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‘Alan told you that?’
‘He and Adelaide. They both said I was lucky.’ She laid a hand flat against his chest, over his heart. ‘They were right.’
Matthew wrapped his arms around her, gathering her close. ‘I won’t let my father do anything to harm you, Constance, I promise.’
‘I know, but what about Adelaide?’
‘My father has behaved badly towards women for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried to help those he hurts, but it’s a losing battle. If there was something I could do, then trust me, I would. Unfortunately, Adelaide’s his wife, which means the law is all on his side. She’s effectively part of his property, too.’ He sighed with frustration. ‘At the moment, however, I’m more worried about Alan.’
‘At least the two of you are talking again. I’m glad.’
‘So am I.’ He stroked a hand over her back. ‘I just wish the subject could have been different. The fact that he’s comparing her to Blanche worries me. If he challenges our father, then it won’t end well.’
‘Do you think he might do something dangerous?’ Constance sat up abruptly, long hair cascading in a dark torrent around her shoulders. ‘In that case, you’d better hurry up and speak to him.’
Matthew lifted an eyebrow, letting his gaze roam freely over her breasts. ‘You know, if you want me to leave then that’s not the most persuasive technique. The view is far too enticing.’
She smiled and reached across the bed, picking up a blanket and wrapping it around her shoulders. ‘There. Is that better?’
‘No, but I suppose it’s more practical. I’ll be back soon.’ He pulled himself up and kissed her tenderly on the lips, his own parting slightly before he swung his legs over the side of the bed and grinned. ‘Very soon.’
Chapter Nineteen
Matthew found his brother in the training yard, swinging a broadsword so ferociously that he couldn’t help but think he’d arrived just in time.
‘Have you spoken to Constance?’ Alan dropped his weapon at the sight of him, bowing to his opponent and then striding purposefully in his direction.
‘Yes.’ Matthew cleared his throat, hoping that his face didn’t give away what else they’d been doing. For the first time in his life he was finding it difficult not to smile.
‘And? How did she take it?’
‘How did she...?’ For a moment, he couldn’t remember what they were talking about. ‘Oh... Good. Quite well, really...considering.’
‘You told her the truth about Blanche?’
‘Yes... It took a while.’
‘I wondered where you’d got to.’ Alan gave him a strange look. ‘You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were blushing.’
‘If you think that then you really don’t know me.’
‘If you say so... Anyway, I’m glad it went well. I like her.’
‘So do I.’
‘Obviously.’ If he wasn’t mistaken, his brother actually smirked. ‘Which is why you should give her what she wants and take her back to Lacelby. Get her away from here.’
‘What about us?’ Matthew put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. ‘I want us to be close again, the way we used to be.’
‘We already are.’ Alan gave him a lop-sided smile. ‘I just needed to make you sweat a little first. Besides, it’s not as if Lacelby’s that far. We’ll still see each other.’
Matthew glanced wistfully towards the keep. The idea was tempting and it would certainly make Constance happy... Suddenly that seemed the most important consideration of all.
‘Are you certain you don’t mind?’
‘I wouldn’t say so otherwise. Now go and pack.’
‘Wait.’ Matthew tightened his grip on his brother’s shoulder. ‘You still need to be careful. You have to know there can never be anything between you and Adelaide. She’s Father’s wife.’
