Outside, and around the back of the inn, he found the owner and enquired about purchasing a well-tempered mare. Within half an hour, the deal was struck and he was in possession of a beautiful young silver-gray mare fit with a lady’s saddle.
He’d requested a full early morning feast for Lady Agnes and himself along with the six guardsmen who looked like they’d enjoyed their evening in the village and could use the sustenance. The grateful men attacked the feast as soon as it was put before them.
Now only one thing remained. He paused at her door and drew in a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and knocked.
The door opened almost immediately. She was fully dressed and her hair was pinned back, unlike her normal flowing tresses, and her expression was cool and masked. He gave her a broad smile. She had no idea of his intent and was on guard. And rightly so.
“Lady Agnes, if it is your wish, I would like you to join me to break our fast below. The cook has prepared some delectable offerings for us including cold smoked arctic char and salmon.”
Her brows drew close together for a moment.
“I would suspect you are hungry?”
After a few moments she said, “Aye, I would like that very much, my lord.” She moved past him toward the stairs leaving her belongings inside.
This gave him a wee spark of encouragement. He would have her bags brought down and she would continue along the journey with him. It wasn’t a stretch of logic. If she was bent on finding her own way, she would be holding her bags in her hand.
Once seated and with the spread of smoked fish and steaming bread before them, Lady Agnes appeared to lose some of the rigidity displayed moments ago. It was a good meal he’d sampled many times before. Loch Voil yielded perfect fish for smoking, and the owner knew his way around presentation.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said and enjoyed the way her gaze locked with his immediately.
It was clear she tried to mask her interest, but she was not skilled at hiding her true emotions. He was beginning to admire that about her.
“Is your interest not piqued?” he asked.
“It is, my lord. But I confess, given the circumstances, it is unexpected.”
Point conceded. He would have to change tactics.
“Given the circumstances, it is an offering of good faith.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Good faith, you say, my lord.”
“Aye, Lady Agnes. And the longer you idle about your meal, the longer before you discover it.”
He leaned back in his chair and topped pieces of bread with the irresistible smoked fish and popped bits into his mouth as he watched this graceful lady battle poise with hunger and curiosity.
When she was finished, she lightly dabbed her mouth with the cloth provided and stared at him intently.
“Well done, Lady Agnes. Are you ready for your surprise?”
In a voice he was certain was forced and tempered, she said, “Aye, my lord. If you wish to show me this surprise now, I am ready for it.”
It was a small victory, but one nonetheless.
Pushing back his chair, William stood and reached out his hand to the lady. She accepted and together they stepped outside.
Her gasp was audible and she quickly turned to him.
“Is this for me?”
His heart picked up a few beats in that moment. He had no idea how much pleasing her would bring to his own satisfaction and delight.
“Aye, Lady Agnes. She is yours now and you must give her a proper name. You may ride her as much as you like during our journey and she will be cared for each eve by the guards as they care for the other horses.”
She turned to him with a smile and tears in her eyes. “I thank you, my lord, for she is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld. I would very much like to ride for as long as I am able each day.”
William hoisted her atop the mare and ensured she was secure. He held the reins and gazed up at the joy on her face.
