Her honeyed lips embraced the fruit, her tongue teasing him as she licked a drop of juice before it fell.
Oh, she could be good for a few other things.
He blew out a breath. Kate was a distraction he could ill afford. ‘Twas why he’d sent his men out before first light this morn to seek out her window.
“So.” Kate took another pastry. One without honey, thank God. “Do you have any suspects yet?” Her tongue flicked out again to whisk a crumb from the corner of her mouth.
He must speak with Cook about preparing plainer, less tempting, food.
“Everyone is suspect. Farley, for certain, is a possibility, but he wouldn’t know where the ring was kept, nor would I expect him to want to kill William, for it won’t gain him my lands.”
“So who did know where you kept it?” Kate’s fingers brushed his hand.
He let his senses drown in the feel of her skin on his for the moment, unable to help himself.
Unable to help himself?
Alex pulled his hand from hers. He would be under no one’s—no woman’s—thrall. “In my lifetime, only my father, my older half-brother Frederick, and our steward, Stephen Benton, knew. And his father before him. All are dead save for Benton. And him, I trust.”
He did trust Stephen. With his life. Stephen had never abused that trust, though lord knew, he’d had opportunity. But Bentons had been serving Shelton for generations. He’d stake his life—and he was for William was his life—on his steward’s loyalty.
“What if someone blackmailed him?” Kate said. “Maybe Farley kidnapped his wife or sister, and he took the ring to bargain their freedom?”
“No. Benton’s family, what little there is, is safely ensconced within my grounds. His nephew is my squire, and his sister, Beatrice, organizes the staff. Both are in residence. You speak of a conspiracy over many years. Why would someone wait until now?” He shook his head. “Neither my father nor Benton’s would divulge the ring’s whereabouts. There are other items hidden with it that were not disturbed. It doesn’t make sense.”
“What about your brother? Would he have told someone?”
“Frederick? Hardly. He regarded the title as his treasure, and only told me because I was required to manage Shelton in his absence. He’d been called to service for Henry’s challenge against Richard of York for the throne. Frederick almost committed treason by not going, though. It galled him to give control of Shelton to me. He was the heir. But with no legitimate sons, he had no choice. I’m certain he’s cursing himself as we speak for getting killed on the field of battle and relinquishing the title to me.”
Alex leaned back in his chair. “No, Kate, I don’t know anyone else who’d be aware of the hiding place. Nor why they left the other items. There’s a reason behind the ring’s theft and to discover it, we’ll continue our betrothal and watch for treachery.”
Kate stood and clasped her hands. The long sleeves of the chemise fell forward, revealing crimson gussets and the gold belt he’d been prepared to give Jeanne on the birth of their second son.
He sucked in a breath seeing his possessions on her.
“I know finding this jerk is important to you, Alex, but couldn’t having the ring back change what happens? You still have your health and your fortune. Maybe there’s nothing to worry about anymore.”
“A possibility I’ve considered, Kate, but just because you and I know history is altered doesn’t mean this thief does. To him, one of his plans went awry. How many others does he have? When will he stop?” He shook his head. “We must continue our play-acting until he reveals his hand.”
“About that.” Kate gripped the back of the chair. “I’d love to stay and help, but I have an appointment I can’t miss on Friday and if I’m not there, any hope of getting my little girl will be gone. I don’t intend to miss it. I’ve wanted her for too long. So, I’d like to borrow a horse, that reward we spoke of, and head into town to find my window.”
“Kate, once more you insult me. I’ve already dispatched my men to search for it. When they recover it, you’ll have the means to return to your time. In the meantime, we must maintain the pretense.”
“Fine. But we need to track down the gypsies, too. I’ve got less than a week, Alex. If we don’t find the window soon, there won’t be any reason for me to go home, because no agency in the world is going to give me another chance once I blow off the most important appointment of my—and that little girl’s—life.”
“My men will find your window, Kate. I give you my word and when the earl of Shelton gives his word, you can trust in it.”
“Thank God.”
“Or me.”
“Smartass.”
***
Nick paced in Isobel’s hall, not surprised to be kept waiting. Issy was nothing if not practical, but it’d be nice if she were trusting. His lands might not equal hers, but he wasn’t landless. She’d be a fool to turn him away.
Isobel’s steward rounded the corner. “Her ladyship is indisposed, my lord.”
Nick gritted his teeth. She was refusing to see him? Not if he had anything to say about it.
“And just where is this indisposed lady, Dalfour? You entered from the courtyard and her ladyship’s rooms overlook the hillside.” She’d used this very same ploy after her husband died and it hadn’t worked then, either. He’d been able to disguise himself and slip up to her room.
The steward cleared his throat. “At my lady’s request, I had to deliver instructions to Cook. I came here from the kitchens.”
Nick snorted. Isobel couldn’t put him off that easy. “Dalfour, you’re a loyal man. I’ll remember that in years to come.” God—and Issy—willing, he’d be in a position to do something about it.
He dodged the steward and strode to the stairs, taking them two at a time—and found Issy in the stairwell.
“Nicholas.” She halted two steps above him, the surprise in her voice echoing along the stone wall.
He laughed. “If it isn’t the indisposed lady of the house, miraculously recovered. How fortuitous I didn’t leave immediately. Now we can have our chat.”
“I fail to see what you could possibly—”
“That’s because you fail to give me the opportunity.” He reached for her hand, tugging her to join him. “Come now, Issy. We both know you aren’t ill. Perhaps an injured pride, but nothing more.” He tucked her arm in his and patted it. “A few moments are all I ask. Surely you won’t deny me them?”
“It’s pointless, Lord Caversham.” Her actions belied her words as she allowed him to draw her into the hall.
“Oh?” He had to remain cool for Isobel was known for her temper.
He’d seen that fiery rage when they’d come across a man beating his horse. Isobel, uncaring of who watched, proceeded to flay the man with her words, her beautiful chestnut hair falling from beneath her veil as she’d stalked over to him, her strides threatening to dislodge her breasts from her bodice, blue eyes flashing when she’d rejoined him. He’d had to have her. All that passion, that life, corralled, then set free in his bed. She hadn’t disappointed him.
“Yes, Nicholas. Pointless. I don’t want to hear more.” She glared at him, but he was immune. “You try to rise above your station and I’ll not be party to it. Why—”
He backed her into the stone doorway to the courtyard. “I remember a time,” he whispered, “when you didn’t mind that I rose above. And plunged down, Issy, over and over.” He linked his hands with hers and brought them up against the wall by her head. “Do you remember? You begged me to continue.” He set his lips against hers, just touching. “You begged me until you fell apart in my arms.”
Her breath came shallow and fast and moist against his lips and Nick fought the urge to surge against her. He’d have her wanting him as she made him ache.
“Nicholas, please. I—”
“That’s right, Issy. Just like that you begged.” He stroked her lips just once, giving her a glimpse of what she asked for. “We co
uld have it, Issy. There’s nothing to keep us apart now.” Her eyes, the centers large like platters, stared into his, her chest rising and falling against his, the raised outline of her nipples brushing his tunic. It’d be so easy—
She shivered and sank against the wall. “No, Nicholas. We couldn’t. I’m a viscountess. You’re a baron. I won’t make my daughters suffer for these occasional whims of the flesh you induce.”
“They are neither occasional nor whims, Issy, as you well know. I could have you—”
Somehow Isobel managed to wrench free of him. She put a shaking hand to her hair. “You have had me, Lord Caversham, but no more. Shelton may have made me a laughingstock, but I’ll not do it to myself. He will marry me. I will save my daughters’ inheritance and make them good marriages. I suggest you find another woman to ply your wiles on. Good day to you.” She spun and stormed off.
Nick took a deep breath. He loved her fire as much as he loved her.
No matter what she tried, she would be his.
***
After breaking their fast, Alex introduced Kate to the people of Shelton in the hall before he set about hearing the day’s affairs. He motioned for her to remain by his side. Allowing her to roam free in the keep could cause more trouble than necessary. Keeping her with him was a safer choice and had nothing to do with wanting her beside him. Nothing. There were hundreds of women on his land; she was no different.
Then she smiled at him.
He cursed under his breath. “Who’s next, Stephen?”
His steward waved a hunched man and a careworn woman forward. The dogs in the hall growled when the man shuffled by.
Not again. Lawrence had been trailing after several widows in the village for months, causing trouble with each one.
“What complaint have you now, Lawrence?”
“Mistress Hester didn’ give me the coat as promised.”
Alex turned to the woman. She had five or six young children and her husband had been killed when a field horse had bolted and run him over. “Is this true?”
She wrung her hands. “My… my lord, it wasn’ possible for me t’give him a coat—”
“I gave ye the bloody sheep!” Lawrence sneered.
“You did.” She stood a little straighter. “You gave me live sheep. Our agreement was you’d give me the skins for the coat and the meat t’feed my family. Not that I was t’ be doin’ the killin’, skinnin’ and tannin’.”
“Blasted woman! Ye kill the damn things and take their skins. What’s so difficult about that?” Lawrence shook his head. “Women. That’d be why I’ve got a dog t’live with and not one of them.”
“If that isn’t the most sexist thing I’ve ever heard,” said Kate.
“Kate—”
“He can’t do this to her because of some archaic, misguided idea of women’s work. If they agreed he’d give her the skins, he hasn’t fulfilled the terms of the bargain. She’s absolutely right not to give him the coat. She should just give him the sheep back.”
“Kate, I will deal with this.” While he admired her spirit and quick mind, she could not subvert his authority.
Lawrence stepped forward. “‘Cept she killed ‘em, m’lord. Out of spite, she did.”
“I did not,” said Mistress Hester. “They died. Someone cut their throats.”
“Excuses! You owe me a coat.” Lawrence strode toward her.
Kate was out of her chair and off the dais before Lawrence could get close to Hester.
But he was too close to Kate for Alex’s liking.
“Look, here, buddy.” Kate poked his shoulder. “Since you weaseled out of your end of the bargain and tried to ruin her good name, I say we let her keep the dead sheep for their meat, and let her do whatever she wants with their hides. It’s called restitution for slandering her.”
The woman didn’t have the sense to see Lawrence’s anger was about to be unleashed—on her.
“And another thing—”
“Enough, Kate.” Alex stormed to his feet. He’d seen the twitch of Lawrence’s hand. The man was about to commit an unforgivable act. For everyone’s sake, he needed to end this. “Kate, sit. I will handle Lawrence.”
He’d known she wouldn’t take it well. He may not have known Kate long, but he knew she would not enjoy being spoken to in this manner. But it couldn’t be helped; his word was law and she needed to learn that.
“But, my lord—” said Lawrence.
Lawrence needed to learn it as well. “Silence. This is the fifth time you’ve appeared before me in as many weeks. The magistrate will no longer hear your complaints. Nor will I. If, in the future, you wish me to hear another, I would suggest it have merit.
“Lady Katherine is correct. For attempting to spoil Mistress Hester’s good name, you’ll forfeit the sheep to her. If you still require your coat, this time you’ll provide the shearlings and the meat as promised. And, Mistress Hester, I shall have one of my men see to the tanning of the skins. You’ll have your children’s food and the skins for their clothing. That is all.”
“But ‘tis not fair, m’ lord,” said Lawrence. “I demand my due.”
“Think carefully, Lawrence, before demanding anything of your lord.” Alex paused when Lawrence scowled at Kate and muttered something. “Do you require time in the pillory to refresh your memory of who you are addressing?”
“Nay, m’ lord.” Lawrence barely managed a bow before limping toward the door.
Alex called Stephen over. “Put a man on him. I want to know his actions for the next few days. And send Beatrice in.”
“Yes, my lord.” Stephen left the room by a side door, signaling two of his men to accompany him.
Kate leaned over to Alex. “I’m sorry for getting involved, but he pushed one of my hot buttons.”
He needed no reminder of the passion within Kate. Their kiss had been enough.
“Kate, I can forgive your actions now because you aren’t familiar with our ways, but my people are not accustomed to someone speaking for me.” Nor was he.
“But I couldn’t just let him threaten her. She’s a single mom, just trying to put food on her kids’ table and he—”
“All things I considered, Kate. I would have done exactly as you suggested. But you need to allow me to do so. This is my keep and for all that you are my betrothed, you can’t speak for me when I’m in the room. It’s not done.”
She sighed, but thankfully did not pursue the matter. He would not relish punishing Kate.
“I get it. I don’t like it, but I undrestand.” She sat back in her chair and crossed her legs. The hem of her dress rose and Alex caught a glimpse of smooth golden skin. He chose not to advise her that such displays were also not done.
“But it should please you to learn that, as my countess, you will have your own say in other areas. Beatrice has had command of the staff since my wife’s death, but that responsibility is to be yours. I’ve sent for her to teach you what you need to know.”
“But I’m not going to be here long enough for it to matter, Alex.”
“We hope, Kate.” Well, she hoped. Alex wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Her presence put off the need to marry someone else a little longer. “But if it takes longer than we’d like for you to return, it will be easier for everyone if you assume your role—and they expect it.”
Everyone but him. He’d had a difficult time imagining Isobel in Jeanne’s place; imagining Kate in it was difficult for far different reasons.
Thankfully, Beatrice arrived before he went further with that thought. “Will you do this?”
She sat up straighter. “I guess I can.”
“Of course you can. You are an Assistant Vice President, after all.”
“Very funny.” Kate didn’t bow before she followed Beatrice from the hall—not that he’d expected her to.
He watched her go. Funny? No, not funny. Nothing about Kate was funny.
Especially not what he was beginning to feel for her.
***
The looks passing between Alex and that woman were almost amusing. It was all the hunch-backed man at the back of the hall could do to keep a sneer from his face. Apparently, there was more than one way to bring Lord Shelton to his knees.
He shuffled toward the far corridor, dragging his game leg behind him, his worn, grey, woolen cloak brushing the fine coating of mud and straw from his equally worn black breeches. He tugged on the rim of his felt cap, pulling it low over the one eye not covered by a tattered patch, then drew straggly strands of graying hair onto his face. He scratched at his beard. Damn thing itched. He’d always hated beards.
One of the serving wenches stepped back. Good. He wanted no one’s attention. His plan depended on it.
But there sat Alex. With yet another woman.
Let them plan their life, their future. Let them believe in their happily-ever-after. Their joy would be short-lived—as short-lived as Alex’s days as the earl.
He would ensure it.
Chapter Seven
“Are you sure meeting William is such a good idea?” Kate followed him into the orchard once the morning’s business was concluded. “I’m not so sure about this.”
Of course she wasn’t. Kate thought too much. Women in her time must make it difficult for a man to be a man.
Though Alex most assuredly felt like one around her.
“Of course it is, Kate. As my betrothed it is expected that you’ll care for William.”
“But what happens when I leave? Won’t that cause issues for him?”
“We won’t explain who you’re supposed to be. He’ll never know he’s lost another mother.”
The words seared Alex’s heart. He’d loved Jeanne and when she’d been taken from him, it’d almost destroyed him. William had been too young to understand, the only blessing in the entire nightmare. But William was growing up and needed a mother. That and his promise to the king were the only reasons he’d marry again.
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