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He tilted his head and studied her for a moment before he noted, "I speak what I see."
"Interesting," she mocked. "And you do this in every aspect of your life and believe you are accurate in your opinions?"
She wouldn't have called it a smile but it was definitely a slight grin, as if he was amused by the whole conversation. "Indeed."
"Then you are exceedingly near-sighted, my Lord." And with that she turned around and started away from him.
"You're going in the wrong direction," he called after her.
I'm taking the long way," she yelled back.
Let me give you a ride," he shouted and there was definitely a note of humor in his tone.
She didn't even bother turning around as she called back to him, "No, thanks," missing the smile that curved his mouth.
That night drinks were served in Archer's solar and while he, Katherine and Thaddeus engaged in quiet conversation, Quinn studied the books on his shelf. She almost swooned when she spotted Shakespeare's First Folio, the first published collection of his works in 1623. Holy crap she just wanted to touch it and before she could stop herself: she did. Thaddeus' voice startled her.
"What are you doing, Miss Shaughnessy?" he teased. Quinn almost dropped the book as she turned around looking rather guilty.
"I just love Shakespeare," Quinn offered in way of explanation and noticed the look Katherine gave her, the one that doubted her claim.
Katherine was biting the inside of her mouth as she curled her hands into fists. Archer had never once looked at her with the interest he was showing Quinn. The one thing Archer absolutely detested was liars so maybe the approach was to prove Quinn a liar because honestly what in this day and age woman read Shakespeare? She was more than likely trying to impress the gentlemen by claiming knowledge on something they too enjoyed, but if questioned, Katherine was certain that Quinn wouldn't have the knowledge to back her claim.
"You have read Mr. Shakespeare's works?" Katherine asked acidly.
Quinn contemplated the other woman because she had the distinct impression that she was being tested. A smile touched her lips which pulled a frown on Katherine's mouth. Let the games begin, Quinn thought to herself before she replied, "Yes. I particularly like theTempest; though not as popular as his other works, there's something about the Duke of Milan and his daughter Miranda. Are you familiar with the play, Miss Danvers?"
Quinn knew that this particular work of Shakespeare's -- in her time considered one of his greatest works -- didn't become popular until after the Restoration era in 1660 and even then it wasn't the full work but adaptations that were performed. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that the play was performed in its entirety. If Katherine was testing her knowledge, the only way for Quinn, as an 18th century woman, to know the story was if she read the play in this book where it was first published.
Katherine glared at Quinn in defeat before turning her attention to Archer.
"I'll take that as a 'no'," Quinn muttered but clearly not as softly as she thought because Archer speared her with a look from across the room. It wasn't arrogance or anger in his gaze, but in truth, she couldn't say exactly what she saw in his expression.
What the hell did he see in Katherine, oh he of speaking what I see? It only took Quinn about two minutes to realize that the woman was after Archer's money. Yes, she fancied herself in love with him but there was no doubt that she also coveted his wealth. How could Mr. Insightful not see that?
She realized she was still looking at him as she pondered his blind spot when it came to ethereal and bitchy Katherine and was about to look away when he leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs and just blatantly stared back. She couldn't help but ask, "How's the vision tonight, Lord Scarcliff?"
There was no mistaking the humor in his voice that matched his lop-sided grin. "Excellent, Miss Shaughnessy."
"Really? You're not blinded by the ethereal glow?" she chided.
It was surprise she saw on his face. But for only a second. "Not at all."
"Good because looks can be deceiving."
"What was that?" Thaddeus asked but before either could answer, Mr. Tilward announced that dinner was served.
Quinn swept by Archer but muttered as she passed, "Saved by the butler."
Archer's laughter echoed around the room.
The following morning Quinn spent the day touring through the castle. She reached the spiral stairs that led to the circular room that she was so fond of but when she reached the door she realized that the room was already occupied.
Her jaw dropped at the sight before her. Archer was in the middle of the room, bare from the waist up, his skin glistening from the sweat that beaded on his golden skin as he practiced his fencing. His opponent was in his head but the skill in which he handled the lethal-looking weapon was breathtaking, made more so because of the muscled body that bunched and corded in response to his movements.
It wasn't proper for her to be standing there watching him but she couldn't turn away, didn't want to turn away. He stopped suddenly and turned to her but she was completely frozen in place, not because of his beauty, but because deep down she felt as if she had been here with him before.
He was breathing heavy and she couldn't help but look at the rise and fall of his chest as the urge to walk to him and touch him, to put her hands on his skin and run them over his muscles, nearly had her doing so. She knew her face was easily showing the heat she was feeling but she was surprised when she worked up the nerve to look at Archer only to find that he appeared to be feeling it too.
