Page 55 of A Touch So Wicked

“Your suite has a lovely view of the mountains, and there’s a small chamber close by for your maid,” Elissa said as Kimbra, followed by her maid, swept past her.

“The hillsides are wondrously pleasing when the heather is in bloom,” Elissa continued.

Kimbra stopped so fast her maid bumped into her, her nose wrinkling in obvious disgust. “’Tis hardly up to my standards,” she sniffed derisively. “Is this the best the keep has to offer? I’m accustomed to much better.”

Elissa’s mouth flattened. “Lord Damian had it prepared especially for you.”

“Ah, Lord Damian. I didn’t expect him to be so…handsome. He’s rather fearsome, too, but I like that in a man.” Her eyes glittered. “He’ll be all the rage in London.”

“London, my lady? Lord Damian doesna like London. Misterly is his home. He doesna plan to leave.”

Kimbra’s eyes narrowed on Elissa. “How can you presume to know what Lord Damian is thinking? What are you to him?”

“I am nothing to Lord Damian. Less than nothing. Shall I help your maid unpack your trunks?”

“Nay, Daisy is quite capable. Inform Lord Damian that I wish to dine in my chamber tonight. I’ll send Daisy down for a tray.”

“As you wish,” Elissa said, eager to part company with Damian’s haughty bride.

“Wait!”

“Aye?”

“Inform Lord Damian that I expect a visit from him before he retires. We have much to discuss.”

Indeed, Elissa thought as she took her leave. She could well imagine what would take place in this chamber once Kimbra got Damian alone.

Damian had already left the hall, so Elissa headed for the kitchen. Maggie intercepted her.

“Lady Kimbra will find few friends at Misterly,” Maggie said. “She may be a great beauty, but she has no respect for our land or our people. It doesna bode well for Lord Damian.”

“It doesna concern me,” Elissa said with a shrug. She lowered her voice. “I canna remain at Misterly.”

“How will ye escape? Yer too well guarded.”

“I donna know yet.”

Maggie squeezed her arm. “Good luck to ye.”

Maggie turned away and walked into the solid wall of Sir Richard’s chest. Elissa watched with interest as Dickon’s arms came around Maggie to steady her.

“Sir Richard, is there something ye wanted?” Maggie asked, pushing herself away from him.

“Aye.” His eyes glittered suggestively and his voice lowered, but Elissa could still hear him. “You know what I want, Maggie girl.”

Elissa regarded the couple with speculation. Dickon was a handsome man, but too sure of himself where Maggie was concerned.

“I’m not that kind of a girl, Sir Richard,” Maggie replied.

Richard laughed cynically. “Don’t tell me you’re the kind of woman who is saving herself for marriage.”

Maggie stiffened. “What’s wrong with that?”

“As long as there are willing women around, I’ve no need to marry.”

“I suggest you find one of those willing women.”

“Perhaps I will.” Whirling on his heel, he strode away.