He chuckled. “Can’t you take a joke, your ladyship?”
“It isn’t amusing, lover. You and Chad are alike. He’ll be sorry if he discards Louisa for that little chit.”
“How and why is that, Cynthia?”
“Are you blind? Our guide has captured her eye.”
Reid’s voice chilled. “How do you know?”
“I don’t, but I would bet my life and money on it. I would say a hot romance is in the making. Chad will lose this time.” “Lose what?” he inquired, coming to full alert.
“Lose everything if he isn’t careful. He’ll never get Leigh, and he’ll lose Louisa if he keeps lusting for his ward and her wealth.”
“Who says Chad wants to get Leigh?”
Cynthia laughed. “Wouldn’t you, in his place?”
“No, I wouldn’t. Chad doesn’t have to marry her to control her and the firm. Louisa is much better for him, and he knows it.”
“Does he, Reid? I think he’s a little lust-struck. He seems as bored with Louisa as you are with me.”
“Only because both of you are acting like shrews. All you’re accomplishing is to make Leigh look like a dream. If I were Louisa, I would behave myself. If she does, she has nothing to worry about.”
Cynthia was surprised. “Are you certain?”
Reeking with confidence, the man responded, “Absolutely. Now, be quite and go to sleep. I’m tired.”
~*~
Johi reported to Jace’s tent and revealed the conversation he had overheard in the couple’s tent. “Good work, Johi. Keep your eyes and ears open. Something is going on, my friend.”
~*~
For two days, there were no perils or problems, or any time for Leigh and Jace to speak privately. Someone was always underfoot. The women were allowed to bathe in a safe area of the river, soothing Louisa’s and Cynthia’s nerves. The group went walking, looking, and hunting. Pictures were taken. Chad shot an impala for their dinner. At night, Leigh and Jace kept their distance.
On the third day, the party left camp early. As they walked along, Leigh asked Jace, “Are there really spiders as big as your hand, huge snakes, and cannibals?”
“Big spiders and snakes, yes. But man or woman eaters, not really. That was to test your courage, Miss Webster. I was glad to see you don’t frighten easily.”
“Didn’t you discover that in London?” Chad inquired, grinning.
“That I did, Chad,” she replied.
“Look,” he said, halting them.
A herd of giraffes was browsing beyond them.
“They prefer young trees,” Jace told them, “so they do a lot of damage. They can peel the leaves from thorny acacias without hurting their tongues, but it hinders new growth. Between them and elephants, they can strip all buds. Sometimes it takes an area a couple of years for them to recover.”
The five towering creatures ceased their feeding to check out the approaching group. Leigh observed the nimble, tall animals. Their hides were exquisitely patterned. Their tails flicked at pesky insects. Their ears wiggled to catch the sound of danger. Deciding they were in peril, the herd loped off at a long, easy stride on slender legs.
The lookout for a baboon troop barked an alarm and dog-faced creatures hurried into underbrush while protesting the intrusion. Countless birds that filled treetops with colors, movements, and songs took hasty flight to land elsewhere until safe to return. Monkeys chattered and scampered for cover, from which they observed the passing humans. An unseen lion growled. An elephant trumpeted. Bushes quivered to expose the escapes of frightened critters. Other small beasts scattered before their approach. The party continued their leisurely walk, searching for rhino today.
“Your Sporting License allows each of you to take five big game heads and four zebras, plus smaller eating game,” Jace reminded them. “Make certain you select wisely, as there won’t be a second chance. If we take more than is legal, we’re the same as poachers. Remember the laws and regulations, and keep them.”
The license had cost twenty-five pounds for twelve months, and each member of their group had one. Yet Leigh didn’t plan to use hers. Hunting for food was all right, or shooting in self-defense, but she did not care to kill for sport. She only wanted to explore this land.
In a quietened tone, Jace informed and instructed, “The black rhino is a grazer or browser. Usually you find some in the same area with giraffes, and normally in pairs. With luck and from the signs, one is nearby, hopefully a solitary bull. From here on, be quiet and move with caution. If you spook one, he’ll charge. They don’t see well, but their hearing and smell are excellent. You’re only allowed one each because so many have been killed off for their horns.”