Page 25 of Lord of Loyalty

“Nay, indeed. You look so well, were you in any other household, I’m certain you would not be spared the attentions of the master. ’Tis not to say that I don’t find you tempting… I mean, please don’t think I wouldn’t if—”

He should stop talking. How was it that he’d become so tongue-tied? He was more than experienced in giving compliments to ladies, so why did he feel so unnerved when trying to flatter Isobel?

A smile played across her lips—she was mocking him. He liked it.

“What I’m trying to convey is that you will always look splendid, whatever you might be wearing. No man could be unaware of your attributes… I mean, charms. Although it is not my intention to take advantage of you.”

He hung his head—he was making a complete mull of this. But at least it was a distraction from the problem of Paulina Mathieson.

Isobel was laughing openly now. “To spare you any further discomfort, let me extrapolate your meaning. I look very well, but should not mistake your compliment as a ploy to seduce me, for you are too much the gentleman to toy with any of your servants, let alone your friends.”

Raising his head, he held her gaze. “You’re very forthright, Mistress Marston. Or would you rather I called you Eurydice from now on?”

“Are you making fun of me, Sir William?”

“Nay. Only I had to give a name for you to Goody Cooper, and as I was in a hurry, Eurydice was the best I could come up with. I know ’tis not Portuguese, but they must have an interest in the classics there, too, so I hoped it would serve. Regrettably, my housekeeper is, as yet, unable to pronounce it. And—and it pains me to say this—I should not be surprised to find the servants assuming you and I are lovers.”

His voice cracked on the word “lovers”. How had he become so coy all of a sudden? He’d faced down a rank of arquebusiers, by the rood, so he ought to be able to manage a little awkwardness with Isobel.

The air between them charged like a thunderstorm. He’d put her to the blush, but he couldn’t be sorry. It made her look hale and happy.

She nodded. “Like as not they will. Since I cannot remove your signet ring.”

“A pox on’t!” He leapt up and seized her hand. The ring was, indeed, held fast, and couldn’t be removed without effort and ingenuity. “For the moment, turn the intaglio into the palm of your hand so ’tis less obvious. I’m deeply sorry to have branded you thus.”

Her mouth quirked, and his gaze was transfixed by it.

“You’ll have to come to me every time you want something impressed with your seal.”

“I’ll have another one made.” Although the prospect of taking her hand on a regular basis was decidedly agreeable.

He took a horn beaker from the dresser, replenished her cup and poured himself some of the small beer. “So, are you content to play your part?”

“I shall do my best. I can only I hope it will not be for long, for every moment I remain here puts you in danger.”

“Think not of that. I can look after myself. And remember your brother’s dying wish… I’m honor-bound to care for you, for however long you have need of me.” He hoped it would be some time, as she intrigued and excited him—this new, lucid woman with her dancing green eyes and tempting smile.

His cup rattled as he put it on the table. “I shall go to that lawyer, Bradshaw, first thing tomorrow, with the letter and ring Edward gave me, as proof of my integrity. I must discover as soon as possible whether or not Pike has any legal claim to either you or your property now that Edward’s gone. He gave me no reason to believe there was any heir but you.”

“And with what shall I occupy myself in your absence?”

“You need do nothing.”

“Nay, I must earn my keep. You told Master Maybury I was a seamstress, so mayhap I can help with the sewing and the linens. I sew a fine stitch. And if your housekeeper is busy now that you are returned, I might assist with making remedies and household necessities. I can remember the recipe for a potent mixture for cleaning glass.”

His skin prickled. “Nay. Keep away from the windows, lest Pike sees you. Or one of his henchmen, as he might not want to be caught keeping watch on the house himself.”

She looked anxious then, and he could have cursed himself for reminding her.

He moved closer. “Don’t feel you have to do any work at all. You’re not a slave, and I have no wish to demean you.”

“Pray, don’t concern yourself.” She held his gaze, and the beat of his heart picked up speed. “I shall enjoy putting my household skills into practice and learning new ones. It will stop me being melancholy and brooding over my lot. Besides which, ’tis the least I can do to repay you for your kindness.”

“That’s not what you said when I bound your feet so you couldn’t run away.” He grinned, taking her by the elbows, letting his gaze rove over her face. Yes, the blush was there again. Because of what he’d said, or because of him?

“Harsh remedies for hard times.” Her voice was almost a whisper. He noted she didn’t pull away.

The door to the housekeeper’s room suddenly opened, and Maybury bowled in. Will took a huge step backwards, away from Isobel.

“Ah, Cavendish—I’ve tracked you down at last. I just wanted to ask… oh, but I see you are otherwise engaged.”

“I’m sure Mistress Marston can spare me.” Hah! As if using her proper title could redeem him.

Because he had, almost certainly, been about to kiss her.