Come the Dawn by Christina Skye Page A

night?”
    James Herrington, in his uncomfortable role as Devlyn Carlisle, ran a hand through his dark hair. “It’s rather a long story. Why don’t you have a glass of brandy while I, er, explain.”
    “Don’t bother with the brandy,” India’s brother snapped. “All I’m interested in is an explanation. On second thought, let’s skip the explanation, too. I want to be certain that India’s well.”
    “Of course,” Herrington said, trying to hide his relief. “The surgeon has called twice today. The wound was a clean one and the bullet exited smoothly.”
    “Thank God for that.” Ian frowned. “By heaven, I’ll blister her backside for this mad episode. She’s got to learn that London is not the wilds of Norfolk. She cannot go kicking up her heels as she chooses.”
    “If you’ll come this way, I’ll take you to her.”
    Ian followed, his expression anxious. At the foot of the stairs he heard a trill of laugher and the sound of youthful voices. He shot his host a questioning glance, but Herrington simply motioned him toward the open door.
    There India sat, bolstered by pillows, the sun gleaming on her hair, creating glints of gold and silver among the glossy red. Beside her were three children, their feet trailing over the edges of the bed. Their faces were caught in intense concentration.
    “No,” Andrew was saying. “The balloon ascension was from Hyde Park, I’m certain of it. They could see all of the city spread beneath them. It must have been a ripping experience. That’s what I would choose.”
    “Not me,” his sister argued. “My choice would be to visit Astley’s Amphitheater and then go to Gunter’s for sweetened ices.”
    The two looked expectantly at Alexis. “Well?” Andrew prompted. “What would be your favorite day, Alex?”
    Under India’s coaxing, they had been arguing over their favorite activity in London. Only Alexis sat chewing her lip, looking uncertain.
    “Go ahead, my dear. You can tell us.”
    “Well, it’s not an activity. Not really.” Alexis stroked her doll and bent her head as she spoke. “My favorite thing would be to see the earl smile more often. He always seems so distracted now. Sometimes he comes up to the nursery late at night, and then he’s different. He tickles me behind the ear and throws me up into the air. He even brought Marianne a wooden rocking horse once. Yes, that would be my very favorite thing, but I don’t know how to go about it.”
    The others were quiet, struck by the generosity of the little girl’s wish and feeling selfish for their own answers.
    It was then that they saw the new arrivals. Alexis immediately flushed, while Andrew came uncomfortably to his feet. “My lord! Er, we mustn’t stay. Although Lady Devonham is very kind, I’m afraid we have been pestering her.”
    “Nonsense.” Though India’s face did indeed look a little pale, she merely laughed. “I was growing bored to tears here by myself. I ought to be thanking you for the visit. But let me make introductions. This great, scowling creature is my brother Ian. Ian, meet Andrew, Marianne, and Alexis, wards of the earl.”
    Alexis walked toward Ian, wooden doll dangling behind her. Her head cocked measuringly. “You are very tall, aren’t you?” she said to the gray-eyed cavalry officer.
    Ian smiled and bent down on one knee beside her. “Now I’m not. Now I’m just as tall as you are. What do you think about that?”
    After a moment the girl’s cheeks dimpled. “I think that you are not only tall but very nice.”
    India laughed from the bed. “Don’t be fooled, my dear. He broke my painting set when I was just about your age and then he had the utter gall to throw me into our pond.”
    Marianne giggled. Even Andrew smiled slightly. But Alexis’s face stayed very serious as she studied Ian, almost as if she could look through him and plumb the deepest secrets of his heart.
    “You are very much alike, I think.” She nodded approvingly. “And now