“And spoke out against Henry leaving the Catholic church,” Adriana added.
“I suppose either one of those offenses would have seen him killed,” Bentford acknowledged.
“Isn’t Benedict usually within the castle?” Cordelia asked, not that she’d ever seen him, but everyone knew about the former troubadour.
“He likes to come outside when the day is fine,” Adriana answered then looked up at Bentford. “He was curious of you, Lord Bentford, and wished to know who you were and what brought you to Bocka Morrow. When I informed him of your name and that you recently arrived at Nightshade Manor, he insisted that I need not say more. He then bemoaned how time passes so quickly for those who are still alive while he lingers with the days sometimes never ending as he is forced to ramble around the confines of Castle Keyvnor, waiting until it is filled with people to entertain once again.”
“Nobody lives there?” Bentford asked.
“The Earl of Banfield and his family live there,” Cordelia answered. “Benedict enjoyed the house parties that have been held since Banfield came to live in Keyvnor. Or so I’ve been told,” Cordelia chuckled.
“I would have remained longer, but Benedict said that I must chaperone the two of you.” She grinned at Cordelia while the all too familiar humor danced in her blue eyes.
“He is from an age when they valued all that is proper,” Cordelia decided.
“Benedict said that young lovers should not be left alone and that I must be ever alert of a Drakos.”
“What?” Bentford demanded.
“Apparently, the Drakoses of his day were wicked rogues and seducers of women. Is it true?”
His blush returned.
“So, were they dashing, wicked, seducing rogues?” Adriana asked again as if she hoped that it was true.
“Yes, well perhaps…” he cleared his throat. “Perhaps in the age of Henry. And those were Drakoses, not Norcotts. My mother was a Drakos.”
“I mentioned that to him, but Benedict said the Norcott line was nearly as long as the Drakos and that those gentlemen were just as wicked. Given you carry the blood of both, he insisted that I must be doubly diligent in my chaperoning.”
Lord Bentford mumbled something under his breath that Cordelia didn’t quite catch though she was certain it wasbloody hellandmenacingghosts.
“Are you a wicked rogue, Lord Bentford?” Adriana asked with a grin.
“Adriana,” Cordelia chastised. “That is not a proper question to ask Lord Bentford and you should apologize this instant.”
Adriana rolled her eyes and turned away.
“I apologize, Lord Bentford. I meant no insult.”
However, there was no sincerity in Adriana’s tone, and it was rather bland as if bored.
What had gotten into her sister for even asking such a question? The subject should not have even been discussed.
“She is much like Larisa,” he said quietly. “Saying the most outlandish things for a reaction. It’s no wonder they are friends.” He chuckled.
At least he wasn’t offended, but now Cordelia wondered if there was any truth to the Norcott and Drakos gentlemen being wicked rogues. It would be delightful if it was even a half-truth, though she’d likely never learn, much to her disappointment.
Goodness, where had those thoughts come from? She was a proper miss and should not be wishing for the attention of rogues, especially wicked ones.
Chapter 16
Damon wishedhe could see and talk to Benedict himself because he’d like to have a chat with the ancient troubadour. He didn’t need to put warnings into the minds of misses.
Not that Damon considered himself a wicked rogue. However, depending on the circles he traveled, he had been called such. Each mistress came to mind as he certainly did enjoy bed sport and never once shied from the various ways of giving and receiving pleasure. He would try nearly anything at least once if his current lover was willing.
Though rogue was rather harsh because he’d not cheated or hurt anyone, as he’d been fully honest in what he’d expected from the relationships with the women he’d shared such intimacies.
He glanced down to Miss Cordelia and wondered what she might enjoy, then quickly tried to push such thoughts from his mind. She was a proper miss. Very proper as it had been evidenced in her dealings with her brother, younger sister, and Ianthe. He could not imagine her letting free to be carried away with passions and desire.
