Shanna Read Online Free Page A

with golden lights, followed her in amused patience. The enveloping black cloak and the wide panniers Shanna wore beneath her gown left much to the imagination, allowing no hint of her age or figure to show forth.
    â€œI have heard the dowagers of court practice strange pleasures,” he remarked, folding his arms across his chest. “If there be truly a woman beneath that garb, I see little proof of it. Your pardon, milady, but the hour is late, and my mind is dulled with sleep. For the life of me, I cannot determine your purpose here.”
    His smile was only slightly mocking, but there was open challenge in his voice.
    Purposefully, Shanna moved closer until she was sure the man could detect the fragrance of her perfume.
    The first assault was launched.
    â€œWatch h’it, milady,” Hicks cautioned. “He’s a cagey one, ‘at he is. He’s killed one filly and her wit’ babe. Beat her to a bloody pulp, he did.”
    Pitney strode to a place in the light behind his mistress, protectively near. His immense size loomed menacingly in the small confines of the cell and dwarfed those about him. Shanna saw only a flicker of surprise in the prisoner’s eyes.
    â€œYou’ve come well escorted, milady.” His tone was no less audacious. “I’ll be careful to make no suddenmovements lest I should err and cheat the hangman of his fee.”
    Ignoring his jibe, Shanna withdrew a silvered flask from the folds of her cloak and held it toward him. “A brandy, sir,” she said softly. “If you care for it.”
    Slowly Ruark Beauchamp stretched out a hand, covering the slender fingers with his own for a brief moment before he drew the decanter away. He smiled leisurely into her veiled face.
    â€œMy thanks.”
    On any other occasion Shanna would have snubbed the man for his boldness, but she remained cautiously silent. She watched him as he removed the cork and raised the flask toward his lips. Then he paused and tried again to make out her features through the black lace cloth of her veil.
    â€œWould you share it with me, milady?”
    â€œNay, Mister Beauchamp, ‘tis yours to enjoy at your leisure.”
    Ruark sampled a long draught before sighing in appreciation. “My gratitude, milady. I had almost forgotten such luxuries exist.”
    â€œAre you accustomed to luxuries, Mister Beauchamp?” Shanna queried softly.
    The colonial shrugged in reply, lifting a hand toward his surroundings. “Certainly more than this.”
    A noncommittal answer, Shanna thought derisively. After three months in the place, the man should have been more welcome for her company. She withdrew her hand from beneath her cloak again, this time oflering him a small bundle.
    â€œThough admittedly your days are numbered, Mister Beauchamp, there is much that can be done to ease your circumstance. There is this for your hunger.”
    He stood without accepting it until Shanna was forced to open the large napkin herself, displaying a small loaf of sweetened bread and a generous share of tangy cheese. He stared at her curiously, making no move to take it.
    â€œMilady,” he implored her, “I do desire this gift, but I am wary, for I cannot guess what you wish in return, and I have naught to offer.”
    A shadow of a smile crept across Shanna’s lips. Gazingat her directly, Ruark thought he glimsed a soft mouth curving beneath the gauzy lace veil. It stirred his imagination no small amount.
    â€œYour ear for a moment and your consideration, sir, for I have a matter to discuss,” Shanna replied slowly, placing the food on a rough-hewn table standing near his cot.
    Resolutely, Shanna faced Mister Hicks, and her command was quietly spoken but firm.
    â€œLeave us now. I wish a private word with this man.”
    She was aware of the prisoner’s aroused interest. From beneath dark brows, he observed them all with close attention, and with quiet patience he