Dark Rider

Twelve

October 1, 1806 Paris, France

"Monsieur David is in the salon, Monsieur Bonille," Gaston said as he opened the front door, then took Raoul's hat and gloves. "He's been there since before luncheon. I told him he'd have to wait a long time, but he insisted he must see you as soon as possible."

"Indeed? I'm truly flattered. Monsieur David seldom bothers with lesser mortals since Napoleon became his patron." He strolled toward the salon. "I hope you made him welcome?"

The servant nodded eagerly. "But of course, monsieur. He's a very great man, a glorious artist."

Raoul's lip curled. These peasant fools always thought those who stood beside and shared the glory with the Napoleons and the Robespierres of the world were great themselves. He could have told him that it was always the men behind the throne who were the clever ones. He threw open the delicately carved doors of the grand salon. "Ah, Jacques-Louis, how delightful to see you. If you'd let me know you were coming, naturally I'd have postponed my visit."

"I didn't know myself." David rose to his feet. "I had a visitor this morning."

Raoul lifted a brow. "Napoleon?"

David made an impatient gesture. "Would I come running to you if it was Bonaparte? No, it was someone else." He paused. "Charles Deville."

Raoul carefully controlled his expression. "How… surprising. How is the dear fellow?"

"Discomposed. He wants to know where Raoul Cambre is."

"And you told him?"

"No, of course not. You swore me to secrecy when you changed your name."

And sealed the vow with a thousand influential introductions and favors. "Brandy?"

David shook his head. "I must go. I've work to do. I've wasted enough light today waiting for you."

"Don't leave yet." He poured a brandy for himself. He needed it. "What do you mean 'discomposed'?"

"Disturbed, tense, frightened. He kept ranting that he had to see you, that he had to be sure. He said that he'd arrived in Paris just last night."

"And he came immediately to you. Interesting."

"He knew we were friends."

David had never been his friend, he thought contemptuously. He'd used the conceited fool as he had all the others. He smiled. "Excellent friends. What was his appearance? Does he seem to be a man of substance these days?"

"No. He was gaunt and his clothes a bit shabby." David frowned. "I felt a trifle guilty lying to another artist." He hastened to add, "Though he's not on my level, of course."

"Of course. There's no one on your level, Jacques-Louis. All Paris knows how brilliant you are."

"I don't like to lie," he said peevishly. "My life is quite comfortable now. It's very distracting having these people pop up out of your past bothering me. First there was that Jean Guillaume asking questions on behalf of the Duke of Morland, and now Deville himself."

Raoul restrained himself from pointing out that he had been responsible for a good deal of that comfort. In the chaos following Robespierre's death, he had been careful to make sure he protected all his spheres of influence. It would do no harm to remind David of their mutual past. "It's natural that some ghosts would come back to haunt us. Those were troublesome times." He sighed reminiscently. "I remember how ardent you were, with your revolutionary fervor and that wonderful vest with those buttons that had little guillotines painted on them."

David flushed. "As you say, those were different times." He rose to his feet. "Deville's your ghost, not mine. I've warned you and I'm done with it."

"But I fear he may trouble you again," Raoul said. "Disturbed men can be very embarrassing. Your glorious present may be tainted if memories are stirred. Napoleon might even think your allegiance fickle if he's forced to remember how passionately you embraced the revolution."

"Then stop Deville," David said flatly. "Talk to him. I won't be connected with this, Raoul."

"Did I say you would be?" His tone became soothing. "Of course I'll speak to him and send him on his way. I just need your help in planning a meeting. I must be discreet for both our sakes. Do you know where he can be reached?"

"He said if I discovered where you could be found, he'd be at sixteen rue Grenadier."

"Then why don't you send him a message and tell him you've located his old friend Raoul, who is eager to meet with him and welcome him back to France? I'll be at the Café Dumonde on the West Bank tomorrow night at eleven o'clock."

"Why don't you have him come here?"

"My dear Jacques-Louis." He glanced pointedly around the luxuriously appointed salon. "You said he was gaunt and shabby. It's neither kind nor wise to reveal one's affluence to those who might ask to share that wealth. I do hope you didn't boast how wealthy you were becoming under our illustrious Emperor."

He looked taken aback. "I didn't boast. You know money means nothing to me. I did tell him my fame had spread since he'd left France."

Raoul clucked reprovingly. "Then it's just as well I'm ridding us of this fellow. After you send him the message, dismiss him from your mind. I'll protect you as I've always done."

David nodded in relief. "Thank you, Raoul. You know an artist should not be troubled by these mundane matters." He strode quickly toward the door. "I'll leave it in your hands. Good day."

"Good day, my friend." As the door closed behind David, Raoul's smile vanished. He crashed his glass down on a table.

Sacré bleu, was that debacle at Danjuet always to raise its head to torment him? Letting the boy escape had been a blunder for which he'd been paying for years. All the other incriminating strings of his past life had been severed, but it had proved too dangerous to send an assassin to kill the young Duke. That wastrel Bradford Danemount had proved a surprisingly protective guardian.

Dammit, if he had managed to kill the boy, then he would not have had to send Deville to Tahiti away from his influence. He would have been able to move with less care and not have had to assume a new identity. He always preferred to work in secret, but totally new credentials had caused him a good deal of bother. Danemount was a constant thorn that must be removed.

And now that fool Deville had wandered back into his life and was threatening to disrupt it again.

"Beg pardon, monsieur, Marie would like to know if you'll be home for dinner?" Gaston inquired from the doorway.

Power, wealth, a house as palatial as Napoleon's and decorated with far more taste, servants at his beck and call, women eager to please him any way he wished. By God, he would not let Deville march back into his life and destroy all this.

"No, Gaston, I'll be out for the entire evening." He stood up and moved toward the door.

He must prepare a surprise for his old friend Deville.

"You've actually been behaving quite well, Jared," Bradford said. "I've even seen signs of knightly conduct. Extraordinary."

"I'm sure you find it so." Jared leaned on the fence, his gaze on Josette and Cassie riding toward them. "But, then, you've always underestimated my virtues."

"But never your lust. For the first week or so I thought you'd lost interest in our Cassie."

"What makes you think I haven't?"

"I opened my eyes. I admit my judgment was a bit clouded because Lani absorbs a good deal of my attention. She's a very stubborn woman."

"She's quite extraordinary. She's managed to take over the running of the household without antagonizing any of the servants."

"Who could resent Lani?" Bradford shook his head. "But we weren't discussing Lani. I was praising your restraint and celibacy."

"In order to encourage it to continue." His gaze didn't leave Cassie. Christ, she looked wonderful. Her eyes were flashing, her face alight with confidence and amusement as she chattered with Josette. Away from Clara's domination, at harsh, brooding Morland, she had bloomed like one of the tropical flowers from her island. "Don't be surprised if it doesn't."

"I'm never surprised at anything, but it would be far more peaceful for all of us." He waved a hand. "Josette and Cassie have become fast friends. Lani is moderately content. I'm making small strides in the direction I wish to go. You might shatter everything if you become… aggressive."

Jared's hand tightened on the fence rail. "For God's sake, I'm not going to rape her."

"But you're losing patience."

Damnation, yes, he was losing patience. It had been too long. He had only to see Cassie to begin to ready. He had thought the time they spent together would draw her closer to surrender. God knows, he was experienced with every nuance of seduction, but something always went wrong when he was with Cassie. One moment she was making him laugh, and the next she was saying something that touched him. Blast it, he didn't want to feel this bewildering gamut of emotion. He wanted to be back on the ship, where there was no thought, no conversation-only the satisfaction of their coupling.

No, that wasn't true. Lately he had been aware of a deep sense of growing contentment during those rides with Cassie, and a feeling of loss when they parted. Christ, he didn't know what he wanted.

Except Cassie back in his bed, where she belonged.

"Any recent news from Marseilles?" Bradford asked.

"Not since two days ago," he said impatiently. "I would have told you if I'd heard anything more. Deville hasn't surfaced yet."

"It's been more than a month since we arrived. There should be some sign of him soon."

"I know that." He also knew where this was leading. Bradford wanted to stress how pointless any passion for Cassie was since it would all be for naught once her father reappeared in their lives. "We'll just have to wait."

"Heavens, how patient you've become. I would have thought you'd be salivating to hear about Deville. Could you be softening?"

"No, I could not." He turned away from the fence. "I'm going to meet them at the stable. Are you coming?"

"I think not. I believe I'll wander back and see what Lani is doing. She said she might-What's this?" His gaze was on the carriage entering the gates. "We have a visitor."

Jared muttered a curse as he recognized the carriage. "Carolyn. I hoped we were rid of her."

"It seems you were mistaken." He watched Jared stride toward the courtyard. "You're going to meet her?"

He nodded curtly. "Go to the stables and tell Cassie and Josette to stay away until she leaves. I don't want any interference."

"I haven't noticed Josette seeking out her company." Bradford ambled toward the stable. "However, I'll endeavor to ensure that they're both occupied."

Carolyn and Lani were standing facing each other when Jared strode into the hall.

No, not facing, confronting, Jared thought grimly. Carolyn's attitude was bristling with antagonism, while Lani's expression was dignified but wary.

"Carolyn, what a pleasant surprise." He moved between the two women and took her hand. "I didn't expect you."

"And I didn't expect Madam Deville." She smiled with an effort. "We were just becoming acquainted."

"Then I don't have to introduce you.''

"I had trouble recognizing your kinswoman." She gazed pointedly at the bright-blue silk gown Lani was wearing. "I couldn't imagine a widow putting aside her black widow's weeds and donning such a gown."

"My people don't believe in the wearing of mourning clothes," Lani said. "Mourning is in the heart. We don't need to boast to others how bereaved we are."

"Boast?" Carolyn bristled. "It's not boasting to-"

Jared quickly interrupted. "You look a trifle pale, Lani." Blast it, he wished it were true. Lani, as usual, radiated warmth and beauty, and that could only add fuel to Carolyn's venom. "You shouldn't be up from your sickbed. I'm sure Lady Carradine will excuse you."

"Madam Deville appears in excellent health," Carolyn said. "But it's difficult to tell. Unfortunately, her skin isn't fair like ours, is it?" She didn't wait for an answer but turned and walked toward the library. "By all means, leave us, Madam Deville. We will excuse you."

Seeing bright flags of color burning in Lani's cheeks Jared said to her in a low tone, "It will be better if you go."

"I won't run away. Do you think this is the first time I've faced hatred because my skin is a different color? In Mrs. Denworth's school there were many white children who were not as kind as their religion dictated." Her lips twisted. "And Clara was always ready to tell me that my race made me unworthy."

"Dammit, Clara isn't here, and I don't want you humiliated in my presence."

"Why not? I'm the mistress of your enemy."

Lani's bitterness was not in character. Carolyn's remarks must have stung more than she was willing to admit. "Go to your room." He strode toward the library. "Let me deal with Carolyn."

"This is the last time," Lani said quietly. "I won't hide myself when right is on my side."

How the devil had he come to this pass? he wondered in frustration. He wanted nothing more than to toss Carolyn out of his home like the feline bitch he knew her to be, but if he allowed himself to defend Lani, then Josette could be hurt. He had not exaggerated Carolyn's power in social circles.

Carolyn turned to face him as he closed the door. "It won't do, you know."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Having that… that woman here." Her lips tightened. "Even if she's your kinsman's widow, she's no fit chaperon for Josette. She should not be here."

"I disagree. She's an admirable chaperon. She's a woman no longer in her first youth, she's well educated, industri-"

"She's not one of us," Carolyn interrupted. "I had doubts when I heard that outlandish name. You should have told me she was a native. That's the reason my conscience compelled me to return. As soon as I met her, I realized my instincts were correct. She should not be here."

As soon as she had noticed Lani's beauty, he corrected mentally. Jesus, he wished she hadn't seen her. "I understand your concern, but I can hardly refuse her my hospitality."

"Send her to me. I'll find respectable lodgings for her." Carolyn smiled sweetly. "Believe me, it's for the best. There would be too much talk if she remains here. The ton would never understand if you accepted this native woman into your home."

He smothered the flare of anger at her words and smiled in return. "You're right, of course. My reputation is not of the best. It might prove a scandal… unless someone of your stature intervened."

She went still. "What do you mean?"

"We're such old friends, Carolyn. I know you'll help me."

"In what way?" she said warily.

"You have such influence that I'm certain all that would be needed is a word or two to accomplish the task."

"You wish me to sponsor this woman?" she asked incredulously.

"As a personal favor to me." His voice deepening to coaxing persuasion, he exerted every bit of charm at his command. "I would be very, very grateful."

"I couldn't possibly do-" She met his gaze, and he could see the scales being weighed beneath those golden curls. "Naturally, I would never refuse you anything, but it will not be easy." She patted his cheek. "Be sure to have the woman at my ball tomorrow night. I'll introduce her there."

"Wonderful. Now that that pesky problem is solved, will you stay for luncheon?"

She shook her head. "My house is turned upside down with preparations for tomorrow night. I must get back." She paused and then added meaningfully, "I hope there will be many opportunities for us to share a meal at a later date."

Payment for favors given, Jared thought cynically, and Carolyn would be the first to collect. "Perhaps we could ride together on the afternoon after the ball?"

"I would be enchanted." She gave him another brilliant smile and swept toward the door. "Until tomorrow night. I can hardly wait."

And he wished it would never come, Jared thought grimly. He had led Cassie to believe he would find an excuse not to go to Carolyn's ball, and she would not be pleased about Lani's being forced to run a social gauntlet.

It was not until they were at the dinner table that Jared related what had transpired with Carolyn. "And I expect you all to behave with decorum," he told Josette, Bradford, and Cassie. "I've gone to a great deal of trouble, and I don't want it to be for naught."

"Lani shouldn't go," Josette said flatly. "Lady Carradine will hurt her." She beamed. "In fact, none of us should go. I think it would be a splendid idea if we all stayed home."

"We will go," Jared said emphatically. "Nothing will happen. Carolyn has promised to sponsor Lani."

Bradford raised his brows. "Now, I wonder what you did to get her to do that?"

Cassie didn't wonder. She had watched him with the gargoyle and had no doubt he had used more of the same charm and sweet words.

Jared ignored the question. "If Carolyn sponsors Lani, she can't claim she's an unfit chaperon." He glanced at Josette. "And won't have grounds to demand you return to school."

"Oh." Josette was clearly torn but finally said, "Find some other way. I don't trust her."

"There's no other way. You're the one who chose to adopt Cassie and Lani and make use of them." He mockingly inclined his head to Cassie. "I had other plans for the ladies."

Cassie's grip tightened on her wine goblet. She liked none of this. Not Jared's subtle sensuality that never failed to disturb her, and certainly not this plan to make them go to the gargoyle's cave.

"Why don't we ask Lani?" Bradford suggested. He turned to her and said quietly, "You don't have to go. If Jared says he's made arrangements, Carolyn will give you no insult, but you don't have to do anything you have no wish to do."

Lani was silent a moment. "I will go."

Cassie leaned forward and grasped Lani's arm. "I think Josette is right, I don't trust Lady Carradine." To Jared, she said fiercely, "I won't have Lani hurt, do you understand?"

He threw up his hands. "Very well, you come up with a solution to keep Josette's position with the ton secure. I'm weary of being looked on as a villain."

"I said I'd go." Lani placed her napkin by her plate and rose to her feet. "No more talk. That's the end of it." She left the dining room.

Bradford stood. "Jared, I fervently hope you're right about this. I'd really detest snapping your neck." He followed Lani from the room.

Cassie and Josette stared at Jared.

He said through his teeth, "Carolyn won't break her word. I've made sure of it."

Josette grunted derisively. Cassie glared at him.

Jared threw down his napkin and stalked out of the room.

"Is he right?" Cassie asked. "Can he control Lady Carradine?"

"She won't hurt Lani in any obvious way." Josette smiled bitterly. "She can be very clever. Never once has she made mention of my birth. She gives little lectures to the other students on the horrors that butcher Napoleon is inflicting on good, honest Englishmen and then turns her back and doesn't hear when they attack me."

"Why don't you tell Jared?"

"I don't whine." She made a face. "And she gives me nothing to grab on to. She's a coward and her cruelty is very subtle. Just once I wish she'd lose her temper and slap me. Jared would never tolerate that, and I certainly give her enough cause."

Cassie smiled. "I'm sure you do." Her smile faded. "I know nothing about your customs. Is Jared right? Is it important that you belong to this ton?"

"Not to me." Josette paused. "But it's true, those ninnies at school would dry up and die if they were so ostracized."

"Yours is a very cruel world." Cassie frowned, troubled. "I don't wish this to happen to you, but if that woman hurts Lani, I can't allow it to go unpunished."

"Really?" Josette looked intrigued. "What would you do to her?"

Cassie's expression became grim. "Something very unpleasant."

"Then don't think of me," she said magnanimously. "I'll sacrifice everything, I'll suffer any indignity. Even if I'm cast out, I'll be brave and force myself to stay here in this great barn of a place, exercising the horses. On occasion perhaps a game of chess with Jared. It will be-"

"You're enjoying this too much," Cassie said dryly. "You might be happy cast out from the ton, but Jared would be furious. We must hope it doesn't come to that." She stood up and moved toward the door. "And the easiest way to avoid that happening is to convince Lani not to go."

"Cassie, I don't want to hear any more about it. I'm not afraid of her." Lani added with great firmness, "And for the last time, I won't hide tonight."

Cassie sighed in frustration. She had been trying since the night before to persuade Lani not to go to the ball, to no avail. She had not thought this last attempt would fare any better, but she had tried. "We're here to help Papa, not go to balls. Everything is becoming too complicated."

"Do you forget Charles when you help Josette?"

"I never forget Papa."

"Neither do I. It does no harm to give to a child in need." Lani suddenly smiled and embraced her. "Now, go and get dressed. It's getting late. Bradford said we should leave by seven. What are you going to wear?"

"The white silk." She made a face. "Josette says that, according to Lady Carradine, young, unmarried women should always wear white."

"I know you wish to help Josette, and you always look good in white." Lani turned to the armoire. "I believe I shall wear my yellow gown. I've always liked the color." She glanced over her shoulder with twinkling eyes. "And it will annoy Lady Carradine the most. It's as far from black widow's weeds as our island is from this England."

"Should you-" Cassie broke off as Lani shook her head. She should have known Lani would not change herself any sooner than she would hide. Cassie hugged her and moved toward the door. "You'll be more beautiful than any woman there."

A moment later she was standing before the armoire in her own chamber looking at the gowns Jared had provided.

The white silk was quite beautiful, the touches of lace at the round neck demure. Just the kind of gown Lady Carradine would approve for a shy young girl. Cassie took it out of the armoire.

As far from black widow's weeds as our island is from this England. "

Lani's words kept repeating in her mind. This island and these people were not her own. Much as she liked Josette, she was not Lani. They had not suffered together, the years had not bonded them. She wanted only the best for Josette, but if there were sides to be taken, she could not ally herself with anyone but Lani.

She shoved the pristine-white gown back into the armoire and reached deep into the rear of the wardrobe.

"Good God." Bradford's eyes widened as she came down the stairs. "Stunning. You look magnificent." He shook his head. "But I don't think Jared is going to like this."

"Then he shouldn't have chosen it." She glanced around the foyer. "Where is he?"

"He went on ahead to Carradine Hall to make sure everything was in order. He asked me to bring you. Lani and Josette are waiting in the carriage." He frowned. "I don't believe he meant that gown for this type of occasion."

She knew the occasion he had meant her to wear it. When she came to his bed. In spite of its simple Empire lines, it was the gown meant for a temptress. The scarlet color alone shouted bold sensuality, the deep square neckline revealed the upper curves of her breasts. "It's what I'm wearing."

"Has Lani seen you?"

"No." She had deliberately delayed dressing until she knew Lani would have no opportunity to find out in advance. "She thinks I'm wearing white. I changed my mind at the last minute."

He took the black velvet cloak she was carrying and draped it around her shoulders, carefully fastening the button at her throat. "Well, let's at least spare Jared the first shock when you walk into the ballroom."

"I can't wear a cloak all evening." Yet she did not want Lani to see the gown until they reached Carradine Hall. She might insist Cassie go back and change. She drew the cloak about her and moved toward the door. "Shall we go?"

"You've been very docile of late." His hand cradled her elbow as she moved down the steps toward the carriage. "I'd be curious to know why you chose this occasion to break the pattern."

The footman opened the door of the carriage. Bradford glanced at Lani, resplendent in her yellow silk gown and white velvet cloak, and then smiled. "Ah, that's it, you're going into battle. I always knew I had a fondness for you," he said in a low tone in Cassie's ear. "I hope a battle won't be necessary, but no one is worth fighting for more than Lani." He helped her into the carriage, then climbed in after her. "It's going to prove an interesting evening."

Lani smiled and reached for Cassie's hand. "You're late. Is all well?"

Cassie clasped her hand nervously. She didn't know whether this was a wise move or not. Jared would be angry, and she might do damage to Josette. It might all be for nothing. Perhaps Lani would not need championing at all. Oh, well, she had made mistakes before, and she would not back away now. She smiled at Lani but did not answer directly. "You look glorious tonight. Like a queen." She said with sudden intensity, "You are a queen, Lani."

Lani chuckled. "You must have been talking to Bradford. He claims I could rule this harsh England."

"It would certainly be a more interesting country if you did." Josette grimaced. "You can't imagine how stultifying this ball will be tonight." She settled back on the seat with a sigh. "Not at all like Jared's and Bradford's parties."

"Which you were never supposed to observe," Bradford said.

Josette giggled and told Cassie, "My nurse used to fall asleep and I'd creep down and watch from the landing until Jared caught me at it one night. He was very angry."

"He would have been angrier if he hadn't caught you at that particular moment. Such parties are not for the delectation of innocents."

"An orgy," Josette confided to Cassie with relish. "Bacchanalian revels. Everyone seemed to be having a perfectly splendid time."

"May we talk of something else?" Bradford asked plaintively. "The subject of my wicked past is making me a trifle uncomfortable. Did you ride Morgana today?"

Josette obligingly accepted the turn of conversation and started to chatter on her favorite subject for the remainder of the journey.

Carradine House was ablaze with light. Lanterns hung from the trees bordering the long driveway that led to the stately brick manor house, revealing carriages of all sizes and description on the grass. Liveried coachmen moved briskly, tending their vehicles, or merely lolled in conversation with other servants.

"There's Jared." Bradford's gaze went to the open doorway as he got out of the carriage. "And our sweet hostess."

Cassie involuntarily tensed as the footman helped her from the carriage, and she caught sight of the two at the top of the steps. Carolyn Carradine was smiling up at Jared, glowingly lovely in pale-blue silk. Jared, in dark evening clothes, was no different from the Jared she saw every day. He always looked lean, graceful, slightly dangerous, and as wickedly handsome as a pagan god. It was no wonder that the gargoyle was staring at him as if she wished to eat him for dinner, Cassie thought with annoyance.

"Cassie?" Bradford said.

She hurriedly stepped aside so that the footman could help Lani and Josette from the carriage. Then she watched Lani approach their hostess for the evening with graceful dignity.

"Good evening, Lady Carradine." Lani smiled at the woman. "How kind of you to invite me to your home."

Lady Carradine displayed perfect teeth returning her smile. "It's my pleasure." Her gaze ran over Lani's gown, which was revealed when she shed her white velvet cloak and handed it to a waiting footman. "And what a lovely gown. You look quite like a sunburst."

The words could have been construed as a compliment, and the woman's tone was cordial. Perhaps it was not going to be as bad as Cassie feared.

Lady Carradine turned to Josette. "Take your chaperon to meet Lady Huntley. I've told her to act in my place while I finish greeting my guests. Her daughter, Joan, was just saying how much she missed you at school."

Josette muttered something distinctly uncomplimentary beneath her breath before she shrugged off her cloak. "Missed a pincushion to accommodate her pricks, maybe." Then, as she met Jared's warning gaze, she pasted a smile on her face and took Lani's arm. "Come along. Surely Lady Huntley is not nearly as rude as her daughter."

Cassie watched Lani cross the crowded ballroom. As she passed, the men and women turned to stare at her. Well, who wouldn't look at her? She was more beautiful than any woman in the room.

"Don't be shy, my dear. Take off your cloak and run along and join them."

Cassie turned to see Carolyn Carradine aim a glowing smile at her as she placed a proprietary hand on Jared's sleeve. "We'll join you and your stepmother shortly."

"Very well." She straightened her shoulders and then rid herself of her cloak.

She heard Lady Carradine's shocked exclamation and Jared's sharply inhaled breath. After handing the cloak to the footman, she looked around to see two bright patches of color on Lady Carradine's cheeks. "That gown is totally inappropriate in a young girl. It's… it's-"

"A sunset?" She lifted her chin in defiance. "If Lani's gown is a sunburst, surely mine goes a step further."

"It goes a good deal further," Jared said grimly. "I'd like a word with you, Cassie."

"But Lady Carradine says I must run along and meet Lady Huntley." She shrugged. "If you wish to speak with me, I suppose you may come with me." She started across the ballroom.

Jared was walking beside her, looking straight ahead. "Why, damn you?"

"At least I didn't wear a sarong. It did occur to me."

"All you had to do was behave with a little decorum for one evening. Was that too much to ask for Josette?"

"I'll behave with decorum as long as these people treat Lani with courtesy."

"Has Carolyn indicated in any way that she won't?"

"Not yet." She glanced at him. "But we've just gotten here. I don't trust her."

"So you come to the most circumspect ball in England looking…"

"Like a harlot?"

"I didn't say that and I didn't mean it."

"That's why you gave me this gown. You wanted me to look like one of your lady birds. Well, here I am.

"And every man in the room is wondering if he has a chance of luring you into his bed."

She was suddenly tired of being on the defensive. She smiled tauntingly. "It's a possibility. I've been without a man for a long time, and you were an excellent tutor." She turned to him and said mockingly, "Come, Jared, introduce me to your friends. Let me choose a man to pleasure me."

He went white. He had been angry a minute ago; now he was a step beyond. "Damn you to hell."

She had never seen him more dangerous. She didn't care. She felt as she had when she and Kapu had swum through rapids, too late to stop, too exciting to turn back. She had to go on. "Why are you so angry? You would bed your Carolyn without a second thought. Perhaps you've already done it tonight. Don't I have the right to choose my own-"

"No, you do not." His voice was hoarse with searing intensity. "You no longer have any choice at all. You've just forfeited it."

"By wearing a gown you chose? By telling you a woman is not a slave? I think not. Go back to Lady Carradine. She will say anything you wish her to say." Her pace quickened as she approached Lady Huntley. "I assure you I don't mind your abandoning me. I'll make my own way with these people."

"I'm tempted to do it. Any of these women could cut you to the bone with one remark."

"Why would you care?"

"Oh, I would care." He smiled savagely. "It's a privilege I reserve for myself." He stopped before Lady Huntley, Lani, and Josette. He took Lady Huntley's hand, and his smile became totally ingratiating. "Ah, how delightful you look tonight, Amanda. That color always becomes you. May I present my kinswoman, Cassandra Deville? You've already met her gracious stepmother."

"Something's wrong." Cassie watched worriedly as Lani was taken by Lady Huntley from one group to the other, leaving Cassie and Josette to their own devices. "I don't like this."

"What is it?" Josette asked.

"I don't know." Lani was smiling, but she had the frozen expression she had worn when suffering Clara's worst abuse. "Can you find out?"

"It will take time. These people are not fond of me, either. Can't you ask her?"

Lani had committed herself to this ball to help Josette. Cassie knew Lani would not complain. "No."

Josette shrugged. "Then I'll find out." She drifted off into the crowd.

Cassie immediately felt isolated without Josette's comforting presence. She was surrounded by strangers-glittering, alien. She wanted to run away. The women's glances were shocked and disdainful, and the men did not meet her eyes at all. Her gaze searched the crowd for Bradford, but he was deep in conversation with a golden-haired young man in a corner.

And Jared was once more standing beside Lady Carradine in the foyer.

She met his gaze and recognition rippled through her. How could he dare look at her with such lust and possessiveness when he stood beside that woman? Her desolation was submerged by a flare of anger. These fine ladies would not accept her, but their men should not prove difficult. Men were seldom guided by anything but their bodies. She had no experience at the game herself, but she had spent years watching Lihua practice her mating skills. She deliberately looked away from Jared and sought out the golden-haired young man to whom Bradford was speaking. She waited until she caught his eye, then smiled.

The young Adonis broke off what he was saying to Bradford.

Good. She half lowered her lashes and ran her tongue lightly over her lower lip.

The young man was coming toward her.

She slanted a quick glance at Jared. Yes, no doubt about it, he had witnessed the little charade, and it had infuriated him. She felt a surge of fierce satisfaction. It would not hurt to goad him a little more.

She looked around the room to choose another man.

"Stop watching her, Jared," Bradford said in a low voice as he handed his nephew a glass of punch. "You're causing more stir than she is. After all, it's only a gown."

"You know better." She was a scarlet banner that every man in the room wanted to claim. And the bitch was deliberately dipping that banner in invitation. Neither she nor Lani could dance, but that did not hinder pursuit. The two women were at opposite ends of the room, but both were surrounded by men vying for attention.

Let me choose a man to pleasure me.

"That crystal goblet is going to break if you put any more pressure on it," Bradford observed. "You'll get a nasty cut."

"Then take the damn thing." He thrust it back into Bradford's hand. "I didn't want it anyway."

"It was better to have a goblet in your hand than a sword."

"I didn't have a sword."

"That didn't mean you might not acquire one." He took a sip of punch. "Tell me, whom are you going to call out? Young Fred Monteith? He appears very ardent. Or the Earl of Tempkar? No, he couldn't put up a very satisfactory fight. He must be almost seventy."

Jared shot him a sour glance. "You appear to be in fine spirits."

"Actually, I'm not at all happy at the way things are proceeding," he said. "But not because of those hounds baying at the moon. It's probably just as well they're causing a distraction. I don't like the set of Lani's mouth."

"What?"

"When she's upset, she holds her lips a little tighter and turns her head with a quick, jerky motion." He frowned. "Things aren't going well."

"I don't see any sign-"

"But, then, you can't see anything but a scarlet gown and your own lust. It might do you well to use your head instead of your nether parts for thinking." He turned to look at him. "Did you ask Cassie why she wore that gown?"

"I didn't need to ask. Defiance has a voice of its own."

"And she probably wouldn't have told you the truth anyway." He nodded at Lani. "Cassie wouldn't let her be alone even if it meant being ostracized herself."

"Very noble."

"But you don't want to believe it."

"I believe she loves Lani."

"I'm weary of arguing with you," Bradford said finally. He put his glass down on the banquet table. "I have to go to Lani. She's definitely upset."

"And you think she'll tell you why?"

"Probably not. But she'll know I'm there supporting her. Please refrain from glaring for the rest of the evening. Some of these guests think I raised you with a modicum of manners." He started toward the groups surrounding Lani and Cassie. "And you might repair the damage you've done by ingratiating yourself to our hostess again. If I'm wrong and all is going splendidly for Lani, we want it to continue."

Jared moodily glanced across the room at Carolyn Carradine. She was holding court of her own, smiling brightly, talking quickly, too quickly. She was furious. He should follow Bradford's injunction and go to her.

You would think nothing of going to bed with her.

He felt another rush of fury as he remembered Cassie's words. It was true; he had considered the necessity of bedding Carolyn to keep her well-disposed toward Lani, and it would have meant nothing to him. Why should it be otherwise? Carolyn knew the rules, but she had overestimated her influence with Jared.

Sexual desire for him lasted for only the moment and then was gone.

Until Cassie. Until that damnable little savage had come into his life and then had the temerity to tell him she would take another man with the same ease as she had taken him.

Christ.

He wanted to kill her. No, he wanted to kill every one of those libertines gathered around her like bees around honey. If he stood here much longer watching her, he wouldn't be able to keep himself from going over there and- He turned on his heel and strode across the ballroom toward Carolyn.

The evening was like a pennant shredded to pieces on a battlefield. He would have to retreat and try to save what he could. He would be charming, smooth Carolyn's ruffled feathers, and perhaps all would be well.

If anything could go well on this damnable night.

"I have to talk to you," Josette murmured in Cassie's ear after she had insinuated herself into the crowd around Cassie. "Slip away from them and come to the punch bowl."

"I tried to do that an hour ago," Cassie answered, exasperated. When she had started this game to annoy Jared, she had not realized how irritating she would find it. "They just offer to get me what I want. How do I get away from them? I feel… I feel… smothered."

Josette chuckled. "I'll help." She raised her voice. "Faint? Oh, dear, we must get you outside for some air." She slid a solicitous arm around Cassie's waist, dug an elbow into the stomach of one of the young men who had stepped forward in concern. "Sorry." She whisked Cassie to the French doors a few yards away and out into the garden. She closed the doors with a flourish. "Done. We'll probably be safe for a few minutes." She shivered. "If we don't freeze to death first."

Cassie drew a deep breath of cold air. "I don't care. Just so I don't have to go back in there. What strange mating rituals you have here. The men do nothing but gather around and stare and say sweet words. They don't even listen. Every time I tried to speak of something of interest, they just laughed."

"Kapu?"

"The Earl of Tempkar said I should get a nice little mare so that I would come to no harm." She snorted in disgust. "They're all idiots."

"No, but they think we are," Josette said. "And they'll be coming out here any minute. I must speak quickly."

"Lani?"

She nodded. "Lady Carradine has given Lady Huntley the task she can't do herself."

"Which is?"

"Subtle insults, little cuts that bleed but don't kill. Lady Carradine evidently prepared the way ahead of time. Outwardly she shows her support for Lani and then lets one of her minions stab her and disavows any responsibility. If Lani complains, she'll tell Jared she did everything possible, but that some people are just intractable." She added grimly, "It's much the same indirect way she finds to punish me. She chose an excellent substitute in Lady Huntley. She's almost as competent at cruelty as her daughter."

Cassie went rigid. "You're sure about this?"

"I overheard Lady Huntley telling Lani that she never dreamed savages would ever be permitted within the doors of Carradine House, but that Lady Carradine was such a Christian woman. She had even hired Negroes and those coarse brown creatures from India as servants." Josette added bitterly, "And her tone dripped honey with every word."

Cassie's hands clenched at her sides. A red tide of anger obscured her vision. How dare they hurt Lani? Couldn't these strangers see what she was? She wanted to strike out, pound them into the ground.

"What did Lani say?"

"Nothing. She only gave her a look that would have shriveled anyone who wasn't already a husk anyway." She raised a brow. "Well, what do we do?"

"You don't do anything. This isn't your concern." She whirled and moved toward the French doors. "Stay out of it."

"Of course it's my concern. All of this was done for my sake."

"Then don't let it go for nothing." She jerked open the door and entered the ballroom.

"Ah, you're feeling better," Freddy said as he approached her. "What a lovely color you have in your cheeks. A bit of air is-"

She swept by him and moved around the edge of the ballroom until she was beside Lani and Bradford. Lani took one glance at her face and said, "No, Cassie."

"Josette told me."

"A few more hours and it will be over."

"I won't stand for it."

"Stay out of this. I choose and fight my own battles."

"You're not fighting, you're enduring."

"It's not Lady Huntley. She's only a parrot. Leave it alone, Cassie."

"The devil I will." She turned on her heel, moving toward the corner where Carolyn Carradine was standing with Jared. Lani was right, she was the one responsible.

She halted before the woman. "Come outside with me."

She raised her brows. "I beg your pardon?"

"It's not my pardon you should beg. Come with me or you'll regret it."

"Good heavens, are you threatening me?"

"Not yet. Just warning you."

"What's the meaning of this?" Jared asked, frowning.

She ignored him. "Come!" She turned and strode out the front door.

Carolyn Carradine appeared a moment later, followed by Jared. "It's freezing out here. This is madness."

Cassie didn't even feel the cold. "I know what you told Lady Huntley to do."

A flicker of expression crossed the woman's delicate features. "Jared, I don't know what this is all about. I told Amanda to introduce Madam Deville to our friends while I was doing my duty as hostess."

"You told her to make a pretense of cordiality but show Lani she was not welcome here." Cassie added, "In the crudest possible fashion."

"You can't blame me for another woman's venom."

"I do blame you. I blame you for your hypocrisy and your small soul and your cruelty." She took a step forward until she was only inches away. "They called her a savage, but you're the savage."

"Carolyn?" Jared asked slowly.

"Lies. She has no proof."

"No, I have no proof," Cassie said. "Just Josette's words and your expression when I confronted you."

Carolyn smiled. "Then I'm really too chilled to stay out here and listen to this raving." She started to turn away. "We'll discuss it later, Jared."

"No." Cassie's hand stopped her. "Not until you've made reparation. You can't hurt Lani and walk away."

Her lip curled. "And what will you do?"

"I'll be what you called her. Lani isn't a savage, but I can be one. She believes in dignity and kindness and turning the other cheek. She's tried to teach me to do that, but she never succeeded." Cassie stepped closer, glaring at her. "She never understood the warriors of Kalaniopuu, but I did."

"Kalaniopuu," Carolyn repeated. "What rambling is this?"

"Your Captain Cook tried to take the chief Kalaniopuu hostage. Do you know what they did to him?"

"Everyone knows that brave man was killed by savages."

"Then they cut the flesh off his bones and returned it to his sailors in a sack. That's what I'll do to you."

She shuddered. "You truly are a savage."

"Yes, and I would not think twice about creeping into your room and butchering you." The words flowed in a fierce, deadly stream. "Nothing would save you. I'd wait and I'd watch, and when you'd least expect it, I'd strike."

Carolyn turned pale. "Jared! Stop her."

"I'm not sure I can," Jared drawled. "She's really quite terrifying, isn't she?"

Cassie paid no attention to him. "You'll go to Lani and you'll beg her pardon. You'll tell her that you know she's a far finer woman than you'll ever be. You'll curtsy to her and-"

"Curtsy?"

"You should grovel on the floor and kiss her feet," Cassie said fiercely. "If it wouldn't embarrass Lani, I'd make you do it."

Carolyn raised her chin. "All of this is nonsense. I'm not afraid of you."

"Look at me." Cassie held her gaze. "You should be afraid. This isn't my world. I'm not guided by your rules. Every time you go to sleep at night, you'll wonder if you'll live another day."

Carolyn shivered and moistened her lips. "She's mad. Help me, Jared."

"And have her shred the flesh from my bones? I'd really rather like to keep the two together."

"Go!" Cassie shoved her toward the door. "Now! I'll be watching from the doorway."

Carolyn opened the door and glared venomously over her shoulder. "I'll never forgive you for letting her do this to me, Jared." She raised her chin. "Very well, I'll do it, but this small triumph will do you little good. I have a position here. I'm respected and feared. You are nothing." She swept across the room toward Lani. She stopped in front of her, hesitated, and then swept Lani a sketchy curtsy.

Lani gazed at her in astonishment.

Carolyn's words were muttered, but they must have been the right ones, because the guests near the two women wore expressions of bewilderment.

"Satisfied?" Jared asked in Cassie's ear.

"No, but it will have to do." She turned on her heel. "I'm leaving this place. I don't want to be here anymore."

"No more challenge?" He caught Bradford's eye across the room and motioned to him. "As I'm no longer welcome here either, I'll escort you from the premises. Wait outside while I talk to Bradford."

He joined her a moment later and placed her cloak around her shoulders. "You probably don't need this. I doubt if you're feeling the cold."

"Where's Bradford?" she asked as he helped her down the steps.

"He's coming. I'll take you back to the castle in my carriage, and he'll bring Lani and Josette." He motioned to the coachman. "I believe it's best I get you out of here as soon as possible."

She didn't argue as he helped her into his carriage and then settled onto the seat across from her. She wanted nothing more than to escape the place now that the deed was done. She drew the cloak closer about her. Jared was right: she didn't feel the cold, but she was shaking with the aftereffects of that terrible anger.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the lights of Carradine House faded in the distance.

"Would you have done it?" Jared suddenly asked.

"Butchered her? Don't be ridiculous. Even that… that… gargoyle's life has some worth. But I would have frightened her so badly that she would never have felt safe again."

"I'm not sure she will now."

"Good." Cassie leaned back and closed her eyes. The trembling was becoming worse. Perhaps if she feigned sleep, he wouldn't notice.

He didn't speak for a long time, and she thought she had succeeded in deceiving him. Then he said roughly, "Stop shaking, dammit."

"It's cold."

"Stop it!"

Her lids flew open and she said fiercely, "I can't stop it. If you don't want to see it, close your eyes. It's not as if you-"

"Shut up." He was beside her on the seat, his arms sliding beneath the cloak to draw her close. "Just shut up."

Strength and support flowed out of him, enveloping her in a warm haze. She should push him away, show him she didn't need him. Dear God, but she did need him. Perhaps it would be all right to accept comfort for just a little while.

She relaxed against him. "I'll be better soon. It's been… a difficult night."

"For all of us." His arms tightened around her. "And you tried your best to make it impossible."

She sensed he wasn't talking about Carolyn or Lani. "You weren't being fair."

He didn't answer.

It appeared he was not going to argue with her. Relief flowed through her. She'd had enough conflict and challenges tonight. She was glad he wasn't angry.

He really wasn't angry, she thought suddenly. She could sense annoyance but not anger. He had been furious earlier in the evening, and her attack on Lady Carradine should have added fuel to the fire. Why had it not done so? She had been so absorbed with Lady Carradine that she scarcely noticed Jared's response, but now that she thought back, she remembered he had not aligned himself against her. She had ruined all his plans, but he had refused to abandon her. His support was bewildering.

"Why didn't you- Lady Carradine was very angry with you."

"Yes."

"She'll find a way to punish you."

"You give her too much credit."

"Josette."

"I don't believe Josette will be returning to Lady Carradine's School for Young Ladies."

"Won't that enrage her? You said her influence could destroy Josette's position with the ton."

"I'll find a way to deal with her."

"How?"

"I'll destroy her." The words were offhand, spoken with a complete lack of expression. "She's set herself to be an example of virtue and good taste. With a few ungentlemanly words spoken at the right time, to the right people… It shouldn't be difficult to destroy that image."

The ruthlessness of the statement had shocked her -but it shouldn't have. That ruthlessness had driven her father from the island and sent her in pursuit. "You would do that to her?"

He suddenly chuckled. "At least I didn't say I'd butcher her and throw her flesh in a sack." He paused. "Yes, I'll do it if she hurts Josette. I may even do it if she doesn't."

"Why?"

"She lied to me and she didn't play fair."

She shouldn't have had to ask. Justice was important to him, and Lady Carradine had committed a transgression he couldn't forgive. "You believed me?"

"I saw her face." He added, "But I would have believed you anyway. I've found to my misfortune that you're honest to a fault."

She was silent a moment, and when she spoke, her words were muffled. "I'm sorry I caused you and Josette trouble. I had to do it."

"I know you did. Kanoa was in the ascendancy."

She said haltingly, "I thank you for understanding I couldn't-"

"Understand?" He pushed her back, looked into her face, and asked harshly, "Why the devil are you thanking me? Did you think I don't know that I'm to blame for what happened tonight? I trusted Carolyn, and because of my misjudgment Lani was hurt and you were distressed. You owe me no gratitude for being a fool."

"You weren't a fool. She was very clever and-"

"I made a mistake and others suffered for it." His lips twisted. "Which means reparations must be made."

"Lady Carradine already made reparations."

"Not for my blunder." His tone sharpened with frustration. "Christ, don't you know I want to believe I owe you nothing? At last, you made me angry enough to forget how vulnerable you are. If this hadn't happened, you'd have been in my bed tonight."

"No!"

"Yes!" His eyes blazed down at her. "You wanted it. You may have worn that gown for Lani, but everything you did afterward was for me. You meant to goad me until I forced you to take what you wanted."

Was it true? Her deliberate acts of provocation had not been at all like her. She had seen him with Carolyn and been filled with anger. Anger or jealousy?

"Don't worry, it won't happen now," he said. "Not until I find a way to rid myself of this damn guilt." His hands opened and closed on her shoulders. "Which better be soon."

She had wanted him and had tried to take him. She had acted blindly, and the instinctive response frightened her. How could she be sure it wouldn't happen again?

"Let me go," she whispered.

His hands tightened on her shoulders and then fell away from her. "Not for long." He moved back to his seat across from her. "I swear to you, not for long, Cassie."

She leaned back and closed her eyes again, trying to shut him out. She could sense his gaze on her face, feel his presence as if he were still touching her.

Dear God, she could not close him away. She might never be able to do it again.