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bank. He felt as if he were being torn apart, little by little. His body ached to know the
delight he had found in Marietta s arms, but still his mind would not let him accept her
for what she seemed. Her beauty beguiled him, and her smile turned his insides to molten
fire, but was she honest? If he trusted her, asked her to be his for ever, would she betray
him?
Miguel had made it plain in little ways that he did not trust her. He had said nothing
outright, couching his words in innuendo and suggestion rather than saying outright that
he believed her a witch and a murderess.
Was Anton a fool to feel as he did about her? Despite his doubts and his caution, the
scent of her haunted him. He longed to snatch her up on his horse and ride away with her,
to keep her safe for the rest of her life. Yet he knew that if he disobeyed the King in this it
might mean that his whole family would be slighted and shut out his own liberty forfeit
if he ever returned to England. It was foolish to think of such wild plans. Marietta would
never be safe until she had the King s pardon, and with it his protection.
 Your message has been sent.
Anton turned as Miguel entered the parlour. He knew that his friend hoped they would be
rid of the Frenchwoman once she was taken before the King. Miguel was no coward, but
he saw no point in spending lives to keep her safe. Indeed, Anton strained the loyalty of
his men by asking it of them, for she was no kith or kin to any of them. Only if he offered
her the protection of his name could he expect the men to give her their wholehearted
loyalty.
 You sent word to His Majesty in my name?
 It was the reason you brought her here or has she bewitched you?
 Yes, perhaps she has, Anton replied, his eyes thoughtful as he returned his friend s stern
gaze.  I have almost felt that I could find happiness with her.
 You were betrayed once. Do not put your trust in women, Anton. If you let her rule your
heart she will destroy you as Isabella did. Something flickered in Miguel s eyes as he
spoke Anton s wife s name.
 I swore I would never love again, but this woman& 
 She uses witchcraft to bind you to her. Do not trust her, or you may rue the day you
saved her life.
 Perhaps you are right. I have been wondering& but you did what I ought to have done as
soon as we reached London. Anton s expression softened.  I do not know what I should
have done had you not been my friend when Isabella died.
 I shall always be your friend. You should marry again, Anton but choose wisely, a
good woman you can trust. The Frenchwoman is too beautiful. Her kind take a man s
heart and bring him to his knees. You should choose a plainer, gentle lady.
 You dislike her very much, do you not the Comtesse?
 I do not trust such as she. I fear her magic for your sake. After Isabella was killed I
thought you might lose your mind for a time.
 Was killed? What do you mean? She tripped and fell to her death&  Anton s eyes
narrowed.  Do you know something I do not? Have you kept something from me all this
time?
 It was a slip of the tongue, Anton. As you say, Isabella slipped and fell&  He made as if
to turn away, but Anton crossed the distance between them swiftly, catching his arm.
 What do you know? he demanded.  You must tell me!
 It will do no good&  Miguel faltered, and then inclined his head.  The servants
whispered that she had been pushed. I kept it from you, because it was nonsense& 
Anton s eyes narrowed.  What else did they whisper?
 Nothing. Miguel s mouth tightened as the pressure on his arm increased.  If you will
have it& they thought that you had killed her in a rage when you discovered her
faithlessness. Raised voices were heard by a gardener a man and your wife s, he said. I
questioned him and told him he would be dismissed if he continued to slander your name.
He ran away and the whispers stopped.
 I wish that you had told me. I should have liked to question him myself. I did not follow
Isabella into the garden that day. I was too angry, too hurt but she may have been
pushed by someone else&  His eyes became flinty.  If the gardener heard a quarrel it
could have been with someone else her lover. Perhaps he wanted her to run away with
him.
 There was no one in the garden. The man imagined it all. Miguel s eyes slid away.  I
should not have told you. You will brood on it and the pain will send you mad.
 No. Anton frowned.  I thought I had driven her to her death because I was cruel to
her but if she argued with someone, if she was pushed, it means that he and not I was
responsible for her death.
 The gardener ran off. You could not have questioned him. At the time you were in such
despair. I did what I thought right.
 I know that you acted out of concern for me, and I thank you for it, Anton said.
 However, in future I want to know everything. I shall send to Spain when this business is
over and see if the man can be found.
 I had a search made for him. I doubt you will find him, but you must do as you see fit.
 Yes&  Anton nodded.  Your advice has served me well in the past, Miguel, but in this
you were wrong. He turned back to the fireplace, taking a glass of wine from the mantle.
 I shall not rest until I have the truth& 
Anton remained staring into the fire. He did not turn as the door closed when Miguel left
the room.
Marietta was ready when the summons came. She had chosen a dark blue gown, very
plain, with a squared neckline and a band of gold braid beneath her breasts. It suited her
well, making her look what she was the widow of a wealthy nobleman. She had only
the silver cross she had been wearing the night she was abducted, for her other jewels and
possessions were still with Lady Claire. Her hair was dressed simply and allowed to fall
onto her shoulders, covered only by a black French cap.
She went downstairs to find Anton waiting for her. He was dressed finer than she had
ever seen him, in black and silver, a jewelled sword at his side. She made him a curtsey
and he smiled.
 You look very well, lady. I am glad that you did not spurn my gift.
 I did not wish to wear a stained gown to meet the King of England. It was thoughtful of
you to provide gowns for me, sir.
 I have done no more than was owed you. Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing and you
should wear clothes befitting your rank. Anton s face was expressionless.
Marietta inclined her head.  You sent for me. I am ready.
 Then we should leave. Today you will ride pillion with me.
 Do you think I might try to escape? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]