Dangerous Masquerade: Alabama by Janet Dailey

Author:Janet Dailey [Dailey, Janet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780759238060
Google: CqdcV3VrsGQC
Amazon: 0759238065
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 1975-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

RIAN was not at the breakfast table the following morning, much to Laurie's relief. When she had passed the study, there had been voices and the sounds of shuffling papers. She had hoped that Rian was in there, but she didn't think her wish would be fulfilled until she had reached the dining area. The light repast of a grapefruit half, toast, and coffee was quickly tucked away so Laurie could make her escape to the stables without enduring Rian's unsettling presence.

The cook-housekeeper had already informed her that Vera was there and the horses were saddled and waiting when Laurie arrived. A bemused smile crossed her face as she saw the Judge hovering near the silver-haired woman. They looked so right together, he so tall and dignified and Vera so feminine and petite.

"Good morning, Laurie," the Judge greeted her enthusiastically. "Did you enjoy the parade last night?"

"Yes, it was lovely. So colourful and unbelievably gay!" She flashed him a brilliant smile as she took the reins he handed her.

"Colin is on his way over. Here he comes now," he declared as he gave Vera a boost into her saddle and turned to look at the roan cantering towards them.

After a brief greeting that was lost in the impatient shuffling of the horses eager to be off, the four riders set out towards the beckoning countryside. As usual Colin and Laurie trailed the older couple, already engrossed in a private conversation.

"I never had an opportunity last night to tell you how much I enjoyed the parade," Laurie said after they had travelled some distance and the horses had become less frisky.

"I'm glad you did," Colin smiled, his warm gaze straying to the riders in front. "Last evening must have turned out well for the Judge, too. He was singing this morning at the breakfast table. I haven't seen him that happy for ages. I'd have liked to have been a little mouse in the corner after we left them alone."

"They do act as if they're sharing some happy secret, don't they? I hope so. It would make all this seem worthwhile," Laurie mused wistfully.

"What do you mean—all this?" The blond Adonis immediately snapped up Laurie's slip of the tongue. "Don't tell me Rian was jealous about last night?"

There was a pause before Laurie answered as she felt her way for the words. "I hadn't told Rian of our plans for the evening, so he was a bit upset because he didn't expect me to be gone from the house when he returned."

"That explains it," Colin nodded. "For a minute there last night I thought Rian was going to come on as the heavy-handed fiancé posting "No Trespassing" signs on you. He can be very possessive towards anything he considers his."

Laurie blanched as she remembered the aggressive way Rian had said she belonged to him. She longed to deny her engagement with Rian, to prevent his brand from being stamped on her, while also remembering her own unqualified response to his embrace.

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