“You are very kind,” he nodded. Then ushered her back into the warmth of the kitchen. “I think she would have enjoyed what I plan for this evening’s sweet.”
“Really?” Adalyn smiled. “Do tell.”
He shook his head. “Not a whisper. ’Tis to be a surprise.”
“Grrr.” She mock-growled.
“Patience, my Lady. It is like a good story. Some things must unfold gradually so the revelations are all the more exciting.”
Blinking at that somewhat obscure statement, Adalyn merely nodded. Then held out her hand. “Thank you, Evan.”
“For what?”
“For taking the time to show me your garden. And for being patient and kind.”
He lifted it and cradled it in both of his, warming it a little before raising it to his lips. “You deserve all the kindness I have to give, my Lady.”
She melted as his eyes met hers, and she saw the heat there, banked, but simmering. “Call me Adalyn,” she whispered.
He turned her hand over, unbuttoned her cuff and stroked the soft skin of her forearm.
Shivers ran over her, delicate dancing sparkles of sensation. Then he tilted his head and gently touched his tongue to her pulse.
She released a ragged sigh, lost in the wonder of his sensual gesture.
“Thank you, Adalyn.” His breath was cool against the wetness of her skin.
Then he buttoned her cuff and freed her. “Save some room for the sweet.”
She had to clear her throat before replying. “I will.” And she turned, hurrying for the stairs, urged away from Evan and his dangerously appealing eyes by the knowledge that she found them—and him—far too attractive for her own peace of mind.
Her personal retreat had become the Rose room, the books it contained to hold endless fascination for her. She heard the rain begin and her footsteps took her there, almost without her conscious effort. Since gardens were uppermost on her mind, she located a book she’d started reading a few days ago and turned to the section on kitchen gardens.
She was surprised to be reminded by Giles that her lunch would be served shortly.
“Might I have a tray in here, do you think? I’ve found this marvellous dissertation on something I believe would appeal to Evan. It’s about how to make a perfect kitchen garden, and I’d love to discuss it with him…but I need to finish the relevant passages.”
“I believe he would enjoy that, my Lady,” nodded Giles in approval. “It shall be as you wish.”
He left, and Adalyn mulled over his words.As you wish. What could she possibly wish for that she didn’t already have?
It was a strange and unanswerable question, but she put it aside when Evan entered with a tray. The next couple of hours passed quickly as they pored over the diagrams, explanations, and ideas contained in the reference book, with the result that Adalyn became determined to create such a garden for Wolfbridge.
And for Evan.
Once again she asked if she might enjoy their company for dinner, and Giles approved. They were becoming less of a Mistress and her servants, and more of a family, she realised.
Was this right? Was it proper? And what would be said should it get about that the Mistress of Wolfbridge dined with her servants? Her all-male servants?
These matters troubled Adalyn, but as she tasted the wonderful gooseberry fool that Evan had whipped up for their sweet course, and shared the delight of everyone at her dinner table, she decided that since she knew nobody in the area at all, she need not worry herself too much about it.
~~~~~
Of course, as was the way of such things, just thinking about neighbours was sufficient to summon them, and a few days later, a carriage drew up before of the Wolfbridge front door.
“Pardon me, my Lady. You have guests.” Giles peered into the Rose room, where Adalyn was comfortably ensconced behind the small desk, making some notes on her garden project.
“I do?” She blinked.
