She smiled apologetically, looking up at Ranulf with the innocence of a novice while he, jaded reprobate as he was, tried not to notice that her buttercup- yellow woolen gown seemed molded to her body beneath her wode-blue cloak.
Or to feel like a heartless rogue for leaving Tregellas without bidding her farewell, even though he’d been the worse for overimbibing.
He’d also been afraid he might slip and say something that would reveal his foolish longing.
“You came riding to my rescue just like Lancelot,” she said with another glowing smile.
God help him, why did she have to look at him like that? Why couldn’t he stay angry with her? Then he might be able to ignore his wayward desire.
“I saw a woman riding as if her life was in danger, so naturally I came to her aid,” he replied, doing his best to control his tumultuous emotions as he marched to her mare and grabbed the dangling reins.
“Naturally,” she said, following him like an eager puppy. “You are a most chivalrous knight.”
“Whether these lands are safe or not, it wasn’t wise to get so far ahead of your party. I’m surprised Merrick was so remiss.”
“Oh, but he wasn’t,” Beatrice hastened to reply. “Merrick had nothing to do with it.”
Ranulf made no secret of his confusion. “What do you mean? As leader of your party and your guardian—”
“He’s not. Well, he’s still my guardian,” she amended, “but Merrick isn’t with the cortege. He can’t leave Tregellas. Indeed, he can’t ride at all, or even walk because of what happened the night little Peder was born.”
Ranulf stared at her as if she’d just spoken in tongues. “What are you talking about?” he demanded. “Merrick merely sprained his ankle.”
“I know Merrick didn’t think he’d done anything serious, but the apothecary discovered that he’d broken his leg, so it’s a good thing Constance insisted on sending for someone more learned, isn’t it? Fortunately, it’s a clean break, so it shouldn’t leave Merrick crippled, provided he stays off it for several more days, or so the apothecary says, and he seems a wise fellow, so I think we can take comfort in his opinion.”
Ranulf felt the need to sit, but as there was no chair, bench or stool nearby, he didn’t. “Who is in charge of your party, then?”
She beamed a smile. “Well, I suppose I am, although Aeden’s in command of the soldiers, and I can hardly tell the masons what to do. That’s for you to decide.”
“I don’t believe it,” Ranulf muttered.
Bea’s smile died. “I wouldn’t lie about a thing like that. In fact, I don’t generally lie about anything, unless it’s how a gown looks or something equally unimportant.” She crossed her arms beneath her perfect breasts. “I must say I’m offended you would accuse me of making up a story like that.”
She certainly sounded offended, so what she’d said was almost certainly true. Merrick had broken his leg and wasn’t coming. Butshehad, and without a proper chaperone or escort, just some soldiers and two masons, all of considerably lower rank.
Had Merrick lost his mind? What, in the name of the saints, was Bea supposed to do at Penterwell, except aggravate and distract him?
And tempt you, too, a lustful little voice prompted in the back of his mind.
“That doesn’t explain why Merrick sentyouhere,” Ranulf said brusquely, his anger now partly directed at himself.
“Well, naturally when Merrick received your letter, he was concerned—and Constance, too— about the conditions at Penterwell. So was I, so I’ve come to oversee your household the way the masons will oversee the repairs to the walls. It sounds as if you could use some assistance with the servants, at the very least. And I’ve brought food and wine, too.”
Ranulf drew his broadsword and took a moment to calm himself by swinging it from side to side, as if decapitating the grass.
“I know the news about Merrick must come as a shock,” Bea went on, “but I thought you might be a little glad to see me.”
God save him from apologetic young women with the eyes of an angel and a body to tempt even saints to sin!
“Coming here without Merrick or any other relative was not wise and I’m surprised Merrick and Constance allowed it,” he said as he sheathed his sword.
Bea’s bright blue eyes sparkled with what looked remarkably like defiance. “Surely you’re not telling me I need to be protected from you?” she asked. “Are you implying you would forswear your oath of loyalty and friendship to my cousin’s husband and ravish me?” She cocked her head to study him. “Or areyou suggesting I’ll throw myself into your arms because you’re irresistible?”
He tried to ignore the wondrous vision of Bea rushing into his open arms, then pressing her soft, shapely body against his as she lifted her sweet face for his kiss. “No, of course not,” he growled.
“Then why should I not come here when you need help, and the sort a woman can best provide?”
Had shenoidea how that sounded? The notions it gave a man, especially a lonely one, and even if he didn’t think her the most beautiful, tempting woman he’d ever met? “Because other people will talk and make assumptions that could call your honor into question.”
