Moonspun Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

chattering constantly. The day was warm and clear, only scattered clouds dotting the blue sky.
    â€œIt’s a lovely day,” Victoria said finally, smiling toward David.
    â€œI suppose,” he said.
    â€œI must speak to you.”
    He looked at her now, and she saw his hand jerk unexpectedly on his horse’s reins. His stallion snorted, danced sideways, nearly unseating him. Her eyes widened, but she said nothing more until he had his horse under control.
    â€œAlmost there!” shouted Damaris.
    â€œYes, love, very nearly.” What was wrong with David? He was looking at her oddly. Then she saw Damien in her mind’s eye, standing there so smugly, looking at them, and she felt a sense of foreboding.
    They dismounted near Fletcher’s pond. David lifted Damaris down, gave her several slices of bread from Cook’s basket, then watched her until she came to a halt a good three feet from the edge of the water.
    â€œThat’s quite far enough,” Victoria called. “Ah, there’s Clarence. You can begin their feast, Damie.”
    The squawking of the ducks was very nearly deafening, and Damaris was completely oblivious of the two of them. Slowly David placed his hands around Victoria’s waist and lifted her down. Victoria smiled up at him and lightly laid her hands on his coat lapels. “I will marry you if you still wish it,” she said, no preamble coming to mind, just the bald essence of the matter.
    He stared down at her, saying nothing. Finally, “Why now, if I may inquire? You’ve turned me down every time I’ve asked since January.”
    Oh, God, what to say? It hadn’t occurred to her that he would wonder at her sudden agreement,more fool she. She could hear her own voice reciting to him, “I must leave Drago Hall before Damien ravishes me and I can only do that by marrying you and I don’t love you but I swear to make you a good wife.”
    â€œMore bread!”
    David watched her pull more slices from the paper wrap and toss them to Damaris. When she turned back, wiping her hands on her riding skirt, he felt a surge of immense longing for her. Until he remembered. “Well?”
    â€œI think we should suit, David. There are a few concerns, though, and something I really must tell you.”
    â€œWhat is this something ?”
    â€œWell, first, I am concerned about money. I haven’t any.”
    â€œDamien would provide a dowry, you must realize that. He wouldn’t wish to appear niggardly and petty, and he would were he to simply send you off with only the clothes on your back.”
    â€œYour father—”
    â€œMy father wants you. He is adamant, in fact, and has been for a very long time.”
    That was a shock. “But why?”
    David shrugged.
    â€œCertainly he has always been kind to me, but a daughter-in-law shouldn’t arrive on his doorstep as poor as a vicar’s mouse.”
    â€œI think I’ve already answered that. Now, Victoria, there is something else you should tell me, isn’t there? You do intend to tell me more, do you not?”
    She cocked her head to one side, wondering at him. He wasn’t behaving as he normally did in her company. Damien, she thought. Damien had something to do with this. She said aloud, blurting it out, “What did Damien do? Did he tell you anything?”
    â€œSo,” said David. He laughed. “So, it is all there, for anyone to see. God, how blind I’ve been.”
    â€œBlind? What are you talking about? What did Damien tell you?” She closed her eyes a moment against the ugly twisting of his lips. “It was not really so bad, was it?” Had he told David of her leg and its ugliness?
    â€œI wouldn’t have imagined it, nor would my father. I did think that I knew you, Victoria. But you deceived me. Made a complete and utter fool of me.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œDear God, I don’t