"The master. . .your father. . .he is back."

Rhiannon smiled widely as her dancing blue eyes glistened with exuberance. She tossed her head, causing her golden hair to spill over her shoulders and down her back.

"I shall race you there!" She took off running, holding her skirts high as she sprinted down the garden path, leaving Kady far behind.

"No fair," the weary servant yelled in protest. "I am already tired!"

"Then I shall win handsomely!" Rhiannon grinned as she quickened her pace, knowing the older, plumper Kady would never be able to catch her now. Ignoring the bridge, she leaped over the small stream and ran up the gradual incline between pinkish-white blooming cherry trees that led to the castle. Busy servants bustled about nervously as she burst in the door, for the master had not been due home for two more weeks. Rhiannon, of course, was not in the same predicament as the servants, and was delighted her father, Baron Cedric Harrison of Yorkshire, had come home early. She skipped down the corridor, and upon seeing her father took a running leap and threw herself into his arms. He swung the laughing girl around a few times, then dropped her to her feet and gave her a large hug.

"Here, let me look at you!"

She stood up straight at attention as her father did a mock inspection of her, a little game they had played since her childhood.

"Hmmm . . .I do believe you have grown another inch during my absence."

She snickered in delight. "Really, father. I quit growing years ago!"

"Aye, that is true. I should have grandchildren by now."

Her face sobered; he had touched a sore subject with her. Her father had tried for years to marry her off to numerous rich and successful barons, lords, even an occasional count, but she was always able to discourage the arrangement. Now at the advancing age of seventeen, he feared his only child would die an old maid, which was fine with her.

"Speaking of which," her father continued, "I met an interesting man on my trip."

Rhiannon drew herself up and held her breath. All the horrid, failed betrothals always began with I met an interesting man. She smiled lamely. "You did?"

"Aye, and this time I am not telling you anything. You shall not scare this one off like all the others."

Her face fell in disbelief. "Oh, father! You did not make another arrangement!"

"Aye, that I did, one you shall be happy with. He is on his way as we speak."

"What! You did not even consult me?"

The baron gazed lovingly at his beautiful only child, whose presence had lit up his lonely life since his beloved wife died when Rhiannon was just a baby.

"Rhiannon, you are not getting any younger. I guarantee this betrothal shall be successful. I have already signed the agreement. ''Tis contingent on his acceptance."

Tears welled in the center of her eyes as she took a backward step. "How could you?" Turning abruptly, she ran down the hall and up the stairs to her room, where she plopped face down on her bed and pounded it with her fists.

Her father watched her go with trepidation. Perhaps he should have consulted her, but an opportunity presented itself, and he couldn't pass it up. The young viscount needed a wife, and Rhiannon needed a husband. What could be more convenient? He hoped the Dark Count got a better reaction from his nephew than he just got from his daughter.

Up in her room, Rhiannon pouted for a while then sat up with her jaw set in determination. She was always able to chase off the dreadful men her father sent to marry her, why should this one be any different? But she needed help. She needed a spy.

Kady opened the door and peered in. "Rhiannon? Are you all right?"

"Come in, Kady, and close the door. I need your help."

Kady rolled her green eyes in dismay. "Do not tell me he did it again?"

"Aye, and this time he is divulging no information." Rhiannon's eyes flashed mischievously. "But that is not going to stop us."

"Us?"

"Kady, you are going to have to eavesdrop on my father until you hear something."

Kady's eyes widened until the whites showed all around. "Me? You want me to spy on the master?"

"Aye, you! Who else do I have?"

"But . . ."

"Kady, I am sure this one is just as bad as the rest. We must find out who he is so I can start planning."

"But, what if I hear nothing?"

"That is not an option. Talk to all the servants who serve my father. You are friendly with his knights . . .ask them. Somebody has to know something. Just find out who my betrothed is!"

Kady sighed, then slowly smiled as she ran her fingers through her disheveled brown hair that had started the day in a graceful upsweep. "This might be fun . . .very well, I shall do it."

"Wonderful! Just do not let my father catch you. Now, help me look my best for dinner. I shall play the part of the demure little daughter to throw my father off guard. Perhaps he will give in to me."

The baron sipped his wine as he suspiciously observed his daughter. He expected her to sulk and not speak to him for days, but here she was, smiling and being charming as if nothing had occurred between them. She had even taken pains to look extremely presentable, and his guests were taking full advantage of gazing on her beauty. Her actions made him nervous, as it was not like Rhiannon to give in so easily. She was conversing with his steward, Lord Walton, a horribly thin and single man who owned his own land but ran the castle in the barons absence. He was not even aware that she could tolerate the man before; why was she being so appealing now? She was offering him suggestions for the meal; he was lapping it up like a thirsty dog.

"Try the oysters, Lord Walton, they are simply divine."

"Thank you, I shall." The homely older man heaped oysters on his plate until there was room for little else.

"The pheasant is also moist and tender." She picked up a small piece and held it to the besieged mans mouth; he practically bit her fingers as he snagged the tasty tidbit with his large buckteeth.

Rhiannon felt like gagging, but kept the sweet smile plastered on her face. Her father discussed everything with his steward; he might be useful for some information later on.

She turned her attack on her father, who had remained quiet for the most part while all his other usual guests competed for the attentions of his lovely daughter.

"So father, aside from managing to once again betroth me to an unknown horror, what else transpired on your trip?"

The baron smiled; this was more like it. She was seething through her deceptive smile and fishing for details. This he could deal with.

"Naught that you would be interested in, my precious daughter. And he is not a horror. This time you shall be pleasantly surprised."

She furrowed her eyebrows and grimaced. "I can imagine." He obviously was holding to his threat of telling her nothing. Her face brightened as she thought of another tactic. "Shall you at least tell me his name, so I may mention him in my nightly prayers?"

"More like curse him to an early grave. Nay, this time you shall know naught until he walks in the door to claim your hand."

She contrived a syrupy smile, and innocently batted her eyes. "Are you so sure I shall please him? He may take one look, and . . ."

"Oh, nay, Rhiannon. When his arrival is eminent, you will be dressed in your finest clothes and closely guarded. There shall be no rolling in mud this time."

"''Twas not mud, 'twas pig swill. It worked most effectively; that ugly lord took one whiff and ran." She snickered at the success of her latest deterrent to marriage.

"He is probably running still. You stunk up the entire castle. And that ugly lord was very rich, and would have provided for you most graciously."

"He had the face of a donkey. Really father, do you want your grandchildren to be born with foot-long ears? Does this new prospect also resemble a beast of burden?"

"Enough! You can talk yourself blue, you shall learn nothing more from me."

She closed her mouth and glowered, hoping that Kady was having more success than she was.

Later in her room, Rhiannon waited impatiently for Kady to report her findings. When the servant girl finally did appear, Rhiannon knew instantly that Kady's mission had been a failure. She stalked in the room and threw up her hands in dismay.

"No one knows anything! The master was alone when he made his arrangement, and he has talked to no one since! 'Tis hopeless."

"Nothing is hopeless, Kady. We shall simply have to strengthen our efforts. My father is bound to extol his good fortune to someone, and you must hear every word."

"But I am your servant! He shall get suspicious if I follow him around."

Rhiannon puckered her face in thought. "Everyone must be put on alert, especially the kitchen staff." Her face brightened. "I have an idea! I shall feign illness tomorrow, and father shall dine with his regular guests for company. He is bound to divulge something without me there."

Kady nodded. "Aye, that might work. He would talk more freely."

"I know - you could hide! That way, you shall hear all that is said!"

"Hide? But what if I am discovered?" Kady's sudden blanched face would have made freshly laundered linen appear dull.

"You shall not be. Kady, you have to help me!" Her expression changed to desperation, as her large blue eyes blinked back tears, forcing Kady to cast her eyes to the ceiling in capitulation.

"Very well, do not cry. You know I cannot stand it when you cry." Even though Kady was only six years older than Rhiannon, she had been her servant for eleven years. They were more like sisters, rather than Lady/servant.

Rhiannon's smile instantly returned. "Thank you, Kady! Now, let us go to the great hall and find the ideal spot for you to hide."

Down in the deserted great hall the girls planned their strategy. Rhiannon shuffled around the lords table with a hand on her chin as she pondered all possibilities.

"I suppose under the table is out. You might get kicked and then discovered."

Kady's face showed relief at the elimination of that hiding spot, as Rhiannon continued her inspection. Suddenly her face exploded in a smile. "The curtains! They should easily conceal you." She motioned to the long drapes against the back wall behind the master table. "Go ahead, get behind it . . .I want to see if you are noticed."

Kady reluctantly placed herself behind the thick red velvet curtains. "'Tis hot back here."

Her muffled complaint fell on deaf ears as Rhiannon stepped back, cocking her head as she stared at the obvious jut.

"Nay, you are too large. You make a huge bulge."

Kady thankfully came out from behind the heavy, hot curtain. "Good. I would have suffocated back there."

Rhiannon sighed deeply in exasperation "There must be somewhere. Wait - I have an idea."

Kady grimaced in dread; Rhiannon was having way too many ideas for her own good.

"You shall become part of the kitchen staff and help serve the meals tomorrow. We can disguise you."

"But I do not want to be part of the kitchen staff." Kady's face fell into a pout.

"Oh Kady, 'tis only for one day." Kady's expression didn't change, and Rhiannon slyly added, "I shall give you the next two days off."

Kady raised an eyebrow. "Three."

"Oh, very well, three. But only if you find out anything. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

They exited the great hall, each thinking they had made the better deal.

The following day the baron was informed that Rhiannon was feeling poorly. Instantly suspecting a contrived scheme, he visited his daughters room to see for himself this terrible sudden illness. He did indeed find her in bed, her face pale - due mostly to the powered chalk she patted all over it - and harboring a pained expression.

"I shall be fine, father," she said, faking a tired, sick voice. "I just need a day of rest."

The baron tucked her in and kissed her forehead. "Very well, you rest. I want you well and smiling when your betrothed arrives."

"Will that be soon?" Her voice reeking of innocence as she hoped to catch him unaware.

"Sooner than you think. I shall have your meals brought up to you. I do not want you weak with hunger. And you can wipe that hopeful look off your face; I am telling you nothing."

As soon as he left, she hopped out of bed and stuck her tongue out at the door. "Augh! He is being impossible!"

Kady stepped out from her hiding spot in the wardrobe. "Whew, I did not think he would ever leave."

Rhiannon sat on the edge of the bed and looked miserable. "This better work - I am stuck in my room all day, and 'tis beautiful and sunny out."

"I have already secured a food servers cap and apron," Kady said, holding out the items in front of her. "I shall keep my eyes lowered and try to keep from your fathers sight." She slipped out the door, leaving Rhiannon bored but hopeful.

Breakfast produced nothing. The master did not seem to even notice Kady as she brought trays of food from the kitchen and stood close by, listening to any conversation he became involved in. She reported to Rhiannon, who was not pleased, but there were still two other meals to render.

The mid-day meal was also fruitless. Rhiannon was starting to get frantic, feeling like a caged animal, pacing in her room all day while the world went on outside without her. She vowed to be extra obnoxious to this new suitor, just for the agony she was going through.

Dinnertime approached, and Kady grew more and more anxious. She had to hear something this time or the whole day was for nothing, and she had never worked so hard in all her life.

The master had his usual guests with one addition - a visiting lord from an adjoining manor, a lord Preston somebody. Kady noticed this new person was seated directly next to the baron, where Rhiannon would ordinarily sit. This meal was prepared more lavish, due to the special guest, and the great hall was merry and loud with the chattering diners. It was impossible for Kady to hear anything over the din of the crowd, and she resigned herself that her mission was a total failure.

After the meal, the baron and the visiting lord withdrew to the masters study to imbibe in a brandy or two. Kady was bringing yet another tray from the great hall past the study entrance, when an overeager maid came rushing around the corner and smacked right into her, causing the entire tray to come crashing to the floor. The young maid burst into tears, and Kady sent her to fetch some cleaning rags while she kneeled to pick up the mess of broken crockery. The baron was over-imbibing, as usual, and sat in his favorite chair with his back to the ajar door, not noticing the two-inch crack.

"Preston," he began, "have you ever heard of the Dark Count?"

"Good Lord, aye . . .everyone has. Why do you bring him up?"

The baron leaned forward in his chair and motioned Lord Preston closer. "I am bursting to tell someone. Can you keep a secret?"

"Aye, of course."

In the hall, Kady stopped picking up the mess and leaned her ear closer to the door, hoping no one passed by to see her listening.

The baron smiled as he swirled his brandy in the goblet. "First of all, what do you know of the Earl of Suffolk?"

"Only that he is ruthless, cruel, and most fearsome to gaze upon. His face is scared and gruesome. 'Tis rumored that he once had a servant hanged simply for overhearing a private conversation."

Kady's hand went to her throat and she stopped breathing.

"'Tis also rumored he has had three wives so far; when he tires of one he simply kills her and moves on. He supposedly beats his servants for the slightest mishap, and is so large he can break a mans neck with just one hand. He is the devil incarnate; sounds absolutely horrid to me."

"Aye, I have heard the same rumors." The baron chuckled. "I met him during my latest trip to London, at the kings castle. I made an arrangement with him for my daughters hand."

Kady's eyes grew large and she slowly backed away from the door. The hapless maid returned with the rags and Kady stammered for her to clean up the mess. She then made her way directly to Rhiannon, not staying to hear the rest of the conversation.

Lord Preston's small eyes widened in disbelief. "You are marrying your lovely Rhiannon off to the Dark Count?"

"Nay, to his nephew, Viscount Stanwyck. The young lad is his only heir, and stands to inherit his entire vast fortune. And I can assure you, the rumors are mostly false. Aye, he did have a servant hanged, for raping a young maiden who afterwards threw herself off a cliff in anguish. His wives all died of totally natural causes, and he does not beat his servants anymore than I do. But he rather likes his dark reputation; it keeps people from challenging him and makes for loyal servants." He grinned with a satisfied nod. "Aye, this shall be a good match. The young lad is handsome, rich, and ripe for marriage."

Upstairs Kady didn't bother to knock, just rushed in Rhiannon's room and slammed the door behind her, leaning against it as if she expected the Dark Count himself to burst in at any moment and drag her to the gallows. Rhiannon looked up from her book, and upon seeing Kady's white face and look of horror stood and swallowed hard.

"What did you find out, Kady?"

"Oh, Rhiannon! 'Tis much worse than we thought! You are to marry the Dark Count!"

"The who?"

"The Dark Count! Oh, 'tis terrible! He is awful, and old, and ugly, and kills servants, and shall hang me!"

"Calm down Kady, now, just exactly what did you hear?"

Kady took a deep breath. "Your father has betrothed you to the Earl of Suffolk, the Dark Count. He has had three former wives, all of whom he likely killed with his bare hands, and he hangs servants for doing nothing. Oh, Rhiannon! 'Tis simply terrible!"

Rhiannon felt a sense of betrayal by her father. How could he make an arrangement with such a horrible man? "Kady, are you sure you heard correctly?"

"Aye, he said I have made an arrangement with him for my daughters hand. Those are his exact words."

Rhiannon fell back on the bed, hopelessness engulfing her for the first time. "It does not appear that anything would scare this one off. I could roll in pig swill all day, and he would probably like it."

"Aye, he would most likely join you. Milady, what are you to do?"

Rhiannon sat up and began thinking. Her father had really pushed her this time. If he thought she was just going to sit around and accept her fate, well, he had another thought coming. "Kady, I am going to leave."

"Leave? Where?"

"Remember the caves?"

"At the shore? But that is so far! Is that not a bit . . .drastic?"

"This calls for drastic measures. I shall have to disguise myself as a peasant; I need plain clothes and enough food to last me for at least a week. When this Dark Count shows up, he will find a castle void of a bride."

Kady gasped. "You are going alone? Should I not go with you?"

"Nay, that would arouse suspicion. You must pretend not to know where I am. Do not worry, I can hide in the caves quite nicely. No one knows them as well as I do."

"All right, I suppose there is no other way. But your father is most likely to be very enraged at your absence."

"It serves him right, betrothing me to such a ghastly fate. I shall leave tomorrow night. We must act totally natural until then. I am counting on you, Kady."

All the next day Rhiannon still feigned illness, while preparing for her bold adventure. Kady found her some simple peasant clothes, which Rhiannon packed along with large amounts of cheese, dried meats, and twice-baked bread. At least she wouldn't starve.

Toward late afternoon, Rhiannon slipped out of her room dressed in fine riding clothes and headed directly to the stables. The groom, suspecting nothing, saddled a horse for her to take on a short afternoon ride. She purposely chose a simple brown mare of substandard quality, to test it, she said. Her direction was stated to be the exact opposite of where she was going when she casually rode off. As soon as she was a good distance away, she found a clump of woods and changed into the peasant clothes. She hid her fine clothes - along with the expensive sidesaddle that would arouse suspicion - then jumped on the horse bareback with her sack of food. She was an excellent rider, and didn't need a saddle, anyway. A simple peasant girl riding with a bundle to deliver would be common, and no one would give her any notice.

She smiled with satisfaction at her devious plan. Maybe her father would finally understand that his arrangements were intolerable, and that this time he went too far.