Page 57 of Ella’s Desire

“I want you to be happy with this union,” he murmured. “The king did not tell us when we must be wed, only that it had to be done.”

Their lips brushed lightly, just enough to set his heart pounding. He wanted to cup the back of her head and capture her mouth in a searing kiss. But, nay.

It was better to let her desire burn. To make her want him enough to do anything—even attend court of her own volition. To make the choice to marry him.

He eased back. “Shall we deliver this parcel?”

Ella blinked in surprise. She gave a knowing smile. “Trying to tease me to win my favor?”

“Is it so evident?” He pushed the door open for her.

She went through while giving him a long, slow stare that sizzled through him. The lady knew exactly what she was doing.

Ella’s demeanor immediately shifted from one of a sensual temptress to that of a good friend as she smiled at Nan. For as much as Ella had said she was not a court lady, Bronson anticipated she would do exceptionally well.

“And what are the two of you doing down here, aside from crowding my kitchen?” The twinkle in Nan’s eye took the admonishment from her question.

“I’ve just come from the village.” Ella indicated the package Bronson carried. “Edmund the Strong said to give this to you.”

Nan gave an exasperated sigh. “The man is impossible.” She wiped her hands on her apron and accepted the gift from Bronson. “I don’t know why Old Betsy couldn’t have stayed on.”

Ella raised her brows at Bronson while Nan unwrapped her present.

“Mutton,” Nan pronounced. “And not nearly enough to feed more than one person. Mayhap two if eaten sparingly.”

Bronson nodded his approval. Mutton was the finest bit of meat to be found in England and Scotland. The butcher was working hard for Nan’s approval.

“I think he means for you to eat it, as it was a gift.” Ella peered at the raw meat. “It was a very kind gesture.”

Nan huffed and folded the parcel once more. “Mutton’s too fine for the likes of me.”

Ella folded her arms over her chest. “In that case, I order you to do it.”

Nan put her fists on her hips. “Ach, you are a saucy lass.” She waved at Ella and Bronson with both hands. “Go on with you. Out of my kitchen so I can finish your supper.”

Ella laughed and scooted toward the door, grabbing Bronson’s arm as she did so. “Enjoy the mutton, Nan. No one deserves it more than you.”

“It didn’t work,” Bronson whispered to Ella once they were in the hall.

“Didn’t it?” She smirked with a sly expression that made Bronson’s blood heat.

He led Ella to the stairs as they both needed to return to their rooms to ready for supper. “Do you think it did?”

Ella went up the stairs slowly. “Of course. I’ve never seen Nan so upset about a gift before.”

Bronson matched Ella’s pace, enjoying the time alone with her before people surrounded them once more at supper. “And that will win her over?”

“Aye.” Ella gave a secretive smile. “I believe our new butcher has captured Nan’s attention.”

Bronson nodded slowly. “And she doesn’t want him to.”

Ella paused at the top of the stairs. “I must ready for supper, but I shall see you down in the great hall soon.”

Though no one was around, Bronson did not kiss her. He took her hand and gently turned her wrist before pressing his lips to the warmth of her palm. Her fingers curled over the kiss, holding it.

“I shall see you in a moment’s time.” With that, he bowed and departed. The book he’d taken from the solar sat heavy in his pouch still. He intended to read it, to discover more secrets to Ella’s heart.

Movement outside caught his attention. He peered through the open window to where three figures ran about below with a slender gray dog at their side. Bronson couldn’t help but smile as Leila took Lark’s hand and pulled her along toward Cat.