“You responded with cool perfection, my Lady,” grinned Jeremy. “Even if you wanted to stick a hat pin into his overt and overblown self-importance.”
She met his amused smile with one of her own. “You know me rather well, don’t you? Was I that obvious?”
“Not at all. But he was.”
Giles chuckled. “Yes. He is one of those men who is convinced of his own superiority.” His smile faded. “Which is why, when you dine with him on Friday, you will be very careful, Lady Adalyn.”
“Of course,” she began, a little puzzled.
“He wants Wolfbridge,” continued Giles. “I believe his obsession began when a rumour made the rounds over a decade ago.” He sighed. “’Twas said that before estates had names, the land comprising both Fivetrees and Wolfbridge belonged to one lucky baron. When and why it was split, nobody seems to know. But when Sir Amery heard that, the visits started.”
Adalyn shook her head. “That sounds as if it was during the time of King John. I recall reading about the business with the Barons, and the Magna Carta. It’s astounding to realise that some of our greatest homes were built so many centuries ago.”
“Be that as it may, and perhaps it was one big estate once upon a time, but it’s been Wolfbridge and Fivetrees for more years than anyone alive can recall. Make no mistake about it. Charm, affectations and everything else aside, Fairhurst has one goal in mind. Owning this estate. He’s been unable to do anything about it for the last two years, since there was nobody able to command its disposition. Now you’re here.”
“I will neverevercountenance parting with Wolfbridge, Giles. I may not have been here very long, but already it is lodged in my heart.” She placed a hand over her bosom in emphasis.
“I am very glad to hear it,” smiled Giles. “I warn you simply because Sir Amery Fairhurst is a man who will use any and all devices to obtain what he wants.”
“Then I must make sure to use any and all devices to prevent him from doing so.” She smiled back at him. “Let us come up with a plan, shall we?”
The three of them returned to the parlour, Jeremy frowning a little as he leaned down to put another log on the fire. “I’m not sure how we can be of use, my Lady, insofar as protecting you is concerned.” He looked at Giles. “We can’t really accompany her in to dinner, can we?”
Giles shook his head. “Unfortunately, no.” He walked to the window and stared out, while Adalyn settled into a chair by the hearth.
“What sort of thing or action do you anticipate? Perhaps if I have an idea of that, I might be able to come up with ideas…” She tucked her shawl around her shoulders.
“I would not be surprised if he tries to get you alone,” said Giles, his voice sombre. “Whether he would try any indelicacies upon your person…well, I wouldn’t put it past him, but perhaps not at the first time you venture onto his territory.”
“Hmm.” She gazed at the flames, her mind turning over the issue at hand. “I will have a driver, of course,” she spoke more to herself. “And under normal circumstances, a maid would accompany me.” She thought some more. “What if…”
Giles turned to look at her. “What if…?”
“What if there was some reason for me to require a footman with me at all times?” She raised her eyebrows. “One could not expect anything but the most civil behaviour were a servant to be with me the entire evening.”
“I agree on principle, but how…”
“I think you’re right, my Lady.” Jeremy’s smile broadened. “And it’s quite simple. All you have to do is fall down.”
Chapter Eight
“Trick? Trick, are you here?”
Adalyn called up toward the hayloft in the stables, trying to locate her groom. There was silence, but for the occasional whiffle from one of the horses. She had discovered she liked the scents that went along with this building, even though some were pungent now and again.
She smiled and took pleasure in patting a curious nose or two when the residents decided to survey their new mistress. The fragrance of leather and hay were rich in her nostrils this morning as she continued her pursuit of Trick.
“Here, Lady Adalyn.” Strong arms gave her a quick hug.
“Oh, my Lord, Trick. You made me jump.”
He grinned at her, unrepentant, dark eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s good to keep you on your toes, my Lady.”
She sighed. “Well if you’re going to make a habit of it, please call me Adalyn? It sounds silly to keep the Lady Adalyn on her toes.”
He stayed close to her, the scent of man and leather and something else that was essentially Trick teasing her nostrils. “As you wish, Adalyn.”
Her name became a caress as he spoke it softly, a hint of soft skin, dark nights and desire.
