Free Damien's Destiny by Jean Hart Stewart

back although she was obviously shaken. Well content, he tucked her arm again in his and led her as they returned in silence to the hotel. They did not speak until he softly bade her sleep well and kissed her forehead as he left her at her room.
    He was positive he’d someday win her body but it would not be an easy task. He wanted much more than just her body, even as he craved to possess her. He wanted her heart and her every thought. At least he’d made the barest beginning.
    He groaned involuntarily. He’d manage little sleep tonight. Knowing she slept but one wall away, her beautiful body so close to him and so unreachable.
    He refused to put a sleep spell on himself. He wasn’t quite that weak. Although he certainly could use a little more self control where Toria was concerned.
    * * * * *
     
    The interview with Lord Salisbury went well after Damien calmed his puzzlement.
    “I don’t remember you making this appointment, Sinclair. My secretary must be overworked. However, I’m glad to see you. Tell me what you want of me and then we’ll discuss what I want of you.”
    Damien found himself unwilling to let Salisbury’s secretary take the blame for his own machinations.
    “When I called this morning I found one of your appointments had been cancelled and I asked I be inserted in his slot. Your man is extremely efficient and fortunately he agreed. I was simply lucky.”
    He didn’t mention that Lord Blackwell’s carriage just happened to break down the evening before on his way to London to keep his engagement. Blackwell was understandably upset at such a mysterious happening keeping him from London an extra day. He’d better stop on his way out and make sure Blackwell was on the schedule for the next day.
    Salisbury can be an engaging rascal when he wants , Damien thought as the Prime Minister enthusiastically shook his hand.
    “What I want is simple, my lord.” Damien saw no use in small talk with a man as busy as Salisbury. “The only son of the Duke of Essingdon, Marquis Chittenden, is being held prisoner by Lobengula. I fear for him. I’ve sent someone to collect him but I’d like to make sure no one has to go too far into Mashonaland to retrieve him. I don’t know what shape he’ll be in but we will want to get him out as quickly as possible.”
    Lord Salisbury was not easily shocked but Damien could tell he found this news horrifying.
    “And what is the Duke doing to rescue his son?”
    Damien’s smile was bitter. “Nothing, my lord, but I am. My man is on his way to the Cape even now. I’m just hoping to ease my friend’s way once he arrives.”
    Lord Salisbury was still visibly shaken. “My god, man. His only son and Essingdon is doing nothing?”
    “I am taking care of the matter, my lord. I would indeed appreciate your cooperation, however. I plan to send a yacht to Beira. Rafe is being held somewhere in the southeast of Mashonaland. I’d like Lobengula’s men to transfer him to a spot opposite Portuguese Beira. There’s a break in the mountains there and it’s the nearest way to reach him. Rhodes will have to make Lobengula want to cooperate, although I’m going to send a large ransom to sweeten the pot for Lobengula.”
    Salisbury locked his fingers together and regarded Damien.
    “I think there is much here I don’t know. Fortunately our government’s recent ultimatum to Portugal to cease activities and withdraw from that area should help.”
    Damien didn’t change expression. He certainly couldn’t tell the prime minister of England he’d seen the location clearly in his prophetic mind. Right now no one had complete control over the area, although as usual the British seemed to be coming out on top.
    Lord Salisbury almost smiled.
    “Nor perhaps do I not want to know all the details. However, the heir of Essingdon cannot be permitted to be treated as an ordinary hostage. I’ll see to Lobengula transporting him as close as possible to the border of Mashonaland and that