Touch the Sun by Cynthia Wright Read Free Book Online Page A

the bowl and her impish mouth turned up. The irony was laughable to her as she recalled only too well the sumptuous, excessive meals of her past life. Memories of heavy creamed soups and spinach souffles came back to her and she laughed out loud.
    "I'll admit, sir, that this dish is an improvement over what I'm used to. The flavor is simply splendid! I'm particularly fond of okra."
    He lifted one slashing brow. "Perhaps you'll have an opportunity to sample even more sophisticated foods in the future."
    "I rather hope not," she returned, striving to repress a giggle.
    Lion leaned closer in the candlelight. He had the distinct feeling that she was not the least bit impressed with him; worse, he suspected that she was on the verge of laughter. Meagan dropped her eyes before his scrutiny and turned her attention back to the now lukewarm soup. He watched her eat, frankly curious.
    Sipping his wine, he thought back over the past three days. His preoccupation with the weather and their progress had coupled with his extreme irritation with Priscilla, leaving him little time to notice Meagan. Now he remembered clearly the way she had slapped her mistress that day on the ferry. Thinking back, it seemed now that she had done a great deal to keep Priscilla going. Lion could recall seeing Meagan leading her by the arm, her eyes conveying a stern message. Now, as the serving-girl filled their plates with molasses-cured ham, mashed carrots and parsnips, and hot rolls, Lion said, "I gather that you have been with Priscilla for a long time."
    Meagan met his sharp blue gaze, her own eyes smoky in the firelight. "Yes."
    "You seem to know how to deal with her."
    She took a sip of wine, measuring him, then gave a sudden smile. "It is an acquired art, sir, and one that is impossible to perfect." Her smile widened enigmatically before she turned to her meal.
    Lion continued to watch her as they ate, wondering. Her speech patterns were distinctly refined and her delicate, intelligent features had an aristocratic quality.
    "Have you always been a servant?" he asked suddenly.
    Meagan stared at him in astonishment, and for a brief moment he thought she looked alarmed. "I can't imagine why you should ask such a question, Captain Hampshire. But since you have—the answer is no."
    "Would you tell me the reason?"
    "My parents died."
    His burnished brows drew together, shading his eyes in the half-light. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be prying into your affairs. I know how irritating that can be." He leaned back in his chair, staring off into space as he sipped his wine.
    Meagan watched him as she ate, glancing out from under her lashes. There was a hard, bitter cut to his profile as he gazed into the fireplace. Meagan saw the pain flickering in his blue eyes and for the first time since she had seen him outside West Hills she felt prepared to be his friend.

 
     
     
    Chapter 6

     
    The remainder of their journey north took nearly ten days, and Meagan wondered frequently if it would ever end. Or, more to the point, if they would live through it. The weather grew worse the farther they traveled, and Lion's mood darkened with the ominous clouds that dogged their progress.
    The night at Spurrier Tavern had formed an odd, unspoken alliance between Meagan and her friend's betrothed. He came to realize that she could keep Priscilla's tantrums in check, while she managed to convey to him that the less he was seen the fewer scenes there would be. To Lion, the silent bargain was a good one, for his daily battles with the elements were exhausting enough; he had no desire to take on his whining bride-to-be as well.
    The master and servant learned to communicate with their eyes behind Priscilla's back as Meagan reassured him that she had everything under control. There was little opportunity for further conversation. The days were long and tiring and Meagan began to eat her nightly meals in her room with the pouting Priscilla. She regretted her unguarded behavior during