Page 68 of Lord of Loyalty

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Will smiled at Isobel with a reassurance he was far from feeling. What could possibly have brought both his friend and his nemesis to Marston House demanding to see him? And what a morning to have chosen!

He put his head close to the door. “Have you roused the mistress yet?”

“Nay, sir. We thought, after yesterday’s events, she should be left to sleep. Shall I wake her now?”

At Isobel’s frantic head shaking, he replied, “Nay. I shall dress first, then wake her myself. I can see if she’d rather I dealt with the matter alone or, as this is her house, request Maybury wait until she’s dressed. I’m sure he’ll understand if she’s not in the mood for visitors at present.”

Isobel whispered, “Tell her to show them into the parlor. I’ll run to my room as soon as she’s gone down.”

Will relayed the message and listened until Goody’s footsteps dwindled into silence. “Go. Can you dress yourself or shall I come to you as soon as I’m ready?”

Her face was pale, but she shook her head. “I shall manage. What about you?”

He gave a wry smile. “Much as I would rather be undressed by you, I think your help in putting my clothes on would be most welcome.”

After a brief tussle with his shirt, doublet and hose, he felt fit to be seen, poked his head out the door, and made sure it was safe for Isobel to return to her chamber unobserved. It took considerable strength of purpose—what he really wanted to do was shout to the world that he had just enjoyed the most perfect night of his life and that all his dreams were coming true. Why did reality have to intrude with such brutal insistence? But once Maybury and Paulina were dealt with, there was always this afternoon.

He took care over his toilet. If Maybury had bad news, he was in no hurry to hear it. As soon as he was ready, he hastened to the kitchen to request that some manner of repast be sent into the parlor. Whatever he and Isobel must face, they might as well do it with full stomachs.

Both Maybury and Paulina got to their feet when he finally entered the room. They looked somewhat sheepish, though he couldn’t help but think Paulina looked particularly splendid today with her golden curls artfully coiled on top of her head and a starched lace ruff emphasizing the length of her neck. A pity he knew her to be so spoiled and selfish—though perchance she would grow out of that in time.

The door opened behind him to admit Isobel. She’d donned a low-cut gown which accentuated the white flesh of her breast, and had a charming cap in green velvet over the top of her coif. She, too, wore a high collar edged with lace, all of which concealed the fact her hair had been shorn.

He thought her the loveliest thing he’d ever seen and was rendered temporarily speechless.

Maybury broke the spell. “Ah, Cavendish. ’Tis a relief to find you here. We have already been to your house, where they denied all knowledge of your whereabouts. And Mistress Marston—God give you good day.” He made a low bow and Paulina bobbed a curtsey, much to Will’s surprise.

“I am delighted you’ve been restored to us, Mistress. Did Sir William recover you, or did you rescue yourself?”

Paulina tutted, and whispered something Will couldn’t hear.

Maybury thrust his shoulders back and continued. “I daresay there’s a long story attached to your reappearance, Mistress Marston. I should be glad to hear it if you’re prepared to impart it—I like to think we might consider ourselves more than mere acquaintances. Hmm.” He glanced around the room, then caught Paulina’s intense expression, and cleared his throat. “However, I… er, that is, we have news for you both that cannot wait.”

Will indicated a chair, and Isobel took it. He stood behind her, pleasantly surprised how at home he felt here. He was already ordering Isobel’s servants about and entertaining her guests as if he were master of the house.

He’d have to make sure he didn’t do that too often or she’d punish him for it. But today, he was so happy, he couldn’t help but behave like a lovesick idiot. Aye, he’d use that as an excuse if she reprimanded him.

One of Isobel’s serving wenches elbowed open the door and set a pitcher, some horn beakers and a loaded platter on the table. She bobbed and left, then returned almost immediately with a whole cooked carp, beautifully filleted and laid out on a bed of ground rice with cow-cumber and chive decorations.

Will exchanged glances with Isobel, who looked utterly puzzled. The servant bobbed again. “Goodwife Cooper ordered it, my lady,” she informed Isobel. “She thought there was something to celebrate this morn.”

He had to force himself not to laugh as Isobel colored up. “Your retrieval, Mistress Marston,” he said. “Evidently, your household is glad to welcome you home.” He helped Isobel to a plateful, then offered some to their guests. When Maybury stretched out a hand to accept some bread and ham, Paulina gave him an unsubtle kick on the ankle.

“Forgive me. I must waste no time. Paulina—I mean, Mistress Mathieson, has exhorted me to tell you this story myself as she is somewhat embarrassed. But she has been brave enough to come and face you in person, Cavendish, so for that, we must all applaud her.”

He gazed at Will hopefully, then Isobel. She was stifling a smile.

“I hope you don’t mind if my hostess and me break our fast while you speak, Maybury. I was injured on the yester, and have slept late. Mistress Marston has kindly waited for me.”

“Indeed. As you can see, I helped find Mistress Mathieson and bring her home. She was crying her eyes out, poor creature, when we finally came up with her, and the blackguard who ran off with her. She fell on her father’s neck and told us the Comte de Velors had treated her abominably. It wasn’t long before she suspected him of having a financial motive for making off with her, rather than a passionate one. Said she’d rather the shame of being a runaway than marry a man whose main motivation was greed. My, but she was plucky to stand up to that cowardly cur. She said she regretted her behavior towards you, Cavendish. Now she knows what ’tis like to be pursued for the wrong reasons, and to be the victim of what can only be described as blackmail.”

“Forgive me, Sir William. My father made a fool of me. Or, should I say, allowed me to make a fool of myself where you were concerned.”

Paulina didn’t meet Will’s gaze, but her apology stunned him. He had underestimated her, and she’d matured rather sooner than he’d expected. Even if she was trying to lay all blame at her father’s door.

Maybury swilled his small beer around his beaker. “De Velors has gone into hiding. Despite his alleged skill with a blade, I disarmed him, broke his jaw and, finally, his nose. He won’t be charming any more ladies with his handsome face unless he can afford to pay a good bone-setter.”