“Beautiful,” Armagil insisted, tipping her face up to meet his. “As beautiful as she is wise. So tell me. Do you have any idea how I should go about applying to this dazzling lady for permission to dwell on her island?”
“Don’t be absurd. You require no permission. Faire Isle is a place of refuge. Anyone is welcome and I am sure Hortense will be delighted to see you.”
“Bah, she has likely taken up with some bandy-legged sailor and forgotten all about me by now. I am more concerned to know if you will be glad to see me.”
“Yes, very.”
“There is so much you can teach me, Margaret. I want to learn all of your ancient magic to become a better doctor, a true healer.”
“I will be happy to share what knowledge I have.” She gazed up at him, searching his eyes. “Is that your only reason for coming?”
“No, I believe I have a few things I can teach you as well.”
“Such as?”
His mouth crooked into a wicked smile. He drew her into his arms and kissed her until she was breathless. When he finally drew back, the teasing glint in his eyes softened to something more tender.
“I do love you, Margaret. I thought I should tell you that in case you are still having trouble reading my eyes.”
She placed her hand along his cheek, smiling mistily up at him. “I fear you will always be a difficult man to read. So I am very pleased to hear you say you love me. You should mention it more often.”
“Every day, milady. You may depend upon it.”
To my critique partners: Ella March Chase,
Leslie Langtry, and Janene Murphy,
for all your support, friendship, and encouragement.
Could never have finished this book without you ladies.
ALSO BY SUSAN CARROLL
Winterbourne
The Painted Veil
The Bride Finder
The Night Drifter
Midnight Bride
The Dark Queen
The Courtesan
The Silver Rose
The Huntress
Twilight of a Queen
About the Author
SUSAN CARROLL is an award-winning romance novelist. Some of her most recent titles include Twilight of a Queen, The Huntress, The Silver Rose, The Courtesan, and The Dark Queen. She lives in Rock Island, Illinois.
The Lady of Secrets Page 37
