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his parents were not there either.
    "Where are my father and mother, Thomas?" he asked the butler.
    "They received an invitation, sir. They have gone upriver to St. Louis."
    "And where is Cat?"
    "She left for New Orleans, sir. It seems a friend of hers is quite ill and she has gone to help."
    Seth groaned. "Her sick friend is getting sicker by the minute."
    "I beg your pardon, sir?"
    "Never mind, Thomas. Just pack some clothes for me."
    "You're leaving again, sir?"
    "Yes. I'm going to New Orleans. I have to find Cat It's time she stopped playing nurse. She has one sick friend who has finally learned he can cure himself."
    "Sir?" Thomas was truly puzzled by Seth's ramblings.
    Seth laughed. I'll explain some other time, Thomas. Right now I'm in a hurry."
    He was already taking the steps two at a time. He entered his room, washed, and changed his clothes.
    An hour later he threw a small satchel of clothes into the carriage and started toward New Orleans.
    ❧
    Marc and China were enjoying a quiet evening meal in her cabin. The strange relationship between them was only spoken of in whispers and never where either of them could hear. Yet they were well aware of the gossip, and it amused them to keep explanations to themselves.
    Marc was relaxed and comfortable with China; that was so with no other human being. He trusted her completely, and she was the only person who knew the events that had led him to the path he now walked. She was quiet but frank when she spoke, very intelligent, and extremely competent at managing countless details. As Marc had said, China was a mirror, but a mirror that did not condemn or reveal flaws. She merely let Marc examine himself without deception.
    He loved her in a way no other woman, and very few men, would understand. Their love had never been physical, yet neither questioned it As for China her love for Marc was akin to worship. Indeed, she would have gladly sacrificed her life for him had the need ever arisen.
    Yet in their talks they indulged in a freedom rare between a man and a woman. China was the only one who could ask questions—and get answers.
    "She is very beautiful, this Carrington woman?"
    "Yes, she is." Marc scowled. "Which means little or nothing. She's still a Carrington."
    "Is that enough to condemn her?"
    "The first thing she tried to do was buy me off. Right or wrong, those people think their money and position make then invincible. Don't you think it's time they learned that's not so?"
    "You enjoyed making her plead?"
    "That I did." He chuckled. "Too bad the game was over so quickly. I find myself wishing she would accept my bargain. Taming her first might prove rewarding."
    "You might not laugh should you fall into your own trap. She might tame you instead."
    "No chance of that, China. I have too long a memory. Her very name—Carrington—gives me nightmares. I would never trust her, and caring for someone like her would be a disaster. I don't intend to pay the price my father paid for trusting a Carrington. She's a beautiful temptress, but her heart would be solid stone like those of the rest of her family."
    "Marc."
    "What?"
    "I know your hatred, but think of this one thing. Why would a woman as wicked as you paint her to be care so much for her brother that she would come to you and beg? That is not the thing a hard-hearted person would do. Maybe she does not have the soul of her father ... maybe she loves this young brother."
    Marc was annoyed when she expressed a thought that had already occurred to him in an unwelcome moment of weakness.
    He rose. "I'm going out for some air and a smoke." He strode to the door, and when he opened it he turned to look at China again. "My plans aren't changing. Don't be deceived by your own gentle heart. She's wearing a beautiful mask, but scratch it and you'll still find a Carrington. I intend to bring them all down. If getting her into my bed will be the faster way, then that's what I'lll do. Don't feel sorry for her, she would