Master Of Paradise (48 page)

He ran his fingers wildly through his hair and shouted, "Now I find you've fallen in love with Philip. Damn you to hell, Amanda. By God, I should give you that beating I once promised you. You faithless little bitch!"

"Nicholas Peacock, how dare you speak to me so?" she demanded hotly, her hands on her hips. "You're not back five minutes but you're ranting and raving like a deceived husband, which you most certainly are not, sir, despite the lecherous advances of Rafe Collins! And I most certainly did not fall in love with Philip even though he loves me!"

As he listened to her he began to laugh. "Oh Mandy, you are the most maddening creature in the world. You provoke me until I am insane with jealousy. Is there no end to your conquests? Tell me truthfully now, and I promise to listen without losing my temper. Why were you marrying Philip?"

"Because he promised to make Nicholas his heir, and that would help make up for what you had been cheated out of."

He held out his arms and she yielded willingly, eagerly. He murmured against her lips, "I can see my rival for your heart is not Philip, but Nicholas."

The dimples peeped out as he lifted her into bed. She whispered, "Hold me, only hold me and everything will be perfect."

Much later as she lay in his arms, warm and drowsy from the loving, he asked, "Mandy, what do you want to do? Do you want to stay in England? We'll go anywhere you like. My father left me enough money to start again anywhere in the world."

She looked up into his eyes. "I know it will never be the same in the South, but let's go home and pick up the pieces. We are the Peacocks of Paradise."

"You know that's what I want to do. I long for our Carolina sunshine, but is it what you want Mandy. Are you sure, love?"

She smiled into the darkness. "Purely and absolutely."

The End

I hope you enjoyed this Southern Family Saga. You will find all my books at my website

http://www.virginiahenley.com

Here is an excerpt from my book
Wild Hearts
set in Scotland:

Paris Cockburn descended from the Master Tower of Cockburnspath Castle and entered the family wing on the second floor. His four sisters and two brothers, all with flaming red hair, and all named for magnificent cities around the world, continually vied for center stage.

"I have a very important piece of business to transact in Edinburgh Saturday, and I need the help of a ravishing female," announced Paris.

"Then by a process of elimination, it will have to be me," Damascus piped up.

"Rubbish!" snorted Shannon. "I've heard so much of it from you lately, I'm becoming a connoisseur of rubbish."

Paris turned from the two girls who were arguing and said, "Venetia, you are the perfect choice to accompany me to a society wedding."

She eyed him cautiously. "After the fling, beware the sting. Just how dangerous is this piece of business?"

"Oh, if it's dangerous, I'll do it, Paris, please," begged Alexandria, ever the tomboy.

"I know you would, sweetheart, but you are too young. Venetia, you must know I would never jeopardize your safety. 'Tis a simple matter, really. You will attend the reception with me. It's being held at one of the banqueting halls at Holyrood Palace. You must leave the moment the bride leaves, no matter how much you are enjoying yourself. I'll have six of my men accompany you. Make your way quietly to a big house on Princes Street close to the castle. When I quit this house, it will be your signal to ride like the wind with as much clatter as you can muster down the Royal Mile out of Castle Hill, past St. Giles Church and into the Canongate."

"Yes, sweetheart, but you always want to do things your own way. You can't be trusted to follow orders, can you? Besides, I'll need you here to receive my prisoner."

"What exactly is this piece of business?" she demanded.

"A kidnapping for ransom."

When Paris Cockburn climbed in the casement window on the third floor of the mansion on Princes Street, the velvet and jewels he'd worn to the reception were gone. He wore a rough leather jacket with his weapons in his belt. Leather jackboots came halfway up his thighs, and all identifying badges and devices had been removed. He grinned as he realized he had picked his moment well, for the young bride was just being helped to remove the heavy lace wedding gown.

Tabby Lamont stood in exquisitely embroidered pantalets and gasped as the tall figure swung into the chamber.

Her maid, Mrs. Hall, stepped protectively between them, ready to do battle for her newfound charge. She was a small, plump woman with gray hair and merry eyes, but they held a fierce challenging light at the moment.

Paris laughed. "Gently, mother. The lady knows me."

"I know you for a damned Rogue," she hissed, and he was pleased that she had remembered his nickname.

Mrs. Hall spoke up. "Ye canna come in here. 'Tis my young mistress's wedding night. Her husband is impatiently awaiting her this very moment."

Tabby, forgetting her tantalizing state of undress, added, "I thought you would come to see me but not this way. My husband will kill you-- perhaps I should let him."

Her words amused him. He laughed until the cords in his neck stood out, brown and strong.

Fear sprang into her eyes. "Hush, keep your voice low!" she begged. "Mrs. Hall, please don't inform on him, he will only stay a moment. She raised liquid eyes to his in supplication. "My lord, your last visit to the orphanage brought me nothing but misery. Please, I beg of you, don't spoil things for me now."

Rogue Cockburn was dazzled by her youthful loveliness. Never in his life had he wanted a prize more than this one. "Spoil things?" He raised an eyebrow, dark as a raven's wing. "You want this marriage?"

Her eyes glowed. "Of course, 'tis a dream come true. You know how many years I waited to be rescued from that place. I will be grateful to Mr. Abrahams for the rest of my life. He is my savior. Look"-- she threw open the wardrobe door-- "all these beautiful dresses were made for me. I've been living here for a week, to prepare for the wedding. It has been like heaven. The food! You wouldn't believe the food. I can eat as much as I want-- he doesn't mind. I even have my own maid, Mrs. Hall. Mr. Abrahams delivered me from my purgatory. I feel I'm in paradise. He is the most generous man in the world, just like a fa--"

"Stop it," he ordered. "Dammit, he is not your father. Wake up!"

Her eyes widened in fear. "Please don't shout, he will come in here."

"With my man's knife at his throat, he is hardly likely to do that. Mrs. Hall, pack her some clothes. One bag only," he cautioned.

"What are you doing?" Tabby gasped in disbelief.

"Kidnapping you." He grinned, and his eyes sparkled.