Wishes In The Wind Part 8

"I was and I am."

"Then it's crucial that you support my efforts. You must perceive me and treat me as Alden Stoddard."

"Derby-" Dustin lowered his voice, an added precaution to ensure they were not overheard. "Stop worrying. I don't make promises I don't mean to keep. I'll protect your secret, as well as your father's. Trust me not to betray you."

"I do trust you-I have from the onset. But there are several points I must emphasize. First, recognize that I shall always address you formally-as *my lord' or *Lord Tyreham.' It would be totally inappropriate for Stoddard to use your given name."

"Agreed."

"Next, cease eyeing me as if I'm some delightful confection you plan to gobble up."

Dustin's lips twitched. "I wasn't aware I was doing that. But, rest a.s.sured, the way I eye you when we're alone will differ greatly from the way I eye you among others."

Confusion clouded her face. "That's not what I meant."

"Nevertheless, it's the truth. My demeanor with Alden Stoddard will be completely businesslike. In fact, I'll go one step further." Dustin considered the drastic vow he was about to make, then pushed onward, praying he'd have the strength to see it through. "Even when we're alone, I'll let you dictate the terms of our relationship. Until and unless you proclaim otherwise, you are Alden Stoddard and I am your employer. Fair enough?"

"Yes." Nicole looked surprised, dazed, and-best of all-disappointed.

"That should eliminate your anxiety, Derby. You now know that I won't leap upon you like some sacrificial lamb to be devoured against your will. Incidentally," he added with a wry grin, "even under the best of circ.u.mstances, I don't devour innocent women. Or boys of any kind, innocent or otherwise."

A flicker of humor. "I'm relieved, my lord. I was told that innocent women are the only sort who remain safe from your allure. However, I'd heard nothing about boys. I'm delighted to hear that they, too, are excluded from your list of potential prey."

Laughter rumbled from Dustin's chest. "I'm going to have to accustom myself to that rapier wit and forthright tongue."

"If Papa's complaints about me are valid, you have quite a challenge ahead of you."

"I knew that from the start. But, Derby-" His gaze delved deep inside her. "Remember that challenges are my forte. Especially those as well worth embracing-and savoring-as you."

Her lashes swept her cheeks, now flushed in response to his blatant message.

"Continue with your details," Dustin murmured, easing her back to safe ground. "What else can I do to a.s.suage your anxiety?"

"Only one thing more." The toe of Nicole's boot traced lines in the dirt. "My father wants to see you," she announced uncomfortably. "Today. I told him what happened between us in your study... no!" Her head came up, her expression mortified as she realized what she'd just implied. "I don't mean I told him what we ... that we ..." Agitated, she sought the right words. "What I meant was that I explained the outcome of my interview, that you'd deduced who I was and why."

"I understood what you meant." Rather than amus.e.m.e.nt, Dustin felt a surge of acute tenderness at her plight. When was the last time he'd seen a woman try so hard to circ.u.mvent any mention of what amounted to no more than a chaste, albeit soul-shattering, kiss? "And I concur wholeheartedly with your decision. The more intimate moments of our exchange should be kept private, not only because hearing about them would upset your father but because there aren't words to describe the magic that occurs when you're in my arms."

He could actually see the tiny shiver that ran through her. "It's never going to happen again," she whispered, her tone as unconvincing as her pledge.

"Oh, yes it is." Dustin's need to hold her was a palpable ache in his chest-one he refused to succ.u.mb to. "Not just again, but again after that. It's as inevitable as dawn, as compelling as darkness. However, it will be up to you to determine when and where."

She was struggling to stay afloat. Guilt apprised him that he wasn't helping.

"Let's get back to the subject at hand," he suggested, heeding his inner voice. "Why does your father want to see me?"

"Partially, to discuss the men who are after him. Partially to ... to ..." Her flush deepened.

"To make certain I won't take advantage of his daughter," Dustin finished for her.

She looked startled, her eyes widening in reaction.

"As I told you, Derby, I was raised by a highly principled man. I well understand honor." He met and held her gaze. "You said that you trust me."

"I do."

"Then trust me not to take advantage of you or hurt you in any way. Even if it means sacrificing my own needs. And yours."

A current of sensual awareness ran between them, softening Nicole's eyes to a smoky violet. "All right."

G.o.d, how he wanted her. "What time would your father like to meet?"

"At noon. Papa says that's all the time I'll need to win Dagger over."

Dustin chuckled. "I suspect he's right."

Nicole didn't return the smile. "Dustin," she murmured, unaware she'd even used his given name, "At the risk of overstepping my bounds, would you go to him? I know that's an unusual request. You must be accustomed to summoning others, rather than vice versa. But I'm terrified that if Papa leaves the cottage ..."

"He should never venture outside that house," Dustin inserted at once. "Not until we've resolved this threat to his life, and how far-reaching it really is. Of course I'll go to him."

"Thank you." She nearly sagged with relief. "I seem to be perpetually thanking you."

"Then stop. If you want to thank me, win the Derby. I'll consider that to be a splendid token of your appreciation."

"You really mean that, don't you?"

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't. Not to you." Dustin hesitated, determined to explain that final statement and, by doing so, to explore his unprecedented pull toward her. "Candor is an unusual trait for me, at least where women are concerned."

"Why is that?"

"Because, in my experience, women prefer to hear anything other than the truth."

"Perhaps you're a.s.sociating with the wrong women."

"Perhaps. Which brings me to my request-a request that involves those hours when you're off duty. I'd like to call on you, to enjoy the pleasure of your company. On those occasions, I don't care if you dress in breeches or gowns, nor do I care if our topics are as complex as the philosophy of life or as fundamental as the breeding of horses. You decide. Moreover, I'll visit on your terms-at the cottage, with your father present if you wish. That should ease your mind, not only about my intentions, but about the risk of discovery, which will be nil. Anyone who sees me come and go will think I'm simply visiting my jockey to plan our strategy. May I have your permission?" He hesitated. "Nicole's permission?"

Silence.

At last, she replied, "You promised to let me set the rules. Yet earlier, you insisted that our ... embrace will happen again. I don't understand how such conflicting a.s.surances are feasible."

"Don't you?"

He saw her breath catch.

"Derby-" Staunchly, Dustin struggled to retain his final shred of control, the one that kept him from d.a.m.ning his vows and dragging her into his arms. "You will set the rules." Who was he convincing, her or himself? "That was my vow, and I intend to keep it." G.o.d help him. "As for our kisses, their future is in your hands. Yours, and fate's."

Nicole's expression was an exquisite kaleidoscope of emotions. "And if I refuse your visits? Will Alden Stoddard be scratched from the Derby?"

"I'll repeat what I said yesterday. Whatever Nicole decides will have no bearing on Stoddard's position. My alliance with each of them is entirely separate, neither being contingent upon the other."

"Why?" she whispered. "Given the strict constraints that would define our visits, why do you want to see me?"

"Many reasons. Some of which I supplied on the river walk, when I explained why I was out walking alone rather than immersing myself in the season's b.a.l.l.s. One of which I supplied a moment ago when I admitted how seldom I've employed honesty in my dealings with women. And others of which I can't supply at all, for they're beyond my comprehension." He frowned. "Do you know I can't recall the last time I shared a meaningful conversation? Offered something more profound than a practiced compliment or a senseless nicety? Not just with women but with anyone, save Trent and Ariana. Yet with you-" He shook his head in amazement. "You remind me there's more. Even after three fleeting chats. I can't explain it any better than that, for I'm not sure I fully understand it myself."

"Who is Ariana?"

Dustin started. He'd become so absorbed in his explanation, he'd nearly lost track of what he'd said. "What?"

"Ariana," Nicole repeated cautiously. "Is she a ... friend?"

There was no mistaking it. Nicole was bothered by the possibility.

Abruptly, Dustin wanted to whoop with joy. "Yes, Derby, she's a friend. But not in the way you mean. She's my sister-in-law, married to my brother Trenton."

"Oh." Relief, vivid as the dismay that had preceded it, flashed across her face.

"She's a very special young woman. We became friends the instant we met-the very day she married Trent. If there's such a thing as a marriage made in heaven, they have it."

"I see." Nicole looked puzzled. "Is she dishonest?"

He blinked. "No. She's remarkably sincere."

"Then why do you a.s.sume she's unique?"

"Because I've known quite a few women. And, believe me, I know of what I speak."

Nicole chewed her lip thoughtfully. "I'm sorry, then. For so sophisticated a man, you've had very limited experiences with women. I've been fortunate. In my case, just the opposite is true. Despite my narrow circle of acquaintances, I've always found men to be engaging companions, unpretentious in both discussion and recreation."

Rage. Dustin nearly jolted at its unfamiliar intensity. More staggering still was its cause: jealousy. Fierce, undiluted jealousy. He wanted to choke the life out of every nameless, faceless b.a.s.t.a.r.d who'd come near her. "What men?"

"Pardon me?"

"What men? And what recreation?"

Stunned comprehension dawned. "The kind one partakes in outside the bedchamber," Nicole retorted, her chin set in that mutinous way Dustin was coming to recognize. "With men who have a.s.sets more meaningful than a betting book of wagers on who their next paramour will be." She folded her arms across her chest. "Bear in mind, my lord, that unlike you, I haven't spent the better part of my life between the bedsheets. I grew up in the stables, amid fine men like Papa, Sully, and all the other jockeys and trainers I've been fortunate enough to know. And, before your eyes once again darken to that fierce shade of blue-black, I mean *know' in the fellowship sense, not the biblical one."

Dustin's lips twitched. "I'm glad," he said without a shred of remorse. "Because, despite the fact that I'm not a violent man, I felt suddenly compelled to kill each and every male who's ever so much as touched you."

"Once again, I appreciate your concern for my welfare. Although this time that concern was most unnecessary. To be blunt, the only male who's ever touched me, as you put it, is you."

Abruptly, the world looked brighter.

"Good. I intend to keep it that way." He glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Dagger is back, having either received his exercise or provided Brackley with his. Before I take you out there and perform the introductions, may I have Nicole's answer?"

She was frowning, evidently still pondering the undue severity of his reaction. h.e.l.l, he didn't blame her. He'd been equally astonished himself.

"Dust ...Lord Tyreham." She searched his face. "You and I are worlds apart."

"That, Derby, is not an answer."

Another pause. "You did agree that I would race Dagger, no matter what my answer might be?"

"Only if Dagger agrees."

"He will."

A chuckle. "Then, yes. You'll race Dagger. Regardless of your decision. You have my word."

"All right." Nicole sighed, looking eager and reluctant all at once. "Four o'clock. At the cottage. Come for tea." An impish twinkle. "By the way, I'd suggest you eat beforehand. I have it on the best authority that my scones are more lethal than bullets. As for attire, you'll have to endure my wearing breeches. And not only to avoid discovery. As I explained-"

"I remember." Triumph, more intoxicating than brandy, surged through Dustin's veins. "You don't wear gowns."

"Or corsets," she reminded him.

"Or corsets."

Their eyes met.

"Nicole ..." Her name was as intimate as a caress, deliberately used to underscore what hovered between them. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she managed.

Clearing his throat, Dustin reached behind him, turning the door handle to lead Stoddard to his future. "Have we covered everything, Derby?"

"I believe so, yes."

"Excellent. Then, let's go. You're about to meet your match."

"It's too late, my lord." Pa.s.sing through the doorway, Nicole brushed by him-and shivered. "I fear I already have."

Six.

"HOW WAS HE TODAY, Brackley?" Dustin asked, striding into Dagger's stall. "Did our glimmer of hope hold out?"

The groom shook his head. "Unfortunately, no, my lord. When I saw you manage to tack him up, I thought finally we were making some progress. I even succeeded in walking him-calmly-for a quarter hour or so. But then I attempted to mount him and, well, he wanted no part of that. He started his usual rearing and fussing like a scared cat." Brackley frowned. "If you'll forgive my saying so, sir, I don't see much chance of competing in the Derby. Perhaps if Banks hadn't retired just now, things would be different. Banks had a unique way of soothing mounts like Dagger. I'm afraid I haven't that same ability. And with the Derby just weeks away, I don't know if the dramatic transformation you seek is possible, my lord."

"Well, we're about to find out." Dustin gestured for Nicole to join them in Dagger's stall. "This is the lad I told you about." Not even a heartbeat of hesitation accompanied the introduction. "Brackley-Stoddard, our new jockey. If Nick Aldridge's recommendation holds true, Stoddard will easily match Banks's rapport with horses and, thus, make remarkable headway with Dagger. After which, I'm convinced they'll ride to a well-deserved victory in the Derby."

"Stoddard." Brackley inclined his head at Nicole, his expression friendly but dubious. In fact, he looked about as certain of Dustin's prediction as a magistrate being a.s.sured a pickpocket had successfully mended his ways. "I sure hope you know what you're doing."

"Nice to meet you, Brackley-and I do." Relief rushed through Nicole. Brackley might doubt her skill, but he didn't doubt her gender.