Velvet Embrace

The clock on the mantle chimed then, reminding Dominic of his need for sleep. Putting his problems aside, he rose and banked the fire before following Julian's example and retiring for what was left of the night.

But his desire for Brie did not leave him. Dominic lay alone in his bed, staring at the ceiling, remembering what it was like to have her, warm and willing, in his arms. Predictably, the throbbing ache his memory inspired only made it more difficult for him to fall asleep.

The next morning Dominic went to see John Simms, ostensibly to select one or two Arabian mares for his racing stable. While his was there, John showed him around the premises.

Dominic was impressed, for Greenwood was obviously well run. The yard and schooling rings bustled with activity, and Dominic's experienced eye noted the excellent quality of horseflesh in the adjoining paddocks, as well as the quiet efficiency of the ostlers and grooms as they went about their work. The vast sprawl of barns had been superbly maintained, and the fences were in good repair. Even the house, an ivy- covered mansion of Ketton stone separated from the stables by a line of elms, seemed to blend in as part of the prospering enterprise.

After inspecting the mares, Dominic followed John to a small office where they discussed terms of purchase. Only then did he mention the recent thefts in the neighborhood. When the trainer had related all he knew about the incidents, Dominic offered to handle the matter. He knew the appropriate people to notify, he said, and in the meantime he would have his own men take up the search. His coachman had had some experience in apprehending vagrants.

"I have no objections, m'lord," John replied to his offer. "Actually it will be a big relief. My lads have their duties and they know nothing about thief-catching."

Dominic was sitting across from John's desk in one of the hard-backed chairs that furnished the office. Leaning back in his seat, he flicked at an imaginary speck of dust on his sleeve. "I'm sure you can see," he said casually, "why I hesitate to mention this to Miss Carringdon. I understand she prefers to be involved in everything relating to Greenwood. She might be offended, were I to suggest she wasn't capable of dealing with this problem."

John regarded his visitor thoughtfully. He had been surprised by the proposal, but he was pleased to see Lord Stanton showing an interest in Brie's affairs. In his opinion, Brie could do far worse than to ally herself with such a man. Stanton was just the sort to be able to curb her independent headstrong ways, and he seemed to understand her. John stroked his chin absently. Perhaps he would let this commanding nobleman have his way for a time and see where things led. It went against his principles to withhold confidences from his young mistress, but then Brie really wasn't qualified to handle thieves.

Adding a silent prayer that she would forgive him, John nodded his approval. "You are right, m'lord. It's best not to tell Miss Brie. She wouldn't take it well if an outsider assumed responsibility for Greenwood's problems. Nor would she care to be indebted to you, if you will pardon my saying so."

Dominic smiled pleasantly. "Of course. But this way is best. If your people do happen to stumble across something, you can have them report directly to me."

"Aye, and I'll have a word with Tyler, as well. He's steward here and has charge of the farms. I think I can convince him to go along." Hearing light footsteps in the corridor just then, John looked up as the door opened.

"John, I forgot to ask—" Brie broke off in confusion upon seeing Dominic. "I beg your pardon," she stammered as both men quickly rose to their feet. "I didn't know you were occupied, John. I can return some other time."

She turned to leave, but Dominic caught her arm. He had been admiring the lovely picture she made, standing there framed in the doorway. Her velvet pelisse, trimmed with sable, was the color of sapphires, and the deep hue made her wide eyes appear very blue.

He gently drew her back into the office. "There is no need for you to leave. Miss Carringdon. We have just concluded our business. John was telling me something of Greenwood's history earlier, and I am much impressed. You are both to be congratulated."

Brie could tell his praise was sincerely meant, and she was pleased. She was extremely proud of her heritage, but she was also aware Dominic's own estates had to be immense and that Greenwood must suffer in comparison. She smiled up at Dominic and thanked him. He smiled back, making her quite conscious of how devastatingly attractive he was.

Before she could say much else, however, one of the

stableboys came to the door and requested John's assistance. The trainer glanced at Brie.

"Please, go ahead, John," she said. "My matter can wait."

Muttering an apology, he thanked Dominic for his interest in the stables, then followed the boy from the room. Brie was left alone with Dominic.

She eyed him uncertainly, wondering about the intent look she had just seen pass between the two men. Tilting her head to one side, she arched a delicate eyebrow. "Secrets, my lord?"

After an almost imperceptible pause, Dominic replied smoothly. "Do I detect a note of concern? I assure you it was nothing. We were discussing . . . some horses I intend to run at Newmarket in the spring. Simms was advising me on the best strategy for training." When Brie continued to regard him suspiciously, Dominic's mouth twisted in a wry smile. "Don't look so accusing, Brie. I couldn't steal your trainer away, even if I wanted to. His loyalty to you is admirable."

Brie was surprised at his perceptiveness, since that was exactly what she had been thinking. But she wasn't entirely satisfied with his reply. The look the two men had shared had hinted at some kind of mutual agreement.

Plunging her fingers more deeply into her sable muff, she searched Dominic's face. She could read nothing in his enigmatic expression. "I've never had cause to question John's loyalty," she said finally, "but you wouldn't be the first to try and lure him away."

Grinning, Dominic held up his hands in surrender. "I'm innocent, I swear. At least of that charge."

Deciding that she must have been mistaken, Brie relented. "Oh, very well," she said good-naturedly. "I believe you. I take it then that you discussed the mares."

Dominic told her about the arrangements he had made for buying two of the Arabians, adding that they would be a welcome addition to his stables since he was after endurance as well as speed.

"You should be pleased," Brie replied with a smile, "since you chose the best. It is I who am disappointed. I was hoping John might have convinced you to part with your stallion. You did say you might be persuaded."

Dominic's gray eyes filled with warm light. "So I did. But I was thinking more along the lines of you doing the persuading, rather than your trainer."

Not knowing how to respond to his suggestive remark, Brie tried to match his bantering tone. "That might be beyond my capabilities, my lord, but I am willing to try. Perhaps you would stay to dine with us and allow me the opportunity."

He shook his head regretfully. "I should like to, but unfortunately I must return to the Lodge. Julian has invited some of his colleagues over for the afternoon, and I am already late."