She laughed, knowing he intended his jest to have that result. “Very well. I won’t ask you about putting in some rhododendrons or azaleas.”
“Whew.” He wiped his brow, dramatically.
They strolled out onto the grass, and Gwyneth took that deep breath she’d been promising herself. An idea had lurked in the back of her mind since she’d received that fateful letter. This might well be the time to explore it.
“Royce, may I speak to you in confidence?”
He turned his head, and looked at her, puzzlement written large across his handsome face. “Of course, my Lady. You never need to ask that of me.”
“I meant no insult. But I am still not sure of the rules—if there are any—pertaining to you and the others and me…” she huffed a little laugh. “You know what I mean.”
“I do, my Lady,” he smiled.
“Firstly, please…it is Gwyneth, when we’re alone? I find I’m tiring of always being my Lady. We are all becoming much too close to each other for that formality.”
“Very well. Gwyneth.” He squeezed her arm against his ribs. “But only when Giles isn’t within earshot.”
“Agreed.”
Their steps took them to the edge of the lawns and they turned, circling down the margin of the grass, beneath the greening oak trees.
“I need to ask your opinion about something.” She kept her eyes focused on their path.
“Ask away.”
“To do so, I must share a confidence that is intensely private. Not even Giles knows this. At least I don’t believe he does…”
“Are you sure you wish to share it?”
She nodded definitively. “Yes. Completely.”
“I’m honoured, Gwyneth. You have all my attention.”
“I received a blackmail letter a couple of days ago.”
“What?” Royce almost skidded to a stop and turned to stare at her. “Did you tell Giles?”
“Yes, I did,” she answered. “He needed to know. He has it all.” She shrugged. “I have to assume that this incident was also part and parcel of his decision to go to London. How it might be linked, I’m not sure. I’ll leave that to his wiser mind.”
“All right.” Royce sounded concerned. “I am most distressed to hear this, but since Giles already knows, how can I help?”
“Giles knows of the letter, but not of the reason. He did not ask and I did not tell him.”
“I see.”
“I do need to tell someone. Just in case.” Her steps slowed. “And for some reason, I believe you are best positioned to be my confidante.”
“You do me a great honour, Gwyneth,” he said again.
“I suspect you to be less…emotional, shall we say, than the others. The episode in my past happened when I was only seventeen. I can speak of it now with a minimum of pain, but it would be easier to reveal it to someone who can listen objectively. I know you better than to presume you would judge me, but I don’t need comforting either.”
“So no cuddling then?” He raised his eyebrows and grinned.
She shook her head and laughed. “I have nothing against cuddles.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he answered, his lips twisting into a smile that was as wicked as it was attractive.
It thoroughly seduced her and she made a snap decision. “Royce, would you come to me tonight and let me unburden myself to you?”
