“Is she avoiding me, do you think?” he asked the black cat who was purring around his ankles.
Felicity looked up at him, her golden eyes unblinking.
He had anticipated a summons to play chess or… something, in the absence of aught else. But Esme had been keeping mostly to her chamber. And so, Adam had kept mostly to his.
The days had grown long with little to occupy himself with. Which was ridiculous, as he was well used to finding tasks to pass the time. But he could not settle to anything. It was too damp and cold to enjoy a ride over the hills. And once he had finished whittling two wooden swords, a sort of lethargy had swept over him.
He missed Esme’s company. Missed her brightness and energy.
“I am an old fool, which is worse than being a young one,” he told the cat.
Felicity mewed and Adam picked her up, holding her against him as he gazed out of the narrow window of his high chamber. This fifth day had dawned dry at least. Did he dare to hope that things were about to change?
Resolve formed within him. As pleasing as his chamber was, with plastered walls and clean wooden furnishings, he could not skulk about in here any longer. He was a man of action, not philosophy.
A sharp knocking broke into his thoughts. He put down the cat and crossed the floor to open the door, somewhat startled to find Jonah waiting in the narrow corridor beyond. He must have ascended the servant’s stairs to arrive here, which would be a difficult climb. But Adam knew to hide his surprise.
He bowed. “How can I be of service, milord?”
The young man was a healthier color than he had been when Adam first arrived. His finely drawn features were no longer pinched with pain, and his shoulders were not so hunched.
Jonah waved his hand. “Please, do not stand on such ceremony. I have grown unaccustomed to it.”
Adam inclined his head. “Would you like to come in?”
He was expecting the young lord to refuse. But instead, Jonah nodded and preceded him into his chamber. He did not glance about but stood politely, just inside the doorway.
“’Tis about my sister,” he announced with no preamble.
“Esme?” Adam raised his brows.
“Indeed.” Jonah pursed his lips, momentarily discomfited.
Is he about to warn me off?
A jolt of adrenaline shot through Adam’s belly, surprising him with its intensity.
“I have come to ask a favor.” Jonah looked him boldly in the eye.
“Go ahead.”
“Please could you resume your lessons?” Jonah winced a little. “Fencing or sword-fighting or whatever it is you were teaching her.”
Adam’s eyes flared with surprise. His knees went weak with relief. “That is the favor?”
“She is skulking about like a bull with a sore head. I cannot write, nay I cannot even think, with her in such a temper. Please, take her outside and distract her.”
Adam found a smile fighting to take hold of his lips. “As it happens, I was thinking that this day would be opportune for our lessons to resume.”
“You mean I climbed all the way up here for naught?” Jonah sagged against the doorframe, causing Adam to step forward with alarm.
“Allow me to help you.”
Jonah shook his head. “I can manage, thank you. And I spoke partly in jest. ’Tis good to challenge myself, every now and then. Mayhap I will join your lessons myself, one day.”
Adam recalled Esme’s comments about her brother’s prowess with a sword.
“’Tis more likely you will have skills to teach me,” he offered.
