Warrick did not think to ease lightly into the subject. His first words to her were, “Sheldon de Vere has a son who wants you.”
“Is it Richard you speak of?”
He nodded. “Had you knowledge of his intent?”
“None.”
“But I take it you have had some converse with him, else he would not have asked specifically for you.”
“He has sought me out each time he comes here with his father.”
“To steal kisses, no doubt.” Warrick snorted. “Are you still a virgin, girl?”
Her cheeks pinkened, though her gaze remained locked to his, and her lips turned down at the corners. “No man here will even look at me, for fear of you.”
Warrick grinned at her chagrin. “I am pleased to hear it. Richard will no doubt be even more pleased. But before I agree to give you to him, you will have much to learn so you will not bring shame to his family.”
She stared at him incredulously. “You intend to have metaughtthe ways of a whore?”
He frowned. “What have I said that could lead you to think so?”
“You say he wants me and you intend to give me to him. If not as his leman, then what?”
Warrick’s lips turned down in disgust, but at himself. “I suppose I cannot fault you for thinking so. But ’tis his wife you will be,ifyou can be taught the ways of a lady.”
“Wife?” She merely mouthed the word without sound, her surprise was so great. But when the implications of that word fully sank in, her face lit up with a radiant joy, her smile nigh blinding. “To Sir Richard?”
“If—” he started to reiterate, but she would have none of that.
“There is no if, my lord. Whatever needs be learned Iwilllearn. Doubt it not.”
For the first time in his life, Warrick felt pride in one of his children, something he had not expected to know until he had a son. Her determination he did not doubt. Her capability, however, remained to be seen.
But for her sake, he wanted her to succeed. To that end, he was now reluctant to order Rowena to the task of teaching her. Rowena’s current behavior might not speak of held grudges, yet was there much that he had done to her that she might still resent. He had done naught that had not been deserved, yet the way a woman’s mind worked was not to be trusted. The possibilitywasthere that she might teach Emma incorrectly just to get even with him.
“Lady Roberta wouldst be the likely choice,” he remarked thoughtfully, but before he could state why she would not be acceptable, Emma did.
“She would not do it,” Emma said, some of the radiant glow leaving her face. “She despises me, and—and I am not so sure she knows aught more than stitchery. ’Tis all she finds important—”
Warrick’s chuckle cut her off. “There is much to be said for a fine stitch, but I mention the lady as the likely choice only in that she is already employed in that capacity, and so ’twould be ideal—yet do I agree that she would object to teaching you. As an alternative, I believe Rowena can help you in this area do you ask her.”
“But she has so many duties now—”
She did not finish because he was frowning again, and he was frowning because he had not realized he had overburdened the wench. Rowena had said nay, that she was not being overtaxed in her labors—yet. But had she lied to him? What did he know of servants and what was considered a normal work load? He had never had the directing of anyone other than his men. But now that he thought of it, even Mistress Blouet had looked at him strangely when he had mentioned everything that he wanted Rowena to do. All he had considered at the time was to give her tasks that he felt she would object to, because they were as near to wifely duties as he could think of. Putting her in the weaving room had merely been an afterthought so it would not appear that she served only him.
“Her other duties will be lightened to give her ample time to devote to you—if she agrees to the task.”
“I will be most grateful for her help, but should you not be the one to approach her on this matter, rather than I?”
Warrick grunted. “She would not do me any favors, Emma, and for me to insist—suffice it to say, you are like to get more from her in asking than I would get for you in ordering her to teach you.” It occurred to him, finally, that his daughter had not once questioned his choice of tutor, and he asked, “You knew she was a lady?”
’Twas Emma’s turn to frown with her correction. “But she still is. ’Tis not something you can take from her merely because you—” She blushed, amending, “I am sorry, my lord. Was no one to guess? We have wondered why you treat her so, but ’tis your affair.”
The censure in her tone had him nearly growling. “Exactly—my affair and not to be questioned, so wonder about it no more.”
But he knew before he finished speaking that ’twas guilt that had struck a sour note in him. God’s blood, now Rowena even made him feel guilt, when he had, in truth, been more lenient with her than she deserved. When he thought of what hecouldhave demanded of her—her very life! Nay, he would not feel guilty over his treatment of her.
To speak of the devil, Rowena came up from the kitchen just then, drawing his attention instantly with that damn red chemise, which he promised himself he was going to burn one of these days. She noticed him almost immediately as well, only she then turned swiftly about to return whence she came. Running from him now, was she? Aye, mayhap she felt she ought to after the foolishness she had instigated that morn with Isabella.
