Daughter of Satan by Jean Plaidy Page A

hand her over.’ His mouth curled as he gazed on Tamar’s flushed face. ‘I can think of more pleasant ways for dealing with such a little beauty.’
    â€˜Don’t be afraid,’ said Richard, looking down at Tamar. ‘He is a strutting coxcomb who has recently discovered that he is a man and yearns to prove it on every conceivable occasion. Let’s, forgive him, for now we need his help. Go to the front door, Bartle, engage Alton in conversation and see that you keep her so engaged while I slip up the back staircase with the girl.’
    â€˜With all my heart, sir.’
    â€˜And in five minutes come to my study.’
    Bartle swaggered off, but not before he had thrown a slyglance at Tamar which seemed to say, ‘You have not seen the last of me!’
    â€˜Now,’ said Richard, looking down at her, ‘do not speak. Walk behind me, try to make sure you are hidden. Let us hope none from the house has seen this pretty scene from a window.’
    She followed him to a door at the back. He looked inside, turned and nodded; then swiftly and silently he led the way through a dark passage to the back stairs; they mounted these and were soon in his study.
    There was kindness in his eyes as he looked at her.
    â€˜You are exhausted, child,’ he said. ‘When did you last eat?’
    â€˜It was before the pricker came to the cottage.’
    â€˜Don’t be afraid. I will ring for my personal servant. Josiah Hough is a good and obedient man. You need fear nothing from him.’
    She watched him with wondering eyes as he pulled the bell rope. He seemed godlike to her, all-powerful, kind but in an aloof way, completely incomprehensible.
    Josiah appeared; he made no show of surprise at the sight of Tamar in his master’s study.
    â€˜Bring food and wine at once, Josiah,’ said Richard. ‘If any should ask whom it is for, say it is for me. But be quick.’
    â€˜Yes, sir.’
    The door .shut on him and Richard turned to Tamar. ‘You are in grave danger, child. I will not attempt to minimize it, because you know full well what it means if this witch-pricker gets you. I am going to hide you.’
    â€˜You are a good man,’ she said.
    He laughed. ‘Nay,’ he said; ‘that is not so. It is not kindness in me. No matter. You tremble still. It is because you think of that young oaf. Think of him merely as a lusty young man – that is all. He can be trusted not to betray you. I shall not leave you alone with him. I trust his honour in all things but those in which his manly lusts are concerned. If he gives a promise, he will keep it.’
    Josiah came in with the tray, and when he had gone Richard made her sit at the table. She had never sat at such a table before, and she rubbed her finger wonderingly along itssmooth surface. She stared about the room and dropped her eyes to the carpet. She had never imagined a carpet, though she had once heard her mother talk of carpets. Everything was strange, like a daydream, but she was not afraid; as long as he was near her she would not be afraid.
    There was a knock on the door and Richard let in Bartle.
    Bartle looked at her, but she kept her eyes downcast and began ravenously to eat the food; she found that once she had started she could not care for anything else – not even if the witch-prickers were at the door or Bartle in pursuit.
    â€˜Pretty manners!’ sneered Bartle, indicating Tamar.
    â€˜Almost as pretty as your own,’ retorted Richard. ‘She knows no better. You should.’
    â€˜Oh, hang me, sir, draw me and quarter me! A witch’s girl! A stay-out-late! A girl who sleeps in hedges! If she’s not asking for it, who is? She ought to think herself honoured that I waste my time on her.’
    â€˜She seems oblivious of the honour,’ said Richard. ‘And even when it was almost forced upon her she did not appreciate it. But, Bartle, let us be serious. You