< previous page page_299 next page >

Page 299
death. That's why he wants to kill me. In a fair duel, he says, when both of us are rested and ready."
That damned duel, thought Holly. Sounded like it was another of Mariah's predictions that could come true.
"You were right, Mariah," he continued. "About that and so much more. You must get well now to see." His voice was near to breaking. His heart, too, by the sound of him.
That was good for him, Holly decided. And for Mariah, too.
Mariah muttered something, but Holly could not hear. "What was that?" she asked.
Thorn shook his head slowly. "I didn't catch it." He turned his head toward Holly, and she could see the sadness in his eyes and his solemn mouth. He turned back toward the still figure on the bed. "Please repeat that, Mariah."
Her eyes, opened now, stared blankly past his shoulder. Her words came slowly, one at a time. "Imustrightagrievouswrong."
"That's from your play, is it not?" Thorn asked. "Pierce told you that?"
She glanced toward him then and seemed to see him. A small smile lit her flushed face, and she nodded. "No duel," she whispered.
Thorn lifted her hand in his, pressing it against her cheek. Holly could see the effort it cost him to speak. "If I can avoid it," he said, "no duel."

As Thorn watched, Mariah closed her eyes and went slack. A wave of terror passed through him. "Mariah? Mariah" He was vaguely aware of Holly running toward them as he swept Mariah into his arms. He pressed his face against hers. "She's breathing," he told Hollyand himself, feeling relief as wide as the night sky wash through him. "She's just sleeping. But she feels so hot."
He heard the door open and turned as René entered. "Frenchie!" Holly hurried toward the Frenchman.
His hands were full, but he threw an ann around her and pulled her close. "Mademoiselle Mariahhow is she?" he asked.

 
< previous page page_299 next page >