“If I have to, Jeremy. If I have to.” She lifted her chin.
“She would too,” added Royce. “And God help Ditchley if she does.”
*~~*~~*
Gwyneth had done her best to absorb all the information that was disclosed around her.
It almost felt as if they were under siege, and for the first time she began to fully understand the meaning of the Manor whose name she now carried.
Wolfbridge wasn’t just a sanctuary for its Ladies. It clearly offered more; a home for men who had been wounded in one way or another. Everyone who lived within its walls found some measure of healing and strength. It was an enlightening discovery, and she looked at each face, knowing now that they were so much more than just her gentlemen. She also became aware that the interactions, within Wolfbridge, although seeming on the surface to be of benefit to the Lady, also benefitted everyone participating in them. She couldn’t help thinking about how the desire that flared more and more these days might give the men as much pleasure, if not more, than she took from them.
They had agreed that Giles would leave and in his efficient fashion, he was on the road within the hour, promising to keep everyone apprised of his whereabouts.
She stood on the front steps of Wolfbridge, surrounded by the four men, watching him ride away on the first leg of his journey.
“He’ll be fine,” said Royce. “I am coming to realise the level of his astounding abilities when it comes to accomplishing his goals.”
“Can’t ever underestimate him, that’s for sure,” said Jeremy.
“If there’s anything to learn, he’ll root it out.” Evan folded his arms and nodded.
“He’s rather intimidating in many ways,” sighed Gabriel. “I swear his spine is steel, but he cloaks it well.”
A grey cloud drew closer, and the sunlight faded away making Gwyneth shiver.
“Come on, back inside with you, my Lady.” Evan put his arm around her. “You probably should be resting.”
“I’ll be on my way,” Trick said. “I have to go and start reassuring my wife that all’s well. And that we’ll be staying inside for a while. At least she will.”
“Good luck with that,” Jeremy grinned. “You might want to send a message to her mother right away, or you’ll have Mrs B beating down your door.”
“Point taken,” nodded Trick. “If you need anything…” he shot a stern glance at all of them.
“We know where you are.” Royce gave Trick a little mock salute. “Go home to your wife. We’ll let you know when Giles returns.”
The afternoon seemed quiet, with Evan in the kitchen, Jeremy and Gabriel playing chess in the Rose room, and Royce in his small study.
Gwyneth found herself unusually idle, not caring to read, and unsure enough of the weather to want to go for a walk. Besides, she doubted she’d be allowed out of the house at the moment, for fear some or all of the malevolent parties might decide to do something dreadful.
Her own worries weighed on her, exacerbated by those she’d listened to earlier, so she left the Rose room, reassuring Jeremy and Gabriel of her intentions to stay close, and went to find Royce.
“Hullo.” She peered around the door to his study, finding him with his jacket off, his sleeves rolled up and a pile of papers in front of him. He squinted at them with a quiet terrible frown. “Am I disturbing you?”
“Yes,” he grunted, then pushed back from the desk. “And I’m glad of it, to be honest. What can I do for you, my Lady?”
She made a snap decision. “Take a few minutes and walk with me in the garden? The sun looks like it might come back out, although I know not for how long, and I’d like to breathe a little. Just around the lawn.”
He glanced outside, then nodded. “A good idea. I need to breathe too.”
She smiled as he stood. “We can tell Jeremy and Gabriel if we go out through the doors at the end of the hall. They’re playing chess in the Rose room.”
He grinned. “And Evan is cooking something magnificent. I can smell it from here.”
Taking her arm, Royce walked with her down the corridor leading outside. They popped in to let the two men at the chessboard know where they were and then sauntered out onto the terrace.
Gwyneth took a breath. “This could be lovely come summer,” she looked around. “The grass is greening up nicely. Now we need some flowers.”
Royce followed her gaze. “Yes, I think you’re right. But I’m not the man to ask, since my knowledge of flowers extends only to those provided to ladies after a pleasant evening.”
