There was only one person who could have told him. “Did that Stephen Carleton say something to you?”
“Aye, Sir Stephen gave me quite a lecture on the risks,” he said, “and on my duties as a brother.”
“How dare he!”
“There was no mistaking the man’s message, but he was quite cordial,” Geoffrey said. “He is an engaging fellow. Both he and his nephew seem to be good men.”
She snorted her disagreement. “Stephen Carleton lacks all seriousness of purpose.”
“He seemed quite serious about wishing to kill me yesterday,” Geoffrey said, fighting a smile.
She remembered how dangerous Stephen had looked. Dangerous, and impossibly handsome.
“A vile temper does not improve a frivolous man.” She sounded insufferable, but she couldn’t stop herself. “He is, by all accounts, an unrepentant adulterer and drunkard. For all your piety, I am surprised you are willing to overlook his sins.”
“You should not believe all you hear,” Geoffrey said. “And ’tis not your place nor mine to judge. ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.’ ”
She decided not to test her brother’s grace by telling him that the man he was defending had lain on top of her and kissed her senseless. That was a secret best not shared.
“What makes you smile, Issie?”
“Nothing.” God help her, but she did not regret those kisses nearly as much as she ought. “Let us speak no more of Stephen Carleton.”
“But he—”
She held her hand up. “Please, Geoffrey, do not.”
When they reached the storeroom, she ducked through the low entrance and removed her cloak. When she turned to find a place to lay it down, she was so startled she screamed.
Stephen Carleton sat perched atop a stack of grain sacks.
“Good day, Lady Hume,” he greeted her, as if he were quite used to women shrieking at the sight of him. “You remember my nephew, Jamie Rayburn?”
Noticing the young man now, she gave him a stiff nod.
“I meant to tell you that Sir Stephen kindly offered to practice with us today.” Ignoring her glare, Geoffrey added, “We are fortunate, for he is well known for his skill.”
“Please just call me Stephen,” Carleton said, dropping down to the ground. “Your sister does.”
She was going to argue, but this little falsehood was the least of his crimes.
When her brother went to chat with Jamie, Carleton came to stand beside her. “Stop scowling,” he said in a low voice. “You are safe with both Jamie and your brother here. I promise, you will enjoy yourself.”
She was tense and distracted at first, but after a time she became absorbed in the play. They traded partners frequently, so she had opportunity to practice with each of them. Stephen—despite herself, she did think of him as Stephen now—was by far the best swordsman and teacher.
“I’m starving! ’Tis long past time for breakfast.”
Jamie’s announcement caught Isobel by surprise. The hour had passed so quickly.
Jamie sheathed his sword and picked up his cloak from the corner. “Shall we meet again tomorrow?”
Geoffrey gave her a sideways glace and waited.
She smiled and nodded. So long as Geoffrey and Jamie came, too, what could be the harm?
Chapter Nine
November 1417
