My Savage Heart (The MacQuaid Brothers) Read Online Free PDF Page A

would be spared the bloodshed that had plagued many of the other colonies. But that opinion obviously wasn’t shared by Raff MacQuaid. He talked as if outbreaks of fighting would soon be common on the frontier. And that’s where they were bound.
    Caroline was so intent upon listening that the deep bong of the tall case clock in the hall was startling. Her small gasp was loud enough to interrupt the conversation on the porch.
    Caroline stood frozen with indecision as footfalls headed her way. And then Mr. Walker came through the door, and it was too late for retreat.
    “Ah, Lady Simmons, were you seeking us?”
    “Yes... yes, I was,” Caroline lied, silently thanking her host for providing the chance to explain away her obvious eavesdropping. Her gaze shifted up to meet Raff’s as he followed Mr. Walker into the pool of light from the brass sconces lining the hallway. It was obvious from his expression that he didn’t believe her. Caroline cleared her throat. “I wished to... to...” Caroline forced her eyes from his dark stare and focused instead on Mr. Walker’s jovial face. “To retire.”
    “Of course, you do, my dear. You must be exhausted. I know how Raff rides, never taking into consideration that the rest of us aren’t his equal on a horse.”
    “Oh, Mr. MacQuaid was very kind during the journey.” Caroline felt compelled to defend her future stepson, despite the fact that he still stared at her with enough intensity to make her uncomfortable. He made no comment, and all Mr. Walker did was laugh, a deep booming sound as he took her hand and accompanied her to the foot of the stairs.
    “I hope you find everything to your comfort, Lady Caroline.”
    “I’m sure I shall. Thank you.” Caroline rested her hand on the smooth banister, anxious to make good her escape upstairs. But she hesitated. Glancing around she smiled, first at her host. “Good night, Mr. Walker.” Then at Raff who’d followed her to the stairs. “Good night, Mr. MacQuaid.”
    She didn’t wait for any response, which from the older man was pleasant, from her future stepson nonexistent, before turning and hurrying up the staircase.
    “Are you trying to frighten the girl to death?”
    Wolf rested his hand on the newel, staring at the top of the stairs long after Caroline disappeared down the hallway. Then he turned to his friend. “What in the hell is that supposed to mean?”
    “Simply that your expression when you look at her is so fierce I’m surprised the thought of you being in her household doesn’t send her running home to England.”
    “You don’t know what you’re talking about. First of all, I won’t be part of Her Ladyship’s household, and second, this is the way I always look. Indian blood runs dark.” Wolf pasted a smile on his face and clasped his friend’s shoulder. But he couldn’t help wondering if he was still trying to dissuade Caroline Simmons from going to his father.
    He’d heard her in the hallway long before the clock struck nine. She was listening to his conversation with George and perhaps because of that he’d painted the prospect of war as grimly... as truthfully, as he could. He hadn’t exaggerated. Unless something was done quickly to stop it, war between the Cherokee and the English of South Carolina appeared a reality. But was he trying to scare her off? To spare her the unpleasantness of wedding his father? The idea still puzzled him as he entered the parlor and Rebecca rushed across the floor to meet him.

    How could she have been so stupid and ill-mannered?
    Caroline leaned against the door, trying to calm her racing emotions. She’d been caught listening to a private conversation, and she’d been caught by Raff MacQuaid. Caroline shut her eyes. She could clearly visualize the expression on his dark, handsome face as she lied. It was not something she cared to see again. It was as if his eyes could bore straight through her... find her innermost secrets. And it was terribly