A Heart's Masquerade
Page 26
Edward, slumping forgotten in a corner, suddenly sprung to life. "You bitch! You are to blame for everything." Spitting out the words with startling venom, he lunged toward her, and Cat glanced helplessly around for a weapon.
But Edward, too, soon wore a look of surprise. Recoiling at a sharp sound, he stared down at his chest in amazement. Than, he fell backwards, and Cat was shocked to see Ransom's coachman step through the window with his blunderbuss, still smoking.
"Was that satisfactory, your grace?" he asked.
"Excellent, Ralston," Ransom said. And for the first time, Cat saw the strain in her husband's face. He turned toward her and caught her up in a tight grip, murmuring something about it all being far too close for comfort.
***
That night as she lay in her childhood bed, Cat banished any old ghosts that lingered in her rooms and said a prayer for the lonely old sailor who'd befriended her one stormy night. Without Budd her life would have taken a very different turn, and the thought made her press a light kiss upon the hand that rested on her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Her husband's grunt made her smile.
"I thought you were asleep," Cat said, nuzzling his neck.
"No," he said. "I was just thinking about the little girl who grew up here. You know, my love, this room reflects you, with its odd combination of lace and wooden ships, books and birds' nests."
He laughed softly, then eyed her more soberly. "We can stay here, if you wish."
"Oh, no," Cat said, knowing that she would take the good memories with her wherever she went, while leaving the worst behind. "I will be glad to go home."
Ransom lifted a dark brow. "Even though you complained about the big house full of strangers?"
"Yes," Cat said. "Just as long as you have no future travel plans that exclude me."
"Hmm, let me think..." Ransom rubbed his chin as if mulling over his answer, then yelped as Cat nipped at his finger.
"No, I plan to stay put," Ransom said. "But what of you, my little Cat? Have you any dangerous trips in the offing?"
"No," Cat murmured, knowing that her visit here was still a sore point between them.
"No more masquerades or outlandish adventures?" he asked.
"No, captain," Cat whispered, as she settled against his chest. "I see nothing ahead but smooth sailing."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A former journalist, Deborah Simmons is the author of twenty-eight novels and novellas, published by Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin.
Among her works are a USA Today Bestselling anthology and her popular series on the medieval de Burgh family. Two of Simmons' books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005. And two have been finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, The Gentleman’s Quest and Glory and the Rake.
Simmons has sold more than two and a half million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in thirty-one countries, including illustrated editions in Japan.
DeborahSimmons.com
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OTHER WORKS BY DEBORAH SIMMONS INCLUDE:
A Man of Many Talents
A Lady of Distinction