The Random Gentleman by Chater Elizabeth

Author:Chater, Elizabeth [Chater, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9780449502105
Publisher: Fawcett
Published: 1980-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The first gypsy they encountered as they entered the clearing was the girl Lara. She flashed a hostile glance toward the Duke, and then subjected Belinda to a contemptuous scrutiny. Before she could address them, however, the two Gorgios were surrounded by a ring of teasing young children and younger women, eager to welcome the pretty stranger. The Duke was surprised to notice that all the men save The Whip and Quebracho had disappeared, but concluded that the missing men were poaching or off collecting kegs of run brandy from wherever they were hidden. No doubt the residents of Sayre Court and the guests at The Climbing Man would soon be enjoying a very special tipple.

Dane introduced Belinda to the inquisitive group with a casual “This is Miss Prudence Oliphant.”

The Whip advanced, Quebracho smiling at his shoulder, toward the newcomers, but before Anton had a chance to speak. Lara said with an abrupt laugh, “Elephant? What kind of name is that?”

Belinda, who had been hoping that none of the older women would recognize her as the Earl’s granddaughter, drew herself up at this piece of gratuitous insolence. Quebracho offered a placating remark, his eyes on Belinda’s face, but Lara continued scornfully, “Is this your mort, Gorgio? Now I see why her father had to arrange a match for her!”

Oh, no, groaned the Duke, not that again! Cursing himself for having used the truth as an excuse to get out of a tight place, he turned swiftly to his companion, noting her shocked surprise. Quickly he seized her hand in an ardent clasp.

“Although I had not had the pleasure of meeting her until today, I can only give thanks for my good fortune in being pledged to Miss Oliphant.” Bending his bright gold head, he raised the small hand to his lips. At the same time, he pressed the girl’s fingers in urgent warning.

Belinda, who had no notion why this attractive stranger should be telling such a monstrous whopper to his gypsy friends, was quick to realize that the encounter had developed a threatening aspect. The girl’s suspicious glance, the old man’s anxious friendliness, and the guarded look her companion was giving her suggested danger as much as the gypsy girl’s attack had done. She looked at the giant gypsy who was approaching them. Was it not—? Yes, it was the same big fellow who had been so obsequious at the wall. His flat black gaze now held a darkly menacing challenge to the man beside her.

Belinda was not the Earl’s granddaughter for nothing.

“My guardian wishes us to sign the marriage contracts today,” she supported the golden-haired man’s lie, “but I wanted to meet the friends with whom my promised husband had traveled into Devonshire.” She smiled enchantingly at the leader of gypsies. “I did not know, when I saw you all arrive in the village, that my intended was with you. I suppose he had come that way to get a glimpse of what the Fates had in store for him,” she grinned saucily at the Duke.

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