Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 10] - Lanterns by Patricia Veryan Page A

exclaimed, "My, but you
are so sudden!"
    The sunbeams filtering through the branches of the laburnum
tree awoke a bright sheen on her dusky hair and deepened the green of
her eyes. Alarm touched the delicate features that he found almost too
exquisite to be real. He had frightened her. 'Fool!' he thought, and
straightened at once, smiling a greeting.
    "I promise you I mean no harm," she said. "I came to see your
horse. He is splendid!"
    "Yes. Ah—he is."
    In the course of his chequered career he had mixed with all
classes and conditions of people and often his life had depended upon
his ability to say the right thing at the right moment. His quick wits
had never deserted him. Until now. The nearness of this slim girl
seemed to reduce his brain to glue, and his desperate attempt to find
something charming and ingratiating to say failed miserably. He
recovered to an extent and intercepted her outstretched hand as she
moved towards Orpheus. "You must let me introduce you, ma'am. He
sometimes forgets his manners with strangers."
    Still holding that small hand in his own, breathing in the
faint sweet scent she wore, and wretchedly aware that his own hand
trembled betrayingly, he reached out to the horse. Orpheus tossed his
head and rolled fierce eyes at the newcomer.
    "Behave, you rascal," said Diccon. "Miss Warrington is a
friend." After a suspicious sniff, the big grey quieted and permitted
that his nose be stroked.
    Marietta had not missed the look of awe that had dawned in
Diccon's eyes, and was quite aware of the tremor to the long fingers
that held her hand as though it were fashioned of sheerest crystal. In
company with every female since the dawn of time, she knew when she was
admired. In this instance it was a nice feeling, especially since he
made no attempt to stand too close, as he might so easily have done. He
released her hand very carefully, as though fearful of breaking it.
With an inward smile she thought that this tall, shy man was a far cry
from the deadly individual who had faced down Innes Williard, or the
brusque stranger who had only a few days ago remarked that he wondered
if she ever said "anything sensible." She said lightly, "You are very
handsome, Orpheus. But I wonder what you would do if your master had
said I was an enemy."
    Diccon smiled. "That is something you will never discover,
ma'am, for I never would tell him such a rank falsehood."
    "I think I am fortunate! Is your friend going away, Major? Do
you wish us to stable Orpheus for you?"
    "No, no! I'd not impose— I mean, it is time— it's past time I
went—er, home." He untied the reins, then reached for the bowl Marietta
carried. "Let me take that. It's too heavy for you." He peered at the
contents and wrinkled his nose. "Gad! What is this stuff?"
    "Mash for the chickens. And you cannot carry it and manage
Orpheus as well. Will he allow me to lead him, do you think?"
    "Yes. So long as I am close by."
    She took the reins and started along the side drive-path that
led to the barn and stableyard. "Oh, how beautifully he moves! Would
you let me ride him? I love a spirited animal. Now why must you look so
aghast? I have a very good seat, I promise you."
    "Then I shall begin to train him to accept a side-saddle, Miss
Warrington."
    "Another polite evasion, Major?"
    He looked startled and she said laughingly, "Oh, yes. I am
aware of your devious ways, but I will not tease you. As to your going
back to Lanterns, that is quite out of the question until you are
better—unless you've someone to help you."
    "You're very kind, but I am much better, I thank you. And my
man will be rejoining me within a day or two."
    His man? She hid her surprise and decreed serenely that until
then the Major must remain at the dower house, and that there was
plenty of room for Orpheus in the barn. "It will make very little extra
work for Bridger, for we only keep three horses, nowadays." She heard
the note of regret in her own voice and added hurriedly, "Now tell me
why