Free Kissed by Shadows by Jane Feather Page B

declared, laying a hand on Crema's neck.
    “That so, m'lady?” Malcolm sounded indifferent.
    Luisa shot him a sideways assessing glance. “Did Don Ashton give you any instructions as to how we were to ride . . . or where?”
    He shook his head. “Reckon 'tis up to you, m'lady. My job's to keep you safe.”
    “I see.” Luisa continued her perambulation around the horse. “Then I would like to ride towards Whitehall Palace. There's a park there?”
    “Aye, m'lady, a small one.”
    “Then I will change my dress at once. I will be but ten minutes.” She hurried away to the house.
    Malcolm whistled between his teeth. In his experience a lady's ten minutes would stretch easily to a half hour. He led the mare towards the tack room and gestured to a groom to saddle the animal while he went to fetch his own mount.
    It was closer to an hour before Luisa, accompanied by Bernardina, reappeared. She had tried and cast aside three gowns before settling on her present costume. She had decided that the Spanish gown of dark blue velvet with turquoise fastenings to the center of the skirt complemented her eyes very nicely. The collar of her turquoise silk
ropa
rose high at the back of her neck outside the small lace ruff that encircled her throat. She was particularly pleased with the mantilla of figured silk that was pinned to the dark braids looped over her ears, to fall in graceful folds down her back. She could use it to veil her face against rising dust . . . or interested eyes. A very useful article, as the most discreet of Spanish ladies well knew.
    It would be a great shame, she reflected, if she did not contrive to run into Robin of Beaucaire this morning. He had only ever seen her in a muddy tangle on the bottom of a punt. This was a very different presentation. However, should she fail to encounter him, then she had another plan in mind.
    Her eyes darted speculatively to the waiting Malcolm. How easy would it be to distract him for a few minutes? She had not yet taken his full measure but the morning's ride would give her some clues.
    “Bernardina, this is Malcolm. He is to look after me on my ride,” Luisa stated as they reached the groom and the horses.
    “Malcolm, you must tell Dona Bernardina that I am quite safe with your escort. If Don Ashton considers it to be so, then it must be so.” She directed this last to her duenna in the tone of one stating an irrefutable truth.
    “You would not question Don Ashton's judgment, Bernardina, would you?” She stroked the mare's nose and the horse whickered into her palm.
    “No . . . no, of course not,” Bernardina said with an unhappy sigh. “But I should come with you,
querida.
I'm sure I should. Your dear mother would not wish you to ride out accompanied only by a groom.”
    “You hate to ride, dear one,” Luisa pointed out, laying a hand on the other woman's arm. “This is England. The customs are different.” Her voice was cajoling, her smile teasing.
    “I suppose so.” Bernardina fixed Malcolm with a piercing stare. “This is Dona Luisa de los Velez of the house of Mendoza,” she announced. “A lady of one of the greatest families of Spain. You understand that.”
    “Aye, madam.” Malcolm returned the regard blandly. “Mr. Ashton made all clear. I have my orders.”
    Bernardina pursed her lips. “You must ride at her side at all times. Have a hand to her bridle at all times . . . you understand this.”
    “Bernardina, no!” cried Luisa. “I will not have my bridle held. There is not the slightest need. I ride well. You know I do. My father himself taught me.”
    This last reminder was sufficient to silence Bernardina, who held the memory of Luisa's father in great reverence.
    “Madam, have no fear for the lady's safety,” Malcolm said, taking advantage of the duenna's moment of reflection. “I assure you she will be always in my sight.”
    He turned to Luisa. “Let me help you mount, m'lady.” He knelt on the cobbles and offered his cupped hands