Page 85 of Ravished

At that moment a groom appeared with the next offering, a beautiful little dappled gray Arabian mare. Gideon hesitated, a sudden image of Harriet seated atop the pretty little gray appearing in his mind.

He stopped and took a closer look at the mare. She had a sleek, compact build that promised strength and endurance. The small ears looked sensitive and alert. The intelligent eyes were wide-set in the mare's beautifully sculpted head. Harriet would appreciate intelligence in a horse.

Gideon was studying the animal's dainty feet when Morland spoke behind him.

"Not exactly your style, is she, St. Justin? You'd do better with one of those great, hulking brutes you usually favor. Something you cannot crush when you climb on top of her."

Gideon did not look at him. He kept his attention on the mare. "I am pleased you are here today, Morland. I wanted to have a word with you."

"Did you? Most unusual." Morland's tone was taunting. "You have barely spoken to me at all in the past six years."

"We have not had anything to discuss."

"And now we do?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I am going to give you a warning, Morland. I trust you will pay attention to it."

"And if I do not?"

"Then you shall find yourself dealing with me." Gideon liked the saucy arch of the mare's tail and the proud way she carried herself. Something about the horse's air of vitality and enthusiasm reminded him of Harriet.

"Are you by any chance attempting to threaten me?" Morland asked mockingly.

"Yes." Gideon studied the mare's sturdy hindquarters. Plenty of strength there, he decided. She could go the distance. "I want you to stay away from my wife."

"You bloody son of a bitch." Morland's voice lost its taunting quality. Now it seethed with rage. "Who the hell do you think you are to issue warnings?"

"I am St. Justin," Gideon said softly. "The Beast of Blackthorne Hall. As you are in part responsible for that title, you should be wise enough to respect it."

"You are threatening me because you know that if I set out to take your little Harriet away from you, I can do it. You know full well she would come to me if I but beckoned her with my little finger."

"No," Gideon said, his eyes still on the mare. "She would not go to you."

"If you are so certain of that, why bother to issue threats?" Morland demanded.

"Because I do not want her to be bothered by you, Morland." Gideon signaled to the groom who was leading the mare. "Now, you must excuse me. I am going to buy a horse."

Gideon strolled away from Morland without having once looked at him. He was well aware that that silent insult would be more grating to Morland than the threat itself.

Gideon returned home that afternoon to tell Harriet about the mare, only to learn that she had gone off to tour Mr. Humboldt's Museum. He would have to wait to surprise her with the announcement of his gift. It annoyed him. He realized he had been looking forward eagerly to her reaction.

Gideon scowled at Owl. Owl scowled back.

"Mr. Humboldt's Museum?" Gideon repeated.

"Yes, my lord. She seemed quite excited about the whole thing. Lord knows why. I cannot imagine anything at all exciting about a collection of moldering old bones."

"You shall have to accustom yourself to Lady St. Justin's enthusiasm for such matters, Owl."

"So I have concluded."

Gideon started toward the library and then paused. "Did she remember to take her maid or one of the footmen with her?"

"No. But I saw to the matter, sir. Her maid is with her."

"Excellent. I knew I could depend upon you, Owl." Gideon continued to the door of the library. "I am expecting a visit from Mr. Dobbs this afternoon. Please show him in when he arrives."

"Yes, my lord."

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