She couldn't help but laugh, his remark being truthful. "Though I object, I will do as you say."

"A wise choice," he commended with a wink and walked her to the door. "I look forward to this evening with you."

"I will attempt not to disappoint," she said, not certain whether she meant to rea.s.sure him or herself.

He leaned his head down, his lips not far from hers. "You never disappoint me, Sarina, you excite, enliven, and enchant me."

His kiss was as unexpected as were his words, and she remained speechless long after the kiss ended. He turned her around, gave a squeeze to her waist, and whispered in her ear, "Hurry and get ready so you can join me for a drink before everyone arrives."

She was out the door and down the hall when she realized she had forgotten Lily. She turned to see Dagon standing in the doorway.

"I will see to Lady Lily and you will see to getting dressed."

She smiled, nodded, and walked off without a limp to a light step.

His calling out her name stopped her once again. " Sarina."

She turned her head.

"Wear shoes."

She laughed and said, "I'll think about it." And then she took off before he could call out to her again.

Excitement quickened her steps. She was thrilled with the prospect of attending the party this evening, but more thrilled to be spending the evening with Dagon.

His company was fast becoming a habit that she discovered was worth the risk. How this whole dilemma would turn out, she didn't know, and at the moment she didn't care. A strange thought, since her journey had a specific goal. That goal presently was not important to her; Dagon was. If the two should merge, then that would be wonderful. If not? She would face that answer when necessary.

She entered the kitchen and was immediately struck with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Margaret was busy preparing the food as she always did, the mortal way. Two young servant girls helped, but there was so much to do.

She did the only thing she could do. "Can I help?" she asked.

"I could use the extra hands," Margaret answered gratefully.

Sarina pitched in, doing whatever Margaret asked of her. When the two girls were ordered to help with the final preparations in the dining room, Sarina shared her excitement about the evening ahead with Margaret.

"Do you have something to wear?" Margaret asked, seeming pleased by the news and eager to help her.

"I've been debating over two dresses, and I think the plain winter white one would be my best choice," Sarina said, certain her black dress would not suit the occasion and might give Dagon ideas.

"White would look lovely on you, though I think black would go remarkably well with your coloring."

Sarina thought her remark strange. Margaret knew black was a sacred color and worn only by a chosen few and the wise ones. Why would she suggest black and why comment that it would look well on her?

Did she suspect something?

Bernard entered the kitchen looking perturbed. "Sarina, you will help serve dinner this evening."

"But I-"

"Don't bother to offer any excuses, none are acceptable. And while you would be my last choice for this a.s.signment, I have no choice in the matter. Two of the servers have taken ill, and you are the only one available, the other staff members already having left for their evening off."

Sarina sent a silent plea of help to Margaret. She shook her head as if informing her that she had no choice but to do as directed.

"Wear your hair up," Bernard ordered. "There are extra serving uniforms in the garment room, and for heaven's sake handle every dish with extra care this evening. Now hurry and get ready, much needs tending."

Sarina did as she was told. A quick shower, a hasty twist and pin of her hair, and only a minute or two to slip on gray stockings, a slim gray skirt, a gray blouse with a plain white collar, and a tailored white ap.r.o.n tied securely around her waist, and she was almost ready. The last item, gray low-heeled pumps, did not at all appeal to her, and with the bottom of her foot tender they held even less appeal. She cast her comfort aside and slipped the shoes on, With a wince and a groan she hurried from her room.

Dagon looked at the clock on the mantel for the third time. She was fifteen minutes late, and he was annoyed.

Stolen moments alone with her was what he was hoping for, and with the sounds of Sydney, Ali, and Sebastian approaching the parlor, it looked as though his plans were about to falter.

He walked to the door and held his hand out to Sydney. "You look as beautiful as ever."

"And you, dear boy, are as charming as ever, even though annoyed," she said softly and took his arm to walk to the sofa.

"Can I keep nothing from you," he said in a whisper near her ear.

"Nothing," she whispered back and smoothed the blue silk of her long skirt and matching jacket. A strand of diamonds and sapphires hugged her neck and sparkled at her ears, her hair being swept back and up in an intricate braid so as to show off the eye-catching gems.

Ali took a chair by the hearth, her ankle-length, pure white wool dress caressing every curve of her slender body. Long strands of tiny pearls hung from each ear almost to her shoulders and her blond hair was a creation of utter confusion that looked remarkably stunning on her.

"You look extra special tonight, Dagon," Ali said with a teasing smile and accepted the gla.s.s of white wine her husband offered her.

He had taken extra time and care with his appearance this evening. He always made certain to look his best, but tonight he wanted to look his best for Sarina. He wore a white wool suit with a matching vest. His white collarless shirt was embroiled down the front in a Celtic design and his long dark hair fell over his shoulders in stark contrast to the white.

Sebastian came to his rescue, announcing, "I think we all look terrific." And raised his gla.s.s of wine in a toast.

"That we do, darling," Ali agreed and swept an appreciative glance over him before joining in the toast. "And I'm so happy you chose to wear light gray instead of your usual dark colors."

"I agree," Dagon said, "you look good." And Sebastian did, the light gray wool suit fitting him handsomely, and the darker gray shirt and silver tie made for an excellent combination and highlighted his darker features.

"Now all we need is for Sarina to join us and complete our perfectly delightful ensemble," Ali said jokingly.

As if cue Sarina entered the parlor, silver tray in hand.

Seventeen.

"Wrong attire for a dinner party, dear heart," Dagon said with an edge of annoyance.

Sarina entered the room ignoring all but Dagon. She went directly to him, and he stood as she approached, reaching out and s.n.a.t.c.hing the serving tray from her hand. He held it out to Sebastian, who took it with a smile and played servant, offering the delectable choice of appetizers to his wife and Sydney.

"Two of the servers took ill and the other staff members have left for the evening, I had no choice," Sarina explained, sounding as disappointed as Dagon did annoyed. "Bernard instructed me to follow his orders and would hear no excuses."

Dagon softened his tone. "Did you make Bernard aware of the fact that you were to attend tonight's gathering?"

"I tried," she said, "but he was upset and-"

Dagon finished for her. "-you felt guilty about not helping."

"Yes, I did," she admitted. The doorbell prevented any further discussion, though Ali did offer a solution. "Perhaps we can all share a nightcap later this evening."

"Sounds great to me," Sebastian said, helping himself to another cheese puff.

Dagon scowled at him, and Sebastian popped another puff into his mouth.

"Me, too," Sarina agreed, though looked to Dagon for confirmation.

The offer appeased though no way satisfied Dagon, but there was little he could do. He acquiesced with a nod.

Sarina smiled her thanks to Ali and Sebastian and acknowledged Sydney with a gentle nod. She then hurried to see to her duties.

"Sarina," Dagon said as she reached the door. She turned and knew immediately his thoughts.

"Be very careful this evening."

Her smile faded and she said softly, "Yes, sir."

Three pairs of eyes fell on him accusingly when he turned around, and he shook his head and reached for his winegla.s.s.

Sarina was grateful that all was going well. Granted, the appetizers had only been served and the remainder of the full course meal had yet to be delivered, but making it through the beginning without any incidents gave her hope that all would proceed smoothly.

Margaret filled the soup tureen with the tasty leek and carrot soup, and Sarina sniffed the scented air appreciatively. "You make the best soups, Margaret."

"I made extra, and as soon as the guests set to enjoying the main course, you and Janey can help yourself to whatever your taste buds favor," Margaret said, placing the silver ladle in the flowered china tureen and securing the top on it. "Are you certain you feel comfortable serving this?"

Where Bernard could be critical of her work, Margaret was concerned; even Janey had offered to do more than her share of the serving. They were obviously concerned that she might falter and make a scene that would embarra.s.s Dagon and make matters worse for herself.

But she was determined that nothing should go wrong. She was extra careful and cautious of her every move, and so far her precautions had paid off, and she would continue to see that the evening proceeded without incident.

"I can serve the soup without a problem," she said confidently.

"I'll help," Janey offered, entering the kitchen with the empty appetizer plates. "Four hands are better than two."

Sarina was not about to lose her newly gained confidence. "I'll serve, you can hold the tureen."

Janey nodded, grabbed the serving pot holders, and lifted the china tureen, and together they left the kitchen.

Dagon sat at one end of the table and Sydney at the other, Sebastian and Ali sat on either side of Sydney with Teresa McEwan beside Sebastian and her husband Eden beside Ali. Bridie and William Douglas followed and John and Catherine MacTavish sat on either side of Dagon.

Conversation drifted around the table sprinkled with laughter and highlighted with contented smiles. Dagon loved to entertain especially good company, and the people gathered around his impressive table were old and dear friends.

There was, however, one person missing whom he had wanted to share the evening with, Sarina. He wanted her at his table, not serving his guests, and yet she was a servant in his castle and not a very good one at that.

He had wondered over her inadequate abilities and her sudden appearance at his doorstep, and the longer he debated the issue the more he thought that there was more to her than she revealed. He thought her a young witch in need of guidance and practice, and yet there were times she possessed the wise ways of an older more experienced witch.

And then there was the problem of her wrongs not being able to be made right. He had researched the problem, looking for various reasons for such an occurrence, and there were several ranging from an insignificant problem that could be overcome with time and proper training to the most severe, that being a powerful spell.

He was never one to dismiss anything without further investigation, and he planned to do just that until he found the answer.

Conversation turned to the coming holiday, the Winter Solstice, and the many activities planned. All recalled past holidays of fun and pleasure and hopes of future ones to come. Everyone was so engrossed with talk that no one paid attention to Sarina and Janey when they entered the room, none that was, except Dagon.

He was relieved to see that she did not carry the soup tureen, though when he realized she would be the one to serve, he almost cringed. He silently berated himself for not having any confidence in her, especially since she appeared confident.

Her obvious self-confidence filled him with pleasure, and he relaxed, watching her approach Sydney. The gray slim skirt hugged her round backside, and the white ap.r.o.n accented her narrow waist. The gray blouse was a bit too large for her and hid the swell of her handful-size b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and the idea that they were concealed, hidden away from him, enticed him all the more.

His eyes followed her graceful movements, and he was suddenly anxious for the evening to pa.s.s and for them to be alone. Alone to talk, alone to touch, alone to tempt fate.

He smiled and decided exactly how he wanted the evening to end.

Sarina caught Dagon's sinful smile, sensed his heated desires, and did all she could to ignore them. Now was not the time for her thoughts to turn l.u.s.ty. She needed her wits and senses about her. She would not embarra.s.s herself nor Dagon with less than skillful hands this evening.

She chased all thoughts from her mind and focused on her ch.o.r.e at hand, pouring the soup into each guest's bowl. She began with Sydney.

"It smells delicious, dear," Sydney commented after Sarina filled her bowl.

A simple nod and thank you was all the response expected of her, and she turned to Ali and filled her bowl without incident. She, too, commented on the delicious aroma.

All was going perfectly and she glowed with the satisfaction of a job well done as she approached Sebastian.

Everything happened so fast Sarina was at a loss to react. She lifted the full ladle from the tureen and was about to pour it into Sebastian's bowl when out of the corner of her eye she caught Lady Lily scooting into the room.

She looked briefly to Sydney, who acknowledged the little dilemma and attempted with a casual point of her finger to send Lily in the opposite direction. It didn't work; instead the little kitten twirled around like a top and sped straight into Janey's feet.

Janey lost her balance, Sarina reached out to help her, the ladle went flying out of her hand-how she couldn't imagine, since she thought she had a firm grasp on it-and Janey and she collided. Sarina grabbed for the full tureen that wobbled in Janey's hands, the two fighting to prevent it from falling but having no such luck.

It toppled over, Janey grabbing the rim but not before it dumped a good portion of the soup in Sebastian's lap. The hot soup caused him to jump up, knocking into Teresa, who sat next to him, who knocked her water gla.s.s into William Douglas's lap; he in turn, startled by the cold drenching, jumped up, sending Catherine MacTavish's winegla.s.s flying across the table, spilling over her husband's white shirt; John MacTavish's surprised reaction caused his elbow to hit Bridie Douglas in the arm, sending the water from the gla.s.s she held to spill all over her chest; her stunned response caused her to bring her gla.s.s down on the table catching the edge of her spoon accidentally, sending the utensil flying in the air to land in Ali's soup bowl, splashing leek and carrot soup all over Eden McEwan, who sat between Bridie and Ali.

The chaos did not stop there. The ladle that had gone flying through the air toward the end of the table deposited its contents over Dagon's head, the soup dripping slowly down along his face.

Sarina and Janey's uniforms were partially drenched with the soup. Sydney was the only one who had miraculously escaped the deluge.

Complete silence filled the air. Not a breath or sigh was heard, not a word was murmured. And all eyes turned toward Dagon.

He took his white linen napkin from his lap and slowly wiped the dripping soup from his face. "My apologies," he said calmly and turned heated eyes on Sarina.

Sarina's emotions soared to the surface, and with a burst of tears she rushed out of the room.

Sebastian sent his wife a knowing nod and excused himself, following after Sarina.

Ali took charge of the delicate situation. "Dear," she said, addressing Janey. "I think we have had enough soup, and it's a good time to serve the salad, and do bring extra napkins."

Eden McEwan burst into a fit of laughter after wiping the soup from his face with his finger and tasting it. "d.a.m.n good soup, Dagon."