Wild Hearts

by Virginia Henley

  "God, Damascus, you can be maddening," complained Venetia. "I'll swear that little jacket never looked so fetching on me!"

  "No, merely retching." Damascus laughed, her pretty chin in the air. Venetia had no need to complain, really. She took second place to none in her sky-blue creation with a sophisticated frill down the left side, from neck to hem. Even Alexandria looked pretty as a picture today as she had put boyish things aside and donned a buttercup yellow, with the edge of frilly pantaloons peeping beneath the hem. Shannon, not to be outdone, was in dramatic black and white. The sheer white gown had billowing sleeves with the tight black corset showing clearly through the gauzy top. Tabby wore a simple peach-colored gown, gathered under the breasts with a brown velvet ribbon. Her ringlets at the back reached down to her waist.

  The group caught every eye at the fair. Country girls actually stood with their mouths open as the Cockburns passed by. They drew more spectators than the jugglers and acrobats combined. Within minutes of their arrival, they had attracted Lord Logan, Lord Cessford and Lord Lennox like iron filings to a magnet.

  Lord Cessford, the youngest of the trio, didn't even try to conceal the excitement he felt today. His boyish face lit up at the sight of Damascus. As her pale green eyes took in every detail of the handsome, laughing face, she knew he was going to ask her to marry him.

  Lord Lennox, tall and fair, wasted no time in renewing his acquaintance with Venetia. They were a well-matched couple and within moments had eyes only for each other.

  Lord Logan swept off his hat and held it over his heart in a gallant gesture toward Shannon, his dark eyes mirroring his admiration for the vibrant, dazzling creature. She gave Logan one of her most brilliant smiles, followed by a tantalizing sidelong glance. "Milord, I promised Alexandria you would win her a coconut. I told her your aim was deadly. Be a darling and win her the biggest coconut at the fair. Tabby and I want to get our fortunes read, and I know how much that bores you gentlemen. We will be back in a trice, and then you and I can do whatever you desire," she promised Logan.

  Captivated by Shannon, he took on the younger sister willingly, and Alexandria, knowing what Shannon was up to, made no protest.

  Tabby, excited at the prospect of having her fortune told, followed Shannon willingly. At the far end of the fairgrounds, the gypsies had their caravans and tents set up. Shannon stopped dead in her tracks as if she had received a bodily blow. Tab followed her intense gaze and saw one of the handsomest males she had ever laid eyes on. He wore a red kerchief knotted about his neck, but he was shirtless, brazenly displaying his smooth, tanned chest, rippling with muscles. He was so dark and lithe, he resembled a wild panther. He had flaring nostrils and a beautiful mouth with sculpted lips that curved wide to show very white teeth His gaze began to smolder as he looked at Shannon. As if there were no other people in the whole world, their eyes held, and their souls leaped together and entwined. It became obvious to Tabby that they were not strangers to each other. Finally, coming out of her trance slightly, Shannon murmured, "Johnny Raven... catch up with you later, Tab," and she moved toward the gypsy and, with eyes only for each other, they disappeared into his caravan.

  Tabby blinked her surprise. How fortunate to find herself alone so early in the day! She quickly decided the first thing she had to do was find out how far Edinburgh was from here. They had traveled at least ten miles that morning, so perhaps the city was close enough for walking She questioned a middle-aged country couple and was dismayed to learn that Kelso Fair was almost forty miles from Edinburgh. But she gathered her courage together, trying not to feel defeat before she had begun. Walking quickly toward where the wagons of the people who had come to the fair were tethered, she inquired if any had come from Edinburgh. Stares and quick shakes of the head met her inquiries. Finally, an elderly couple nodded, yes indeed, they had come from Edinburgh. Yes, they would be returning this evening, and yes, they would gladly give the fine young lady a ride. She couldn't believe her luck. Quickly, she turned to see if she was being observed and found Alexander directly behind her, his young, face grim.

  "Alex, if you care for me, look the other way today while I get away. Please, for me?" she begged.

  "Tab, under ordinary circumstances I would look away, but today Paris charged me with your safe return. My very manhood depends upon it! Do not ask it of me, please."

  She knew he was speaking the truth. It would take an extremely brave soul to face Rogue Cockburn and tell him his prize worth twenty thousand in gold had slipped away. She smiled. "Come on, let's find the others, I'm starved."

  He sighed with relief, without noticing she had made no promises. She would have to be devious to allay his suspicions, but escape she must.

  When they found the others, Lord Logan immediately asked for Shannon. "She had to make some purchases for Paris," explained Tabby, but unfortunately at the same time Alex said, "She stopped to watch a troupe of trained dogs doing tricks."

  Logan looked from one to the other, raised his eyebrows slightly and muttered, "I see." He bowed to Tabby. "Perhaps you will let me be your escort until she decides to rejoin us."

  "That would be delightful," Tabby told him. Once or twice she caught Lord Lennox staring at her thoughtfully. As she tried to decide between a game pie or a salmon pastie, he finally said, "I'm sure we have met before. I remember your amethyst eyes."

  "Yes, we did meet once," she whispered, full of mystery. He was instantly fascinated but couldn't for the life of him recall where he had seen her. She decided against reminding him of the wedding where she had been the bride, he the guest. She knew where the Cockburns's friends' loyalties lay and could hope for little help in that direction.

  Damascus hurried them past the cockfights, shuddering delicately. The men agreed that it was no sight for ladies, although had Shannon been there, she would have probably given them an argument. Alex bought Tabby a bag of roasted chestnuts, Damascus insisted she try the Turkish Delight, and Venetia got Lennox to buy them all sticks of Edinburgh Rock. Vendors sold every kind of fruit and nuts. Some, like figs and dates, Tabby had never even seen before.

  Stalls were piled high with potpourri and sachets filled with lavender or rose petals to store with clothes to make them smell pretty. Next to these were oranges studded with cloves and other pomanders to carry about in order to mask the unpleasant odors encountered on a visit to the city streets. It seemed to Tab that the men never had their hands out of their pockets. No sooner had one sister expressed a desire for a scented candle for her bedchamber than another just had to have a box of face patches and some eye-black.

  Shannon joined them just as they reached a man hawking silk stockings. She drawled to Logan, "It would be too scandalous of me to accept a pair of these from you." At the same time she nudged Alexandria none too gently, who, right on cue, said, "It wouldn't seem quite so naughty if we all picked out a pair."

  "Splendid idea," said Lord Cessford, choosing a pretty pink pair for Damascus. Venetia chose flesh-colored stockings, and Alexandria, for some reason known only to herself, picked red. Shannon went straight for the black silk hose. Shannon's taste was impeccable, and she knew what men liked. Daringly, Tabby made the same choice as Shannon. Instinctively, Tabby knew that Paris would like black stockings. She dropped the thought instantly. He would never see her again if she could help it, she told herself severely. Still, if circumstances were different, if there had been no husband in Edinburgh and no wife at Cockburnspath...Her mind was brought back to the present when they stopped to watch some strapping youths tossing the caber, a ten-foot wooden pole that looked too heavy to even lift. Their shirtless backs gleamed with sweat as their muscles bulged and stretched with their exertions. The men didn't enjoy the display at all, because the Cockburn sisters were so enthusiastic in their remarks. Goaded into action, Logan and Cessford dragged everyone off to watch them put on a display of their archery skills. They both won perfectly useless prizes, but the merriment made it worthwhile.

  Alexandria
urged Tabby to slip away from the others to go and look at a Spanish booth selling knives and dirks. While she made up her mind just which blade was the sharpest, Tabby's eyes were caught by a pair of red, Spanish leather, high-heeled slippers. They were exquisite, and she knew she had to have them. She still had the money Paris had given her and hoped fervently it would be enough. They had taken her fancy to such a degree, she couldn't contemplate life without them. She haggled for all she was worth but could not bring the swarthy vendor low enough. She stopped for breath while Alexandria tried bargaining for the knife It wasn't going any better for Alexandria. Suddenly, the girls looked at each other and smiled. They pooled their money and joined forces. When the Spaniard realized he was in danger of losing two sales, he capitulated, and all three were happy.

  A large crowd had gathered for the highlight of the Kelso Fair. The gypsies always had a horse and pony auction. No questions asked about where the animals came from, but you could always count on the gypsies for sound horseflesh. Tabby found it easy to separate herself from Alexandria in the crowd. Darting quick glances from side to side, to make sure Alex wasn't about, she clutched her parcels to her breast and ran, to where the couple who had offered her a ride to Edinburgh had left their wagon.

  "Och! There ye are, lass. We'll be leavin' as soon as ma man comes. He's gone to fetch me some black peas. I'd dearly love to stay the nicht, there'll be pipers an' dancin' and the like, but och, Edinburgh is a long drive!"

  Tabby climbed into the wagon and sat next to the woman. She fervently hoped the woman's husband came soon- before someone discovered her. The minutes stretched out endlessly. Tabby's heart was in her throat. She told herself over and over that she was doing the right, the decent thing. She knew in which direction her duty lay. Her conscience spoke clearly to her, and she knew she had no choice. The woman chattered on with Tabby, who had not heard one word of the conversation. Suddenly, a laughing group of beautiful people sauntered up to the wagon. Alex took her left hand and Lord Logan her right. Lord Lennox lifted her down, recognition lighting his eyes.

  Shannon laughed. "We came to collect you."

  Lord Cessford pressed some gold into the woman's hand, and Damascus said sweetly, "Our sister does strange things. Thank you for being kind to her."

  Tabby looked at Lord Lennox and said in a low voice, "I'm so unhappy here, why do you not help me?"

  To give him his due, Lennox looked shamefaced, but he shrugged and said, "I hope to marry Venetia. I dare not cross Rogue Cockburn."

  Tabby knew she had been out-maneuvered, and took it good-naturedly. After all, it wasn't the fault of the young Cockburns that their brother had stolen her, and she had heard Paris threaten Alex only this morning. She had a fondness for this family that bordered on love. They had to obey their devil of a brother, just as she had to. This thwarted escape was only one more wrong she would add to the score. Her resolve hardened. No matter how many attempts they thwarted, she vowed to get away come hell or high water.

  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."

  Shannon stepped forward. This was an opportunity she wasn't going to miss. Bothwell was almost a legend, and he was here, right under her own
roof. Cousin to the King, James Stewart, he held more titles and land than any other peer of the realm. He owned three castles, as well as houses in almost every border town, though everything was heavily mortgaged because of his extravagance. Not always in favor with the King, he was somewhat of a black sheep, having spent time in prison for indebtedness, and had stood trial a few years back for practicing witchcraft. At the moment he was riding high in the King's favor, his titles and offices restored to him.

  Shannon sank down before him, showing an expanse of bosom and slanting an upward glance at him. "Shannon, my Lord Bothwell."

  "The jewel of Ireland," he said, smiling.

  "Damascus, my Lord Bothwell." She swept gracefully before him.

  "The oldest city known to civilization," he returned.

  "Venetia, my Lord. Bothwell," she said softly.

  "The most beautiful city on earth," he replied.

  "Alexandria, my Lord Bothwell," she said with pride.

  "A city I have never visited but hope to," he said with gravity.

  "Tabrizia, my Lord Bothwell." The fifth girl in the room sank down before him.

  "The capital of Persia," he said, looking deeply into the violet eyes.

  Paris was startled, although he didn't allow it-to show on his face. Why in hell's name hadn't she told him her name was Tabrizia? Named for a city like the rest of them proved she was a Cockburn. Devious bitch! Wasn't it just like a woman to be secretive and sly! She'd been ready to gloat over her victory, too, by God. One day he'd make her beg to let her stay with him. He vowed it! Then they'd see which one of them did the gloating!

  "By God, you are truly a rogue, never to have mentioned such lovely creatures! I'd no idea there were so many or that they were so beautiful," said Bothwell.