Free Whirlwind Wedding by Jacquie D'Alessandro Page B

sent him an arch look. "Or should I not ask?"
    Color seeped into Mortlin's thin cheeks and he shuffled his feet. "Well, the bigger one's named Zounds—"
    "That isn't so terrible."
    "And the other one is, er . . ." He flushed to the tips of his protruding ears.
    "I can't say it in front of a lady."
    Pressing her lips together to contain her amusement, she said "I see."
    "Guess I've got to change the wee beastie's name, but 'twas the first thing what popped out of me mouth when it was born." He shook his head clearly bemused. "Them kittens just kept comin' and comin'. No stoppin'
    them, there was. Gave me quite a turn, it did."
    "Yes, I imagine so." She ran her hands over George's warm belly, then stilled. After gently pressing the furry tummy several more times, she hid a smile. "The gestation period for a cat is about sixty days. I'm afraid I won't still be here when George gives birth to her next litter, or I'd offer to assist you. I'm quite capable in these matters."
    "I'm sure ye are, but. . ." His voice trailed off and his eyes widened to saucers. "Next litter?"
    "Yes. I predict George will be a mama again in about a month."
    Mortlin's widened eyes bugged out. "Surely the beast is just fat! The kittens aren't even three months old! 'Ow the blazes did this 'appen?"
    She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the groom's dumbfounded expression. "In the usual way, I suspect." Giving George's tummy one last rub, Elizabeth stood then patted the man's arm.
    "Do not worry yourself, Mortlin. George will be fine, and you'll have a new group of mice catchers."
    "Got more mice catchers underfoot now than I need" he grumbled.
    "Stubble it, this is supposed to be a stable. I'm a groom, not a cat doctor. I'd best saddle yer mount now—before the blasted feline starts spewin' out babes again."
    Suppressing her amusement, Elizabeth entertained herself with the kittens while Mortlin went about his tasks. He soon presented her with a lovely brown mare named Rosamunde and offered her a hand up. She landed in the sidesaddle with a bone-jarring plop that shook her teeth. At home she'd often ridden astride on her solitary rides, but she dared not do so here even though she disliked sidesaddle. The fussy riding ensemble English fashion dictated she wear also irritated her. So many yards of material and poufs and flounces. She thought with longing of the simple, lightweight riding habits she'd fashioned herself and worn in America.
    Aunt Joanna had taken one look at them and nearly swooned. "Totally unsuitable, my dear," Aunt Joanna had declared. "We must do something about your wardrobe immediately."
    Adjusting her heavy skirts around her as best she could Elizabeth started off. At the end of the short path leading from the stable, she paused and looked back. Mortlin was crouched down on his haunches, his weathered face wreathed in tenderness as he gently petted George's swollen belly. He clearly thought she was out of earshot for he said "We'll 'ave to come up with some dignified names for yer new set of babies. Can't have any more of them called Double Damnation."
    Smiling to herself, she headed toward the forest. She traveled along the bank of the stream, enjoying the fresh clean air and the sunshine warming her face. She was not, however, enjoying the sidesaddle or the blasted riding habit that imprisoned her legs.
    When she reached the area where the stream widened and spilled into the lake, she pulled Rosamunde to a halt. She was wriggling her bottom around desperate to untangle her legs from the yards of ungainly material binding them, when she felt herself slipping from the saddle. A startled yelp of dismay escaped her. She grabbed for the pommel, but wasn't quick enough. She fell ignominiously from the horse, landing on her backside.
    Unfortunately she landed right in the mud.
    Even worse, she landed on a slippery steep incline. She slid down the slimy, wet embankment, screaming all the way, and landed in the