Love in a Mist by Patricia Grasso

Author:Patricia Grasso
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-20T23:44:52+00:00

Chapter 11

"What lovers do..."

Remembering the earl's whispered words brought a hot flush to Keely's cheeks and a melting sensation in the pit of her stomach.

Is this desire? Keely wondered as she stared with unseeing eyes out her bedchamber window. Again she felt his warm breath tickling her ear, his sensual lips pressed to hers, his strong hands and his heated gaze caressing her naked breasts.

Pulling herself out of the sensual reverie, Keely gave herself a mental shake. The earl was becoming too important to her. Never would she give her heart or her trust to a man, least of all an English noble.

Becoming aware of her surroundings, Keely gazed with anticipation at the darkening sky and smiled to herself. Samhuinn dusk shrouded the earth.

Her gaze dropped to the section of the duke's garden near the River Thames. Odo and Hew had worked hard all afternoon to build a circle of stone for the Samhuinn fire. They'd filled the stone circle with kindling of yew, the sacred tree of eternity. Now all stood in readiness awaiting the enchanted night.

Dressed completely in black, Keely looked like a stable-boy instead of a young woman on the threshold of marriage. She wore tight breeches, baggy shirt, leather jerkin, and scuffed boots. A black woolen cap hid her thick mane of ebony.

"I found a cork," Henry announced, barging into her chamber. "I do hope Papa prefers his wine breathing."

Smiling, Keely turned away from the window and told him, "I've selected your clothing for tonight."

"How can I catch any pretty maids if I'm dressed like a girl?" he grumbled.

" 'Tis the ancient Samhuinn custom to disguise yourself as the opposite sex," she explained. "Besides, you'll overhear them discussing your prowess and wondering where you are."

His blue eyes narrowed on her. "Are you pranking me?"

"Would I do that?"

"Yes."

Keely laughed at his suspicion. "I swear 'tis truth. Put these on."

Over his own clothing, Henry donned a threadbare violet wool skirt and linen blouse. Last came a hooded black cloak.

"Keep your head covered," Keely told him, "or no one will believe 'tis me."

"I need a couple of muskmelons."

"Why?" she asked, puzzled.

Henry grinned wickedly. "I cannot be a girl unless I have a pair of titties. I want big ones, too."

Keely blushed.

"On the other hand, two gooseberries will do, since I'm supposed to be you," he teased.

"Very funny," Keely said, slapping his arm playfully. She stepped back a couple of paces and inspected him. "You do look like a girl."

"Turn around," Henry ordered. Then: " 'Tis incredible, sister. You look exactly like a stableboy."

Clutching the wine cork and her brother's dagger, Keely headed for the hearth. She stuck one end of the cork onto the dagger and held the other end to the flame until it charred. Then she blew on the cork to cool it.

"Stand still," Keely said. Using the charred end of the cork, she blackened her brother's face and explained, "Evil spirits cannot recognize us and follow us home if we blacken our faces."

"I wish we had a full moon tonight," Henry said as she streaked his face.

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