“Did you have a pleasant ride, senorita?”
She looked up. “What?”
Ramon was smiling at her, his black eyes gleaming in his round olive face.
“Oh, yes, Nina behaved very well.”
“That is good. I hoped she might please you. Perhaps the next time your ride will be even more interesting.”
“I found this one interesting enough.” She handed the Mexican the reins and turned jerkily away. “Thank you, Ramon.”
“It was my pleasure, I assure you.”
She walked across the courtyard toward the front door, the muscles in her thighs and lower back protesting with every step. She wondered if she would suffer this way every time she ventured onto a horse. Surely it must lessen, or people would find a more comfortable way to get around. Dominic had appeared to experience no pain on any occasion she had ridden with him.
However, that was not a valid argument, she thought crossly. Dominic was hard in body as well as character, and would let nothing bruise or pierce that hardness. On the contrary, he would do the bruising. She involuntarily looked down at her breasts and a shiver went through her. His touch may not have marked her, but she felt as if it had. She could still feel his hands on her, branding her, possessing her.
He had been wrong. She could not want him in that wicked, lustful fashion. She had been confused and taken by surprise or she would have fought him. Yes, that was the truth of the matter-she had merely been confused.
“You move like a crippled woman.”
Elspeth turned to see Silver and Rising Star walking toward her across the courtyard. “I’m not surprised, Silver.” She opened the front door and limped into the foyer. “I believe I’ve discovered why carriages were invented. Why anyone would willingly put themselves through this agony is beyond my comprehension.”
Silver laughed. “You should have taken me with you. I would not have let you do too much. First, a soak in a hot bath, then I have some salve that will help. You will be free of pain in the morning.”
“I have grave doubts, but I fervently wish to believe you.” She glanced over her shoulder at Rising Star. “Because I’ve decided to leave day after tomorrow for Kantalan. Will you draw me the map you promised?”
Rising Star frowned. “You are sure?”
“Yes, there really wasn’t any doubt about my decision.” Elspeth smiled, “and since I am the only one going, even if the prophecy were true, it couldn’t come to pass. There have to be four to walk the streets of Kantalan, remember?”
“I remember.” Rising Star’s expression remained troubled. “Perhaps you are right.”
“I will need a guide.” Elspeth turned to Silver. “My father told me that Indians are always the best guides. Do you suppose you could hire someone for me in your village?”
“Why do you need a guide with me along?” Silver asked. “Apache girl children are trained in the same skills as boy children until they reach the time for womanhood rites. I can lead you safely to your Kantalan.”
“No, Silver, you can’t go with me. I won’t take the responsibility for placing you in any jeopardy.”
“But I
“No!” Elspeth said with ringing determination. “Will you hire a guide for me or must I go back to Hell’s Bluff and try to find someone there?”
“You will find no one better than me,” Silver said.
“I know,” Elspeth said gently. “And no one I’d rather have with me. I’ll miss you, Silver.”
“Then why not take me along and-”
“No.”
“I will ride out this evening and find you the best guide in my village. But it is no short journey. I will not be back until tomorrow night.” Silver glared at her. “I think you are a very stubborn woman.”
Elspeth turned stiffly toward the stairs. “We’ll see how stubborn I am in a few minutes. I’m not at all sure my fortitude is going to last to get me upstairs.”
“Let me help you.” Rising Star moved quickly forward.
“Is there something wrong?” Malvina appeared in the doorway of the parlor. “Have you had an accident, Elspeth?”
“No, I’m only a bit sore and weary from my ride.”
Malvina smiled solicitously. “You must really not rush your recovery, Elspeth. It’s not wise to push yourself beyond your strength. We’ll be happy to have you here as long as you want to stay.”
Elspeth hesitated. “Silver is leaving this evening for her village to secure a guide for me, and I hope to leave Killara day after tomorrow.”
Malvina’s smile faded. “I’m sorry to hear that. We’ve scarcely begun to get acquainted with each other.”
The woman actually appeared disappointed, Elspeth thought in surprise. “Perhaps when I return from my journey you will be kind enough to let me visit,” she said gently. “I thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re sure you can’t stay longer?” Malvina asked.
Elspeth shook her head. “It isn’t possible.”
“How unfortunate.” Malvina’s tone was abstracted as she turned away. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go tell Shamus of your decision. I’m sure Rising Star and Silver will see that you’re comfortable.” She turned and hurried down the hall.
“She’s leaving day after tomorrow on that blasted wild goose chase Patrick told us about.” Malvina closed the door behind her and gazed at Shamus sitting at the desk across the library.
“And Dominic was just in here telling me that he was leaving at dawn tomorrow to go back to Hell’s Bluff.” Shamus leaned back in his cushioned leather chair. “Something must have happened between them.”
“But not what we wanted to happen. What are we going to do?”
“We’ll work it out.” Shamus closed the account book on the desk. “Let me think about it for a while, darlin.’ ”
“I don’t want Dominic to leave again, Shamus,” she whispered. “I’m afraid every time he rides out of here that he won’t come back. I don’t want to lose another son.”
Shamus smiled reassuringly. “He won’t be leaving Killara, Malvina. Now, come over here and sit down and let’s talk it through. There’s nothing we can’t bring about if we work together.”
She slowly crossed the room and sat down on the chair next to the desk. He was right, she had been foolish to panic. They would solve this problem together as they had every one they’d ever confronted.
Shamus would think of something.
The knock on Elspeth’s door was light but firm, and the door opened before she was given a chance to answer.
A plump Mexican woman in her late thirties stood there, a broad smile on her face and a tray in her hands. “I am Rosa Gonzalez. Senora Delaney said you were very sore and must not come down to dinner. I brought you some of my soup and a glass of lemonade.”
Elspeth sat up in bed, her eyes widening in surprise. “Why, thank you. How very kind.” She reached for her dark blue robe and slipped it on over her flannel gown. “But you needn’t have done this. I’m not ill.”
Rosa stepped into the room and nudged the door shut with her shoulder. “It was no trouble. Are you less sore now?”
Elspeth nodded. “Silver rubbed me with something wonderfully soothing before she left to go back to her village.” She smiled. “At first I thought it was horse liniment, but it doesn’t smell at all terrible. Once you grow accustomed to the scent it’s even rather pleasant.”
Rosa came forward and set the tray on the table beside the bed. She sniffed. “Mint and maybe a touch of clover. That Silver is clever with her herbs. Once I had a very bad belly ache and she brewed me a drink that smelled like a dead
“I’ve found Silver clever at most things.”
Rosa turned to pluck the napkin from the tray. “I hope the soup won’t be too hot for you. I put many chili peppers in it.” She smiled tentatively. “I thought if you did not like it, the lemonade would cool you down.”
“I enjoy a touch of spice. As a child I lived for many months in India and became accustomed to exotic dishes.”
