After tying the belt of her wrap tightly, she opened the door.
As quietly as possible, she descended the steps and, after visiting the garderobe at the end of the corridor, entered her own chamber. Her lady's maid was still back at Castle Rebbinglen, and hopefully, none of the other maids would realize she hadn't slept in her room most of the night. Her covers were still disheveled.
But when she approached the washstand, she saw that one of the maids had recently brought a pitcher of hot water from the kitchen. Oh well, at least the maid hadn't caught her with a man. She'd simply been absent. Hopefully, she would think Elspeth had been in the garderobe. Regardless, the chambermaid would not ask where she had been.
Elspeth removed her wrap and smock, tossed them onto the chair and gave herself a sponge bath with the lavender soap.
The odd sore spots on her body reminded her of the carnal indulgences of the night before, sending the heat of embarrassment over her. But when she recalled what a strong and virile lover Cyrus had been, that heat turned into searing arousal.
She imagined him knocking on her door right now… entering while she awaited him, his dark and lustful gaze roving over her naked body. Heavens… what a wanton she had turned into. She'd never been one before, despite being a man's mistress. But Cyrus…
"Whew." She blew out a breath.
Finished with her quick bath, she took a delicate silken smock from the drawer and pulled it over her head.
When a knock sounded at the door, her heart felt as if it vaulted into her throat. Was that Cyrus? Her courage fleeing, she quickly wrapped a woolen blanket around her body. Though she was not naked, she did not wish him to see her in this thin undergarment, for her breasts would be nearly visible.
"Who is it?" she called.
"'Tis me, m'lady. Katie."
Thankful 'twas the chambermaid instead of Cyrus, for she was not yet ready to face him this morn, she bid the lass to enter.
Once the maid had closed the door, Elspeth turned her back. "Could you help me with my corset?"
"Aye. I'll be glad to."
After Elspeth was dressed and the maid had departed, she tried to think of what she would say to Cyrus this morn. Should she pretend naught had happened last night? Would he? Or would he expect more private trysts with her? She did not know how she would keep from blushing the first time her eyes met his. Surely, breakfast would be a tense affair, especially if she sat beside him.
Mayhap she could avoid him and break her fast in her chamber. Or maybe she would simply eat later. She did not feel hungry anyway.
She glanced out the bedchamber window toward the walled garden below. It was separated from the courtyard by a high stone wall with a gate. Through the wavy glass, she spied a hint of violet-purple among the wet green leaves.
"Surely that cannot be…" She wiped her fingertips against the glass to clear it but could see no better.
It appeared to be the Velvet Rose just bursting into bloom. How had the storm of last night not destroyed it? She tossed her cloak over her shoulders, opened the door and descended the servants' stairs toward the kitchen, avoiding the hall altogether. She was certain Cyrus and his men would be there.
She wanted a few minutes alone in her garden to clear her mind and gather her courage to face the most disturbing, powerful and arousing man she had ever met.
Once outside, she tried to put him from her mind and focus on the walled flower garden which she'd had planted for her own enjoyment. She'd hired the same gardener who installed beautiful flowerbeds for her friend, Rose. The southern exposure provided a good amount of light and the walls protected her tender plants from winter winds.
Here, she grew her favorite herbs and flowers, specifically roses. And best of all, the garden often inspired her dress designs.
Along the flagstone path, she strode to the back stone wall. Sure enough, the stunning deep crimson-violet rosebud was unfurling.
"Oh, you are beautiful," she whispered, then glanced around to make sure no one had slipped in behind her. They would surely think her mad for talking to her plants. She stepped closer and crouched to press her nose against the rain-drenched, half-open flower. Drawing in the deepest breath possible, she near drowned in the amazing rose fragrance. She sighed in delight. If only she could bottle that specific fragrance. 'Twas even better than rosewater perfume. And the color was so exquisite and unique. Such a deep, passionate color, similar to nearly ripe brambleberries. The texture of the petals looked like the finest velvet, holding onto the clear crystal droplets of rainwater. 'Twas one of the most beautiful sights she had seen.
"Where could I buy such a fine and luscious velvet fabric?" she whispered. 'Twould make magnificent winter gowns.
She took much of her clothing design inspiration from nature. The rich color of this rose was one she wanted to use for gowns. Or perhaps embroider the rose onto bodices. She had seen no clothing like the image that appeared in her mind. 'Twould be gorgeous on a mossy green background.
She had first seen a colored drawing of this rose in Gerarde'sHerball, then she had acquired a cutting from Rose two years ago and rooted it. Her friend was an avid rose collector and went to the continent often to obtain new plants from rose breeders. France, in particular, was a favorite destination.
Elspeth's rose had bloomed for the first time the year before. One bloom. The bush was now covered with dark buds the color of blackberry jam. She could not wait to see more of them unfurl.
"I'm glad you're being more generous with me this year." She sniffed at the flower again and sighed as the delicious scent washed over her. 'Twas indeed heavenly.
"Who are you talking to?" a deep male voice demanded behind her.
