with his wife to give her a proper farewell.

'Christina, when you get over your fear of horses we'll go riding every-'

'I'm not afraid of horses,' Christina interrupted. Her voice sounded outraged. 'We've had this discussion before, Lyon. I fear the saddles, not the animals. There is a difference.'

'You're not going to ride without a saddle,' Lyon announced. 'And that's that.'

'You're too stubborn for my own good,' she muttered.

'I don't want you to fall and break your pretty little neck.'

Lyon opened the front door, grabbed hold of Christina's hand, and dragged her outside.

Christina was frowning. She thought he might have insulted her again. Then she reasoned he couldn't know how skilled she was with a good mount. Perhaps he hadn't slandered her after all but was truly concerned for her safety or, as he'd just put it, her pretty little neck.

She wondered what he'd think if he found out she went out riding most mornings. He'd be upset with her, she supposed. She had to sigh over that little deception, then cast her guilt aside. She was always back in his bed before he awakened and really wasn't worried he'd find out. Wendell, the stablemaster, wouldn't say anything to Lyon. No, Wendell was a man of few words. Besides, he thought she'd gained Lyon 's permission.

'Christina, I'll be back home by noon tomorrow,' Lyon said, interrupting her thoughts. He tilted her chin up and kissed her soundly.

When he started down the steps, Christina hurried after him. 'I still don't understand why I can't go with you. I would like to see your sister, and your mama, too, Lyon.'

'Next time, sweetheart. Diana will be going to Martin's party tonight.'

'Will Aunt Harriett also be going?'

'Probably,' Lyon answered.

'I could go with them,' Christina suggested.

'I thought you liked it here in the country,' Lyon returned. 'You do, don't you?'

'Yes, very much. But I'm your wife, Lyon. I should do my duty with your relatives. Do you know, it's rather odd of me to admit, but I did enjoy some of the parties. There were some very nice people I would like to see again.'

'No.'

His voice was so firm, Christina was immediately perplexed. 'Why don't you want me to go with you? Have I done something to displease you?'

Lyon reacted to the worry in her voice. He paused to look down at her, then gave in to his sudden urge to kiss her again. 'Nothing you could ever do would displease me. If you want to attend some of the parties, you'll wait until I can go with you.'

'May I play cards with you and the mischief makers?' she asked. 'I've never played before, but I'm certain it wouldn't be too difficult to master.'

Lyon hid his amusement. His wife was obviously serious in her request. The sincerity in her voice said as much. 'I'll teach you another time, Christina. If you wish, I'll wait while you write a note to Diana and Aunt Harriett.'

Christina could tell by his manner that he wasn't going to give in to her plea to go along. 'I've already written to everyone, even Elbert and my Aunt Patricia,' she informed him. 'Brown sent a messenger with my letters yesterday.'

They walked on, hand in hand. When they reached his mount, he turned. 'I have to leave now, my sweet.'

'I know.'

She hadn't meant to sound so pitiful. The fact that Lyon was leaving was distressing, yes, but not nearly as much as his casual, dismissive attitude. She didn't think he was going to mind the separation at all. She, on the other hand, minded very much.

It wasn't like her to be so clinging. She couldn't seem to let go of his hand. What in heaven's name was the matter with her? Lord, she felt like crying. He was only going to be away for one night, she told herself, not an eternity.

Lyon kissed her on her forehead. 'Do you have anything you wish to say to me before I leave, Christina?'

His voice coaxed a response. Christina dropped his hand. 'No.'

Lyon let out a long sigh. He took hold of her hand again and dragged her off to the side of the path so that the stablemaster wouldn't overhear him. 'I'll miss you,' he said.

His voice wasn't coaxing now, but brisk.

Christina smiled.

'Damn it, wife, I want the soft words,' he muttered. He immediately felt like a fool for making such a ridiculous confession.

'Damn it, Lyon, I want to go to London with you.'

'Christina, you're staying here,' Lyon bellowed. He drew a deep breath, then added in a furious whisper, 'I love you, Christina. Now tell me you love me. I've waited all week to hear you admit it.'

She gave him a disgruntled look. Lyon wasn't waylaid. 'I'm waiting, Christina.'

'Have a safe journey, Lyon.'

Lyon hadn't realized how important it was for him to hear her tell him she loved him until his demand was so thoroughly ignored. He stood there feeling angry and defeated, his gaze brooding as he watched Christina walk away from him.

'Hell,' he muttered to himself. He mounted his steed, accepted the reins from Wendell, yet seemed incapable of nudging his stallion into moving. He couldn't even tear his gaze off the stubborn woman strolling to the front door.

Christina couldn't dismiss him this time. Her hand shook when she took hold of the brass door handle. He was so horribly stubborn. He constantly prodded and nagged. He wouldn't let her shield her feelings from him. But he didn't understand the significance of what he was asking of her. Once she'd given him the words, there could be no going back.

No, she'd never be able to go home.

A half smile changed her expression. The truth was both painful and joyful. She'd never really been given a choice in the matter, had she? From the moment she'd met Lyon, her heart had known the truth. Why had it taken her mind so long to accept?

Christina looked over her shoulder. Tears clouded her vision. 'Hurry home, Lyon. I will be waiting for you.'

'Say the words, Christina.' He'd shouted this time, and the look on his face showed his anger.

'I love you.'

Several heartbeats passed before he acknowledged her admission. And then he gave her a curt nod. Oh, he was arrogant But his expression was tender, caring, so very loving.

It was quite enough. Christina hid her smile. A feeling of contentment and joy filled her. She suddenly felt as light as the wind.

The truth had set her free.

Christina opened the door and started to walk inside when her husband's bellow stopped her. 'Wife?'

'Yes, husband?'

'Tell me you trust me as well.'

She turned around again. Her hands settled on her hips. She hoped he could see her exasperation. 'Don't push me, Lyon. Savor one victory at a time, like any noble warrior would.'

Lyon shouted with laughter. 'Yes, Christina, one victory at a time. I've got you now, haven't I?' he asked, his voice and his eyes filled with merriment.

The man was gloating again.

Christina strolled over to the top step. 'Yes, Lyon, you've got me. And when you come home from London, you're going to find out just exactly what you've gotten. No more pretenses, husband. No more lies.'

'I couldn't be happier,' Lyon remarked.

'Enjoy the feeling, Lyon. I fear it will not last long.'

Вы читаете The Lion's Lady
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