Patricia Rice by Moonlight an Memories Page B

caught him in the midsection, dealing two furious blows that bent the man in two.  
    Astounded by his unleashed violence, Eavin could only stare as Nicholas spoke in low tones she couldn't hear. Although she knew what Nicholas was, she had never seen him in any other guise than that of gentleman. Seeing him now, shoulders straining at his shirt, hands on narrow hips, she had a glimpse of the man beneath the elegance of silk.
    She had to be realistic. She knew Nicholas wasn't defending her. He was protecting his property and using her as the excuse he needed to get rid of a man he didn't like. But Eavin's shattered nerves needed the security of believing that part of Nicholas's rage was in her behalf. She had spent the better part of a lifetime protecting herself. It was satisfying to think that a man like Nicholas would come to her defense when necessary.
    She would have to leave it at that. Despite the violence before her, her body was waking from the numbness of fear. Nicholas's hands had left an imprint on her. It had been nearly a year since a man had held her, but she hadn't felt any need for such until now.  
    Jenkins wasn't fool enough to argue with a man with a whip, a powerful punch, and two brawny slaves at his side. Muttering threats, he spat at the ground and limped off in the direction of the house. Eavin could read nothing in Saint-Just's expression as he approached. She wondered how Francine had ever got close enough to win his heart. It didn't seem possible that he had one. The violence simmering so close to his surface must have replaced it.
    They returned to the house in relative silence. Only when they entered the stable and Nicholas lifted Eavin from the saddle did he break the truce.
    "You will tell me now why it is you went to the fields today."
    Eavin didn't trust him at the best of times. She trusted him even less when his easy English gave way to the stilted French accents of his youth. Pulling from the strong hands encompassing her waist, Eavin met Nicholas's dark eyes with a bravery she didn't feel.
    "I want to go to Christmas mass."
    A muscle in his jaw twitched. He pulled off his hat and wiped his brow, releasing the wild mane of his hair. Sweeping his gaze over her petite stature and blood-splattered clothing, returning it to rest on the disheveled mass of her curls, Nicholas asked with a slight drawl, "You wish me to take you to New Orleans?"
    "I wish to go to mass."
    Undaunted, he replied, "Mass is in New Orleans."
    With the truth dawning on her, Eavin gave a cry of frustration and ran for the house.
    This godforsaken, alligator-ridden, swampy hell didn't even have a church.

 
    Chapter 9
    "The harvest is in. I can take you to New Orleans now if you require," Nicholas announced after dinner in mid-December.
    "No, I don't wish to endanger Jeannette in this weather," Eavin replied, bending over her sewing.
    He gave her a disbelieving glance as he poured his brandy. "And that is the reason you did not go with Jeremy to his church?"
    "His church is not mine." Eavin bit her lip to keep from saying more. Nicholas in this mood was worse than no Nicholas at all. When he had nothing else to occupy his time, his energy strained at the seams of the old house until it rubbed raw everything and everyone within his reach.
    "And your excuse for not accompanying Clyde Brown to the American Christmas festivities?"
    "Is none of your business," she replied firmly, snapping off a piece of thread with her teeth.
    Nicholas threw himself into his usual chair, propping his feet on the fireplace fender. Lilting his brows, he inquired politely, "What are you afraid of?"
    "Snakes and alligators," Eavin answered promptly, threading another needle.
    Nicholas grunted appreciation of her wit. "Brown and Howell are many things, but they're not snakes or alligators. You are afraid of men. Admit it."  
    "I've been married," Eavin reminded him. "I'm not eager to repeat the experience."
    "Your behavior is unnatural," Nicholas