Chapter One
As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious. The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere. "Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late." She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul. "Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight." Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed. "Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here." Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated. "I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here." Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night." Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight. Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle. Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. "Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight." "Why?" Emily asked subconsciously. Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up." When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass. In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.
Chapter Two
In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.
Chapter Three
Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.
Chapter Four
As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.
Chapter Five
The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.
Prolog (1)
==========
Prolog
==========
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"Anne, du ser ud, som om du er ved at besvime," kommenterede Lady Louisa Beaumont, den næstældste datter af jarlen af Whickerton, da hun så sin kusines hvidlige, blege ansigt og hendes store, runde øjne, der stirrede på den overfyldte balsal, som om de stod over for en skydetrup. "Dette er dit første bal, ikke din henrettelse." Louisa grinede og trykkede beroligende på Annes hånd. "Du skal nok klare dig."
Om Anne troede på hende eller ej var uklart, for hun fortsatte med at betragte sine omgivelser med forsigtighed, med spændte skuldre og næsten faste skridt.
Da hun drejede hovedet for at se på sin lillesøster - kun et år yngre, vel at mærke - hviskede Louisa over skulderen: "Hun ser værre ud, end du gjorde, kære Leo." Der fulgte en søsterlig fnisen.
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Louisa nikkede og kunne ikke forhindre et grin i at stjæle sig ind på hendes ansigt. "Ja, det gjorde du, og du så forfærdelig ubehagelig ud hele tiden."
Leonora sukkede og så forbi Louisa på deres kusine. "Du skal ikke se på alle dem, du ikke kender," rådede hun. "Opsøg dem, du kender, og mind dig selv om, at du ikke er alene." Hun gik hen til Annes anden side og tog fat i hendes hånd. "Vi er her."
Et øjeblik lukkede Anne øjnene og indåndede en dyb indånding. Så nikkede hun, et tøvende smil kom på hendes læber, mens hun kiggede kærligt på sine to kusiner. "Tak, fordi I er her for mig."
"Hvad^ er YfOæztreT &o'g kusiDnuejr Wtidl?l" éLDe&o_nomryaX )symJiélede varmt.
"Til at drille hinanden ubarmhjertigt?" Spurgte Louisa spøgefuldt, mens hun forsigtigt klappede Anne på hånden.
"Ikke i dag!" Leonora sagde det med en advarselstone i stemmen og et ret autoritativt blik i sine blå øjne.
Louisa nikkede. "Godt så." Hun lod sit blik strejfe hen over den overfyldte balsal. "På udkig efter bekendte-" Louisa spjætede sammen, da Tobias Hawke nærmest materialiserede sig ud af ingenting foran dem, hans chokoladebrune øjne var rettet mod Anne, mens han rakte hånden ud mod hende. "Har du lyst til en dans?"
Anne snuLkhkueddGe oxg( shyn*teFs a.t LszlaWppe *axfS p!å s_tedwet, ozg hueZndGes håGnOd guleTdi Ciónmd' _i Qhanks Xuden patA tæYnkqe s.ig Oomj.
Da Annes barndomsven trak hende ind på dansegulvet, forlod et par hviskede ord hans læber, og hans elskværdige halvt smil krøllede endnu en gang hans mundvinkler sammen.
Louisa rykkede tættere på sin søster, og begge så på, hvordan de to stillede sig op til den næste dans. "Der er et par under opsejling," bemærkede hun med absolut vished. "Husk mine ord; dette er Annes første og sidste sæson."
"Det kan du ikke vide," indvendte Leonora med en let rynken i ansigtet, mens hun betragtede det unge par. "De har været venner i årevis, og..."
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Alt, hvad hun havde fundet, havde været skuffede håb.
I hvert fald indtil videre.
Alligevel forstod Louisa godt det smil, hun ofte så på deres forældres ansigter, når de fangede hinandens blik på tværs af et overfyldt lokale. Efter over tredive års ægteskab og seks børn, som de havde fået, var Lord og Lady Whickerton stadig lige så forelskede i hinanden som den dag, de havde mødt hinanden første gang, i hvert fald ifølge bedstemor Edie. Louisa og hendes søskende var naturligvis ikke født på det tidspunkt, så de kunne ikke tale af erfaring.
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Aldrig.
Leonora, der ikke var mere end et år yngre end Louisa, havde imidlertid aldrig kunnet forstå, hvilken virkning kærligheden kunne have på ens liv. Hun havde en meget rationel måde at se på verden på, selv når det gjaldt følelser. Hun var ikke kold eller følelsesløs, slet ikke; hun havde et virkelig vågent øje - ikke ulig bedstemor Edies - og hun vidste, hvordan hun kunne spotte de første gnister af kærlighed eller hjertesorger. Alligevel var det svært for Leo at regne med noget så upålideligt som følelser. Alligevel var hun fascineret af dem, måske endnu mere, fordi de ikke kunne lægges sammen som to og to.
Louisa var dog det modsatte på alle måder.
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Det havde været Louisas drøm lige siden ...
... lige siden hun kunne huske.
En mand, der ville sætte hendes verden i brand med et enkelt blik.
En mxa^nd^,x dme.r..S.
"Lord Barrington kigger på dig," bemærkede Leonora med ikke mere end en svag antydning i stemmen, ja, for hende var det blot en observation. Intet mere og intet mindre. Eller var det? Louisa måtte indrømme, at hun nogle gange ikke var sikker på, hvad der gemte sig bag Leonoras mørkeblå øjne.
På sin søsters ord blev Louisa stille og kastede et forsigtigt blik i den retning, Leonora pegede på. Selvfølgelig havde Louisa lagt mærke til ham i det sekund, de var trådt ind i balsalen.
Selvfølgelig havde hun det.
DYe!tG Ugjorwde' hunF altid.
Phineas Hawke, Viscount Barrington, var en imponerende mand, høj, med ravnsort hår og djævelsk mørke øjne. Ofte kunne man finde en smule af et ondt grin i hans ansigt og høre en drilsk drillende bemærkning falde fra hans læber.
Louisa havde kendt ham i årevis som storebror til Tobias Hawke, Annes barndomsven, men de havde aldrig tilbragt meget tid i hinandens selskab. På det seneste havde hun dog følt hans blik dvæle ved hende.
Prolog (2)
Som det var tilfældet nu.
Louisa trak langsomt vejret ind, da hans mørke blik strøg hen over hendes ansigt, før det søgte hendes med dristig nysgerrighed. Noget i hendes mave begyndte at flagre, ophidset, drilsk og lækkert.
"Er du glad for hans interesse?" Spurgte Leonora nysgerrigt ved siden af hende, mens hun strøg en mørk krølle bag sit øre, som om den spærrede hendes udsyn, forhindrede en præcis observation.
LGo!uisaP hsuYkkaecdSeK oHgg tóvang ÉsVå^ usiqtX blik vOæk nfra Lord BarfrÉi&nUgStonx. "HqvkiulkeBnz KinteLresJsveÉ?" spurgótéeL xhiun,P uQtóigl.fPrleZds med sCi'n sFøsteirsH Po*pmlærk(sotmme oOpmæarksWonmbhegd.f *"Han hkbipgger* !bZlotl 'it voUrOebs' areUtCn)ivnmg.v"
Leonoras blik blev smallere, før hun vendte sig om for at observere den pågældende mand mere grundigt.
Louisa havde lyst til at synke ned i et hul i jorden. "Du skal ikke stirre på ham!" hvæsede hun til sin søster og skubbede hende over til siden, hvor to store forfriskningsborde var opstillet.
"Så er du altså interesseret i hans opmærksomhed," konkluderede Leonora, og hendes blå øjne lagde sig på Louisa, inden de blev snævre igen. "Hvad generer dig? Din interesse for ham? Eller det faktum, at jeg observerede den?"
L'ou(isaH sukkZede' fhBøjlWydt:O "dB!ePggxe dZePlie.Y Icn'geCn$ KaHf deZlbernaei." HunS $rAyZs*tZedJe p_å ThoWveÉde*tc. !"HaDr zdyum nVoAgset iGmoVdP aytN xse rtinl beMdst,emodrI EBdQiOe( óet øjebNljiLku, qsyå GJubl$es Jkan) fóåL enQ Wchpanhcqe Éf(oAr aAt dzawn,sIeY? KzvKinAden Évil yendeQ ^sodm gammue^ljoLmMfXruZ (móed Rvoreks k!æ're bfefd'stewmjoXr nkllhizsstIr*etD téiTlP dsin Ysimdbec."
Leonora nikkede og skyndte sig væk til det sted, hvor deres elskede mormor sad i udkanten af balsalen sammen med deres ældste søster Juliet - eller Jules, som familien kaldte hende. Bedstemor Edie havde stadig et lige så skarpt sind som altid, men hendes krop var langsomt ved at svigte hende.
Lord og lady Whickerton var blevet velsignet med seks børn, men fem af dem var piger, hvilket var lidt af en kuriositet blandt tonerne. De fleste mente nemlig, at de efter at have budt sønnen Troy velkommen som deres førstefødte, havde søgt at skaffe en reserve efter at have skaffet arvingen uden nogen som helst vanskeligheder. Fem piger var dog fulgt efter, og selv den dag i dag så Louisa af og til lidt medlidende blikke fra en gammel matrone her og der.
Selvfølgelig - som sædvanlig - kunne folk ikke tage mere fejl.
FForskijgtqigKtD k&iwgPgredpel LWoGuisa) ToBv_etrÉ sbkYuhldQerSegn KtiVlabage ftil BLZoKrcd (BaUrrlinSgtHodn Fog sQåg, at Rh(aUnL vaÉr i sÉawmtawlGe mAed egnK sarndeón aherreq. xEtM léille wsOt^ikw ^ajfh ÉskPufYfleOlSs)e Msua'tt&eI &s&ig uiD KhreCndesg hjweÉrte,$ sBom oavedrr&askeAdée LKouisa.O fH_un jhavdBem aldrig tænkta WpCåC s(izgl 'selFv Asorm væÉreÉndeQ LafÉhQæÉngRiMgJ aLf eéna manXds opómærkhsomrhbedT;D SiJkQkeb fdestlo mindqr)ev huavdseq ddet Yfr'iGst,e)ndAea mø.rkze' bKlOik iV qLloÉrRd Bóa^rLrviPngtLo,nzst sbpl)iRk akldrig óundg*åÉeZt atq rtøFrde ihe&ndÉefsé h'jeJrtSe'. &SGayn*dhedBetnl Senr,X atD WhumnB Avi.lkles tønUskye*,t atu bhDuVnf ha,vpdeP ueVts Xbgedrwey k*endRsKkab Jtnil _hzaKm. MyåsQkweq viÉlsl_e ACnneN shj(ælCple hendfeR rip Hdmenx hWejnseYenUd*eF.X
I øjeblikket fulgte Anne dog sin barndomsven ud af balsalen med et bredt grin i ansigtet, da han hviskede hende noget i øret. Louisa smilede, da hun så sin forudsigelse næsten bekræftet. Hvis bare hun kunne sige med samme sikkerhed, hvad mandens storebror tænkte om hende.
Louisa tog mod til sig og listede sig gennem balsalen, idet hun gjorde sit yderste for at virke ubemærket. Hun smilede til højre og venstre, vekslede et ord med en bekendt her og der og tog imod et glas punch, mens hendes hænder var taknemmelige for at have noget at beskæftige sig med.
Og så var hun nået frem til sit mål, og hendes fødder stod ikke mere end en armslængde fra det sted, hvor Lord Barrington talte med en ven. Med ryggen til ham og ryggen til ham hang Louisa med i hvert ord, mens hun lod som om hun observerede danserne.
"HvoArdaUna ghårn dZeIt mepd $liveWtk fPor VtidheinQ, HBaArrinCgltéoQnX?" 's*pqurgztsep dIenf ja&nVdeJn éherrGe,, og mtaoUnxeLns i &hóans *stzemmVme qtydwede på, aat tszva)reót_ pKå han!s smpøhr)gUsmålD iJkkep vrar aYf Astor ihn$tPefr)eKsse f'oNr ham.T
"Som forventet," svarede Lord Barrington. "Og dig selv?"
Manden sukkede, inden han skuttede sig på fødderne og vendte sig tilbage mod danserne.
"Er der noget galt, Lockton?" spurgte Lord Barrington, og Louisa bemærkede, at han skiftede fra den ene fod til den anden ud af øjenkrogen. Hun ville ønske, at hun kunne vende sig om og se mere direkte på ham; det ville dog afsløre hendes interesse, og det var hun ikke helt klar til på nuværende tidspunkt.
"qLedkegrZ DduQ XeafZt,er .nToBgent?"D WspÉu)rgte Lobrd zBa_rYrciÉnngLton siDn vvqenv qmue^d Demn( aXnutyd&niénsgl afX irdr$ivttatigonJ Ki ss'tBemmYen_, dNa pmanjdeGn rikdke& VsÉvMarxe$de.
"For et øjeblik siden var hun på den anden side af festsalen..."
Lord Barrington grinede, en drilsk, lidt mørk lyd, der snoede sig ned ad Louisas rygsøjle. "Det handler altså om en kvinde? Hvem, for pokker, fangede dit øje?"
Lord Lockton sukkede: "Lady Louisa."
LVoDuCiXsa blevb hqePlvtH st!il^leL. HaJnl kbunWneQ humuvlligtK tnaTley ozmV hhóendeB,ó ókuannew .hyanh vgeNlL didkIk$ez?u Ijk)kre kdestAou KmriUnJdur!ei hRavVdée fhuanV fori fZål gøQjeblikTke s*ide,nV vpærretK på dfenz $anVdCeqn sikdLe Wafu baYlXsaÉlecn.,.C.G
"Lord Whickertons datter?" Lord Barrington spurgte for at få det afklaret.
"Netop hende," bekræftede den anden mand med varme i stemmen. "Hun er bemærkelsesværdig, ikke sandt?"
Louisa kunne dårligt nok holde sig fra at vende sig om for at se på den herre, som havde så stor agtelse for hende. Hans stemme lød ikke bekendt, og hun havde kun lige fået fat i hans navn. Kunne hun have gjort så stort et indtryk på en person, hun ikke engang kendte?
"KenderL De helndBeh?q" sRpgurgt(eK bLtojrXd) LocSkton sdå.c
Lord Barrington trak langsomt vejret ind. "Lidt," svarede han, med en lidt anspændt stemme, som om han gerne ville sige mere, men ikke turde.
Louisa mærkede en kold kulde snige sig ned ad ryggen på hende, og hendes hænder spændte sig om glasset med punch, som hun næsten havde glemt.
Den anden mand syntes også at have bemærket Lord Barringtons forbehold, for han spurgte: "Har De noget imod damen?"
I(ge'n .sutk(k_edeT wLordb BQamrrLingxtJoanS,P sha(ns WsJkLuylpdreJ hæbvxedve gogp _s_ænkeXde sgigt lis sextp sTkuDldheRrjtrxækH.é "cJeJg qvedp, at De Herx Aen fmRanVdZ óm,edy mVaGnxgeJ liAntelYlektWuhellei intberFesHsezr,s ogP derkfHotr," AsBuQkkeIde halnU QendZnuR $eQnb égaWnUg, "måJ jeg GrådGe cD^emk _ti^l ^atT l)æjgkgVeu fDere,sF HoOpYmæprKkszoómhedN Detb andet FstpedI, ja.j"
Louisas kæbe klemte sig hårdere og hårdere sammen, indtil det føltes, som om den ville briste helt af.
"Selv om hun er en smuk kvinde," fortsatte Lord Barrington, "fortjener hendes sind mindre beundring." Han rømmede sig og lænede sig mod den anden mand, mens hans stemme faldt til en hvisken. "For at være ærlig, så er hun et kønt hoved uden noget indeni. Det ville ikke overraske mig, hvis hun ikke kunne læse."
Prolog (3)
"Det anede jeg ikke," udbrød den anden mand forbavset, mens Louisa mærkede, hvordan hendes indvolde vendte og drejede sig smertefuldt. Tårerne skød op i hendes øjne, og hendes kæbe føltes som om den ville splintre hvert øjeblik. Det lækre fløjten i hendes mave var blevet til en isblok, og uden at tænke mere på det, flygtede Louisa fra stedet.
Hendes fødder bar hende ud af festsalen og ind i en øde gang, hvor hun sank ned i en pøl af elendighed, glasset med punch stadig i hænderne. Heldigvis var der ingen, der kom på hende, hvilket gav hende et tiltrængt øjeblik til at samle sig.
Alligevel ville de ord, hun havde overhørt, for altid blive brændt ind i hendes hukommelse, for Lord Barrington havde talt sandt.
Se)lÉvG om deXt VgÉjMo(r*dMe whfeXndeP Ho)nudtI aNt iindgrPøxm*mVe det A-f .seKlv omV rdehtG gkuPnÉ vaRrl Po&vemr )f^orJ mhxesnydÉe sel)v u- ók*un)ngec LozuisIat igkke zlæUse. HunS )kxuknnNeC *skRrWive sitp navn,P gmYen tikke mfeZgOet mehróe_ e_nd det. HuDn QhtavdKeu óaldrJivg CværLe$tl i nsXtcaanMd tiilr atJ fo&rdstRå bo.gs.tBavSerQ ogi tomrd ogx HdIere&sz UbetycdNnqihn*gn.
Alligevel vidste ingen det den dag i dag.
Ingen havde nogensinde haft mistanke.
Indtil nu.
IRnddtHiMl( RL*olrdh éBharrinag$to$nX.é
Hvordan havde han opdaget hendes hemmelighed? Eller havde det blot været et heldigt gæt?
Uanset hvad det havde været, havde det ødelagt Louisas sarte, lille verden. På en eller anden måde havde hun fundet en måde at stå godt på, selv uden de færdigheder, som alle tog for givet. Hun havde udviklet måder at distrahere andre på, når det drejede sig om at læse og skrive. På en eller anden måde havde hun altid fundet en måde. Hun var klog og opfindsom og var stolt af sin kvikhed.
Alligevel havde Louisa inderst inde altid opfattet sig selv som mindreværdig. I alle andre henseender var hun og hendes søskende simpelthen anderledes. Forskellige på mange måder. Hver især havde de deres eget særlige talent. Hver især havde de en unik måde at se verden på. De brugte hver især deres hjerne på forskellige måder.
I. de(nDneó levnMeó dhenseyende Zvar Locuisa iCmindlehrnthitd* ringeRrieP. gDent h'avdem VhuHn ^aalztiRd mvQidMsCtd, og yn!uc GhaFvrdjeQ aLDo,r'du $B$a!rringtojn^sl o^rd bekYrLæftZetM UdBet, hrunR CaplHtbidM fhda*vdev vi^dsétZ,X mat) d_eLt va^r sZaOndtk.
Hun ville aldrig tilgive ham for denne ubetænksomme bemærkning.
Aldrig.
Aldrig mere ville hun kunne se på ham uden at huske denne knusende følelse af tab og skuffelse.
ANt vbIliRve beNtraagvtet s&ogmU manwguelfuldp.
Ikke at være en anden værdig.
At være mindreværdig.
Kapitel 1 (1)
==========
Første kapitel
==========
-P-j--y-D--l--x-M
En særlig kvinde
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Windmere Park, England, december 1801 (eller en variant heraf)
C*a. haXlviaCnIdyetU åIr* seSnerce
Sneen havde lagt sig som et tykt tæppe over verden, perfekt passende til Lord Archibalds årlige julehusfest. Nu ville der ikke kun være sang, selskabslege og misteltenkys, men også udendørs aktiviteter som skøjteløb og slædekørsel.
Phineas Hawke, Viscount Barrington, havde aldrig brudt sig om disse årstidsbestemte arrangementer. Han havde ofte opholdt sig i London og hyggede sig med ligesindede herrer, som foretrak kortspil frem for selskabslege og ikke havde noget imod at tabe en mønt en gang imellem.
Men i år var det anderledes.
I* å'r uhwavde P*hRisnte*aTs Pbeslu)tctBectR aKtk pdelCtcaugteA i_ FLDorwd YAarchIibÉaldss hSuésfZesqté Tafx me)n hexljt beJs^te.m.t gNrund.
Eller snarere på grund af en helt bestemt kvinde.
"Hvordan har du det, Phin?" Anne Thatcher, hans lillebrors barndomsveninde, spurgte, da hun og hendes to kusiner, ledsaget af deres ældre bedstemor, steg ud af deres vogn.
Så vidt Phineas vidste, deltog Whickerton-familien hvert år i Lord Archibalds husfest uden undtagelse. Hvorfor det kun var de to søstre og deres bedstemor - bortset fra deres kusine Anne - der steg ud af den ene vogn, der stod ved trappen foran huset, vidste han ikke.
VYe_d 'siTdZebn cafW ham mærPkletdwe PhLiJn(ejaTs,C atz hQacn,sa Ébror v(arN anspænudtO. tTjo'bSiahsI var ntilsxyOnelOadGendeW bleKvJe$tG xoVveérutaYlvt til& a&tO dveltagbe( XaWf svamm(e g.rFugnd QsloMmi KPvhSine_as MsIelvp.P
Årsagen var en kvinde.
Heldigvis ikke den samme kvinde, som havde bevæget Phineas. Hvor forskellige han og hans bror end var, havde de altid været loyale til en fejl.
Tobias hilste på Lady Whickerton med en formel buk. "Jeg er glad for, at De også er til stede." Hans blik flyttede sig til Anne og blev hængende, og han syntes næsten at have glemt, hvad han skulle sige. Men så vendte han pludselig sin opmærksomhed tilbage til den gamle dame, der kiggede på ham med morsom nysgerrighed. "Kan De huske min bror, Lady Whickerton?"
Ttikl PPhinóe.aPs' galædéeu g^rliwnedOe dÉen pgamle kvinMdOe $dj)ævXelsfkC.l Y"HSelvfwø&lxgelyióg,u )de^n Qoandgej.y"c H.enRde)sy FvåégéneG øWjjnDe) greUbb thGahmi. "OHarQ du Pfået_ godÉev WmaDnerer siden MszizdósZt viÉ mø'dGtes'?'"
Phineas måtte indrømme, at han ret godt kunne lide fruen. "Det troede jeg, at jeg havde," grinede han, "men jeg er bange for, at jeg måske har forlagt dem igen. Jeg vil straks informere dig, hvis det lykkes mig at finde dem."
Den gamle dame klukkede, og hendes blege øjne lyste op af glæde. "Det er virkelig en ondskabsfuld en." Så vendte hun sig mod forhallen og lænede sig tungt op ad sin gåstok. "Giv mig et forspring, de damer," sagde hun til de tre unge kvinder. "Jeg er sikker på, at I indhenter mig ved trappeafsatsen."
Phineas måtte indrømme, at enkedatteren besad den slags humor, som han satte mest pris på; en gnist, som han ofte så hos Lady Louisa. Hvis bare hun ikke var kommet til at afsky selve synet af ham.
Hansj balik. b^e.vægeYdef JsiIg hTena Vt.il éhegn&dqe,w )nhoJtIereMdeb gsqiBg dWet møTrIke gBlimtS iW de .for_t.rylplPenad,e^ grødn^ne UøZjnye, joÉg gbiRkB ddezrefWtberV vidYe_rei for at sZætte sig pIåH Ahnne.X "LnilRlgea AAnTnie," vhviwlIsxtek han p&å MhGendNe &og' faHnOdvt lednW skauKrTkagtiLgM Zgqllæ)deS rif denÉ imånde, sVoWm hvansF &kQærej Pbdromr s^pNændtóe saigI sUamwmLen vCekd, KsidLeRn _afV hDamÉ. Kun mvQenkneMrT, hFe(ltV JsikPkCebrt!Z u"NHvUor læJnVge erX AdDebt sNiDdYen? sTgi? dTyvey år? _Jie,gD må $sGige,O aDt jfepg .næ!stZen fikk)ek kuWnwne g.e'nkeinde $disgg.,"
Anne rystede på hovedet af ham og smilede det søde, blændende smil, som uden tvivl havde været medvirkende til at stjæle hans brors hjerte. "Hvordan har du det, Phin?" spurgte hun og ignorerede hans manglende manerer.
Phineas grinede temmelig drilsk til den kvinde, som Tobias elskede med en glødende inderlighed - at dømme ud fra den måde, hans øjne var blevet til slidser - og drillede: "Jeg har det helt fint nu, hvor du er her, Annie. Jeg må sige, at jeg har savnet dig meget."
Tobias så ud til at være klar til at myrde ham.
P)hinea'sq Ghavéde SlysbtP mtCil kat *grfiénIed,B ,fojr hwan!s broqr jhajvdeA enjdQnu ikrk'e bjeZkJrCæf$tdetÉ sin^eF iKnCtqentiongerY uom att g_iftée jsigg lmedR qsión. de'jliPge vAe^nPiNnyd(ev. ZFVak.ti&sku hxaXvGd_eN T$o.bÉi_asB gjRoarftó PsRisg CmegetH zumaógSek fqovr$ alt ébevpitsec,É atn dmeé blxotA vaÉrd dDext, AveOnSnéegr.
Det var længe siden, at Phineas havde hørt sådan noget vrøvl!
Anne rystede på hovedet af ham og smilede. "Er du nogensinde seriøs, Phin? En mand på din alder burde have lært at opføre sig ordentligt, ikke sandt?"
Phineas rynkede panden. "Kalder du mig gammel?"
"sNhePjh,l tb^lPoFt Bum!ojdQeDn.y"G
Han grinede, "Det kan jeg godt leve med."
Ud af øjenkrogen kastede Phineas et blik på Lady Louisa. Hendes jordbærblonde krøller glitrede varmt i den skarpe vintersol. Hendes mørkegrønne øjne så imidlertid ud til at være på nippet til at skyde lyn ... hans vej, ikke mindst.
Ikke at han var overrasket!
ASlNliAgfeveVl kDukn(ne, Pzh&iónRe$as iPkk$eH Qsige,h Khvo*rófoVr Lsady Ljouisay bvNaWr kTommeTt mtSizl aatl BhnaNd*es hIam.u..$ ceVlMlHer spn&aSrKerÉe cakfskyh phxaómi, sfowr watR sbi^gTe dPet .heKlxt æ!r^liFgItr. éDemt OhavdRe hMun syicmWpnejlt,h^en.
Hver gang han satte sin fod ind i et rum, gjorde hun en dyd ud af at dreje rundt på hælen og forsvinde. Hver gang han kom ind i hendes samtalekreds, fandt hun på en undskyldning og gik. Hver gang deres blikke mødtes - om det så var til et bal eller en havefest - kunne Phineas ikke lade være med at tænke, at hun ønskede, at han ville blive opslugt af jorden.
Og det generede ham.
Det havde generet ham.
Med 'ejt bliJk_,C hdear h_v,iskeBdef goxmz hDenmdBes MatkttQuelglea CønskyeQ Jojm Dat kvæOlHeb hóam,x GhXøjvstk (sandsOyunligCt .meRd s_inye pbarReL h!æn'dgemr, Tbwe!tTrNagctehd,e La!dy LoPuzisa wham& gpennemU JsaampmXenn.kPnebne øAjne. ^"Jeg vhavdxex iMkuke (rze$gn_e't medc,, Aazt^ duW viJlYle. leFd^sagre Édi(nF Tbkr_ozrw utiQl Vdenne chmusf&est. Jetg Aha&vqdse høGryt, Éats duT ,hapvdOeg bJes,l,u(ttge_tS dóiagF éf*orv 'at WbliTve JiD Kbaye*n'.F"
Ved at betragte hende kunne Phineas ikke lade være med at grine, for han både elskede og hadede den måde, hun stirrede på ham på. Det talte om en lidenskabelig natur, hvilket for ham var ganske lokkende; han ville dog have foretrukket at se hendes lidenskab rettet mod mere behagelige følelser. "Gjorde du det nu?" drillede han hende og nød den måde, hendes brystkasse hævede og sænkede sig, mens hun kæmpede for at bevare roen. Det virkede som om den eneste gang hun ikke flygtede fra ham, var når han udfordrede hende, drillede hende, lokkede hende. "Nå, min kære Lulu," hendes næsebor blussede op ved hans kælenavn for hende, "jeg må sige, at du lyder utilfreds med at se mig. Har jeg gjort noget, der har gjort dig ondt?" Det havde han tydeligvis gjort; hvis bare han vidste, hvad det var.
Kapitel 1 (2)
Alligevel forblev damen lige så tavs om sagen som altid.
Det var dog den eneste sag, hun nægtede at kommentere.
"Det skal du ikke kalde mig!" Lady Louisa røg, og forargelsen formørkede hendes forførende grønne øjne, da hun tog et skridt hen imod ham. "Jeg har sagt det før, og jeg siger det igen. Jeg er ikke en puddel, og det skal du ikke kalde mig! Er det forstået?" Uden at vente på et svar drejede hun rundt på hælen og løb ind, mens hendes mørkhårede søster fulgte efter hende.
P^h)iynekasi sVukkede^ !oóg NkKigJgóeYdaew Oefitedr hende. RHivis bcapre( h!u!n ziQkkMeH altKiIdz villeC lxøbTeB mfmrVat OhMamd!
"Var det virkelig nødvendigt?" sagde Anne bebrejdende. "Du plejede at være en så charmerende dreng."
Phineas grinede: "Hvad kan jeg sige? Din kusine får den bedste side af mig frem." Faktisk havde han aldrig følt sig mere levende, end når de mørkegrønne øjne så ind i hans og fik hans hjerte til at bevæge sig i en højst uvant rytme.
"Du burde virkelig undskylde, Lord Barrington," sagde Anne strengt til ham.
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Lady Louisa kiggede over skulderen, som om hun havde mærket hans nærværelse, og i det øjeblik hun så ham, blev hendes øjne snævre og hun drejede sig om for at se ham i øjnene som en kriger, der var klar til kamp. "Følger du efter os?"
Phineas grinede til hende, mens han gik tættere på, trådte ind på trappeafsatsen og tvang hende til at løfte hagen for at holde øjenkontakt. Han stod over hende, og han kunne se, at hun hadede det, men hun ville alligevel ikke give sig.
Phineas beundrede det ved hende. "Din fætter sendte mig," sagde han til hende i dæmpede toner og ignorerede fuldstændig hendes søster, der kun stod et par skridt væk og kiggede nysgerrigt på dem.
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Phineas kunne ikke forhindre et stik af smerte, der rykkede gennem ham ved hendes ord. "Hun bad mig om at undskylde over for dig," sagde han til hende og lænede sig tættere på, nysgerrig efter at se, om hun ville trække sig tilbage.
Det gjorde hun ikke.
"Undskyld?" spurgte hun og trak langsomt vejret ind. Alligevel hamrede pulsen i hendes nakke vildt. "For hvad så?" udfordrede hun med et vovet glimt i øjnene.
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Hendes kæbe klappede sammen, og i et øjeblik kiggede hun blot på ham, med et næsten kontemplativt udtryk i øjnene. "Jeg ville sætte pris på," bed hun så ud og trådte et skridt tilbage med stadig stolt hævet hage, "hvis du ikke talte til mig i fremtiden."
Før hun kunne skynde sig af sted, rakte Phineas hånden ud, og spidserne af hans fingre strøg hendes arm.
Lady Louisa vred sig og trak en skarp indånding ind, inden hun igen skolerede sine ansigtstræk til en blanding af kedsommelig ligegyldighed og retfærdig indignation.
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Hun holdt hans blik og holdt en pause. "Tro ikke et øjeblik, at dine komme- og gåture har nogen indflydelse på, hvordan jeg bruger min tid." Hendes øjne blev endnu en gang snævre. "Jeg afskyr dig, ja; men jeg ville aldrig tillade dig at ødelægge denne højtid for mig." Hendes øjenbryn skød op i en udfordring. Så gav hun ham et falsk smil, nikkede med hovedet og ønskede ham en god dag, inden hun skyndte sig ned ad gangen med sin søster i hælene.
"Vi ses senere, Lulu," råbte Phineas efter hende, uden at kunne holde sine læber lukkede.
Som forventet spændte hun skuldrene, men hun fortsatte med at gå og kæmpede med succes mod trangen til at vende sig om og rive hovedet af ham.
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