“Yes, Mama,” they chorused.
“Then,” she said wistfully, “you will soon be sent to a good family as pages. But first we will get to know each other again. I would present you to your stepfather, the Earl of Lynmouth.”
The boys both turned and, under Niall’s threatening gaze, made a leg to Lord Southwood. Having seen Niall’s stern look, Geoffrey chuckled inwardly with suppressed amusement. So thetwo little savages resented him? Well, that was only natural. He bowed back to the two children. “Ewan and Murrough O’Flaherty, I am most pleased to have you as my stepsons, and welcome you to my home.”
“And they must meet the other children, Geoffrey,” said Skye. “You have three stepsisters, boys. Susan is six, the twins, Gwyneth and Joan, are five. And you have a half-sister, my daughter Willow. She is three and a half. Your new baby half-brother is called Robbie. Come my darlings, and I’ll take you to the nursery to greet them.” She had said nothing at all to Niall, nothing.
“I had forgotten that she hates as fiercely as she loves,” said Niall softly.
“You hurt her badly the last time you met,” replied Geoffrey.
“I know. God only knows I never meant to, but suddenly we were quarreling.”
“It was kind of you to bring Skye’s boys from Ireland. Did you settle your wife there safely?”
“Constanza is still in London. I went to see my father. I shall leave for London tomorrow. My wife is very ill and I am taking her home to Mallorca.”
Geoffrey nodded. “Let me have a servant show you to your room,” he said politely.
A few minutes later Niall stood alone in his room. Like the lovely family hall he had just left, this room faced the sea. The sunset was staining the waters below him a dark wine red, and in the early-evening autumn haze he could see the Isle of Lundy, that mysterious pirate haunt. Skye would be happy here, thought Niall, within the sight and smell of the sea.
Dinner that night was simple, and a restrained, almost uncomfortable affair. The children were not there, having eaten earlier in the nursery. Ewan and Murrough were more comfortable now. Their stepsisters were in total awe of them, and they had instantly fallen under the spell of their half-sister, Willow. Their infant halfbrother had been dismissed as uninteresting.
The Southwoods and Lord Burke sat at the high board. Below them were only a few retainers, for the Earl was not holding state. The meal was simple, the conversation spare. Finally only Niall and Geoffrey and Skye remained sitting, the others having either left the hall or gathered about the fireplace. Niall knew he could not leave in the morning unless he first spoke with Skye. She had managed to avoid speaking directly to him all evening while making it appear as if nothing was wrong. Niall realized he must take the direct route.
“Skye,” he said quietly, looking directly into her eyes, “I would tender my apologies for our last meeting.”
Her lips turned up in a little smile. “You were under a great strain, my lord,” she replied pleasantly. The smile did not reach to her blue eyes, which were devoid of all expression. “Now I hope you will excuse me, my lord. It has been an exciting day, and I am weary.” She didn’t pause to wait for an answer. Bending to Geoffrey, her eyes warm now, she said, “Do not be long, my darling.”
He caught her hand and, turning it, kissed the palm lingeringly. “I won’t, my love.” Her hand caressed his face.
Niall felt himself painfully the intruder in witnessing this short intimate moment. Skye paused at the door to the hall and, turning, said, “God speed, Niall.” Then she was gone.
“She really has forgiven you, Niall. But you hurt her and she is proud.”
“She was always proud,” he said. “Proud and defiant of the entire world. I think that’s why her father loved her best, and left the O’Malleys in her charge.” Niall rubbed his forehead wearily. “Ah, that is history now, history of another time, another place. And, I’m thinking of another woman. Well, I’m off to bed, Southwood. I plan to make an early start. If I don’t see you in the morning, I thank you now for your hospitality.”
Geoffrey Southwood watched his guest depart, and felt sorry for him. Then, shaking himself, he went to prepare for bed. When he joined his wife, Skye was brushing her lovely dark hair. “You were hard on him, my love.”
“I will not be vulnerable to Niall Burke ever again,” she said grimly. Then, switching moods, she wound her arms about him and he laughed softly.
“Witch, are you flirting with me?”
“Yes! Kiss me, Geoffrey!”
He pretended to consider her demand. “I must think on this, madam,” he said, moving away from her.
“Beast!” she hissed, launching herself at his back.
He turned in time to catch and crush her against his chest. Pinioned, she was helpless. “And now, madam,” he said softly as he nibbled her lips.
“Love me, Geoffrey! Please love me!”
“With pleasure, my darling,” and his mouth closed over hers.
She gave herself to him unreservedly, once again surprising him by the intensity of her passion. Her lips were petal-soft beneath his, parting to allow his tongue entry. Never freeing her lips,he lifted her up and carried her to their bed. He laid her gently amid the pillows, then drew off his silken nightshirt. Her sapphire eyes devoured him, his lime-green eyes responded in kind. She quickly drew her own sheer nightgown off, flinging it to the floor, and then held out her arms to him. He sat on the edge of the bed and took her face in his strong hands, looking deep into her magnificent eyes.
“No, Skye, don’t make love to me in order to wipe out memories of Niall Burke. I am not afraid of those memories, and neither should you be. You cared deeply for the man once, and I know that those feelings can never be erased completely, nor should they be. I know he hurt you, but he was in pain himself. Forgive him, my darling, for his sake but for mine as well, so that when we love I know it is because of the feelings you have for me, not the deep resentment you still harbor for Niall Burke.”
