She peeked up at him, and he was so relieved by her confession he couldn’t help but smile at her. She smiled slowly at him then as well. It was the first time since he’d arrived at Stirling Castle and was informed of the threat that he had any inkling that all would be well.
“May I ask where your thoughts were focused?” he asked a little softer than his earlier questions. He could see her emotions on her face as her demeanor turned from defensive to more shy embarrassment.
“I know ’tis disrespectful to him, but truly I had no interest in events of long ago and I was excited to see the castle and meet the queen for the first time and—” she stopped abruptly and looked down.
“And what else, Lady Agnes?”
She lifted her gaze to him then and tilted her chin up slightly. “If you must know, my lord, I was looking forward to meeting the lords and ladies of the court and hoping I might meet someone I would fancy. And there is nothing wrong with that.”
William had to hide a chuckle. Nothing wrong indeed. She was every bit the innocent lady she should be with her thoughts tightly tied to her own wishes.
He leaned back and let out a sigh. He was pleased with her confession beyond measure, and he was now convinced she had not willingly been a part of Sinclair’s plan. He would send wordback to the king immediately and tomorrow if she wanted to take the top off the carriage, she could fill her boots.
“There is nothing wrong with that at all, Lady Agnes. I would expect exactly that from a lady new to court.”
“Is it only you who thinks me involved with my uncle?”
The question hit hard. They had all assumed the worst of her before questioning her and that didn’t sit well with him. He was not normally the sort of man who judged too quickly, yet he’d done just that with her.
“I do not think you were involved at all, and I know the queen and Fin insisted upon your innocence as well.”
“But you did, as did the king, else I would not have been banished.”
She had a point, but there was little they could do about it now. She would have to accept what had occurred and that they now believed her.
“I am convinced, and that will be enough for the king.”
“And this could have been cleared up last night in a quick conversation, yet here we are on the road to my home, and my reputation will be affected.”
He hadn’t thought of that aspect as the monarch’s safety had been more important than anything in the heat of the moment.
“Your reputation will not be affected with the favor of the king and queen behind you.”
“And yet, I am still destined for home.” She pushed back her chair and said, “I am travel weary, my lord. Which chamber is mine?”
“Top of the stairs, first on the right. I bid you good night, Lady Agnes.”
She nodded lightly and turned to retreat to her chamber. Moments later, a door slammed and though he could not hear it, he was sure a lock clicked right after. He’d certainly made a mess of that, but at least the ice was now broken.
Chapter Six
Leaning against thedoor after she locked it offered the first moment of peace since she’d left her home. And while she was pleased the earl believed her, she was not pleased with his lack of respect for her reputation when taking action that could absolutely be perceived by her peers that she’d been involved. Word would spread. It always did. Then she’d be hard pressed to ever attend court again.
Agnes pulled away from the door and clawed at the ties of her gown to remove the garments as quickly as possible. A small satchel had been brought up from the carriage, and she was grateful to see her linen night shift inside versus the traitorous silk one given to her by the queen.
And about the queen. The woman had the good sense to know Agnes would not be a part of such a foolish plot, as did Fin! Her two friends had been true to her, but not the lofty “men” who had to protect security at all costs and let common sense fly out the window. Who was hurt most in this scenario? The answer was obvious to her but not to them.
Once home she would write to the queen and thank her for her support and ask her to thank Fin as well. She would not let their actions alter her plan to have control over her future marriage either.
She had many days left to travel with the earl so she would want to find a way to get along but she was just so vexed withhim at the moment. Och, and to think she’d been so enamored at first. True, she still considered him to be the handsomest man in all of Scotland with those damned unusual eyes that changed color in every light. Below stairs earlier had been the worst with the firelight dancing in them and turning them the color of wheat at harvest. No, she wouldn’t focus on his godlike visage, or his broad shoulders. He could keep it all. She would forget all about the Earl of Montrose as someone she wanted to know better and focus her attention elsewhere. She didn’t want to be a countess anyway. She would be perfectly happy in a nice country manor by the sea with a good honest husband and lots of wee bairns to love.
And maybe if she kept telling herself that, it might help eliminate the onslaught of images of him crossing her mind day and night.
Agnes prepared herself for bed and just as she turned back the sheets she noticed the latch wiggle at her door. A single sound not quite like a knock was followed by a whispered“I’m sorry”then heavy footfalls that went down the hall. A door opened then closed.
She stared at the door for long moments before turning her attention back to the bed. Though she wore her linen shift, the sensation of the silk washed over her body. Her nipples hardened and moisture pooled between her legs. Agnes squeezed her eyes tight to conjure anything else that would take him from her mind. But neither the image of a violent storm nor of Bregdi itself could shake the feeling of knowing he was in the chamber next to hers.
Was he in bed already? What would it feel like to have his strong arms around her now assuring her all would be well. She shook her head and pulled the covers up as high as she possibly could. No! She would not allow unladylike thoughts about a manwho had displayed such a lack of trust in her. She would not and could not.
