Calypso Magic (Magic Trilogy 2)

"So that is the direction the wind blows," said the marquess, his green eyes, so like his son's, glittering.

"No!"

"No!"

"Sounds just like my poor stubborn Hawk here and my stubborn-as-the-devil Frances. Let's leave the young people to themselves, Lucia, and discuss matters."

"First," said Hawk, "we must name my daughter."

"Our daughter," his wife said. "And we've already decided. Arabella Lucia. What does everyone think of that?"

"The child has much to live up to," said the marquess.

"Excellent name," said Lucia. "The child's a fighter. She'll do just fine with it. Now, you old goat, let's leave the young people alone."

Diana watched the two old people leave the bedchamber, arm in arm.

"Damned old man," said Hawk.

"True," said the countess, putting her arms around her husband's neck and burying her face against his throat.

"Diana, 'tis time for us to take our leave," said Lyonel.

"You may go admire our progeny," said Hawk. "Then take a walk in the garden. Just go away."

The countess smiled. "Thank you, both of you, for coming."

Diana, looking among the three friends, merely nodded and headed for the door, Lyonel on her heels.

"They love each other so much," she blurted out when they were in the corridor.

"Yes, they do," said Lyonel, his eyes straight ahead.

They remained at Desborough Hall for four more days. The early-summer weather held mild and sunny. Diana spent most of her time riding, a spritely bay mare named Glenda, admiring the racehorses, and watching their training with Belvis, a wiry old man who took an instant liking to her.

It was odd, Diana thought on the morning of their third day, that Lyonel never went into the stable. He avoided it, and the magnificent tack room, like the plague. "Do you not wish to pick out your own saddle?" she asked him finally.

"No," he said, his voice curt.

"Why not?"

"Leave it, Diana."

"But the grooms are having to carry out all these saddles for you to make your selection."

"Leave it, Diana."

"You, my lord, are becoming boring and repetitious in your conversation."

"At least I'm not a pushy, mouthy chit."

"No, you are an arrogant, selfish ---"

He turned on his heel and left her standing by the paddock, Belvis staring after him.

"Most peculiar," said Belvis. "Pardon me, miss, but he wouldn't come near the stables when he stayed with his lord and lady some months ago."

"Hmmm," said Diana, frowning after him. "He visited here after his broken engagement with Charlotte Haversham?"