“You have helped me enough tonight,” she snapped and then inhaled sharply, knowing she had gone too far. Even as Sebastian looked at her, Isabel couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. The darkness would hide her flush of shame. But the only apology could come from her. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I am… weary. And I’ll be fine on my feet. Thank you, and good night.”
Then Isabel hastened away before she could make the matter any worse.
CHAPTER 16
Sebastian slept little that night before rising at dawn for a long ride across the grounds. While he considered departing off to London to give his wife some distance, he was resolved to make amends before he took his leave again.
Or at least, that was his hope.
There was no one to box with out here in Eastwynd, nor wrestle. Sebastian made an early trip through town to gather supplies to make his own boxing bag, one that garnered the curiosity of the household. He invited two footmen to assist him and before noon, had it set up in a corner of the mews to enjoy a quick practice.
“Goodness gracious.”
He was dripping sweat and nearly worn down when the yelp of his housekeeper brought him to a halt. Staggering back a step, he turned and raised an eyebrow at her.
“Did the household not alert you to my activity?”
A short huff escaped her. “Certainly they did.” She eyed him curiously before hastily looking away. Glancing down, he realized his shirt was entirely stuck to his body. “Only I didn’t think… Well, who am I do understand what Londoners do?”
Picking up the towel set aside for him, he mopped his face. “I don’t think many Londoners enjoy this.”
“No, I cannot imagine they do. But here you are all the same, Your Grace. I do hope this endeavor is… well, what you desire.”
“It is, thank you. We’ll keep this bag tucked away in the stables when not in use. But I’d like it to remain. Should the servants like to test out their mettle at any time, of course, they are welcome to it,” he added.
“Very good, Your Grace, thank you.”
Sebastian set the towel back down and waited for her to go, only to find she hadn’t budged. Instead, the housekeeper swished her skirts lightly and glanced at him once more before darting her gaze away.
He waited some more. Though he was a patient man, he wasn’t particularly interested in standing here forever. Eventually someone had to speak up or do something.
“Do you wish for a turn?” he asked mildly.
“Good lord, no! I only…” Mrs. Maple stammered for a moment. “That is, I shouldn’t have, but perhaps… Well, I wished to see if you might desire to decorate.”
He frowned. “Decorate?”
“Yes, for Christmas.”
Which is less than a week away. How could I forget? I was just exchanging fits at the supper party last night… Apparently, I am much too distracted. And boxing here was supposed to help me clear my mind.
“Of course for Christmas,” Sebastian huffed slightly. “I knew that.”
She shot him a pointed look but said nothing.
He was about to agree it might be a fine notion, and yet… “It seems like an exorbitant amount of work since everything would be removed within a few days. Is that something the household wishes to do?”
“Perhaps so, yes. Everyone likes the holiday season, don’t they? I think Her Grace might appreciate something festive,” Mrs. Maple added.
That made him pause. His mind raced along as he considered what the woman was up to. But then he wondered if that was the truth. Would Isabel like it? He still wasn’t certain how toapproach her. However, this might appease her. He hadn’t done much to enjoy the holidays for himself––it was always doing what his friends desired––and he wouldn’t mind some festivity under the roof.
I can do more than protect her. If only she had let me say something… If only I could have found the words. It isn’t much. But won’t this be something? Perhaps even special. I don’t wish to upset her. Certainly don’t seek to lose her…
Nodding slowly, Sebastian offered a short smile. “I think that would be a fine idea, Mrs. Maple. And I’d love to help.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Help?”
“We’ll need a tree, won’t we? Garlands?” He nodded his head out toward the trees. “After I bathe, I’ll take a few men and a wagon to find us something good. Make a list if you know how much we need. Yes, that’s a fine idea.”
