Dark Rider

Three

"Danemount was down at the stable looking at Kapu," Lani said as she brushed Cassie's hair. "He has quite an amazing way with horses."

Cassie stiffened. "He didn't try to ride him?"

"No, I said he was looking." She paused in midmotion to meet Cassie's gaze in the mirror. "You should not care for Kapu this much. He's only an animal. You cannot expect total loyalty from him."

"He is loyal. He knows he belongs to me."

"But he won't-" She broke off and shrugged. "Why should I argue? I'm wasting my breath."

Cassie reached up and took her hand. "Because you don't want me hurt. I won't be, Lani."

"Yes, you will. It is inevitable." Lani smiled. "But thank God you have the strength to heal yourself. It's a great gift." She squeezed Cassie's hand. "Now, how do you feel? Can you eat some supper?"

"Yes." Her brow wrinkled thoughtfully. "Is Clara having supper prepared for the Englishmen?"

Lani nodded. "Of course. A meal fit more for a king than a duke."

"Then I'll come to the table."

"You wish to eat with them? Why?"

She quickly looked away from Lani. "It will do us no good to have me cowering in my room all night. I may learn something that may help us. You can't defeat the enemy without knowing their strength. Where are the Englishmen now?"

"Having brandy on the veranda." She made a face. "The uncle drinks like a fish. Pity."

"Why is it a pity? Surely such a weakness is good for us."

"But I think he is not weak. He is just… I hate waste. But you're right, any flaw will help. You won't find much weakness in the other one to use." She turned away and moved toward the door. "I'll tell Clara that we'll be joining them for supper. I'm sure she'll be delighted."

"No, wait." Cassie jumped to her feet. "I'll tell her. You go on and change."

"Why? I can do it before I go to my room. You have to dress yourself, and it will take you longer since you're still weak."

"Go on and dress," Cassie said again.

Lani turned to look at her speculatively. "This is the first time I've ever seen you so eager to confront Clara. What are you about?"

Cassie could not involve her friend by telling her the truth, but neither could she lie to Lani. So she merely repeated, "I'll do it."

Lani hesitated, then turned and left the room.

Dear God, but could she do it? She must stop this waffling; she had no choice. She had to reach her father before he arrived and was trapped. It seemed impossible that merely a few days ago her only problem had been Clara's overwhelming oppression. Now she was being forced to commit an act that filled her with revulsion.

Don't think about it. Just do what has to be done.

She drew a deep breath and moved quickly toward the armoire across the room.

"What an enchanting surprise," Jared murmured as he and Bradford pushed back their chairs and rose to their feet. "To what providence do we owe the grace of your presence?"

"I was hungry." Cassie strode brusquely onto the veranda. "You keep forgetting this is my home. Why shouldn't I come to supper?"

"You're also joining us for supper? Extraordinary."

This was neither the girl on the beach nor the defiant waif he had confronted in the bedroom, Jared thought with dissatisfaction. She still looked a mere child, but now everything about her was tight and confined. She wore a high-necked gray silk gown that fell straight to the floor, hiding any hint of a possible curve. Her dark-brown hair, scraped back from her face and captured in a bun on top of her head, looked too heavy a burden for that slim neck. Jared had a sudden desire to take out the pins and let her hair flow free, as it had that night on the beach.

"Not at all unusual, Jared. She's quite right," Bradford said as he moved swiftly to escort Cassie to a chair. "But as he said, a lovely surprise. We thought that your injury would keep you to your room. Please sit down."

She shook her head. "I came only to tell you that I refuse to hide in my room like a culprit."

"Sit down anyway. You must conserve your strength." Bradford smiled. "May I get you a glass of wine?"

"No." She sat down and perched on the edge of the chair, her back rigid. "And I don't need to conserve my strength. I'm much better now."

"I can see you are," Bradford said warmly. "You have a lovely color in your cheeks."

Jared watched the color deepen. Bradford was right: her cheeks were flushed and her dark eyes shone brilliantly, almost feverishly. She clearly wasn't as well as she claimed. Why the devil hadn't she stayed in her room and rested?

"You're the uncle?" she asked.

Bradford nodded. "Forgive me. I feel as if I already know you after that trip down the mountain. I'm Bradford Tyndale Danemount."

She studied him. "I remember you… I think."

"I consider that very promising." He slanted a glance at Jared. "You see, even out of their senses, women find me unforgettable."

"They would have to be out of their senses," Jared said.

Bradford flinched. "What a cruel blow." He turned to Cassie. "You can see how afflicted I am. I raise the lad from boyhood, and he gives me nothing but insult. Are we also to be honored by the presence of the beautiful lady I met at the stables? Lani…" He looked at her inquiringly.

"Her name is Lani Kalnarai. And, of course, she'll be here. What a stupid thing to ask. She belongs here, too."

"So she told us."

"Do you doubt it?" she asked, bristling. "Do you think because she's not married to my father that he honors her any less? Lani is stronger and kinder and more clever than any woman you've ever met. She may have been raised an islander, but that doesn't mean she's ignorant of your ways. She's always reading and learning and is probably better educated than either of you."

"I didn't mean-"

"It's not the custom in England to house a mistress in the same domicile as a man's daughter," Jared interrupted. He met her gaze. "And it's also not the custom in France."

"That means nothing. We're no longer in France."

"Your father is a Frenchman. If he holds the woman in as much honor as you obviously do, then he would have wed her."

She glared at him. "Does that mean you don't want to see Lani at the table? Well, I will not-"

"I didn't say that," Jared said. "This is your home and we are your guests." He sat back down and reached for his glass of brandy. "I was merely defending my uncle, as you were defending your friend. He meant no insult, but you're clearly used to jumping to your Lani's defense. I wonder why…" He glanced speculatively at the doorway. "Your housekeeper?"

She stiffened. "Has Clara been telling you lies about her?"

"I'm not on such intimate terms with the lady. Does Miss Kidman usually tell lies?"

At first he didn't think she would answer, but then she said curtly, "She hates Lani."

"She doesn't appear to be on good terms with most of the world."

"Lani says that Clara finds you most agreeable," she said bitterly. "It didn't surprise me."

"Since we're two such detestable creatures?"

"Yes."

"Then why have you chosen to dine with me? Unpleasant company is certainly not good for the digestion."

The words seemed to disturb her. He could see the leap of her pulse in the delicate hollow of her throat. "This is my home."

"Why?" he repeated.

She met his gaze. "I gain nothing by avoiding you."

"Ah, then this is an exploratory foray?"

"Call it whatever you like."

"Or perhaps you wished to persuade me to abandon my plans for your father."

Her eyes widened. "Don't be ridiculous. How would I do that?"

Her surprise was genuine and free of coyness. She knew nothing about the sensual games women of his world played. He felt a flicker of annoyance, and he realized he had wanted her to display that familiar coquetry. It would have given him reason to indulge in the same game. No, not reason, he amended in disgust. An excuse. "It was only a thought."

"A very stupid one," she said bluntly.

Bradford chuckled. "Yes, where is your perception, Jared?"

Jared ignored the gibe. "Why did you say your name was Kanoa?"

"It is my name. Lani gave it to me when she came here. She said that since we were to be sisters, she wanted me to have a Hawaiian name."

"That's not what I mean. You knew I thought you Hawaiian."

"Why should I correct your mistakes if you jump to foolish conclusions?" She lifted her chin. "Besides, I am Hawaiian even if I'm not an islander. I belong here and I should have an island name."

"Do you? I've noticed your friend Lani seldom uses it."

Color flushed her cheeks. "There are certain difficulties here. Clara can be- I don't have to make explanations to you."

"I take it you have no desire to return to France?" Bradford interceded quickly.

"What is there for me?" she said simply. "Here I have everything."

"Including a very fine piece of horseflesh," Bradford said. "You wouldn't care to sell him?"

"Never." She added, "And certainly not to you."

"I didn't think you would, but I had to try. Magnificent animal." He lifted his glass. "And it would have been a great coup to own the horse that dumped Jared into a sand dune."

A tiny smile tugged at her lips. "I admit I value him all the more for his good judgment."

"You should. Jared hasn't been thrown since he was-"

"What are you going to do with the stallion?" Jared interrupted. "Keep him as a pet to ride around your beautiful island?"

She stiffened at the faint sarcasm beneath the silkiness of his tone. "If I choose. Why not?"

"Because it's a damnable waste. A horse that fine should be put to stud and sire horses equally splendid."

"I do intend to breed him. I'm going to have a horse farm on the other side of the island."

"You have a mare?"

"Not yet. I haven't found one suitable."

"And I doubt if you will on this island."

She glared at him. "I found Kapu."

"One chance in a thousand."

"Fate," Bradford murmured. "It appears that destiny has a special fondness for this place."

"Not enough to provide a fit consort for the stallion," Jared said. "And do you have enough money to buy her if you do find her?"

"I will find a way to get her."

"You won't find a mare by playing in the sand and dreaming about it," he said tauntingly.

"What makes you think that's all I do?" Her hands clenched the arm of her chair. "You know nothing about me."

"Jared." Bradford's tone carried both puzzlement and warning..

Christ, Jared thought. The girl was gazing at him with defiance, but her eyes were glittering with moisture. He had clearly stumbled on a dream she was desperate to fulfill, and he was as puzzled as Bradford at his desire to rob her of it. He had found a weakness and had instinctively attacked. "My apologies. You're correct, I know nothing about you."

"I've been looking for a mare," she insisted. "I meet every ship and talk to the captains. I've traveled all over this island. I was going to Maui next month to see if-"

"I said I was sorry," he said roughly. "It's not my concern."

"No, it's not." She stood up and moved quickly toward the door. "I'll be back. I must see what's keeping Lani."

Bradford shook his head as she left the room.

"Don't say it," Jared said.

"I don't have to, do I? I just wondered if you were planning on sticking pins into her during supper. If so, I really prefer not to be around."

Jared didn't answer.

"Of course, there's the possibility she won't join us for supper. I don't know many women who would come back for that sort of punishment."

"She'll be there."

"You seem very certain."

He was certain. All through that barbed exchange he had been aware of the core of strength beneath her fragile, childlike exterior. She had not yielded; she had only retreated because he had struck her in a vulnerable spot. "She'll join us for supper."

"And you will be a cordial and well-mannered gentleman," Bradford said with firmness.

Jared looked at him in surprise. "Good God, gallantry?"

"On occasion."

"Not one I've witnessed."

"I make sure I'm seldom in a position where it's required. It's a most uncomfortable state for a rogue such as me." Bradford yawned and leaned back in his chair. "But I'm forced to defend mistreated horses and helpless children. So if you have a fondness for me, don't make me expend the effort. Behave yourself, Jared."

"By all means," he said mockingly. "I wouldn't want to disturb you."

"Splendid. Now, pour me another brandy."

Cassie stopped just inside the veranda door to gather her composure. She should not have let his criticism disturb her so much. She did not care what he thought of her.

You won't get her by playing in the sand and dreaming about it.

Those were the words that had struck home. Had she been dreaming like a child instead of acting to make her vision of a horse farm come true? She had made several attempts to find the mare, but had she tried hard enough? Had she used Papa as an excuse to avoid venturing forth? There had seemed no hurry, and she had let time drift by…

"Are you ill? Perhaps you should go back to your room."

Cassie looked up to see Lani coming down the hall, a concerned frown on her face.

She smiled with an effort. "I'm fine. I was just coming to look for you."

"I was in the kitchen trying to keep Uma from hitting Clara with a pot and going back to her village." She grimaced. "It wasn't easy. Clara is being more difficult than usual about the meal preparations for the English. She was raving about heathen servants and people who got in her way while she was doing her duty. I gathered the last volley was aimed at you."

"I didn't stay in the kitchen very long."

"Long enough to annoy her." Lani looked beyond her to the veranda. "If you're not ill, then you're upset What did they say to you?"

She should have known she could not deceive Lani. "Nothing important." To distract her, she said quickly, "Is supper ready?"

Lani nodded. "Clara sent me to inform our honored guests."

Cassie's stomach clenched with apprehension and dread. "Then let's do it."

"Wait." Lani's gaze was on her face. "You're sure you're well enough?"

"Of course." She turned and moved toward the veranda. "It's only dinner. It will be over before we know it."

It was a strained meal that seemed to go on forever. Neither Cassie nor Lani were eager to speak. Jared was fastidiously polite and cool as the North Star. Bradford was affable but gave up after a few attempts at conversation and devoted himself to the food.

Clara Kidman marched into the dining room after Uma had removed the main course. "I hope everything met with your approval, Your Grace."

Cassie looked at her in amazement. It was the first time she had seen Clara in Danemount's presence and was bewildered by the servility in her manner.

"It was absolutely delicious." Jared smiled. "I've not had such a fine meal since I left London. But it's only what I expected. I could tell the moment I met you that you had the reins of the household firmly in your hands."

A faint tinge of color flushed Clara's cheeks. "I know it's not what you're accustomed to, but it's the best I could do with only these heathen islanders to help me."

"Uma is not a heathen," Lani said quietly. "She studied with me at Mrs. Densworth's school."

Clara met Lani's gaze. "It takes more than a few lessons to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

"You have a fine cook," Jared interjected quickly. "But I'm sure it was your expert supervision that carried the day."

"The meal was adequate," Clara said grudgingly. "But I couldn't trust the dessert to anyone but myself. I'll have it brought in at once."

"Thank you, but I seldom eat dessert."

Clara frowned in disappointment. "It's my own special lemon syllabub."

Cassie lifted her brows in mock surprise. "Perhaps he would rather trust his digestion to the heathens, Clara."

Jared's lips tightened as he met Cassie's challenging stare. "Nonsense." He turned to Clara with another brilliant smile. "I'd be delighted to try your syllabub."

Clara gave Cassie a triumphant glance and hurried from the dining room.

"Charming woman," Bradford said, looking at the doorway through which Clara had disappeared. "Am I supposed to compliment the witch on this delicacy?"

"With fervent enthusiasm," Jared said. "She may still prove useful."

Bradford shifted his stare to Lani. "I think not. You do it, Jared. It would stick in my throat."

"Because the old woman insulted me?" Lani asked coolly. "There's no wound. I'm accustomed to her venom."

"And Deville permits it?"

"She doesn't do it when he's here."

"But does he know?" Bradford probed softly. "That's the question."

Lani shrugged. "Why should I bother him with something he cannot change?"

"She's a servant," Jared suddenly bit out with leashed violence. "He could change it if he wished. Why do you defend him?" He whirled on Cassie. "Why do either of you defend him, dammit?"

"Here it is!" Clara sailed into the room with Uma trailing behind her bearing a tray. "I'll wager you won't find anything tastier even at Brighton. It has a fine, tart bite."

Jared pulled his eyes away from Cassie as Uma set the plate before him. "I'm sure you're right," he muttered. "Tartness appears to be the rule of thumb on this island."

"You could hardly expect anything else," Cassie said.

"I expect nothing." He dipped his spoon into the syllabub and tasted it, then smiled at Clara. "Excellent."

She beamed. "I told you. My mother taught me the recipe. She was a cook for the Earl of Belkarn."

Cassie experienced another ripple of surprise. Clara had never spoken of her background before. "I didn't know that."

Clara's smile faded and her expression became guarded. "Did you think I would have been accepted into your mother's household without proper recommendation? I grew up in service."

"Wonderful," Jared said. He glanced meaningfully at Bradford. "Try it. It's superb."

Bradford hesitated, then shrugged and began to eat the dessert.

Clara looked at him expectantly.

"Very good," he said without expression. He eyed Cassie's untouched dessert. "You're not eating."

"She and Lani have no liking for my cooking," Clara said. "And no manners to make the pretense."

"We're more accustomed to island fare now," Cassie said. "You seldom honor us with your efforts."

"No doubt you've noticed her deplorable lack of civilized schooling. I've done the best I can but to no avail. I've told her father he must send her to a convent in England."

"An interesting solution," Jared said impassively. "But not one I'd judge entirely suitable."

"My father refused to send me away from him." Cassie defiantly met his gaze across the table. "He cares as much for me as I do for him."

He smiled coolly. "We shall see."

He meant that if her father truly cared for her, he would walk into the trap, she realized with a shiver. It would not happen. She would not let it happen.

"More syllabub?" Clara asked, hovering over Jared.

Cassie held her breath.

He shook his head as he finished the last bite. "Too dangerous. I'm afraid I'll become too spoiled to enjoy even the most elaborate repast when I return to England."

Cassie's breath expelled in a rush, and she jumped to her feet. "I'm going to my room. I'm suddenly feeling tired. Lani, will you come and help me?"

"Of course." Lani stood up and followed Cassie to the door.

Both men rose to their feet.

"Good night," Bradford said. "Pleasant dreams."

Jared bowed slightly.

Cassie said over her shoulder, "Clara, perhaps you could serve the gentlemen their after-dinner brandy on the veranda? They seem to find it pleasant out there."

"I don't need your suggestions. I was going to do just that."

"Of course you were," Cassie murmured, and fled the room.

Lani caught up with her as she reached the door of her room. "What's happening?" she asked. "And don't tell me nothing when you're shaking like this. You wouldn't have put us through an evening this uncomfortable without reason."

"Come!" Cassie pulled her into the room and slammed the door. She collapsed against it and took a deep breath. "I need your help."

"That's why I'm here." She wrinkled her nose. "And clearly not to help you into bed. You're going to your father tonight?"

"Can you distract the two seamen watching the house?"

Lani nodded. "But you still won't be able to reach the road without being seen from the veranda."

"Yes, I will," she whispered. "I hope. If I gave them enough."

Lani stiffened. "Enough?"

"Laudanum. The laudanum that we had left after I had the fever last summer. Remember? It was in the medicine chest in the back of my armoire."

Lani's eyes widened. "Mother of God.^!'

"I slipped it into the lemon syllabub when I was in the kitchen talking to Clara. I know you never eat syllabub, and I hoped the strong taste of lemon would disguise it."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how much laudanum to use. I thought I remembered how much the doctor had given me, but I couldn't be sure. I tried to be careful, but I was afraid I'd-" She broke off, unwilling to put the dread into words.

"Kill them?"

She shivered. "I had to take the chance."

"But you didn't want me to take it with you." Lani shook her head. "You shouldn't have done it. We could have found another way."

"There's no time. What if Papa comes tonight?"

She shrugged. "Well, there's nothing else to be done now. I'll distract the sailors, and you get to your father."

Cassie grabbed her shawl from the bed. "Lani…"

Lani smiled understandingly. "I know. Don't worry. I'll watch over the English and make sure the sleep is not too deep."

Relief surged through Cassie. "I know they're Papa's enemies, but I don't want them to die. I don't want anyone to die."

"Then get to your father and tell him he must hide until the English leave."

"I will." Cassie gave Lani a quick hug. "I'll be back before they wake. I won't leave you alone to take the brunt of their anger."

"I've survived Clara for years; these English are nothing." She opened the door, looked both ways before pushing Cassie down the hall in the direction of the veranda. "Give Charles my love and tell him… Never mind. The decision must be his alone this time."

"What decision?"

"We cannot do everything for him this time, Kanoa," she said gently as she moved swiftly toward the back door. "There comes a time when a man must come to terms with himself."

Cassie stared after her in puzzlement. They had always protected her father in every way, and now Lani was saying there were limits. Well, there might be limits for Lani, but not for her.

Cassie braced herself and then walked slowly toward the veranda, dreading what waited for her. If she had given them too little, then all her plans were for naught. If she had given them too much… No, she did not even want to consider that possibility.

She stood in the doorway of the veranda. Both men were slumped in their chairs. Asleep? Dear God, they were so terribly still. Dead?

She moved slowly toward Jared until she stood before him. No, he was breathing, she saw with profound gratitude.

Then his eyes opened and he stared up into her face. Shock held her riveted. His eyes were ice-blue, cold as a sword striking at her.

"Luc… rezia," he muttered. "What a… fool…"

His lids closed again.

She backed away from him, afraid he would wake again and fix her with that accusing stare. It was unreasonable to feel that she had betrayed him. He was the enemy, and she had done the only thing possible.

She ran down the veranda steps and fled along the path toward the road.