by Adair, Mary
In a way it pleased him to know that she still retained some of that little girl mischief he had so often missed over the years.
Marguerite, obviously mistaking the grin for her, smiled sweetly in return. "Mon Coeur, I came to check on your ward. You have been up here for so long. Is she truly not well? I believe you should call for a physician.
Raven pulled her into his arms for a quick reassuring hug, something he knew she didn't need. Just part of the game. "She'll be just fine. Were you not listening to what I told everyone? Dawn has been affected by this condition since birth. It's nothing serious. A little rest and she'll be perfectly lively in the morning. Now let's go down and see to our guests."
As Raven followed Marguerite down the hall, his thoughts returned to Dawn. Tomorrow he would put her on the first freighter, clipper, or mail ship heading for the colonies. The only problem would be finding a captain she couldn't outwit.
God help them all if he didn't get her home before her father learned she was in London with him.
Chapter Four
Contrary to his plans, the morning found Raven and Dawn horseback riding in Hyde Park. Rain from the previous night had left a world of clean scents and muddy pathways. Raven breathed deeply as he concentrated on relaxing the tension in his shoulders.
Normally the gentle sounds of falling rain would have lulled him to sleep. Not so last night when his racing mind warred with his body's need for rest. His thoughts had wandered from storage fires and lost inventory to the sound of gunfire echoing down an alleyway.
His thoughts turned to Dawn and he experienced another kind of Hell. He remembered her as a child tagging along behind him. He had not been much more than a child himself. She was so small and looked up at him with such trust. She made him feel like a warrior and a protector. Now she was a woman who could stand proudly before him. And she did just that, defying him and pledging to save him from himself.
"Raven, have you not heard a word I've said?"
Raven glanced at Dawn and quickly looked away. She was painfully beautiful. The very sight of her hurt his eyes and caused pangs in his heart.
When she begged him to take her out this morning, he'd dreaded the prospect of riding through the park with all the young and eager birds of prey swooping endlessly toward his little sparrow. He had dissuaded many a young heart this morning with his bleak scowl. He grinned. They didn't know his Dawn the way he did. Those cocky young roosters had no idea that his lovely sparrow was really an eagle in disguise.
"So, you have been listening to me."
Actually he hadn't, but no need to let her know that.
At that moment, a startled hare darted from cover. Both horses shied and Dawn easily reigned in her mount. Raven, on the other hand, found himself sliding precariously to one side, saddle and all. He quickly slipped his foot from the stirrup and landed on his feet in a puddle.
Dawn dismounted quickly and rushed to his side. "Look at this, Raven." She snatched a severed strap. "This was cut almost entirely in two." She gazed at him, concern in her eyes.
He looked at the strap in her small hand and fought the shudder racing its way along his spine. Only a knife could produce such a cleanly severed edge.
He reached for her elbow. "You're getting muddy."
With an annoyed wave of her hand, she dismissed his comment and shook off his grip. "I'm not worried about a little mud. Look at this." She waved the strap. "Someone cut this. Who would do such a thing?"
"You are much too concerned," he said, snatching unsuccessfully at the moving strap. "I will look into this as soon as we return to Montgomery House. Whoever saddled Lady Star must have seen this."
Dawn dropped the strap and planted her feet firmly in the mud, a fist on each shapely hip. Raven reminded himself that he shouldn't be admiring her curves and tried to chase away visions of her standing before him clad only in a red tie-about skirt.
"I told you, I am here because you need me. Someone is trying to kill you."
Raven's hands shot out to grab her. "Lower your voice," he hissed as he scanned the immediate surroundings for anyone who might have overheard. "You must stop this foolish talk." Was that what she had been talking about all morning? He vaguely remembered her going on about some vision. The memory of her mother's gift of visions sent a chill along his skin. If she inherited her mother's gift, could she not see the danger she was in? Would she head toward the danger even if she were aware of it?
Becoming aware of how tightly he held her, he loosened his grip on her arms, but didn't release her. What he wanted was to pull her into his embrace and protect her. He no longer dared hope that she could be near him and not suffer the consequences. His only option at this point was to play down the incident and figure out how to get her home before any harm came to her.
"Let's look at this logically," he said, holding her gaze with his. "A slow trot through the park is not exactly a dangerous outing. Besides, who knew we would be riding this morning?"
Raven counted his blessings as she continued in a harsh whisper. "You had better take me seriously, Raven Cloud. It will be very hard for me to protect you if you keep fighting against me."
Raven straightened his back as he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Great Spirit! His head truly throbbed. He pressed his thumb firmly to the bridge of his nose and massaged his aching brow. She, protect him?
"Several young men last night were insistent that I might enjoy a ride in the park today, maybe..."
Raven opened his eyes and leveled his gaze on Dawn. "An early morning ride in the park is an ordinary activity practiced frequently by those either looking for, or showing off their latest acquisition, whether it be flesh or material." He knew he sounded harsh. He raised his hand to stop her response. "I do agree with you on one thing. There has been some mischief done here. You'll not be riding again. We are going straight back to Montgomery House. I will handle this problem with the head groom. And you, my little eagle eyes, will stay inside until I can book your passage back to Charles Town."
He retrieved the saddle with an angry sweep of his arm and placed it on Lady Star's back. Taking up the nervous mare's reins, much in the same manner as he took hold of Dawn's elbow, they made their way back to Grosvenor Square on foot. They argued the entire distance. If Raven had suffered a headache before, it was nothing compared to the brain squeeze he was experiencing when they reached the Montgomery Mansion.
Turning the horses over to the stable boy, Raven pulled Dawn toward the gate leading into the small yard encircling the regal old home. Pushing her through the opening, he turned and locked the gate. Once inside, he took Dawn's arm as if he expected her to bolt, and led her toward the house.
Raven's over-protective attitude, coupled with his domineering character, totally upset Dawn. However, she quickly forgot her own irritation as she watched Peabody, Lady Gaylord's irritable little Yorkshire, dash by yelping and snarling furiously on his way to the gate.
She chuckled. "I see Lady Gaylord has let Peabody out for a run. I wonder what new curiosity has got him into such an uproar?"
Raven shrugged, continuing to propel Dawn forward. "Who knows? It's probably William coming this way. That little dog loves to irritate the man."
"Why?" Dawn struggled against the firm pressure of Raven's hand on her arm to peer over her shoulder and follow the progress of the little dog.
"I don't know and I don't care. Now, listen to me, Dawn." He gently shoved her toward the steps just as Bigfoot, Lady Montgomery's very large, Irish Wolfhound puppy, galloped past.
Raven artfully sidestepped the clumsy mutt, while maneuvering around a rather deep mud puddle, dug by Bigfoot, no doubt. Turning Dawn to face him, he gently tapped a fingertip to the end of her nose.
"You stay here, and I mean inside. Do you understand? No more arguing and no more talk of visions and protecting me. I can take care of myself."
"But don't you want to come in and clean your boots?" Dawn asked innocently, watching the sc
ene unfold behind Raven and the gate beyond.
Peabody barked furiously at William, who ambled up the walk. Bigfoot slid to a halt just behind Peabody and let out one loud deep bark. This frightened the poor little dog so badly that he jumped, yelped, and relieved himself all in one startled moment.
The little dog's tiny paws barely touched the ground before he spun and tore off between Bigfoot's legs. Bigfoot, obviously startled by Peabody's reaction, slipped and slid in a complete turnabout to head in a clumsy lope straight for refuge—in the form of his favorite person, Raven.
Absorbed in telling Dawn what to do, Raven failed to see the approaching catastrophe.
Dawn quickly stepped back, causing Raven to turn just in time to catch Bigfoot's total weight on his chest.
William whistled cheerfully as he lifted the latch and strolled into the yard. He carefully stepped around Raven, who now sat squarely in the mud puddle he had so artfully sidestepped earlier.
"Thank you for calling off those blasted dogs, Raven," he said casually as he started up the steps. He opened the door and held it as Dawn stepped through. As the door slowly closed William remarked, "I heard that Raven fell off his horse today."
Dawn could hear Raven's irritated denial, "I did not fall off my horse! Never in my life have I fallen off a horse."
Chapter Five
"Willie, listen to me," Dawn whispered harshly as she tugged at William's arm.
She leaned close. "Someone cut the girth strap on the saddle."
William's eyes widened as her revelation took hold. "You mean to tell me that someone tampered with Raven's saddle? Good Lord, who in London would be so stupid?"
She gave his arm a tug. "No, no. You don't understand."
"Don't understand what, my dear?" Lady Gaylord interrupted, as she opened the parlor door.
Dawn squeezed William's arm to warn him to silence. "Nothing really." She smiled sweetly as she turned to face the Lady. "I was just telling William about my village." Lady Gaylord's response was not what Dawn had hoped for.
"Don't just stand there you two." She briskly waved toward the open door to the parlor. "I'd love to hear more about your village. Come this way, both of you. It's time for tea. Come along, come along."
William reached around Dawn to place his gloves on the entryway table. "Just calm yourself, Grams. We'll join you." As he straightened, he gave Dawn a conspiratorial wink. "It's a bit early for tea, don't you think?"
"Nonsense, Willie." Lady Gaylord grinned as she peeked at him through her lashes. "It's always time for tea when there are interesting things to talk about."
William sauntered toward Lady Gaylord. "With you, my dear Grams, there is always something interesting to talk about." He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek. "You don't spice that tea of yours a bit, do you?"
Lady Gaylord giggled and blushed prettily as she playfully swatted at William. "Oh, you are a rascal. Get in there and have a seat before you start a rumor."
"What's one more rumor, eh, Grams?" William said, as he walked into the parlor.
Lady Gaylord turned to Dawn. "Come, dear. I can hardly wait to hear more about Chota Town. Your father never tells us enough on his visits."
William's teasing and her hostess' pleasant happiness was contagious, causing Dawn to smile as she moved forward. But the expression froze on her face as Marguerite’s voice reached her ears.
"I've always enjoyed morning tea."
Dawn cringed as she slowly turned. Waiting expectantly at the top of the stairs stood Marguerite. With an imperious smirk, the woman descended the stairs as if she owned them. There were few people whom Dawn could say she truly disliked. In most cases even an enemy possessed some trait, a belief, or motivation, which earned respect. Not Marguerite. Dawn perceived the woman's lack of honor. It burned in the hollow depths of this adversary's eyes. Dawn ran a hand along the chill bumps springing up along her arms.
"Please, Marguerite, join us in the parlor," Lady Gaylord offered graciously. She stopped William's hasty attempt to escape with a firm hand on his chest. Turning William about, she pushed him back through the parlor doorway and reached for the bell cord.
Not waiting for Marguerite, Dawn followed Lady Gaylord into the parlor. Thanks to her Aunt Bess and all those lessons in decorum, that she so hated as a child, Dawn felt she would be able to hold her own in the coming confrontation.
When all were in the room and Lady Gaylord positioned securely in the doorway to hinder any escapees, she waved an arm in warm invitation. "Please, sit wherever you wish. We're very informal here."
"Yes, milady?" Sara spoke softly from the hallway.
"Oh!" Lady Gaylord turned to her. "Would you serve tea, please, Sara? And bring some of those lovely little cakes you baked this morning."
Sara bobbed. "Yes, milady." She glanced up and spotted Dawn. They exchanged smiles.
"Oh, Sara," Lady Gaylord called out. "Please inform Lady Montgomery that we're having tea."
"Yes, milady." Sara bobbed and hurried on her way.
Dawn was not surprised when Marguerite chose a place on the sofa where the sunlight, streaming in through open drapes, would be to her back. With a flourish, she settled herself and arranged the folds of her skirt with meticulous care.
Satisfied, she addressed Dawn in the voice one might use to a tiresome child. "You and la domestique—the little servant-girl—seem to have an oh-so-cozy friendship."
Her lips spread in a superior smile that didn't reach her eyes. Patting at a curl, she spoke with a soft French accent. "I suppose in the colonies where there iz less of a class distinction, servants are treated differently." With a dainty shrug she continued, "I think you must remember you are in England now."
William, who had not yet taken a seat, frowned slightly. His gaze lazily sought Dawn's. He winked and then took a seat near the window. His choice told Dawn that he preferred not to be included in the cozy little circle, but offered her his support.
"Here," Marguerite continued in the same condescending tone, "it iz important to keep a clear distinction between classes. I have always found that servants are happier and more secure when there iz no confusion about their place."
Dawn smiled sweetly. "You are right, of course." She was used to women like Marguerite. Unfortunately, her type was not limited to England. "The recognition of others for the persons they are, rather than by their pedigree, works quite nicely where I come from." Dawn glanced down as she ran a fingertip along the bracelet given to her by her mother. "It is the way I choose to see others. It is also the way I choose to treat others."
William loudly cleared his throat.
Marguerite managed a tight smile as she nodded slightly. When she raised her face toward Dawn, hate flashed in her light brown eyes. "How very egalitarian of you."
Dawn felt as well as saw the responding ripple in the room. Lady Gaylord, alert to the mounting tension, waved her handkerchief vigorously before her face and looked toward her grandson for assistance. William, who to all the world appeared to be having a marvelous time, only grinned. An answering grin fought its way onto Dawn's face and Lady Gaylord visibly relaxed. Marguerite was left to pretend that she was unaware her barb had gone astray.
"I'd say the ball was quite a success, wouldn't you, Willie?" Lady Gaylord chatted along happily, not waiting for William's response. "I'm so glad you're feeling better today, Dawn. We really should have allowed you more time to rest from your journey. I do hope you decide to stay for an extended visit."
Before Dawn could comment, Sara returned with a tray heavily laden with bone china serving pieces, a large platter of pastries and a tea server. Happy for the distraction, Dawn was quick to flaunt her poor Colonial manners once again in Marguerite’s face. "Here Sara, let me help you with your burden." Dawn offered as she rose from her seat.
Lady Gaylord's brow rose and her cheeks puffed with mischievous glee. "Let me help too," she spoke as she pushed herself up from her seat. Taking a cup and a saucer in each hand fro
m the tray, she set them on the table.
Dawn took the plate of cakes and also set them on the table. This lightened the tray considerably and Sara let it rise unintentionally before she giggled lightly and righted it in her hands. Dawn and Lady Gaylord laughed along with the petite redhead.
Marguerite sat in stiff silence as she watched the three women. Dawn could only imagine the shock this condescending woman suffered. Dawn had been pleasantly surprised by the way the servants were treated in this very aristocratic English household. Her pleasure grew as the moments passed.
William, who had helped himself to a cup of tea while the three giggled merrily, relaxed back into his seat. "Ladies," he called playfully. They all looked his way. He casually crossed his legs, and with a broad grin and exaggerated salute, raised his cup high. "Please, help yourselves to tea."
This started the three into another round of laughter. "Don't mind him," Lady Gaylord announced, "He often helps himself and then pretends as if he were mistreated." She placed a conspiratorial hand on Sara's arm and leaned closer. "He's always a bit anxious, isn't that correct, dear?"
Dawn watched, fascinated.
"Oh, milady." Sara blushed prettily. "I would say everything about Lord William is perfect."
"Ah!" William puffed. "A woman after my own heart."
"Even if he is a bit nervous and sometimes a tease," Sara finished as she poured a cup and handed it to Marguerite.
William grunted, but didn't say anything.
"Quite right, my dear," Lady Gaylord responded jovially as she patted the corners of her eyes. Reaching out, she took the cup offered to her by Dawn.
Unable to hold her words another moment, Marguerite interrupted the quaint scene. "Dawn," her voice dripped in honeyed tones. "I couldn't help but overhear you speak to William of your mother's village." She made a show of rearranging her cup and saucer. "You must have many interesting stories about your visits there. I'm sure we would all find a story fascinating."
I'm sure you would. Dawn smiled warmly at Sara as she passed her a filled cup. Before turning to Marguerite, Dawn noticed the expectant humor in William's eyes. "I never intended to mislead," she answered with a sweet smile. "I didn't grow up in Charles Town, though I did often visit my Aunt Bess there. My father and I have always lived in Chota Town."