“My lord, the pleasure is mine,” she said in a voice just above a whisper.
For what seemed like long, awkward moments they stared at one another until Fin made a sound sort of like a cough.
She tore her gaze from the earl’s piercing stare she was sure reached her very soul. When she turned to Fin, he guided her to the long table and away from the earl. She could not help but look over her shoulder and was surprised he still gazed at her with the same intensity.
In the next moment, the earl was at her other side and to Fin said, “I will introduce her to their majesties. You may see about your other duties.”
With that Fin bowed, offered her a small smile, and left them.
Of all the awkward moments she’d ever endured, this was by far the worst. This man who was like something out of a legend or myth had stolen her wits by his mere presence. She didn’t know if she should be embarrassed by her reaction to him or mortified, but one thing was certain, she was enchanted.
*
The feeling ofher small hand on his arm sent electric jolts uphis arm. William had to get himself under control, else he could never be around her and, as the king had said, glean intelligence. She was like a magnet for him from the moment she entered the hall. He was aware of her every move, of each item that appeared to captivate her. She’d captivated him. Politeness would dictate that he should have moved to them when they entered the hall, but he’d been rooted to his spot and could barely breathe as she approached. Once their gazes locked, he was powerless to do anything but stare at her.
But this was foolish; he couldn’t be attracted to her and try to extract information from her at the same time. He was acting like an unseasoned school lad. Not that he was as active as some of his acquaintances, but he’d partaken in sport when it was available with no expectations. This woman conjured feelings of such fervor, he didn’t quite know what to make of it. He pushed those thoughts to the side. He had to for now.
“I trust your journey was uneventful?” he asked her.
“Aye, my lord, and yours?”
He liked the way her cheeks grew pink after she said the words and looked like she wanted to swallow them. Maybe, it was not only he who was affected. He took in her demeanor with closer regard. Her expression was bright and he could see the intelligence in her eyes and, aye, curiosity there too. Was it possible the lady was innocent of all knowledge of a plot? He would expect that person to be cool and unrattled and that was not the air she had about her at all.
“My journey was uneventful and not near as long as yours.”
“Pardon my ignorance, my lord, but from whence do you hail?”
“My home is about twenty miles from here. I understand your father is the Earl of Caithness.”
“Aye, my lord. I am here with my uncle. My parents remain in the north.”
She was free enough with that information.
“And I understand you are to attend the queen and you have not yet met.”
“I confess, I have not, my lord.”
“Then we shall remedy that right now,” he said and placed his hand over hers guiding her toward the king and queen who had just entered the hall near the head table.
William smiled at the monarchs as they approached and could sense the tension rolling from Lady Agnes in waves. He instinctively squeezed her hand then regretted the inappropriate gesture of familiarity though it was almost involuntary.
“Your Majesties, may I introduce Lady Agnes Sinclair, daughter of the Earl of Caithness. Lady Agnes, may I present you to Their Graces King James and Queen Margaret.”
William bowed and Lady Agnes curtseyed at the same time.
The queen moved forward and reached out her hands to Lady Agnes as she stood. “My Lady Agnes, you are more beautiful than we were told. I am pleased to make your acquaintance and expect to hear all about your life in the north and introduce you to as many courtesans as would please you. I have had few true friends since my time here and do understand that all this hustle and bustle is not for everyone. But I do hope it is to your liking.”
“Aye, Your Majesty,” Agnes said in a voice that was a little shaky. “I have never seen such grandeur.”
With that comment the king stood a little taller. “The lady has good taste, it would seem. Now while the ladies become acquainted, Montrose, I have something I would discuss with you before the meal is served.”
Lady Agnes looked at him then and offered a small smile. Was that a thank you? He was not quite sure. It was impossible to know a person’s mind upon meeting them, but his instinctwas that she was a genuinely good person. He hoped his instincts would prove truth.
Once off to the side the king asked, “Well? What is your first impression?”
What it was he would not fully reveal to the king. That he wanted to smell her hair and kiss those full lips of hers and explore the delights she hid under her gown. Nay, he would not share that with the king.
“She appears reserved, but there is an active mind behind those eyes. It is far too early to tell if she is innocent or an adept player in this whatever it is scheme of her uncle’s.”
