He needed to find his mother.
She would be all too thrilled, he was certain. Yet, even as he strode down the hall, a quiet part of his mind whispered that he was sealing his fate with such a request.
CHAPTER FIVE
“AM I AWAKE?” Louisa turned to Meredith, reached out and pinched her.
“Ouch! What was that for?”
“To see if I’m awake.”
“You’re supposed to pinch yourself!”
“Oh, well I don’t want to pinch myself, so you’ll have to do. If you felt that, that means I’m not in a nightmare. Drat.”
“I share your sentiment,” Meredith replied, yet her body flushed as she considered spending the evening in the secluded maze with Lucas.
This could be very bad.
Or very good.
Depending on one’s perspective, and, as of yet, she was completely undecided.
“Did he actually bow when he left?” Louisa asked as she piled her plate with food.
“Yes… I rather think he did.”
“And he didn’t insult us?”
“You. He didn’t insult you. He insulted me,” Meredith answered wryly.
“Oh… were you in here long with him before I arrived?”
“Long enough.”
Meredith took her seat once more, swiping a piece of uneaten bacon from Lucas’ abandoned plate.
“Were… were you sitting that close?” Louisa paused as she set her plate down beside Meredith.
Meredith froze. ”Er… yes.”
“And there was no one else in the room?”
“No…”
“What am I missing?”
Meredith swallowed the bacon. “I was… looking for an opportunity to stab him with my fork again.”
“Oh… right. Make his scars match on both hands. Brilliant idea.” Louisa shrugged and started to eat.
“Was Sara awake?” Meredith asked, trying to change the subject.
“I’m not sure. She wanted to be up early, but she didn’t answer the door when I knocked. I checked your door too, that’s how I knew you were here. I’m somewhat surprised not to see her. Unless she slept through my knock that is.”
“I see. So, the frost-themed dinner. I think you should wear your cream colored gown. I’m thinking my blue but we’ll need our fur pelisses if we are to be outdoors.”
“Agreed. What exactly are we going to plan?” Louisa asked in a whisper.
“Not here…” Meredith glanced about the room. ”After breakfast meet me in my room. We’ll work out something.” A well-remembered chill ran through her body at the thought of once again outwitting the Mayford brothers. It was far more familiar territory to terrorize them, rather than be seduced by them.
And familiar was far more comforting.
And comforting was less threatening than seduction.
Even if seduction was more enticing.
Especially since seduction was more enticing.
“LUCAS!” JACK RAN UP the stairs to catch up with him.
“What is it?” Lucas replied.
“Did you hear? Mother has lost it! She is demanding that we pair up with a hag! To think, I’ll have to spend the entire evening with Sara.” He shivered.
“You’ll survive.” Lucas rolled his eyes and turned to ascend the rest of the stairs.
“Survive? Since when are you so optimistic! You have to endure the company of the ice hag, Meredith! I would venture to guess that the majority of scars on your person are either credited or in associated with that very woman!”
“Yet here I am,” he snapped impatiently.
“What is with you? Are you not irritated? Why in heavens name are you so calm about this?” Jack marched in front of him, halting his progress.
“Because I am older, wiser, and far more able to adapt than you, apparently.” He gave his brother a hard stare.
“Bloody hell… you didn’t,” Jack swore, glanced away, then met his brother’s gaze with an accusation of his own.
“Didn’t what?” Lucas sidestepped him, walking toward the library.
“You’re not…” He paused, took a deep breath and started again. ”You’re not attracted to one of them… are you?”
“Attracted?” Lucas turned to face his brother. “No. But I sure as hell am seducing one. And tonight provides the perfect opportunity.” Lucas walked defiantly into the library.
“No! I refuse to believe it!” Jack followed him. “This is madness! First Hugh drops his jaw on the floor when he sees Louisa, and now you? Which one are you panting after?”
“My partner.” Lucas selected a random book from the shelves and took a seat. He opened it and began reading whatever was in front of him, hoping his brother would take the hint and leave him alone.