He took a deep breath, not wanting to rush inlike a fool. But he at least owed her a chance to explain.
Most certainly, I owe that much to Callum, if not to Esme, he told himself sternly.
He rose from the bed and straightened his shirt. If they were headed to Wolvesley at first light, there was no time to lose. But still, he baulked at creeping around a house at night. And to a lady’s chamber, no less. Every time a floorboard creaked, he froze, half expecting to feel Jonah’s sword pointed at his back. He was sweating by the time he reached the first-floor landing and the family’s bedchambers.
Which door is Esme’s?
He held his candle high, hoping for a clue and finding none. The smooth wooden panels were all neatly closed and the silvery moonlight filtering through the long window afforded no assistance. Would he have to knock at each in turn, risking Jonah’s wrath?
Better a brother’s wrath than a sister’s distress, he reflected. Jonah might even come to his aid. Perchance he knew something of this knight and his background with Esme?
Then he remembered how Jonah had retired to the solar.
Newly emboldened, Callum strode forward, before a sound from the nearest chamber sent frissons of cold through his veins.
A scuffle. A squeal. The voice, undoubtedly, belonged to Esme.
The lady was not alone in her chamber.
Then came the low rumble of a man’s laughter.
Embarrassed and angry, all over again, Adam turned away.
*
Esme had cursedher stupidity when she opened her door to find Crispin on the threshold. Even more so when, instead, of flinging it shut, she somehow held it open whilst he shouldered his way inside.
“You should not be here,” she had said.
Crispin had regarded her coolly. “I am here to make certain of your affections.”
Esme felt her spine stiffen. “You must know by now that my affection for you is sorely diminished. ’Tis obligation that forces me to return to Wolvesley. No more.”
“Obligation.” Crispin walked further into her chamber, his greedy eyes roving over the polished furnishings. “What would the pampered daughter of the Earl of Wolvesley know about obligation?”
“I know plenty.” She folded her arms, determined not to betray her growing anxiety. “I know to treat people with respect. I know ’tis wrong to ride away from someone without giving word of your likely return. Especially after—” She stopped abruptly, heat rising in her cheeks.
“After what?” Crispin leaned against the window ledge, a mocking smile playing about his thin lips. “Can you not bring yourself to say the words, Esme? ’Tis odd to display such reticence when you were keen enough to lay with me.”
Her hands clenched into fists. She had not been so keen to lay with him. She had scarce known what she was about, nor whereher actions would lead. But there was naught to be gained in arguing this point now.
“Are you come to shame me, Crispin?” she demanded instead. “Have you not already had your fill?”
“Not nearly,” he retorted, his eyebrows raising beneath his hair.
Hair that was much in need of a wash, she noticed.
“You need to leave.” She wrenched open the door and pointed into the hallway. “Now.”
“Why should I?” Crispin regarded her steadily. “How are you going to make me?”
“I shall scream.” She met his provocative gaze.
“And who shall hear you?” Crispin strolled across the chamber, making her stumble over to the dresser. He calmly refastened the door and turned toward her. “Your family are not here. I was told as much by the groom who took my horse. There is only your brother, Jonah. Do you really think him a match for me?”
There is Adam, she thought. But she knew it was unlikely he would hear her screams from his chamber on the top floor.
Nor would Jonah, as he was sleeping in the solar.
