Page 73 of The Irish Gypsy

"I think not, my dear. Rob is not merely myservant, he is also my friend, and therefore my guest."

She masked her annoyance immediately. PatrickO'Reilly was arrogant, dominant, used to getting his own way, andbest of all, he had a deliciously cruel streak. If she angered himnow, she realized she was in danger of losing him, so she becameall smiling, gracious hospitality.

Patrick laid the groundwork for an earlydeparture. "Unfortunately, I am already behind in my schedule. Wemust press on immediately at dawn tomorrow."

She licked her lips and pouted, "I think youareungallantto put your work before me,chéri."

When he didn't respond to her sally, shedecided on a more direct approach. "I beg a few words with you inprivate,monsieur? I must retire while the sun is so hot.Please excuse me?"

He sidestepped the brazen invitation. "Good!That will give me a chance to show off your lovely plantation toRob."

In the stables Patrick explained to Rob,"We'll ride; it's far too large to cover on foot. You have no ideahow vast this plantation is."

The farther they rode, the more astounded RobWilson became. "I knew there was wealth in the world, Mr. O'Reilly,but I've never seen it on a vast scale like this before."

"It took my breath away too, the first time Isaw it," acknowledged Patrick.

"All this could be yours, couldn't it?"quizzed Rob.

Patrick smiled ruefully, "I suppose it could,but at what a price, lad, at what a price," and he silently shookhis head.

Inside the mansion Jacquine summoned Topaz toher bedchamber. "Go to the compound and tell Colossus that under nocircumstances must he come up to the big house tonight." Topaz knewwithout further explanation what was required of her. There were nosecrets on a plantation. "I think also once dusk has descended youcan go up to our young visitor's room. You may tell him he has mypermission to pleasure you." Topaz veiled the hatred in her eyesand stepped quickly from the room.

Since the heavy meal had been served atdinnertime, supper was a light, cold meal. Afterward, Patrick andRob lit cigars and relaxed with a drink as the sky outside gatheredinto a thick darkness.

Topaz slipped out of the house and hurrieddown toward the compound. Colossus was striding past the rows ofcabins, as he did every night on his way to the big house. No onepaid much attention, even though everyone knew where he was goingand why. Topaz came up with him under a beautiful live oak drapedwith moss.

"The mistress says you're not to come up tothe big house tonight."

"Why not?"

"Her fancy Englishman has come visitin' soshe can't have no nigger in her bedroom."

He went to brush past her and took anothertwo steps toward the house, but Topaz was after him in a flash."Colossus, no! She'd strip the hide off me," she cried.

He reached down and gripped her arms. "Youcan take her place, Topaz."

"You're too big for me," she saidfearfully.

"When is this Englishman leavin'?"

"Tomorrow. I heard him say he's leavin'tomorrow for sure."

"All right, gal, go on."

Jacquine grew very impatient as she watchedthe men laughing and smoking. Finally she arose and stretchedsensuously. "Time for our littletête-à-tête,Patrick," shesaid suggestively.

Able to avoid her no longer, Patrick smiledlazily. "Lead on, my dear." He followed her up the stairs to herboudoir and closed the door behind them. He went over to an arrayof bottles and glasses and poured two Bourbons. "Try it my way witha little bitters; it adds a subtle flavor," he offered.

"Chéri,you know I'll try it any way,"she said and laughed.

"I'm sorry I have to leave so soon, Jacquine,but when I return for the baled cotton, we'll have lots of timeto....talk."

"How long will you be gone,monamour?"

"Three weeks, a month at the most, I think."He refilled her glass. "Why didn't you marry?" he quirked a darkbrow at her.

"None but you could satisfy me, of course,"she said laughing.