Free Royal 02 - Royal Passion by Jennifer Blake Page A

heated by a fireplace at each end, was as warm and bright as it was possible to be on such a cold and gray day. Candles burned in the chandeliers overhead so that their grime-coated luster appeared silver. A long, woven rug, threadbare but beautiful still in a design of classical figures on a cream background in dark blue, red, and gold lay on the intricate parquet floor, the only item of furnishing in the room. The high ceiling was groined, with heavy moldings and cornices covered with gold leaf, leaving a series of open squares down the room. These squares were painted with scenes depicting the life of Diana and were of the same colors in the rug beneath them. The paintings were dim beneath layers of dirt, but the colors were still warm and rich. In the center of the room, directly under a scene of Diana with Cupid, was a pyramid of people.
    The bottom tier was made up of Michael, Jacques, and Jared on their hands and knees. Braced on top of them, also on hands and knees, were Trude and the gypsy Luca. On the top of these two was Estes, who was balancing precariously as the others swayed back and forth in an apparent effort to dislodge him, while he himself was doing his best to persuade Demon to scramble up to crown their pile. The dog, his mouth hanging open in a canine grin between sharp barks, was keeping well away from them.
    There were complaints about sharp knees, bony shoulders, and great behemoths who overeat; groans, moans, and muttered curses. But there was also breathless laughter and a feeling of fun and ready camaraderie. Mara, putting her hands on her hips, could not keep from smiling.
    "What are you doing?” she demanded.
    Michael turned his head sharply. His face flushed as he saw her and, instinctively, he started to rise. Luca gave a yell as he lost his balance. Trude slipped and said something under her breath. Then in a tangle of legs and arms the pyramid dissolved. Estes sprang to his feet, raised his arms, and flipped into the air. Trude and Luca made diving rolls forward. Michael, Jared, and Jacques somersaulted. And suddenly there they were, all six, on their feet in front of her with their arms spread wide. As one, they bent double in a bow. Demon, not to be outdone, capered forward and stood on his hind legs, dancing in a circle.
    "Oh, well done!” Mara exclaimed, applauding.
    Estes bounced upright. With his arms still spread, he turned to the others. “Shall we do it again?"
    "No!” they chorused.
    Estes turned back with a shrug. “ Eh bien , the show is over."
    "Show, my eye,” Jared said, flexing his shoulder and back muscles.
    "A demonstration of the art of falling then, a useful skill."
    "Yes,” Mara said, her tone rueful, “I seem to remember you mentioning it before. Do you think I could learn?"
    "Nothing easier, when you are recovered."
    "I'm perfectly well."
    "No more mal de tête ?"
    "No headache."
    "Your shoulder?"
    "A bit stiff, but it might be as well if I used it."
    "Well, then!” the Italian count exclaimed, then as he glanced down at her slender form, his face fell.
    "What is it?"
    "Ah, there is the matter of ... you see—"
    "What he is trying to say,” Trude interrupted, stepping forward, “is that it will be difficult for you in your skirts."
    Mara gave a slow nod. “I see."
    "You have the trousers?” Estes asked, his tone hopeful.
    "No. Nothing except this gown."
    "Ah."
    They looked at one another, then back to Mara. They looked at Trude, who shook her head."Mine are too large."
    "And mine too small,” Estes said regretfully.
    "Mine are too long,” Michael said.
    Luca flashed a grin that showed white teeth. “I have only one pair of a quality fit for a lady, and I have them on as I came today to Paris to see Roderic. Of course, if they are required, I will gladly—"
    "That will not be necessary.” Trude gave him a repressive look.
    "Ours are too big,” the twins said.
    Trude pursed her lips as she looked at them. “Perhaps not. Size in the lower body of a