Christine Dorsey - [MacQuaid 02] (43 page)

Max had the sinking feeling he was shooting himself in the foot—he could almost feel the burning pain—but he couldn’t help asking. “What makes you think I can train an army?”

“I was the one who made that decision,” Cardinal Sinzen responded. There seemed to be no more pretense of including the Grand Duke. “However, it was a choice I did not make lightly.” He smiled again, but this time Max found the expression chilling. “There is very little about you I do not know.”

Max swallowed. “One would almost believe you’ve been spying on me.” The words were spoken low and without a trace of humor, yet Cardinal Sinzen chuckled.

“My dear sir, you can’t possibly believe I would offer you such a post without making the necessary inquiries.” The Grand Duke rose and wandered toward a bank of windows. Cardinal Sinzen seemed not to notice. He leaned back, crossing his hands over his ponderous belly. “I know you trained large numbers of savages in the Americas. Made them into a formidable fighting force.”

“Most of those
savages
already knew more about fighting than I—or the entire British Army for that matter.”

“Perhaps. Yet you are the one who brought them together. Inspired them if you will.”

Max couldn’t help smiling. “If you’ve spoken to anyone about my military career, you know it has not always been stellar.”

“Honest to a fault,” Cardinal Sinzen said. “Actually, though, I’ve decided you are just the type of commander we need.” Max let his gaze drift toward the Grand Duke who by now was examining a gold-framed miniature he wore on a chain about his neck. He must have noted the silence for he glanced up and dismissed the two men with a wave of his hand. “I’m in complete agreement, though most of the military affairs are handled by the Prime Minister.”

Which Max took to be his brother, Cardinal Sinzen. The cardinal confirmed Max’s speculation with his next words.

“Of course you will be in charge of the army if you accept the position... reporting directly to me. And I in turn report to the Grand Duke.”

“I’ve been led to believe Breslovia doesn’t have an army to speak of.” Max wasn’t certain why he was erecting obstacles when he should be down on his knees thanking God for this opportunity.

“True enough. Which is what we’d like you to see about changing. Earlier I mentioned your work with the savages. Though Breslovia’s citizens are quite civilized, their military training is sadly lacking. Your mission will be to change that.”

Max didn’t know what to say to that. He had worked well with the Seneca. And together they had won a decisive victory over the French at Cross Creek. But as military careers went, his was overshadowed by the failures. Max wondered if Cardinal Sinzen knew that. Wondered if he should tell him. Discovered it wasn’t necessary.

“Let us speak with candor here. We are interested in your expertise in training a group of men with little or no military experience. We intend to make it worth your while. And we know you have nowhere else to turn.” Cardinal Sinzen smiled again. “You need this position Mister Hawke.”

Max wanted to argue. To rise and stalk to the door, slam it in the faces of Cardinal Sinzen and the ever-silent Grand Duke. There was something about them he didn’t like. They made his skin crawl in a way it hadn’t since he’d been captured by the Huron.

But as much as, he hated to admit it, Cardinal Sinzen was right. He did need this offer. Refusing them was unthinkable. Besides, he’d been wrong about people before. Perhaps the cardinal wasn’t that bad. And Max had known men as vain as the Grand Duke.

~ ~ ~

“Are you going to tell me what’s troubling you?”

“Nothing is amiss. Why do you ask?”

Lady Sophia pulled Cassandra into a windowed alcove, away from the crush of people in the palace ballroom. “Because you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said.”

“Of course I have. You were discussing Lady Dupont’s gown, wondering if her décolletage could be any lower before her breasts spilled forth.”

Sophia smiled. “It is shocking.”

Cassandra lifted her fan in mock surprise. “I was of the opinion that nothing shocked you.”

Sophia’s expression sobered. “Well, your contention that you wished to pull Madam Cantrell’s wig off and sit upon it did. I could hardly believe what I was hearing—that you were expressing a deep-felt desire to expose her bald head to everyone.”

“What are you prattling on about? I never said that.” Cassandra’s gaze flashed toward her husband’s mistress who stood beside the Grand Duke, one hand resting possessively on his arm. She might have thought of doing such a thing in the past. But no more. And she certainly would never voice such an intent. But her friend Sophia was shaking her head and laughing.

“Perhaps you didn’t say it. But you did agree... when I said it.”

Cassandra tilted her head. “I never—”

“You did. Right before I pulled you in here. I suggested you might wish to try it and you said ‘Of course, Sophia, that sounds like an interesting idea.”

“I obviously wasn’t paying your words any heed.”

“Which is exactly my point. You’ve been distracted all evening. All day really. This morning you barely touched your chocolate. And you know how you usually enjoy that.”

Cassandra turned to stare out the window. Mirrored in the glass were the dazzling gowns and jackets of the dancers. All gaiety and light. Cassandra shut her eyes. “I had the vision again last night.”

“Of the soldiers?”

“Yes.” Her voice was little more than a whisper.

“Oh, Your Highness, I’m sorry, truly I am. If I could do anything to help you know I would. But you must stop worrying about that. You know as well as I that it won’t happen. Look.” She tamed the Queen to face the ballroom. “Everyone is happy. As they’ve always been. Dancing and laughing. See Lady Dupont and her silly gown. There is no conquering army.” Her fingers squeezed over her friend’s hand. “It is simply a bad dream that you must forget.”

When Cassandra turned her head toward Sophia there were tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to see these things. I try not to think on it.” She swallowed. “When I was very young I envied Simon his ability to... to see things that were not there. It seemed such a wondrous gift to peek into the future, to know what would happen before anyone else. I told him as much once.”

“And what did he say?”

“That I spoke with the voice of a child.” She grasped her friend’s hand. “Sophia, I do not wish to be a seer. But since my father and brother died, since Simon disappeared, the visions have been upon me. At first only once in a while and barely strong enough to cause notice. But now...”

“Have you spoken to the Grand Duke?”

“Nay, he would not care to know.”

“You’ve no doubt the right of it there.” Lady Sophia snapped open her fan and smiled as one of her suitors strode by. He would have paused to join his beloved had not she turned her attention back to the Queen.

“Will nothing stop this? A spell perhaps?”

The memory flashed through Cassandra’s mind. Of broad shoulders and blue eyes. Of the shattering pleasure that had made her forget. But she merely shook her head. There was no way she could tell even her friend and confidante about what she’d done last night. Her lips parted on a sigh. “I don’t know.”

“Well, we must do something. I fear this is affecting your health. You’re so pale. Did you sleep at all last night?”

“A bit” In the arms of a stranger. Cassandra took a deep breath. “But you are right. I can not allow this to continue. Perhaps I should speak to Albert. If I assure myself that all is well with Breslovia, then perhaps I shall be able to rid myself of these visions.”

“Cardinal Sinzen is the one you should speak with. From what I understand Albert can barely be bothered. But look, here is Cardinal Sinzen heading our way as I speak. And who is that sinfully handsome man at his side? Certainly no one I’ve ever seen before. Do you know who he is, Your Highness?” Sophia glanced back toward her friend. “My God! Are you all right? Someone help me. The Queen is going to swoon.”

written under the name:

Christine Elliott

The Captain’s Conquest,

written under the name:

Christine Dorsey

The Traitor’s Embrace

Southern Nights

Bold Rebel Love

The Captain’s Captive

The Rebel’s Kiss

Sea Fires

Sea of Desire

Sea of Temptation

Sea of Christmas Miracles
(novella)

My Savage Heart

My Seaswept Heart

My Heavenly Heart

Splendor

The Renegade

The Rebel

The Rogue

By the Book

Under His Spell
(novella)

The Way to a Man’s Heart
(novella)

A Bride’s Desire
(novella)

My Savage Heart

“
My Savage Heart
will leave readers breathless and eagerly anticipating the remaining novels in this new trilogy. Ms. Dorsey has created another incredible hero and a wonderful love story.”

~ Romantic Times

“As always, Christine Dorsey can be counted on to give us a tale full of adventure and romance.
My Savage Heart
is a poignantly written, emotion-packed read that will touch your heart. Her full-bodied characters and well-written storyline will have you engrossed from the first page to the very last.”

~ Affaire de Coeur

Sea of Temptation

“In
Sea of Temptation
, the sensational conclusion to her outstanding Charleston Trilogy, Christine Dorsey demonstrates why she is one of the most talented authors of the genre today: strong, unforgettable characters, rousing adventures, and history combine to create “keepers.”

~ Romantic Times

“Ms. Dorsey’s hero and heroine are both strong-willed individuals and their misunderstandings add some very funny situations to this action-packed historical. On the other hand, their fiery passion will send your temperature rising. An outstanding, conclusion to a fascinating series on the Blackstones.”

~ Rendezvous

Sea of Desire

“Christine Dorsey has written a tale of passion, adventure, and love that is impossible to put down. Her heroine is feisty and her hero will leave you breathless.
Sea of Desire
is a book you shouldn’t miss and will ,need some space on your keeper shelf. it is marvelous!”

~ Affaire de Coeur

“Blazing passion, nonstop adventure, and a “be-still-my-beating-heart” hero are just a few of the highlights of this captivating second novel in Ms. Dorsey’s Charleston Trilogy.
Sea of Desire
is not to be missed!”

~ Romantic Times

Sea Fires

“From the instant Miranda and Jack meet, you know this is going to be a very special relationship and that
Sea Fires
is going to be a very special book. If this auspicious romance is any indication, the Charleston trilogy is destined to be an excellent series from Christine Dorsey’s sparkling pen. Be sure not to miss
Sea Fires
!”

~ Romantic Times

“
Sea Fires
is well plotted, sensual, and a pure delight!”

~ Affaire de Coeur

“There is an undercurrent of dry wit and many humorous incidents that make this swashbuckling romance a most enjoyable reading adventure. Ms. Dorsey spins quite a talc.”

~ Rendezvous

Kansas Kiss

“
Kansas Kiss
is a tender, moving novel that touches the heart. M Dorsey’s star shines brighter than ever.”

~ Romantic Times

The Captain’s Captive

“Make room on your “keeper” shelf for
The Captain’s Captive
. This mesmerizing novel has it all: rousing adventure, intriguing plot, and enchanting lovers sure to please lucky readers.”

~ Romantic Times

“From first page to last, the word for this book is captivating, it has all the ingredients for an excellent read. Adventure, verbal battles, sensuous love scenes, humor and above all, it’s well written. This one is a keeper.”

~ Rendezvous

Traitor’s Embrace

“A bang-up story full of adventure, humor, wonderful characters, and an interesting time period. This is one you shouldn’t miss.”