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

the dainty bonnet. Embarrassed by such a display
of eagerness, Marietta tied the ribbons hurriedly and avoided Mr.
Coville's eyes.
    Outside, the air was already quite warm. They followed the
drive-path around to the back of the house, then
walked through the gardens and into the meadows.
    Coville took Marietta's parasol and put it up for her. "You
are not provoked with me for suggesting that we walk?" he asked. "I had
intended to bring a mount for you, but—alas! there is no time!"
    Disappointed, she asked, "You are returning to London, sir?"
    He nodded and said with a sigh, "Our steward sent a footman
with an urgent message. A foreign potentate has arrived at Carlton
House in connection with a matter vital to Britain's interests, and
since my father has travelled widely and chances to be acquainted with
the sheikh…" He shrugged ruefully.
    "Your papa is asked to handle the business, is that it? You
must be very proud to be the son of so important a gentleman."
    "Yes. Well, I am, of course. But to leave Sussex at this
particular time is"—he sighed again—"is very far from my own wish, Miss
Marietta." He offered his arm. "May I be permitted to address you so ?"
    Well aware that eyes were watching from the windows of the
house, she slipped her hand onto his arm and said, "In private perhaps,
Mr. Coville."
    He patted her hand."Then, in private, I must be Blake. Yes, I
know that is being very forward, but you must know how very lovely you
are, and how much I admire you. I am so glad we are friends. I only
wish—" A worried look came into his eyes. "There's no use wrapping it
in clean linen—I wish my stepbrother was not coming back at this
particular time. You will take care, ma'am?"
    "Good gracious," she said, smiling at him. "I am in peaceful
Sussex, Mr. Coville. Not aboard some East Indiaman being pursued by
Portuguese pirates!"
    "I know. But—may I beg that you will do something to set my
mind at rest?"
    Temple and Cloud must really be a bad man. Pleased that Mr.
Coville should be so concerned for her safety, she asked, "Such as?"
    "If by any chance you hear that Paisley, my step-brother, has
come to Lanterns, will you get word to me? Your father has my
direction. I'll come at once, I promise you."
    Astonished, she protested, "No, really! You are very kind, but
his lordship cannot pose a threat to me, or to my family, surely?"
    That frighteningly grim look was in his eyes once more. He
said quietly, "He is the most dangerous man I have ever known. I would
hold no lady safe within ten miles of him! And you stay here, ma'am, on
his land. I know you must think I exaggerate. I do not. Quite apart
from Paisley, there are treasure hunters to be guarded against. If you
see anyone lurking about Lanterns—"
    Marietta started.
    He drew her to a halt and peered into her face. "What is it?
Never say you've already seen trespassers down there?"
    Mr. Diccon hadn't really meant to hurt Arthur, and had been so
gentle with the child afterwards. And Arthur was overjoyed with the
sword. Somehow she could not bring herself to betray their trespasser.
"After all you have told us," she said, "I would be terrified to go
near the old place." Coville looked unconvinced, and she added,
"Besides, surely your step-brother would not choose to live in such an
old ruin?"
    "There is no telling what mischief he may be brewing. I could
not bear that anything untoward should happen to you, or to your
family." He pressed her hand and said earnestly, "While I'm away I
shall hold your lovely face always in my mind's eye. And I'll count the
hours till I can return and find you safe."
    It was a good thing, thought Marietta, knowing her cheeks were
hot, that she had more common sense than to refine upon such behaviour.
If she allowed herself to interpret his remarks as she knew Papa or
Fanny would do, it would be very easy to believe that Mr. Blake
Coville's heart was being ensnared by a penniless girl with a large
family to be provided for.

Chapter IV
    "I