“How soon before we depart?” She prayed her question would guide his thoughts elsewhere, but as if sensing her intent, he studied her a moment longer.
At the echo of hooves, Emma turned to find Sir Alexander riding toward them. God in heaven. One brother to face at a time was enough.
“Stay,” Lord Grey said as she started to step back.
A shiver slid through her. “I have tasks to complete.”
“They can wait.” It wasn’t a request.
Sir Alexander reined his mount to a halt. “All of the men have been tended to.”
“Excellent,” Lord Grey replied. “Pass word we will depart for Lochshire Castle posthaste.”
“Aye.” Sir Alexander’s shrewd gaze rested upon her, then flicked to his brother. With a curt nod, he kicked his mount away.
Thank God he’d left.
“Alexander’s heart is in the right place, but at times emotions guide his actions.” Lord Grey paused. “It does not make him harsh but caring.”
Emma held his gaze. “A brother would see it as such.”
A dry smile touched the harsh lines of his mouth. “Mayhap Alexander was right—you are a perfect match for Patrik.”
She remained silent. They knew not that she loved Patrik. But it would take little to expose a secret they must never learn.
“From where do you hail?” Lord Grey asked.
Though the question was easily asked, he sought information, a ploy she’d often used. “Why?”
“I am curious. I detected an accent and was but trying to place it.”
Throat dry, Emma fought for calm. When she’d yelled at Sir Alexander earlier, her false burr must have slipped. “I have traveled much.”
“Mayhap that is the reason I cannot determine from what region you come.”
But he’d try. With his sharp mind, he’d mull over the fact until he unlocked the secret. By then, she would be far away.
“You will accompany us to my castle as well. This country is unsafe for a woman alone.”
Unsafe? Remaining with the brothers presented a far greater threat. But she’d stirred the earl’s interest and could not afford to draw his attention further. “You are generous, my lord.”
“Am I?” Challenge lurked beneath his question.
Fine, let them not coat their words. She angled her chin. “I asked not for your protection.”
“A fact I am well aware of.”
“Yet you give it regardless. Your words held not an offer, but a command.”
Respect glittered in Lord Grey’s eyes. “Had I asked you to travel to my home, you would have refused.”
“I find little use for men who wield their power to satisfy their curiosity.”
“Patrik is my brother. You are important to him, which makes you important to me.”
Important to Patrik? There she had her doubts. “I am but a woman he saved.”
“And a woman he cares for as well.”
