Everywherehe looked, something reminded him of her, whether it was the sun shining off of the water to mimic the flash of playfulness in her eyes, or the wind blowing in off the shore that took him back to the day her copper hair had been whipping around her shoulders on the bastion.And now that he’d had more than a tempting taste of her lips, her scent coursed through his veins like the finest wine.
He’d caused his horse to prance in agitation more than once, for he would be gripping the reins without even noticing it, the urgency to return to the castle and finish what they’d started the night before being a rather strong incentive in abandoning his search.
But then, where would that leave Isabella?Since her safetywasstill a threat with Wistenberry on the loose, she didn’t need Ridge sniffing around her skirts as well.
Thus, he returned to Walmer a bit more annoyed than when he’d left, but at leasthe could take a small measure of comfort in the facthis missive was on its way to Montgomery.All he could donow was waitfor his fellow agent to join him.
At this rate, he prayed it was sooner rather than later.
As if fatetook pleasure in tormentinghim further, he walked into the kitchens—and froze.Mrs. Hopper stirred something in a bit pot on the stove,fillingthe air with an enticing aroma. But it was the sight ofIsabellain an apron andkneadingdough that caught his fascination and made his mouth truly water.
He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, admiring the picture of domesticity in front of him. “Something smells delicious.”
Isabella glanced up and he had to smile at the slight blush that tinged her cheeks. But that wasn’t all. Her facewas streaked with flour, and even a section or two of her hair was lighter than normal, the delicate curls around her face drooping from the heat oftheoven. In light of her appearance, he grinned, for she must have been having a fabulous time.
But it was Mrs. Hopper who replied, “Oh, rest assured, Mr. Claymoore, we have somethingextraspecial prepared for you.”
His lips twitched, alaughthreatening to break free. “I don’t doubt it.” He looked around for the men he’d hired to watch over the castle in his absence and frowned when he didn’t see them anywhere. “Where are Isaac and Ian?”
Mrs. Hopper pointed her wooden spoon at him. “Don’t take that tone! They just finished a perimeter search,and I sent them out to the gardens to gather some apples for a pie.”
Ridge didn’t reply, as Herb entered the room. He immediately chortled with delight, and he was glad to see that, other than the bandage wrapped around the older man’s head, he didn’t seem to be suffering any ill effects from his attack. “I can tell someone’s been busy doing some baking! It smells heavenly in here.”
“I can’t take all of the credit,” Ethel returned proudly. “Lady Isabella has been an apt pupil.”
“I can see that.”He grinned. “For I’m not sure which one is wearing more flourat the moment,Lady Isabellaor the bread!”
Mrs. Hopperturned to Isabella and put her hands on her hips. Shelooked atthe ladywith a critical eye, and then she started to chuckle. “Oh, you’re right!” Shereached to a shelf above her andtookdowna silver platter that shone like a mirror. Smiling, sheheld it in front of Isabella’s face. “Take a look.”
Isabella gaspedthe moment shesaw her face was coatedwith streaks ofdust-covered evidence fromher recent culinary training.Then her lips twitched and her eyes lit with mirth as agiggleemerged from between her lipsandsheself-consciously wiped at her face with the backof her hand. Of course, this succeededinmakingthesituation even worse.
“Why don’t you go getchanged?” Mrs. Hopper suggested. “I can take it from here.I’ll haveIsaac and Ianheat some water and bring it up for a bathbefore they leave.”
“Very well.”Isabellaremoved the apron from around her waist andhungit ona nearby peg.She turned to address Herb. “I’m relieved to see you looking so well, Mr. Hopper.. I daresay I was rather worried about you when we returned from Kingsdown yesterday.”
He grinned. “Rest assured, my lady, it will take more than a ruffian or two to keep this old man down for long.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Ridge watched herleave the room, knowing that he needed to speak to her about last night. He wanted to make sure they stood on the same ground, and that there were no expectations of renewing their previous engagement. Even if he might like nothing better, it wasn’t a good idea.
As Mrs. Hopperreturned to her duties, Herbheaded outside,soRidgeslipped out of the kitchens.Now was as good a time as any to speak with the lady.
She was climbing the stairs when he called out to her.“Lady Isabella.”
She paused,and he noticed she grippedthe wooden bannister.After abrief pause, shedrew in a deep breath and thenturned to facehim. “Yes, Mr. Claymoore?”
He didn’t miss the fact she was rather cool and composed,whenin turn, hisheart was about to pound out of hischest.He cleared his throat. “Iwantedto speak with you aboutwhat happenedbetween us—”
She held up a hand.“You don’t have to say anything,”she interrupted smoothly. “It was a momentary distraction, a temporary weakness, but no doubt you will agree it willbe inourbest interests if we keep our distance from one another unless absolutely necessary.”
He hesitated,for she’d quite taken the words out of his mouth. However, sinceshevoiced the suggestion,he wasn’t sure it set very well. It was as if she was breaking things off with him, and his pride wasn’t comfortable accepting such a blow.“Indeed.I justwanted to ensure thatwe wereboththinking accordingly.”
Isabella clasped her hands before herand offered a smile that could be construed as polite. “This morning I realized that to engage in anything further than a simple acquaintance would be sheer folly whilethere isno suitable outcome for either of us.Once this entire escapade is over and Simon is in custody, Ishall return to London, and do my best to put all of this behind me. Now, if you will excuse me?”
With that, she lifted her skirts and turned her back on him.
***
