"I once thought so too,but I've been wondering of late. All this outpouring of generosity toward Ianand Glenclaren has led me to question my judgment."
His laughter faded. "Ilove Ian, Maggie."
"Youhavechanged.You would never admit to loving anyone when you left here." She gazed athim challengingly. "If you love him, come to Spain with us and make sureIan doesn't go back to Glenclaren until he's well."
"I can't, dammit. I haveto take the next ship back to Cinnidar. The situation there is…delicate."
"Ian's condition is alsodelicate."
He frowned. "Cinnidarisn't like Kasanpore. It's an island with sea breezes that cool and temper theheat. Do you think I'd risk giving him a setback?"
Margaret studied him."No," she said finally. "You wouldn't hurt Ian if you could helpit."
He bowed his head mockingly."I suppose I should thank you for having such touching faith in me."
"I don't want thanks, Iwant assurances."
"Tell me what you need toknow. I've told you Cinnidar's climate is good and I can assure you of so manyservants, they'll be stumbling over themselves to help and care for Ian."
"Which may be a detrimentinstead of an asset. I've spent three years fostering Ian's belief in himself.Housing?"
"A palace. The Savitsarfamily built a palace overlooking the canyon a long time ago. The place hasbeen deserted for decades, but I set workers to repairing and refurbishing itbefore I left Cinnidar." He smiled faintly. "You can't fault theaccommodations, Maggie."
"We shall see." Sheshook her head impatiently. "Why are we even talking about this? You'llnever persuade him to go."
"Not if he lacksconfidence Glenclaren will be properly cared for. Do you have anyone who canmeet that requirement?"
"He would trust Janeto—"
"Jane will be going withus," Ruel interrupted. "And so will Li Sung. Think of someoneelse."
"That's no easytask."
"A decision doesn't haveto be made tonight. We have a few days."
"Are you going up to seeIan now?"
He shook his head. "Ian'snot stupid. He'll know why I'm here the moment he sees me. I'll let him get agood night's sleep before I launch the attack."
"Then I'll tell Mary toshow you to a chamber."
He shook his head. "I'llnot stay here. My father would rise from his grave at the thought of me restingwithin these hallowed halls."
"I would have thoughtthat would be reason for you to stay."
"It's not amusing tosteal from a dead man." He smiled without mirth. "Though there was atime when I would have offered my soul for a haven here."
"Where will you go?"
He shrugged. "I'll find aplace. I'll be back in the morning to talk to Ian."
"Who will say no."
"The first time,"Ruel said. "He'll agree in the end, if you can find someone competent torun Glenclaren."
She frowned. "The vicarmight know of someone. I'd suggest Kartauk, but Ian would never trust him torun the estate. He'd fear Kartauk would become absorbed in his work and let thecastle burn to the ground."
"Kartauk is coming too. Ihave need of him."
