Emily tried to think of something that would amuse him. Unfortunately, nothing came to her.
But it would. She would make him laugh or die in the effort of it.
Emily allowed Simon to help her mount his horse, and in no time, they were off with Draven leading them.
The leagues melted away as she plotted her scheme to bring Draven to the altar. All the while, she watched the man who would be her husband. He rode like a demon possessed and never once gazed back at her. Still, she had a feeling he wasn’t as oblivious to her as she had originally thought, that he knew exactly what she was doing.
Hours later, they stopped for the night next to a pleasant stream. While the men set up camp, she and her maid took a few minutes in private to freshen themselves by the pond.
When they returned to camp, their tents had been raised. Emily paused to watch Draven as he swung a heavy mallet to drive the tent stakes into the ground. His tunic stretched taut over his muscles as he lifted the mallet above his head and brought it down.
Her blood raced at the sight. Never had she seen such. Indeed, it stole the breath from her throat to watch him.
And when he was finished, a fine sheen of sweat covered him. He said something to one of his knights, before draping his saddlebags over his shoulder and heading for the pond.
He was going to bathe.
And all she had to do....
Nay, you cannot do that!
Emily bit her lip. Aye, she could. Who would know if she spied upon him?
“Go on.”
She jumped at Alys’s voice in her ear. “Excuse me?”
Alys gave her an impish smile. “I know what you’re thinking, milady. I saw your gaze follow his lordship to the woods, and I say go on and see him for yourself.”
“But Alys?—"
“But Alys nothing. A lady ought to have a chance to inspect the goods before she commits herself to the deed.”
Heat flooded Emily’s cheeks. Her maid could be so very crude at times and yet....
It was rather tempting.
Alys nudged her. “Go on. I shall whistle if anyone enters the woods behind you.”
“And if he catches me?”
“Say you lost your way. That is if he is of a mind to question you. Who knows, he might welcome your presence?”
Emily glanced about the camp in indecision. Everyone was there, including Simon who sat with two of the knights, drinking ale from a skin.
Did she dare listen to Alys?
“If you’d like, I’ll go with you.”
Emily blinked at her maid. “You’ll what?”
Alys gave her an evil grin. “Be most happy to go along with you. If the truth were known.”
Emily didn’t know what to say to that, until Alys spoke again, “Surely, milady isn’t afraid to?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not a child, Alys, and you can’t goad me into this by calling me craven.”
“I would never do such.” Alys smiled innocently, but the look on her face belied her words.
