Mystique by Amanda Quick Page B

alternative.”
    “What alternative?” Benedict demanded.
    “Convince your sister to give me the information I seek without attaching a price to it.”
    Benedict slammed his fist down onto the table. “Do not think that I haven’t tried to persuade her to be sensible.”
    “Do you know the whereabouts of the stone?”
    “Nay, Alice says she only reasoned it out herself a few days ago. She would not tell me because by then we had heard that you were on the trail of it.” Benedict’s expression turned glum. “Alice immediately began to make her plans.”
    “Of course.”
    “She is a great one for making plans, you see. When she heard that you were after the stone she began to concoct a scheme to remove us both from Lingwood Manor.”
    “That is not all she bargained for,” Hugh said. “Did she mention that she made me promise to provide her with a large dowry for the convent of her choice and to send you off to Paris and Bologna to study law?”
    “I do not want to study law,” Benedict retorted. “‘Tis all her idea.”
    “But you do wish to be free of your uncle, do you not?”
    “Aye, but not at the risk of Alice’s reputation.”
    Hugh took pity on him. “Your sister is safe enough with me.”
    “No offense,” Benedict gritted, “but you are not called Hugh the Relentless for naught. ‘Tis said you are very keen on stratagems. I fear that you have some secret plans for Alice. As her brother, I cannot allow you to hurt her.”
    Hugh was impressed. “There are not many who would challenge me as you have done.”
    Benedict flushed. “I realize that I am not skilled in arms and that I am no match for you, Sir Hugh. But I cannot stand by and watch you take advantage of my sister.”
    “Would it relieve your brotherly concerns to know that I have no intention of harming Lady Alice?”
    “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “It means that I shall honor my vows of betrothal.From the moment Alice puts herself in my keeping, I shall fulfill all of my obligations to her.”
    “But that would mean marrying her,” Benedict protested. “And she does not wish to marry you.”
    “That is her problem, is it not?”
    Benedict looked baffled. “I do not comprehend you, sir. Surely you do not mean that you actually intend to wed her?”
    “Your sister is content with the bargain. I fear you must be satisfied with that much for now. All I can offer you is my oath that I will take proper care of her.”
    “But, my lord—”
    “I said, you have my oath on the matter,” Hugh repeated softly. “‘Tis generally considered more than an adequate bond.”
    Benedict’s face turned a deeper shade of dull red. “Aye, my lord.”
    “You will say naught of your suspicions to your uncle, do you comprehend me? ‘Twould be of no use. Sir Ralf will not listen to you and Alice will be most upset.” Hugh smiled. “To say nothing of my own reaction.”
    Benedict hesitated. Then his mouth thinned in mute surrender. “Aye, Sir Hugh. I comprehend you very well.”
    “Try not to be too anxious, Benedict. I am very good at stratagems. This one will work.”
    “I just wish I knew exactly what your stratagem is,” Benedict grumbled.
    T hree hours later Alice experienced a strange rush of expectancy as Hugh assisted her into the saddle. Her plan had worked. She and Benedict were free of Sir Ralf at last.
    Suddenly, for the first time in months, the future seemed fraught with promise. A crisp breeze stirred the folds of her traveling cloak. Her gray palfrey tossed its shaggy head as though eager to begin the journey.
    Out of the corner of her eye Alice saw her brother mount his horse. Although hampered by his bad leg and encumbered by the staff, Benedict had taught himself a surprisingly efficient, if somewhat odd, method for gettinginto the saddle without assistance. Those who knew him had long since learned not to offer a helping hand.
    Alice saw Hugh watch with concealed interest as Benedict climbed atop his horse.