[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

had better go and see if her friend still slept.
She tapped on Riena s door and entered. Riena sat up in bed wide-awake. Her eyes
gleamed dark and mysterious in her bruised face.  He has come for me.
Catherine rushed over to the bed, and wrapped her arms around her friend.  You
are safe. He will not harm you.
 He is evil. He is nearby. I can feel him, waiting for me. She shivered and huddled
into Catherine.  When? When did he come? What do you know?
 Riena, I heard a strange noise early this morning. When I looked out the window I
saw a man lurking outside so I went to Lord Glenmore for help. He and his brother
chased the man off. Tonight the dogs will be loose and men patrolling the grounds with
them. If it was your husband, he won t get close to the house.
125
Anita Birt
 Tell me the truth. Did he leave anything?
 Anything? What sort of thing? Catherine s voice quavered. Lying did not come
easily to her.
Riena jumped out of bed and faced Catherine.  I must know! Don t you
understand? I must know what spell he is casting.
 You surely don t believe a spell can harm you.
 You Gadji! You&  Riena lowered her voice to a hoarse whisper.  If you love me
and want me safe, you must tell me what he left behind.
Catherine released the breath she d been holding.  I promised Lord Glenmore not
to tell you.
 Tell me! Riena grasped Catherine s wrist.
 A dead crow, its wings spread out, its legs broken and a string around its neck.
 And on the string? Riena s dark eyes pierced Catherine s.
 Two beads. One red. One black.
Riena sank to the floor.  Now I know what to do.
Catherine sat beside her.  Aren t you frightened? Lord Glenmore did not want me
to tell you.
Riena shook her head.  No, I am not frightened. He cannot harm me now that I
know the spell he s cast. Rising to her feet, she gazed down at Catherine.  Bring my
crystal and money belt.
Heart thudding, Catherine scrambled up.  You re not leaving! I will not let you go.
I ll call Lord Glenmore. He ll not allow it. You are not fit to travel.
Riena rested her hands on Catherine s shoulders.  I need my crystal and my money
belt for what I have to do. I must be alone for awhile. Do not come for me. I must not be
interrupted.
Catherine shivered and backed away from her friend.  What are you going to do?
She wanted to know and didn t want to know. Not if it involved black magic or calling
on spirits or conjuring up the Prince of Darkness.
Riena smiled.  You are Gadji. You d not understand.
 You ll not consort with Satan and bring evil to this house. Catherine refused to
budge until Riena convinced her everyone at Glenmore Manor would be safe from
harm.
 Do not fret, Catherine. It is not in my nature to do evil. Satan is your Christian
creation. He has nothing to do with me.
 Very well, I ll fetch your things.
When Catherine returned, Riena had taken a sheet from the bed and spread it on
the floor. She sat, cross-legged, in the center.
126
A Very Difficult Man
 Open the box. Place the crystal in front of me. Catherine, her fingers trembling,
raised the lid, and lifted out the crystal. Down on her knees like a supplicant, she
arranged the globe on the sheet.
 The stand is in the box. Give it to me. Riena s voice sounded strange to Catherine.
Not like her ordinary voice. More high-pitched.
 The money belt, please. Catherine gave it to her. From a little pouch worked into
the belt, she spilled a few grains of white powder into her left hand.
 Leave me now. Lock the door so no one can enter. I must not be disturbed. Slide
the key under the door. I will come to you when I am ready.
 By eleven o clock? Catherine squeaked, her throat tight.  Lord Glenmore wishes
to meet with us at that time.
But Riena, bent over the crystal, did not answer. Afraid of disturbing her, Catherine
locked the door from the outside and shoved the key under it. A sound from behind it
sent her heart racing. A faint high-pitched chant coming from Riena. Half expecting to
see a spirit floating toward her, she swung around to find Richard, one elbow propped
against the wall by his suite, observing her.
127
Anita Birt
Chapter Fifteen
 What are you doing, Kate?
 Doing? She echoed.
 Doing. He sauntered up to her.
Catherine smoothed her skirt.  I was locking Riena s door.
He raised his brows.  And?
 Do stop questioning me. I locked her door and shoved the key back in so she d not
be disturbed until&  Catherine pressed her lips together. What should she tell him?
 Until she felt ready to meet with your family. There, that would do.
 Kate, you seem nervous. Is there something I should know about Riena that
you ve not told me?
 Promise not to turn her out when I tell you. Catherine hoped he d understand.
He linked her arm through his.
 I promise. Come, we ll talk in my suite.
Anna bustled from Catherine s room.  I ve just set out your breakfast, Miss. How is
your friend? Her glance shifted away from Catherine and darted down the hallway to
Riena s bedchamber.
 She is much improved, Anna. She hopes to be on her way within a day or so.
Anna curtsied.  I m pleased to hear it. Good morning, my lord. She nodded and
hurried away.
Catherine freed her arm.  May I have my breakfast before I meet with you?
Richard grinned at her.  Don t be too long, I m interested in learning more about
your friend.
 If Riena joins me for breakfast, shall I bring her with me?
 No, I d prefer speaking with you alone.
 Very well, I ll be as quick as I can. She closed her bedchamber door, walked
slowly to the table and sat down. She poured a cup of tea, and watched the steam rising
before adding milk, and two lumps of sugar.
She did not want to meet him in his sitting room. Officially, she was still his
companion, but everything had changed between them. Falling in love with him had
turned their relationship upside down, at least for her. Well brought up young ladies
did not dally with gentlemen in their private rooms. She had even been in his
bedchamber, had seen his naked chest.
When she had a private moment she d sketch him. His black hair tousled from
sleep. His eyes questioning hers. His mouth? Inviting.
128
A Very Difficult Man
Naked to the waist, his shoulders bare, and his chest had fascinated her. Even in her
panicky state, she d noticed his body. The muscle structure. The fine dark hair. His
nipples. Her fingers itched to explore him. To smooth her hands over his shoulders and
chest, to touch his nipples, to&
Catherine caught her breath trying to stop what was happening. Warmth, like a
sinful snake, coiled up from deep in her body, swelling her breasts and peaking her
nipples.
 No! She spoke aloud.  Stop this minute or I shall& 
 Shall what, Catherine? Riena poked her head around the door, and entered. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]