Calypso Magic (Magic Trilogy 2)

Lyon grinned, then winced. "She would try to unman me, she's already threatened as much. In fact, she tried it once, and thankfully missed, but that is another tale. Don't say it, Rafael, she understands the consequences of not marrying me, at least that's what she says. But she is a guileless creature, if that's possible for a woman to be."

Though sorely tempted, Rafael said nothing to that. "I have discovered, as I am certain you have also, that life is never simple. Unfortunately it is we ourselves who tend to complicate things. I don't suppose that you've noticed how she looks at you, particularly when you are not aware of it. She is not at all indifferent to you. Indeed, I would say that at the very least she desires you. Perhaps, my friend, if you did seduce her, she would come about." He gave Lyon a cocky grin. "I assume that you would be proficient at it."

"Who knows? The chit is driving me insane. Can you imagine living in such close proximity and trying to keep yourselfWell, enough. It is not your problem."

"We have about three and a half more weeks before we reach St. Thomas. If the weather holds, that is. Unfortunately on the islands society is so tight-knit, it would be well nigh impossible to wed her there, secretly, without everyone finding out about it. That was your plan, was it not?"

"Yes, if I could get Diana to agree, damn her." Lyon looked down at the cards on the desktop. He picked up an ace and stared at it a moment. "You say she is not indifferent to me?"

"No, she is not. I do know something about women, you know."

"That is what I was afraid of."

"Rest your mind, Lyon. It has never been my habit to poach on another man's preserves. She is yours, not mine."

"Hell," Lyon said, tossing the ace in the air, "I didn't want her to be mine. I didn't want any woman."

"A gentleman does not aspire to dishonor a lady. As I see it, old boy, you haven't a choice."

Lyon cursed.

"Seduce her," Rafael said once again. He saw Lyon tense and wondered if he was thinking about making love to that lovely young woman. "Another game, Lyon? I am feeling more lucky."

"You think I am that far gone, do you?"

Rafael laughed.

13

Waiting for one's pleasures is weary work.

—PETRONIUS

Lyonel Ashton, Sixth Earl of Saint Leven, had never before in his life seduced a virgin, a lady virgin, a nineteen-year-old lady virgin who was not, after all, indifferent to him, at least according to Captain Rafael Carstairs.

He decided to try once again to convince her to marry him, silly stubborn girl. He was becoming decidedly tired of her foolish refusal. He found her in Blick's small office, the two of them with their heads together. He felt an alarming spurt of jealousy, recriminations hovering on the tip of tongue when Diana looked up and smiled at him.

"Lyon! Blick knows so very much about the properties of the plants and herbs on the islands. He is teaching me about plantain. I never knew it could be used successfully for eye inflammation. Did you know that in Africa the juice of the leaves is used for malaria?"

Lyon smiled at her enthusiasm. He felt immensely small over his bout of jealousy. As for Blick, he was looking like a proud, benign parent, and Lyon felt even more foolish at his initial reaction, for Blick was also of the age to be her father. He said easily, "No, I didn't know. Fascinating."

"And then there is the canna lily. It is used for stomach aches. It, however, has deleterious effects, and one must be quite careful."

"I believe Lyon wishes to speak to you, Diana," said Blick, giving her a look of amused affection.

"Oh? What is it you want, Lyon?"

Lyon ground his teeth. "If you can come with me a moment, Diana, I should like to speak to you in private."

Diana cast a look toward the small vial of ground goatweed, to be used as a tisane for purging. "Oh, very well," she said, and Lyon wished he'd kept his mouth closed, indeed wished he'd waited until the evening, when they were alone in their cabin.

"Will you have more time for me this afternoon, Blick?"

"Certainly, Diana, if all the men keep their bones and teeth intact and Harmon doesn't poison them at lunch."

She followed Lyon, waving at Blick over her shoulder. When they reached the deck, Diana immediately walked to the railing and stared out over the endless stretch of water. She was leaning over the rail when spray flew upward. She laughed, wiping her eyes.

"It is magnificent, is it not?" She waved her arms toward the horizon. "But you know, it's as if we're not any place specific. It is the same day in and day out. We could be where we were yesterday for all the change one sees. I guess I still am not used to not seeing land." She sighed. "There are so many islands at home, you know. Landmarks that make you feel that you are someplace definite."