Margaret sighed loudly and Lara knew the meaning of the censuring sound immediately. The maid continued moving her hands deftly over the fabric and never missed a stitch. “Milady, you have made much progress on that. A bit of time outside might refresh your spirits.”
“And give you time with Sir Hugh, Margaret?”
The woman’s freckled complexion blushed at the comment. “I would accompany you, if you wish it. Sir Hugh is about his duties now.”
“I cannot believe your boldness, Margaret. He is the enemy. And yet you…”
Margaret tucked her own needle into the tapestry and stepped to her side. Leaning down so that their comments were more private, she whispered, “We each have our own path, milady. Please do not begrudge me some small measure of happiness.”
Lara felt small and mean-spirited at her irritation. Was it Margaret’s fault or due to some weakness in her character that she could adjust to this new way while her mistress could not? In truth, Margaret had been at her side every moment that she was needed. And, in spite of the occasional kiss stolen by the man in question, Margaret spent every night in a bed in the children’s chambers, Lara knew.
Leaning back and sighing, she looked at her brother, who stood tapping his foot and twisting his hands while waiting for her attention. Her throat had grown tight at Margaret’s plea.
The maid sat back down on her stool and smiled at her.
“Please come, Lara. You can sew anytime. Please come,” Malcolm repeated, ignoring the other topic being discussed in hushed tones.
“What is so important that I must come?” She slipped the needle into the corner of the tapestry so she would not lose it. “Another battle between you and Philippe? Another race on the shore?”
“’Tis a secret we have to show you.”
Stretching her arms over her head, Lara tried to loosen the tightness in her neck. Mayhap Margaret was correct? A walk, a brief walk, would help her to rid herself of it? “Fine. Where is Lord Sebastien waiting for us?”
“He said he would meet us at the new dock. In a quarter hour.” Malcolm’s obvious joy made it difficult to stay aloof.
She smiled. “I will be at the dock then to see the secret that you and Lord Sebastien keep.”
Malcolm jumped and yelled, startling the other women in the solar. “I must find Philippe!” he said as he ran out of the room and down the stairs.
She’d never liked surprises, so Lara walked to the window that overlooked the firth and glanced out to see if Sebastien waited there already. Although not at the dock, he was there. As she watched, he walked out of the water, where he’d been swimming. And with each step, his naked form was revealed to her. Lara could not turn away from the display of his manly figure. Strong arms and shoulders led down to a narrow waist and hips. And…
She swallowed and tried to look away before all of him appeared, but her traitorous eyes would not obey. Another step and his muscular thighs and legs were exposed. Her mouth went dry and she shivered as she remembered the strength in those muscles and the pleasure of being covered by that body now revealed in the light of day.
Lara did not think she’d made a noise, but he turned his head and met her gaze. He pushed the hair out of his eyes and stared back at her. ’Twas then that she noticed the change. That part that he had filled her with, that had just now been at rest, grew hard and larger. Unable to look away, she nearly stopped breathing as he lifted one of his hands and touched…it,stroking it to an even greater size.
“Should I accompany you, then?” Margaret asked, but Lara was unable to respond. Heat pooled between her legs and her breasts tingled as she watched him smile knowingly at her. Then Malcolm’s boyish voice called to him from farther down the shore and, without hesitating, he turned back to the water and dived under it.
“My lady? You look peaked,” Margaret said, reaching her side—thankfully, after Sebastien had submerged. “It could be a fever. Let me feel your cheek.” Her maid reached out and touched the back of her hand to Lara’s indeed hot cheek.
“’Tis no fever, Margaret. Let me be.” It was a kind of fever, but not one she wished to discuss with her maid and the others present behind her. Especially after her comments about such attraction. She waved off the attention. “I just need some air.”
How could she ever face him now? She’d watched him and he knew it. But how could she not go as promised?
“Lara!” The shout came from outside. She dared not look.
Margaret glanced out and then waved. “My lady. ’Tis your brother and Lord Sebastien. They’re calling for you.”
Tucking her hair back inside the snood that covered it, Lara took a breath and walked to the door. She made her way down the stairs, through the hall and out through the yard. The guards nodded as she walked through the gate and across the drawbridge. Malcolm ran up to her and tugged on her hand, hurrying her along. In a few moments, they reached the new dock and Sebastien.
He wore trews now, but no tunic, and his hair hung down to his shoulders, still dripping water onto his chest and the ground around him. She knew her face was flame-red, but she answered his greeting in kind and looked everywhere except at his face.
“My lady! I am gladdened that you could join us.”
Hearing the smile in his voice, she was tempted to glance at him. She fought the urge, one more in a line of provocative urges brought on by the sight or sound or nearness of him.
“Malcolm tells me you have a secret to share with me,” she murmured.
Her brother was now back on the shore, calling out to Philippe to hurry. Lara watched his boyish glee and smiled.
