The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,27

delighted by the look of outrage that passed across the little governess' face.

His eyes scanned the faces in the room stopping when he noticed Edward Tallworth's interest in the young woman. Miss Farraday was not Edward's normal type; he gravitated toward the fluttering beauties or aging and moneyed widows. Damn the man, Julian thought. Couldn't he leave my staff alone?

"That will be all, children," Julian interrupted, surprised at his own sudden burst of anger.

"But Uncle Julian...," Belin began in her childish lisp. Tears trembled at the corners of her eyes as she reached out for Richard's protective hand.

"Thank you, Uncle Julian," Richard commented as he made a leg to the rest of the company. "Come along, Belin."

Cara was proud of the young man who gathered Belin against his side and walked with concentrated dignity toward the door. She herself slid along the wall escaping the salon with a sigh of relief.

"Well done, my dears," Cara congratulated the children. "Your behavior was exemplary."

"Is 'zemplurry' good?" Belin asked, still shaken by their abrupt dismissal.

Cara leaned down and hugged the child. "Not just good, Belin, excellent."

Belin brightened but Richard cast both females a scowl of disgust, refusing to be placated. Cara herself was relieved to be away from Julian's eyes and the devastating effect they had on her nervous system.

Chapter Five

"What will we do this morning, Miss Farraday? Can we swim again? Would you like to visit the Dorsett's farm and see the new piglets?"

Cara listened in amusement to Belin's ebullient chatter. Even at the early breakfast hour it was difficult to stem the child's flow of enthusiastic suggestions. Once Belin had come to terms with her own private devils her appetite for life had redoubled.

"Mrs. Clayton has told me that you have a beautiful doll collection, Belin," Cara remarked at the end of the meal.

"Oh, yes. It's ever so fine. My father used to bring me a new one every time he came back from London. There's big ones and little ones. I must have....lots," she finished breathlessly.

"I would very much like to see the dolls but I suppose you want to have time to get them ready to be presented," Cara suggested.

"Yes, it's true." Belin bit her lip, torn between impressing Miss Farraday and showing her the dolls immediately. "Some of them haven't had their hair brushed in ever such a long time."

"I have an idea, Belin. Richard and I have something to do this morning and that would give you time to get everything ready. I'm sure that Agnes would be happy to help you. Then after lunch, I could come and be properly introduced."

Belin turned the idea over in her mind. As Cara had hoped, the child accepted the plan and was eager to begin. The little girl left, badgering Agnes with demands for soap, water and brushes. Cara, with an unenthusiastic Richard in tow, marched outside, heading for the stables.

Although the boy stiffened when aware of their destination he did not refuse to accompany her.

Entering the stableyard Cara found Glum directing two of the young boys in saddling a black Arabian stallion. Richard flinched as the stallion snorted and pawed the packed earth but the plucky lad held his ground. The horse was beautiful, big but sleekly muscled. A deep chest indicated he would have reserves of stamina as well as speed. Glum waited while the horse was saddled then tipped his cap to Cara.

"Morning, Miss Farraday. Richard. Come see what we've got for ye."

His worn boots beat a steady tattoo on the oak floors as he led the girl and the reluctant boy to the last box in the line of stalls. Looking in over the door, Cara smiled in satisfaction at the spindly-legged colt inside.

"Thank you, Glum. I think he'll do nicely."

Doffing his cap, the old man nodded, avoiding looking at the glowering boy beside the young governess. Richard had been on his way to being a fine horseman until the unfortunate accident with his parents. The headgroom had talked to Miss Farraday and hoped her plan would work.

"Ye'll find everything ye need, Miss," Glum threw over his shoulder as he stumped back to his duties.

Eyeing the tensed boy, Cara nervously wrung her hands. She approached Richard, standing in front of him in silence until he was forced to raise his eyes to her face.

"Richard, can you keep a secret?"

"Maybe."

"I'm not sure just how to explain," Cara admitted. "You see in America I used to ride a great deal. But when my father got sick I