Mystique by Amanda Quick Page A

have stated that we are on a mission of grave import. You have said that speed was of the essence. That there was no time to waste.”
    “That is true.”
    “Devil’s teeth, sir, we are a company of men-at-arms, not a troupe of traveling jongleurs.” Dunstan threw up hishands. “I ask you, how are we to make haste about our business if we must be burdened with a baggage train laden with a woman’s collection of stones and alchemical apparatus?”
    “The lady in question is my future wife,” Hugh said evenly. “You will obey her instructions as you would my own.”
    Dunstan stared at him. “But I thought—”
    “See to the travel preparations, Dunstan.”
    Dunstan’s teeth snapped together with an audible click. “Aye, my lord. May I inquire as to our destination?”
    “I do not yet know. I will after I take my betrothal vows.”
    “No offense, but I have an unpleasant suspicion that regardless of the direction in which we set out, we are bound for only one destination.”
    “And what destination is that?” Hugh asked politely.
    “Trouble,” Dunstan muttered.
    “It is always good to be in familiar territory, is it not?”
    Dunstan did not deign to answer. Muttering ominously, he turned on his heel and stalked toward the door.
    Hugh glanced around the hall. There was not even a simple water clock or a sand hourglass to mark the time. Apparently Ralf had no interest in such convenient and efficient machines.
    Hugh made to rise from his chair with the intention of going outside to check the position of the sun. The clatter of footsteps and the scrape of a wooden staff on the tower stairs made him pause.
    Benedict appeared. The young man was clearly anxious but also quite determined. He came toward Hugh with rigid shoulders.
    Hugh examined him thoughtfully. With the exception of his sadly damaged left leg, Alice’s brother was tall and well formed. The lack of muscular bulk in his shoulders and chest indicated that he had never received training in arms.
    Benedict’s hair was darker than his sister’s glowing tresses, almost a deep brown. His eyes were very nearlythe same unusual shade of green as Alice’s, however, and were enlivened with a similar degree of intelligence.
    “My lord, I must speak with you at once.”
    Hugh leaned forward, braced his elbows on the table, and loosely linked his fingers. “What is it, Benedict?”
    Benedict cast a quick glance about and then moved closer so that he would not be overheard. “I have just had a talk with my sister,” he hissed. “She told me of this crazed bargain the two of you have concluded. She says she is to be betrothed to you until the spring and that the betrothal will be broken when it is
convenient
for your purposes.”
    “She used those words? Convenient for my purposes?”
    Benedict shrugged angrily. “She said something close to that, aye. She said that you are a man who values efficiency and convenience.”
    “Your sister is of a practical nature herself. Let us be clear on one point here, Benedict. It is Lady Alice who spoke of severing the betrothal in the spring.”
    Benedict scowled. “What does it matter who said the words? ‘Tis clear that this is no genuine betrothal if it is to end in a few months.”
    “I take it that you have some objection to the arrangement?”
    “I most certainly do.” Benedict’s eyes were fierce. “I believe that you seek to take advantage of my sister, sir. You obviously intend to use her for your own ends.”
    “Ah.”
    “You think to seduce her and have the conveniences of a wife until spring, do you not? Then you will toss her aside.”
    “Not likely, given the price I paid for her,” Hugh muttered. “I am not one to waste my money.”
    “Do not make a mockery of this,” Benedict raged. “I may be a cripple, but I am no fool. And I am Alice’s brother. I have a duty to protect her.”
    Hugh studied him for a long moment. “If you do not approve of our bargain, there is an