Despite herself, she loved the sound.
“If that were true, it would be no flaw,” he said.“Each night, I am more in your thrall, and I cannot regret it.”
Melissande looked back in surprise and Quinn smiled at her.Her resistance to him wavered anew and she feared that she would capitulate completely—in less than three days.What fortitude did she possess to withstand a siege?Not much in the end.
“I have my courses,” she lied on impulse, marveling all the while that he could make her forget herself so readily.“I would sleep alone this night.”
“But you will not bar the door against me,” Quinn said with conviction.
“What is this?”
He leaned closer and she saw again that resolve in his gaze.“I will watch the mill from that vantage point.Success against these brigands may rely upon it.”He gave her a hot look, and once again, she was reminded of his military experience.She nodded, surprised that she was disappointed that he cited no other reason, and he turned away, calling to Louis.
“I will have a bath, if you please, Louis, in the stables with my comrades.I would not offend my lady wife at the board.”He bowed to her again then crossed the hall with long strides.The boy Michel followed him, speaking of clean chemises, and he smiled with affection as he listened to the boy.
“And how shall we have the pheasants tonight?”Louis asked Melissande.“I recommend we hang the venison so it can be roasted in a week or so.The birds, though, we might stew for the evening meal.Perhaps with peppercorns?The last of the wine would make an excellent sauce...”
Melissande was shaken.
Quinn could understand that well enough.Her father’s seal in his hand and now his tabard, the one made by her mother, would be on Quinn’s back, as well as his other garments.Quinn was sharing her bed in the solar and directing the defense of Annossy.Her list of responsibilities was diminishing with every passing hour, or so it must seem to her, and he knew she took great pride in what she could do, rather than how she looked.
He waited in the kitchen for Louis’ return, and saw that man’s eyes widen in surprise at the sight of him there.
“Sir!I sent word for your bath...”
“I know, Louis.You are most busy in this moment, but I would confer with you.”
“Of course, my lord.”Louis bowed, his manner expectant and prim.
Quinn led the older man to a quiet corner of the bustling kitchen.“I wish to ask your advice with regards to my lady wife.”
“Indeed, sir?”
“She has administered Annossy on her own for some time.”
“Since her father’s demise, sir, and to be sure, she did a great deal in his lifetime, as well.”
“And so, my arrival brings many changes to her life and routine.”
Understanding dawned in Louis’ eyes but he did not speak.He merely waited.
Quinn cleared his throat.“I should like to know which tasks were her favored ones, the better that I might ensure she keeps those responsibilities as we govern Annossy together.It is a fine holding, and I would see it continue to prosper.For that, I desire my lady’s expertise.”
Louis smiled.“She does not like the court obligation,” he said.“Though she is fair.Her knowledge of the law and tradition of Annossy is complete, but I believe her heart is too kind for those times when justice must be harsh.”
“Then perhaps I might invite her to advise me on those days, until I know Annossy’s traditions.”
Louis nodded approval.“She has a rare talent for keeping the ledgers.Her hand is neat and her sums are always perfect.I know she takes pride in a well-formatted and complete ledger.”
“While I would not know where to begin,” Quinn said.“In my trade, tallies are kept in one’s head.”He tapped his temple.
Louis smiled and nodded.“I imagine so, my lord.My lady is frugal but not cruel.I have always admired her balance in managing the coin of the keep, as well as the inventory of spices and wine.She has a gift for making less seem like more.”
“There is a rare talent, as well as one I much admire.”
“She also anticipates matters with great cleverness.Her father was much concerned with hospitality and she has inherited that from him.”
Quinn nodded, recalling her concern about the evening meal upon their return.“I thank you, Louis, for your insight.Now I will know what to suggest to my lady wife.”He would have turned away, but the older man cleared his throat.“Aye, Louis?”
