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“Why are there so many peepholes?” she asked.
“It is a way for the lord of the castle to spy on his guests that sometimes turn out to be enemies.”
“It seems so invading.”
“They don’t know about it, so it’s not a problem. There are other reasons for the peepholes, too.”
“Like what?”
He stopped in his tracks and turned toward her. The flame of the candle lit up his handsome face in a soft glow. “It is a way for the consummations of marriages to be witnessed without making the bride feel uncomfortable with half a dozen men and a priest watching from the foot of the bed. Witnesses are required for every wedding night. Lord Emery thought when his daughter married, this would be an easier way for her to accept the custom.”
“Oh,” she said, holding her hand to her mouth. Why is it she had never known about this? “So, did you witness the wedding night of Lady Catherine and Sir Gregory through a hole in the wall?”
“Nay. I made sure the hole to her chamber was covered and that no one could find it.”
“You didn’t want anyone seeing her naked?”
“That, and I didn’t want anyone seeing me coupling with her either.”
Maira’s eyes opened wide. “She was your lover!”
“Aye.”
“Then Sir Gregory was telling the truth when he said you tried to steal his wife. How appalling of you to do such a thing.”
“Nay, you don’t understand, Maira. It’s not like that at all.” He pushed on the wall and a spring-loaded door opened into what she realized was her bedchamber.
“I can’t believe it. My chamber has a secret door.” Impressed, Maira inspected the opening.
“This will make it easier for you to slip away to visit me in the woods.”
He walked inside the room and she followed. Then he closed the secret door that was right next to the hearth. Putting the candle down on the table, he turned back to her once again. “I want to tell you everything about me, Maira. I want you to know things before you make your decision of who you want to marry.”
“I’m not marrying anyone,” she said, walking past him to the bed. She picked up one of her daggers and shined it on her sleeve.
Jacob feltnervous about revealing all his secrets to Maira. But if he didn’t, she would think he was naught but a scoundrel. “Sit down, Maira. I want to finish telling you about Lady Catherine.”
“I’m not sure I want to know.” She continued to look down at her blade.
He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Then he bent over and whispered in her ear. “I really want you to know everything about me.”
Noticing her eyes close slightly, and the way she turned her head exposing her neck to him, he realized she had feelings for him as well. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her neck and taste her sweet scent upon his tongue.
“Go ahead,” she said, giving him the permission he needed. He nibbled at her neck, his tongue gently touching her skin.
“Stop it.” She pulled out of his arms and turned around. Her dagger was gripped tightly in her hand.
“You just told me to go ahead. I thought you wanted me to kiss you.”
“I meant go ahead with your story. Nothing else.”
Jacob walked over to the other side of the room, plopping down on a chair. “Where do I start?” He leaned forward and put his face in his hands.
“Tell me about Lady Catherine.” Maira sat down on the bed.
“I thought you didn’t want to hear about her.”
“I’ve changed my mind. Why did you try to steal another man’s wife?”
