"Nothing is more important than my bride. Ease my worries for your safety, demoiselle, and allow me to escort you."
Though he claimed concern, his words clearly held a command. Did he think she planned a clandestine meeting with Welsh rebels? He had no reason to worry about not gaining Lyndon.
'Twas already his. He only came because the king ordered it. For some reason, the realization stung. Deep inside, she wanted him to care for her, even a little. The urge to deny him hung on the edge of her tongue. She held it back.
Refusing him would raise his suspicions further, so she silently allowed him to take her arm and escort her to the mews.
"Your father enjoyed hawking?"
"The hawks aren't my father's."
"Then who hunts with them?"
"I do."
She restrained the grin that threatened at his look of surprise. She opened the gate and ducked into the tiny building. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow.
Most of the falcons slept upon their perches, jesses fastened to prevent a sudden flight should they be startled awake.
"Close the door," she ordered, stepping up to the rows where her dozen birds perched.
She approached Ares, her favorite, and unhooded him. Gillian cooed to the hawk, blowing gently on his face. The merlin watched her with golden eyes so like the earl's. She ruffled the bird's chest feathers.
"'Tis unwise to get so close."
"I have trained him since shortly after he hatched. He has never threatened."
"A fright could cause it."
"Ares knows me. Usually, I wear gauntlets when I handle the birds. I had no time tonight to fetch them."
"Your father allowed this?"
She bit back the sharp retort and took a deep breath before responding.
"Yes. He did. I'm a better falconer than anyone for miles."
'Twas true she had a natural talent for working with the birds. When Walter, the old falconer had passed, Gillian had taken over caring for the birds, though she hadn't been permitted to live in Walter's former quarters beside the mews. Still, she took pride in her skill in training and maintaining Lyndon's birds. She truly loved every moment she spent with her hawks.
"Your father spoiled you."
He leaned against the wall and folded his arms. The movement rekindled her fascination, and a sharp yearning washed over her like a great wave. Her tongue felt as if it were coated in dry wool. Until his words penetrated the haze.
"How dare you! You have known me only a few hours, yet you have already passed judgment."
"My wife won't work in the mews. I'll hire a falconer. You need only concern yourself with matters of the household."
"The mews are part of the household. Therefore, I'm responsible."
The fierce need to prove herself grew stronger. Perhaps he should see just how capable she truly was. Would it change his mind? She honestly had no idea.
"In the morning, I'll take Ares out. Join me. Judge me then."
"Where will you go?"
"Through the forest, to the fields beyond. I can show you..."
"Are you daft, woman? Do you not know the danger –?"
