Moonstruck Madness Read Online Free PDF

parquet-tiled floor. He slid the panel securely back into place. The false wall of the fireplace looked undisturbed before the massive oak table that sat squarely in the middle of the hall. Climbing swiftly up the oak staircase, he silently made his way through a small gallery and then quietly entered a sleeping chamber, closing the doors behind him. A fire burning in the grate lighted the room, revealing a large, carved oak bedstead with dark blue velvet curtains partly drawn to keep out the draughts.
    Charlie glanced longingly at the embroidered silk quilt that covered the bed and the plump pillows covered in matching embroidered silk. He ignored the invitingly turned down bedclothes and went to stand before a small mirror hanging on the wall.
    "You're later than usual." A soft voice spoke from the bed, and then two slimly arched feet appeared, followed by a white, nightclad figure.
    Bonnie Charlie turned with a smile on his face. "Late, but we had a very profitable evening."
    The woman slid from the warmth of the bed and hurried over to the fireplace, where several kettles were steaming. "Even in summer these floors pick up a chill." She removed a large kettle and poured the steaming water into a tub, adding another, followed by a can of cold water. She placed a warm towel close to the tub, then sat down on a tapestried chair, curling her legs beneath her as she stifled a sleepy yawn.
    "I wish you wouldn't wait up for me," Bonnie Charlie told her as he began to pull his black, chamois gloves from his hands, tossing them carelessly into an oak chest. He carefully placed his weapons on the floor of the chest, and with amusement flickering in his eyes he removed the concealing mask from his face.
    "You know I can't sleep until you've returned safely," the woman replied.
    "I thought you'd know that without having to see me," the highwayman answered with a laugh, his eyes, no longer shadowed by the mask but lightened now to their true violet-blue color.
    The black cocked hat followed the gloves and mask into the chest. With slender fingers the highwayman carefully removed the powdered wig he had worn beneath his hat and placed it into the chest. Straightening up he shook his head, loosening the thick mass of blue-black hair that curled down below the fitted waist of the full-skirted coat.
    The mirror on the wall reflected the creamy smoothness of the highwayman's face. The delicately moulded features; the nose short and slightly tip-tilted above curved lips and a dimpled cheek.
    Shrugging from the loose-fitting frock coat and waistcoat, he folded them into the chest and stretched indolently, the fine, white lawn shirt tautening over the smooth outline of firm, rounded breasts.
    Where before a masked highwayman had stood, the mirror now reflected an incredibly beautiful woman standing before it. Her cheeks were flushed rosily and her lips parted in remembrance of the night's excitement as she turned to face the nightgowned figure.
    "You constantly amaze me, Sabrina," Mary said from her curled-up position on the chair. Her red hair hung in a thick braid over her shoulder and her gray eyes were bright with mischief. "I sometimes have the sneaking suspicion that you really enjoy masquerading as Bonnie Charlie."
    Sabrina laughed gaily. "Not always, especially when I have to pull off these heavy boots." She sat down tiredly on a chair and struggled to free one of her legs.
    Mary jumped up and helped her pull, laughing as she fell backwards carrying the boot with her. After the other boot had finally been removed, Sabrina rolled down the thickly knitted, worsted stockings that protected her soft skin from the hard, chafing leather, revealing slim legs and small feet. She quickly removed the tight black breeches and full-sleeved shirt, then twisted her thick black hair into two braids and pinned them on top of her head.
    Closing the carved lid of the chest, Mary glanced about the room, reassuring herself that nothing remained of the