Esme did not allow a beat to pass. “Nay, I will never marry.”
The shock of this proclamation robbed him again of words. “You are a woman of surprises,” he echoed.
“It has been said before.” Esme took another long mouthful of wine and Adam, unable to think what else to do, did the same.
I will never marry.
She had stated this with conviction, with no blushing coyness or scarcely veiled irritation at a former suitor.
“’Tis no passing fancy,” she broke into his thoughts. “I mean what I say.”
“I do not doubt it.”
Silence fell between them once again. This time, Adam was painfully aware of Esme’s proximity; of the rise and fall of her breasts beneath the bodice of her gown and the sadness he had glimpsed in her eyes.
Something must have happened.
But ’twas no business of his. He must not ask any questions, despite his longing to offer comfort.
But I can offer her a solution.
“Did you know that I was the one to first teach Callum how to swing a sword?”
Interest flared in her finely-boned face. “I did not.” Her fingers danced along the tabletop. “You must have taught him well. My brother Tristan is not easily impressed, but he sang Callum’s praises when they trained together at Lindum.”
Adam brushed aside the compliment. “That is all due to Callum himself, not my early training.”
“Nevertheless.” Esme threw him a smile and he knew she wanted him to make the offer that was waiting on his lips.
He breathed through his nerves. “I will do the same for you, if you wish?”
“You will teach me to use a sword?” Esme grasped the tabletop and leaned forward in delight, as if he had offered an introduction to Queen Isabella herself.
“We will see how far we get.” Commonsense was taking hold now. Esme was an earl’s daughter. Surely, she could not rampage along the moors with a wooden sword?
Esme clapped her hands in delight. “You will find me a fast learner,” she promised, darting up from the chair and miming a sword thrust, much as she had on the day Adam first arrived.
He found himself laughing along with her enthusiasm. “That is another thing that I do not doubt.”
She grew still and serious. “You have made me very happy.”
“You are welcome.” He had never meant it more.
“May we start on the morrow?” Her eyes shone with hope.
What have I done?
“We may,” he confirmed.
Esme took two quick steps toward him, leaned down and planted a quick kiss on his forehead. The gesture took him so by surprise, he did not react at all.
“Thank you, Adam,” she whispered.
By the time Adam had recovered his composure, the lady had disappeared. He was alone by the flickering fire, with a hundred conflicting thoughts warring in his head.
Chapter Eight
What should alady wear to learn to fight with a sword?
