nothing. It was empty.
“That can’t be,” Lady Ann said. “She stole my ring. I know she stole my ring. She must have hidden it some—” She pinched her lips shut for a moment and looked as though she didn’t know what to say, then finally spit out, “She stole it. I know she stole it.”
Cree wondered over her adamant words. She sounded far too positive about something she couldn’t possibly be positive about. Unless she knew something others didn’t.
The door opened and Sloan came rushing in, waving his hand. “The ring has been found. It was located on the floor of the gallery.”
Lady Ann paled and lowered herself slowly and with great care to a nearby chair.
Cree was not surprised that silence followed from Lady Ann. It would be uncharacteristic of her to ever admit she was wrong. And to discover she had been had left her shaken.
“I will have your car brought around so you may return home and rest,” Cree said, letting her know she was no longer welcome there.
“I’ll see to the car,” Sloan said and handed the ring to Lady Ann before hurrying out of the room.
Torr entered as soon as Sloan left. “Sorry to disturb, but Mum says if you’re finished, Dr. Elsa and her husband Neil are here and eager to see yo
u both.”
“She made it back for the bairn’s birth. I was so hoping she would,” Wintra said, her smile spreading from ear to ear.
“Go, I’ll be along in a moment,” Cree said, eager himself to see Dr. Elsa a physician and close family friend, who had delivered both him and Wintra. She had been away, treating the needy in some impoverished nation, and Wintra was hoping she would return in time to be there and help deliver her bairn.
Once the couple was gone, Cree turned to Lady Ann, wanting to be rid of her as fast as possible.
“I would like a moment to gather myself together and discreetly take my leave,” Lady Ann said.
Discreetly was not a word he’d associate with Lady Ann, but one he was only too glad to agree with her. It would mean less stress for his mum and a more enjoyable evening for the guests.
“I’m sure you won’t keep your driver waiting too long,” Cree said, letting the woman know she was to leave sooner rather than later.
“You never did have manners, Cree. I daresay you would be more at home in the century of the ancestor you’re named after,” Lady Ann said with an unladylike snarl.
“If only we were in that century,” —Cree glared at her— “I could have your tongue cut out for speaking to me so rudely.”
Lady Ann paled and Dawn cringed, and Cree wondered where his words had come from and why it had given him such pleasure to speak them.
“Your mother will hear about this,” Lady Ann threatened.
Dawn went to leave, feeling it was not her place to remain.
“Stay where you are, Dawn,” Cree snapped.
His strong command froze her, though not at all frightened her. Somehow she knew she was safe with this man.
Cree approached Lady Ann and she drew back in the chair, fear evident on her pale face.
“You have done enough to attempt to ruin this evening for my mother and the Carrick Foundation. One more derogatory word, false accusation, or even the slightest slur toward my family and I give you my word, you’ll regret it.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Yes, I am,” Cree said, “and I wouldn’t be so foolish to think that I won’t carry through with it.” Cree raised his finger when she went to retaliate. “Not one word. Not one.”
Lady Ann clamped her mouth shut, though appeared to fight to keep it that way.
“Take your leave shortly or I will have security escort you out,” Cree warned.
Lady Ann went to protest, but Cree raised his finger again in warning and she bit at her lips to keep from saying a word.
Cree went to Dawn and, with his hand resting at the curve of her back, he escorted her out of the room, stopping outside the closed door. “I wish to speak with you later.”
Dawn could not keep her apprehension from showing.
Cree was quick to say, “You did nothing wrong. I simply wish to talk with you.”
Dawn nodded.
“I will find you later tonight.”
Dawn confirmed with another nod and watched him walk off, wondering why he wanted to talk to her and wishing her stomach didn’t flutter at the thought of meeting with him. It wasn’t good that she was attracted to Lord Cree. It would mean disappointment and she had been disappointed enough in her life. She didn’t need to invite more in. She went to return to work when she realized she didn’t have her apron. Cree had dropped it on a chair after taking it off her.
She shivered, recalling his touch and was grateful no one was near enough to see her blush. His fingers brushing the small of her back had surprisingly tickled her senses and at any moment she had foolishly thought his hands would turn intimate.
Why would they? Or was it a wish of hers? There she was again, inviting thoughts to settle in that were better left alone. Though, how odd was it that he was feeling more familiar to her when they had never met before tonight? She had seen photos of him in the tabloids and she thought him a handsome man, but never had she thought him familiar. He was a nobleman, she a commoner. They didn’t exactly share the same circle of friends.
She shook her head. Work. Work. Get back to work, she admonished herself and stop this foolishness. She gave a sharp tap to the door, concerned Lady Ann would admonish her for her lack of manners, before opening it.
The room was empty and the woman would have had to have passed Dawn to go anywhere in the castle. So where had Lady Ann disappeared to?
Chapter 6
Dawn glanced around the library as she slipped her apron on. Lady Ann couldn’t have vanished into thin air and she definitely was not here and she definitely had not passed Dawn. So where was she?
She wanted nothing more to do with the insufferable, lying Lady Ann, but she felt the need to tell Cree about it and she hurried off to find him. She found him in the gallery, he and his family talking with a plump woman, gray hair piled atop her head and dressed like a peasant of old, though with a pouch hanging at her waist. Dawn thought her costume was more of a healer than a peasant since healers of old had carried their healing herbs and plants in a pouch attached to a belt at their waists. Her husband was also dressed as a peasant as well and they both wore huge smiles.
Several others approached the couple, appearing eager to greet them as well. The change they had brought to the gallery was remarkable. Chatter mixed with laughter and not the slightest bit of tension was felt.
Lady Ann.
She was reminded of why she was there and was relieved to spot Lila. She discreetly waved her over. It took a moment for Lila to reach her, people eager to pluck a delicious canapé off her silver serving tray.
Dawn signed to Lila, asking her to go to Lord Cree and tell him she needed to talk with him.
“Are you daft?” Lila asked, her heart pounding at the thought. “You want me to interrupt Lord Cree to talk to a server?”
Dawn felt deflated. Lila was right. She could get her in trouble for disturbing Lord Cree during the event, especially with so many people around him.
Flanna suddenly appeared. “What are you two doing?” She didn’t wait for Lila to answer. “Lila keep the canapé trays flowing and Dawn, since Lord Cree seems to be finished with you, get back to work. Serve more champagne.”
Lord Cree finished with you.
Those words rattled her, as if ending something that had yet to start, and it was like a splash of cold water to her face. Lady Ann was none of her concern. Work was, if she wanted to pay her bills and afford her art supplies.
She cast one last look at Cree and his head turned as if he knew she looked his way and with a quick word to the group of people he left them and walked toward her.
“Get moving, Dawn,” Flanna ordered and turned to see what she was staring at and, seeing Lord Cree approach, whispered, “Not again.”
“I’ll have a word with Dawn,” Cree said when he reached the two women.
Flanna nodded and looked to Dawn. “As soon as you are finished here, get back to work.”
It wasn’t lost on Cree, as Dawn nodded, that Flanna’s words were meant to remind him that Dawn was here to work, but he didn’t care. Dawn would do as he ordered, not Flanna.
“Is there something wrong?” Cree asked and realized there was no one there to interpret for Dawn. He smiled when Lila appeared with a tray of canapés. “A moment,” he said to Lila and she stopped.
“Your mum says you need to mingle,” Sloan said with a chuckle, coming up behind Cree.
Cree took the tray of canapés from Lila, turned, and handed it to Sloan. “Serve the guests. I need to talk with these two women.”
Sloan stared after him as he ushered Dawn and Lila away from the gallery and into a nearby alcove.
“You wanted to tell me something?” Cree asked of Dawn.
She nodded and started signing.
Lila interpreted. “I returned to the library for my apron and Lady Ann was gone, but she didn’t pass by me at all.”
“To leave the library she would have had to have passed you,” Cree said and Dawn nodde
d again. He turned to Lila. “Thank you, Lila, you can return to work.”
Lila nodded, looked to Dawn with a bit of worry in her eyes, and walked off.
“Come with me,” Cree said, taking her hand and leaving her no choice but to go along with him.
A tingle, like a spark igniting something inside her, rushed through her as soon as his strong, warm fingers closed around hers, and goosebumps ran up her arms. She was feeling things with Cree she had never felt before and yet it felt so natural with him, almost as if they had shared such simple, yet somehow, intimate moments before.
She was surprised when she found him heading to the foyer, then understood when he stopped and talked with one of the security guards.
“Did Lady Ann leave?” Cree asked.
“She never came through here, though her car is no longer out front,” the guard said.
“Find out where it is,” Cree ordered and waited while the guard spoke with someone on the other end of his ear piece.
“The car is parked around back near the kitchen entrance,” the guard reported.
“Don’t let it leave,” Cree ordered before walking off.
They entered the library after that and Dawn was disappointed when he let go of her hand. She liked the feel of his strong fingers wound so protectively around hers. It felt like a bond of sorts. A bond that couldn’t be broken.
Cree looked around, trying not to take hold of her hand again. He couldn’t believe the overwhelming sense of missing something vital to him when he had released it. It was like she was an integral part of him that he couldn’t do without. That he didn’t want to do without.
Mine.
The word seemed synonymous with her. Why? How? He gave up trying to understand it. It was a feeling that ran solid and deep in him and there was no point trying to ignore it. It was there and it wasn’t going away.
His eyes suddenly caught the end of one of the bookcases and he mumbled a curse beneath his breath and went over to it.
Dawn watched amazed as Cree opened the end of one of the bookcases, as if it were a door.
“I need a torch,” he said more to himself than to Dawn and he went to the round table by the windows and took one from the single, center draw.
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