Dark Rider

by Iris Johansen

  “Come on,” he interrupted. “There’s a cliff just ahead. Don’t let Kapu veer off the path, or you’ll find yourself falling a hundred feet onto some very sharp rocks.”

  “Kapu isn’t stupid enough to fall off a cliff. I’ll just show him the edge and he’ll avoid the danger.”

  “Ah, how I envy those splendid instincts. But sometimes the thrill of dancing on the edge is worth the danger.” He changed the subject. “You met Josette last night. What did you think of her?”

  “It doesn’t matter what I think.” She paused. “Did you tell her why I’m here?”

  “Yes. I could hardly keep silent when you told her to ask me. I didn’t mention our intimacy on the ship, but I told her all about you and Lani … and your father.”

  “What did she … never mind. I don’t want to know.”

  He answered her anyway. “She was shocked, of course. She was little more than a babe when I brought her to Morland and has only a vague recollection of her parents.”

  She veered away from the thought of the doomed Compte and his wife. “She said she was a comptesse.”

  He nodded. “Thanks to the terror, there was no one else to inherit. However, the revolutionary government confiscated the estate, so she has only the title.”

  If Papa was to blame for her parents’ deaths, then he was also to blame for Josette’s loss of her birthright.

  If? The thought had come out of nowhere, and yet she knew it must have been lying dormant. It was the first time she had ever questioned his innocence, and she must not do it again. All she had to sustain her was her trust. “I’m sure you’ll make certain she wants for nothing.”

  “We try.” He grimaced. “But Josette’s needs are for more than food and shelter. It was easier when she was a little girl running about Morland, caring only about the horses and her boat.”

  “Boat?”

  He glanced at the vast gray ocean. “In case you didn’t notice, we live by the sea. Josette has had a small sailboat since she was old enough to handle it. When she’s not on a horse’s back, she’s sailing.”

  “She seems to spend more time penned up in this Lady Carradine’s school than doing either.”

  His lips tightened. “It was necessary.”

  “Because you didn’t wish to modify your lewd actions to make a home for her.”

  “Who told …” He shook his head. “Bradford.”

  “You should not have made her your ward if you wished to fornicate with all those women.”

  “I suppose I should have left her alone in France,” he said sarcastically.

  “I didn’t say that. You told me once that every action has a response. Perhaps in some instances action also requires adaptation.”

  “Bradford and I didn’t know anything about raising a young girl. We did the best we could.”

  “By letting her run wild and witness your debauchery.”

  “She did not witness—” He stopped, thought back, and modified the statement. “Much. And it did no harm when she was a child. She was happy. It was only later that I realized—Dammit, I was only a boy. I didn’t know anything about being a guardian.”

  “You’re not a boy now, and your conduct in Hawaii and shipboard was carnal in the extreme. I see no sign that you’ve changed your ways.”

  He scowled. “I’m not a monk. Nothing I did away from her could have affected Josette.” His eyes suddenly narrowed. “Why are you so passionately concerned about my behavior? You ran wild yourself as a child, and in your philosophy coupling is of no importance. Isn’t that right?”

  “That’s right.” She wasn’t certain why the idea of him in bed with those other women had so upset her. She had been irritated when Josette had casually mentioned them the night before, and Bradford’s confirmation had added salt to the wound. She pounced on the first reasonable answer that occurred to her. “But Bradford says that such unfettered conduct is condemned here. Condemnation can hurt, and to cause pain to another is never good.”

  “I don’t believe that Josette’s pain is your entire reason for attacking me.” He smiled. “But I won’t pursue the matter, since I’m not sure you’re aware of it yourself.” He reined in and gestured to the path. “Here we are, you can let Kapu go now. Stop at the forest. The ground becomes rough there.”

  Hiding her relief, she carefully nudged Kapu past Morgana. “Aren’t you coming?”

  He shook his head. “I want to watch him run. Even if I can’t time him, I’ll be able to judge his speed.”

  “I don’t see why it’s important. You saw him run the first night I met you.”

  He smiled. “But I wasn’t able to concentrate on the stallion. I was definitely distracted.”

  She could feel heat rise to her cheeks as the memory of that night came back to her. It had been no mere distraction for her. He had walked out of that thatch of trees into her life, changing it forever.

  She bent over the stallion’s neck and loosened the reins. “Go, Kapu!”

  It was the only invitation he needed. He streaked like an arrow down the path. Cassie clung to him, gripping with thighs and calves.

  Wind whipped her cheeks and snatched away her breath.

  Kapu’s stride lengthened until he scarcely touched the ground.

  Sea, sky, and earth became a blur.

  “That’s right,” she murmured. “Run!”

  He ran! She could hear his labored breathing as the pace increased and then increased again.

  Dear Lord, she had missed this almost as much as Kapu had.

  She felt as if she were floating, anchored to the earth only by the thunder of the stallion’s hooves.

  They reached the edge of the forest too soon for either of them. She reluctantly reined him in and turned back toward the castle.

  Jared met her when she was halfway back to the stable, his eyes blazing with excitement. “My God, he’s wonderful.”

  “Yes,” she said simply. Contentment flowed through her as if he had praised her child. She was too filled with sheer joy to feel antagonism or wariness for anyone in the world. “It was a good run. He feels better now.”

  “And so do you.”

  She nodded. “Maybe this England isn’t completely bad. The wind is sharp, but battling it causes a certain exhilaration.” She patted Kapu’s neck. “We enjoyed it, didn’t we, boy?” She glanced at Jared. “Well, did you judge his speed?”

  He blinked. “No!”

  “Why not?”

  “I was watching him and, dammit, I forgot all about it.”

  She burst out laughing. She had never known Jared not to be in control, and now he looked like a cross little boy.

  Her lips were still twitching when she said, “I assure you, he was very fast indeed.”

  “I know.” His tone was distinctly surly. “And I don’t like to be laughed at.”

  Her eyes were dancing as she accused, “You were dazzled.”

  His gaze was fixed bemusedly on her face. “Completely.” He glanced away from her. “I still am.”

  Her smile vanished. Warmth and humor and amusement were all there in his expression. In a way, such emotions were more dangerous than lust. She hurriedly glanced down at Morgana. “She’s a magnificent mare.”

  “As I told you.”

  “But not as fine as Kapu.”

  “And what makes the stallion better?”

  “Because he’s mine,” she said simply.

  He laughed. “Why doesn’t that statement surprise me?”

  “Aren’t you the same? Don’t you think that Morgana is finer because she belongs to you?”

  “I suppose I’m a bit biased, but I try to control it. For instance, I’m ready to admit that Kapu may be faster.”

  She grunted in disgust. “I don’t see why you’re all so excited about how fast they are. Bradford could talk about nothing but the races you have here.”

  “I admit I’m also guilty. I’d love to see Morgana and Kapu race.”

  “I won’t allow i
t,” she said quickly. “I don’t want them ever pitted against each other.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I like Morgana.”

  “And?”

  “Can’t you see? They don’t like each other. They’re only ignoring each other now, but I won’t have them enemies.”

  “They’re not ignoring each other.”

  “Of course they are.”

  “Oh, they’re not being obvious about it, but I’ve noticed a few sidelong glances.”

  She frowned. “You’re wrong.”

  “Watch them. Perhaps I’m more accustomed to such subtleties than you are.” His glance shifted away from her to the fence bordering the meadow. “There’s Josette. She’s waiting for you.”

  Cassie stiffened as her gaze followed his to the small figure sitting on the top rail of the fence. “There’s no reason for her to want to speak to me. She’s probably waiting for you.”

  His lips twisted. “I assure you that after our talk this morning she won’t want to see me for a while. Besides, she came up with a rather unique suggestion regarding you. She probably wants to discuss it.”

  The girl probably wanted to see her drawn and quartered, Cassie thought gloomily.

  “At any rate, I’ll leave you alone and let her have her chance.” He nudged Morgana into a gallop and headed for the stable. He nodded at Josette as he passed, and she gave him a wary glance. Then her attention shifted to Cassie.

  “You’ve been a long time. I’ve been waiting for hours.” Her gaze went to Kapu. “How fast is he?”

  “You didn’t wait for me to find out how fast Kapu could run.” Cassie rode the stallion up to the fence and braced herself. “Did you?”

  “Well, not primarily, but I’m always interested.” Josette soberly met her gaze. “You think I’m going to blame you for what your father did.”

  “For what Jared says my father did,” she corrected.

  “He’s usually right about most things.”

  “He’s not about—”

  Josette waved her hand to silence her. “I’m not here to argue. The quarrel’s between Jared and him, not us. I’d never blame anyone for being born to the wrong father or the wrong country. I’ve suffered too much myself for my birth.”

  Cassie felt a rush of relief. She had not realized until this moment how much she had dreaded Josette’s condemnation. “Thank you. You’re being very generous.”

  “Not as generous as you think.” Josette’s eyes were suddenly twinkling. “There’s a price to pay. When can I ride Kapu?”

  Cassie shook her head. The girl was impossible. “He’d kill you.”

  “Maybe not. I told you, I’m good with horses.” She jumped down from the fence and moved forward to open the gate. “Come on. I’ll help you put him up.”

  Cassie felt bewildered. She had feared this encounter since she had discovered the girl’s identity, and Josette was being almost casual about it.

  Josette’s gaze narrowed on her face. “It’s not so strange,” she said as if she had read her thoughts. “I was very young when my parents were killed. Jared and Bradford are the only family I remember. Did you know that after his father was killed, Jared brought me to England himself?”

  “No.”

  “He was holding me when they murdered his father. His wrists were bound, but he managed to slip into the underbrush and hide in the forest for three days. Then he made his way to the ship his father had arranged to meet them. He wasn’t able to get the ropes off, and his wrists were still tied and bloody when he reached the coast.”

  I hate to be bound.

  No wonder. He must have felt terribly helpless and frustrated, bound, bereaved, with a small child to tend. The experience would have scarred anyone.

  “So you wouldn’t find me understanding if you or your father did something to hurt Jared.” Josette closed the gate behind Cassie. “But you’re very interesting. I can’t stand those ninnies at school. I believe I’ll enjoy your stay here at Morland. You can tell me all about that odd place where you lived, and we’ll ride and have great fun.”

  “Indeed? Jared regards me as a hostage, you know.”

  Josette made a face. “A very peculiar hostage, who’s permitted to ride freely over the estate. I don’t see that as a problem.” She opened the stable door. “Now, what about this Lani? Is she really your father’s mistress?”

  Cassie stiffened. “Yes.”

  Josette didn’t seem to notice the change in her demeanor. “Many of Jared’s friends have mistresses, but they don’t usually let me meet them. Once at one of Jared’s house parties I saw one of his lady birds slip into his room.”

  “Lady birds?”

  “Light of loves, cyprians.” When Cassie still looked at her blankly, she said baldly, “Whores.”

  Heat stung Cassie’s cheeks. “Lani is not a whore. Don’t you dare compare her to one. She’s as respectable as—”

  “I didn’t know,” Josette interrupted. “My apologies. Here in England mistresses are not considered—” She broke off and gave a deep sigh. “I always say the wrong thing. I meant no offense.”

  The girl was so clearly penitent that Cassie’s anger ebbed away. “She’s my friend.”

  “Will I like her?”

  “Maybe.” Cassie thought back to those first days after Lani had come to the cottage. Cassie had been rebellious and full of jealousy and resentment, and it had taken time for Lani to win her over. Josette was not as young as Cassie had been then but was just as independent and proud. “Perhaps not at once, but then you’ll love her.”

  “Oh, she’s like Jared.” Josette nodded in understanding. “Sometimes I want to throttle him. He’s always so right about everything.” She smiled. “But then he does something absolutely splendid, and you forget all the rest.”

  Clearly the girl adored Jared even when she wanted to do him injury, Cassie thought. What had he done to deserve such affection? “Jared’s not at all like Lani,” she said dryly as she dismounted.

  Morgana was already in her stall, and as Cassie led Kapu past her, she watched closely for the sidelong glances Jared had mentioned.

  Blast it!

  How had he noticed something almost imperceptible? She could fully sympathize with Josette’s annoyance over Jared’s disgusting habit of being right.

  “You’re frowning. Are you still angry with me?” Josette asked anxiously.

  She smiled. “No, I’m not angry.”

  “Then after we get Kapu comfortable, will you introduce me to your Lani?”

  Cassie nodded. “Very well. We’ll go to the library when we finish.”

  As soon as Cassie and Josette left the stable and started across the courtyard, they spied the handsome carriage pulled up before the front entrance of the castle.

  “Oh, no!” Josette’s eyes widened in alarm. “She’s here!”

  “Who is here?” Cassie asked.

  “Lady Carradine.” Josette grabbed Cassie by the arm and pulled her away. “I didn’t think she’d be here this soon. She could at least let me have a few days before she pounced.”

  “What difference does it make? You said Jared had promised to let you stay.”

  “It’s not that simple. I had to convince him it wouldn’t hurt my reputation to come back. I thought everything would be fine, but she didn’t give me time enough to—Listen, this is the way it is.” She spoke quickly. “You’re my second cousin, Cassandra Deville. Your father left France to go to Tahiti years ago, and he became a farmer. He grew …” She searched wildly. “Rum.”

  “Rum’s a drink made of sugar cane.”

  “Well, then he grew sugar cane. They grow sugar cane in Tahiti, don’t they?”

  “I don’t know, I’m from Hawaii.”

  “I keep forgetting. Jared was going to Tahiti. Well, it won’t matter. Who ever heard of Hawaii, anyway? Well, maybe that Captain Cook, but—”

  “I don’t know what on earth you’re talking about.”

  “I need
a chaperon, or Jared won’t let me stay.”

  Cassie looked at her dazedly. “I’m supposed to be a chaperon as well as a hostage?”

  “Well, you’re not really old enough to be a chaperon, but I thought your Lani would do. Of course, she can’t be your father’s mistress, she has to be his widow.” She half pushed Cassie up the stairs. “But she’s old enough to be considered past her prime.”

  Cassie remembered her last glimpse of Lani in the library—youthful, vibrant, gloriously beautiful. “It won’t work,” she said flatly.

  “We can try.” She stopped outside the library door and gazed pleadingly at Cassie. “Please try. I don’t want to go back with her.”

  Cassie hesitated. The entire scheme was mad, but Josette’s desperation was hard to resist. As long as she was forced to be here anyway, it would be cruel to deny Josette her freedom, “Jared agreed to this?”

  “He thought the plan had possibilities. He had to have a reason for your presence here.” She drew a deep breath. “You don’t owe me anything, but I’m asking you for a favor. Don’t make me go away.” She turned the knob and flung open the door. “Lady Carradine, I didn’t expect you.”

  The woman to whom Jared was talking turned at Josette’s words. Lady Carradine was small of stature and exquisitely fair, and the cool perfection of her features reminded Cassie of a lady on a cameo. “I didn’t expect to have to run after you. I have better things to do with my time, Josette.” Her glance disapprovingly ran over the young girl. “And you’re wearing those terrible trousers again. I told you they weren’t acceptable.” Her attention shifted to Cassie. “Who is this?”

  “Lady Carradine, may I present my cousin, Cassandra Deville?” Josette’s grasp tightened on Cassie’s arm as if she were afraid Cassie would flee. “My older cousin.”

  “Evidently not old enough to know decorum.” The woman’s gaze went over Cassie’s worn habit. “A divided skirt? Good heavens, such conduct must be a family trait. That garment is little better than those hideous trousers.”

  Cassie felt a flare of anger. “It’s served me well. I don’t see—”

  “Clothes are hardly important, Carolyn,” Jared said quickly as he stepped between them. “I do appreciate your coming to make sure this urchin of mine is safe, but you can see all is well.”