Lyon could tell by the gleam in his friend's green eyes that he was up to mischief. 'Why do you offer?' he asked.
'I could help you search the estate,' Rhone drawled.
'Very amusing,' Lyon snapped. 'Now see what you've done? Diana's crying again. You deal with it, Rhone. I don't have time. Come down to Lyonwood this weekend with Aunt Harriett and Diana.'
Lyon strolled over to the doorway, then called over his shoulder, 'If I haven't found your mother by then, Diana, you can help search.'
Rhone contained his smile. 'He's only jesting, sweetheart. Now, now, let me hold you, love. You can cry on my shoulder.'
Lyon closed the door on Rhone 's soothing voice. He shook his head in vexation. He'd been so wrapped up in his own life, he hadn't realized Rhone was falling in love with Diana.
Rhone was a good friend… but a brother-in-law… Lyon would have to adjust to that possibility.
Christina wouldn't be surprised by the attraction. No, she'd been the one to instruct Rhone on his destiny, Lyon recalled with a smile.
Ah, destiny. He decided it was now his destiny to go home and kiss his wife.
The desire to take Christina into his arms, to make slow, sweet love to her, made the journey back to Lyonwood seem much longer than usual.
The sun was just setting when Lyon rode toward the circle drive in front of his house. He squinted against the sunlight, trying to make out the sight he thought he was seeing.
As he rode closer, he recognized the man dragging his shoes down the steps. It was Elbert. What was he doing there? And what in God's name was he doing with Lyon 's boots? Lyon was close enough to see his dozens of shoes and boots lined up on the steps, the walkway.
Lyon dismounted, slapped his horse on the hindquarters as a signal to take to the stables, then called out to Christina's former butler. 'Elbert? What are you doing with my shoes?'
'The madam's orders, my lord,' Elbert answered. 'Didn't know a man could own so many boots,' he added. 'Been at this task near an hour now. Up the stairs and down the stairs, then up-'
'Elbert? Give me the reason why,' Lyon interrupted, his voice irritated. 'And what are you doing at Lyonwood? Did Christina invite you to visit?'
'Hired me, sir,' Elbert announced. 'I'm to be Brown's assistant. Did you know how worried she was about me? She knew I wouldn't last with the old bat. Your misses has a good heart. I'll do my part, my lord. I won't be shirking me responsibilities to you.'
Christina did have a good heart. His gentle wife knew Elbert wouldn't be able to find work with anyone else. He was simply too old, too feeble. 'I'm sure you'll do fine, Elbert,' Lyon said. 'Glad to have you on staff.'
'Thank you, my lord,' Elbert returned.
Lyon noticed Brown standing in the open doorway then. His butler looked upset. 'Good afternoon, my lord,' Brown called out. 'It is so very good to have you back,' he added. His voice sounded strained to Lyon, relieved as well. 'Did you see your shoes, sir?'
'I'm not blind, man. Of course I saw them. Would you care to explain what in thunderation is going on?'
'Your wife's orders,' Brown announced.
'Past wife,' Elbert interjected with a cackle.
Lyon took a deep breath. 'What are you talking about?' He addressed his question to Brown, believing his young butler would make more sense than the old man snickering with laughter behind him.
'You're being divorced, my lord.'
'I'm what?'
Brown's shoulders sagged. He knew his lord wasn't going to take the news well. 'Divorced.'
'Cast out, my lord, pushed aside, forgotten, dead in her heart-'
'I get your meaning, Elbert,' Lyon muttered in exasperation. 'I'm aware of what the word divorce means.'
Lyon continued into the house. The old servant shuffled after him. 'Those were her very words. My mistress is divorcing you the way her people do. She said it was quite all right to get rid of a husband. You have to find someplace else to live.'
'I what?' Lyon asked, certain he hadn't heard correctly.
Brown's insistent nod indicated he had.
'You're cast out, pushed aside-'
'For God's sake, Elbert, cease your litany,' Lyon demanded. He turned back to Brown. 'What is the significance of the shoes?'
'They signify your departure, my lord,' Brown said.
The butler tried not to stare at the incredulous look on his master's face. He was in jeopardy of losing his control. He stared at the floor instead.
'Let me get this straight in my mind,' Lyon muttered. 'My wife believes the house belongs to her?'
'And your mother, of course,' Brown blurted out. 'She's keeping her.'
Brown was biting his lower lip. Lyon thought he might be trying not to laugh.
'Of course,' Lyon drawled.
Elbert tried to be helpful once again. 'It's the way her people do,' he interjected, his voice gratingly cheerful.
'Where is my wife?' Lyon asked, ignoring Elbert's comments.
He didn't wait for his servants to answer him but took the steps two at a time to reach the bedrooms. A sudden thought made him pause. 'Did she cut her hair?' he called out.
'She did,' Elbert shouted before Brown could open his mouth. 'It's the way of it,' Elbert insisted. 'Once the hair's cut-well, then you're as good as dead to her. You're set aside, cast-'
'I've gotten her message,' Lyon shouted. 'Brown, bring my shoes inside. Elbert, go sit somewhere.'
'My lord?' Brown called out.
'Yes?'
'Do the French really follow these laws?'
Lyon contained his smile. 'Did my wife say it was the law?' he asked.
'Yes, my lord.'
'And she told you she was from France?' he asked his butler.
Brown nodded.
'Then it must be true,' Lyon announced. 'I would like a bath, Brown. Leave the shoes until later,' he added before turning back to his destination.
Lyon smiled. There were times when he forgot just how young and inexperienced Brown was. Of course, he'd been lied to by someone who radiated innocence and sincerity. Christina.
His wife wasn't waiting for him in their bedroom. He really hadn't expected her to be there. The sun still gave sufficient light for her to stay outdoors. Lyon doubted she'd return to the house until darkness forced her to do so.
Lyon walked over to the windows to look out at the setting sun. It was a magnificent sight, and one he'd never taken the time to notice until he'd married Christina. She had opened his eyes to the wonders of life.
And the wonder of love. Yes, he did love her, so ferociously it almost frightened him. If anything happened to her, Lyon didn't know how he'd be able to go on.
That odious thought wouldn't have intruded on his peace of mind if he hadn't been so concerned about Christina's reunion with her father. Lyon was more than uneasy.
She believed he'd try to kill her. Richards hadn't been able to tell Lyon much about Christina's father, but the fact that Stalinsky had been involved in the Brisbane affair, with such shameful results, worried Lyon.
How simple it would be if Christina would trust him, confide in him. Lord, he felt as if he was being asked to fence with an enemy with a blindfold tied around his eyes.
Equal measure. Wasn't that what he wanted from Christina?
The truth hit him like a blow. He'd demanded from his wife what he'd been unwilling to give her. Trust. Yes, he wanted her absolute trust, yet he hadn't let her know how much he trusted her. No, he told himself with a shake of his head, his sin was worse. He hadn't opened his heart to her.