Mystique Read Online Free PDF

melancholic expression in his eyes. Erasmus had started at every small sound. Hugh had been greatly alarmed. He had asked Erasmus if he was ill. Erasmus had refused to discuss the subject.
    On his way out of Erasmus’s keep, Hugh had heard the rumors. He learned that doctors had been summoned and had left muttering about an illness of the pulse and heart. Hugh had no faith in doctors, but in this instance he was worried.
    “My lord, I am certain that you can find another ladyfar more suited to the task of being your wife than this one,” Dunstan said desperately.
    “Mayhap, but I do not have the time to spare to search for her. I will not have an opportunity to hunt for another wife until next spring. I do not wish to make camp in Scarcliffe Keep in its present condition for the entire winter. I want a proper hall.”
    “Aye, but—”
    “’Twill be so efficient and convenient, Dunstan. Think of it. I have explained to you that recovering the crystal will go a long way toward reassuring the people of Scarcliffe that I am their rightful lord. Pray consider how much more I might impress them if I actually return to my new lands with a wife.”
    “Only think of what you are saying, my lord.”
    Hugh smiled with satisfaction. “‘Twill win them all to me for certain. They will see at once that I plan a future among them. ‘Twill give them confidence in their own future. Tis their hearts and their confidence I must have if I am to make Scarcliffe plump and prosperous, Dunstan.”
    “I’ll not deny it, but you would do well to find some other female. I do not like the look of this one and that is the honest truth.”
    “I will admit that, at first glance, Lady Alice does not appear to be the most amenable and tractable of females.”
    “I am pleased that you noticed that much,” Dunstan muttered.
    “Nevertheless,” Hugh continued, “she possesses intelligence and she is well past that frivolous stage that seems to overtake all young ladies.”
    “Aye, and she is no doubt well past a few other things also.”
    Hugh narrowed his eyes. “Are you implying that she is no longer a virgin?”
    “I would only remind you that Lady Alice is of a decidedly bold nature,” Dunstan mumbled. “Not exactly the shy, blushing, unopened rosebud, my lord.”
    “Aye.” Hugh frowned.
    “Red hair and green eyes indicate strong passions, sir. You witnessed her temper last night. She has no doubtindulged other strong emotions from time to time. She is three and twenty, after all.”
    “Hmm.” Hugh considered Dunstan’s words. “She is clearly of an intellectual nature. No doubt she has known some curiosity about such matters. She would have been discreet, however.”
    “One can only hope.”
    Hugh shook off any reservations Dunstan had given him. “I feel certain that she and I will deal well enough together.”
    Dunstan groaned. “What in the name of the devil gives you that impression?”
    “I told you, she is an intelligent woman.”
    “A surplus of intelligence and learning only serves to make females more difficult, if you ask me.”
    “I believe she and I can come to terms,” Hugh said. “Being intelligent, she will learn quickly.”
    “And, pray, just what will she learn?” Dunstan demanded.
    “That I possess some wit myself.” Hugh smiled fleetingly. “And doubtless a good deal more will and determination than she can possibly command.”
    “If you would deal with Lady Alice, I’d advise you first to demonstrate to her that you are vastly more dangerous than she presently believes you to be.”
    “I shall use whatever stratagem seems most appropriate.”
    “I do not like this, my lord.”
    “I am aware of that.”
    Dunstan spat over the edge of the wall again. “I can see there is no point trying to reason with you. This business of securing your new lands is turning out to be somewhat more difficult than you had anticipated, is it not?”
    “Aye,” Hugh agreed. “But that state of affairs seems