Eloping with the Princess (Brotherhood of the Sword #3)(18)

Of course, Isabel was strikingly beautiful, more so than most women. She had an exotic beauty about her with a naturally darker complexion than was typical of English-bred ladies. That combined with her chestnut hair made her sea-green eyes stand out and beg people to look at them.

She leaned closer to him. “Why are they staring at you?” she asked.

“I believe it is you who has caught their gaze.”

Her hand went absently to her head, patted her hair. “I certainly have no notion as to why. Do I look a fright?”

Jason chuckled. The innkeeper stepped over to them before Jason could answer her.

Recognition lit in the old man’s wizened face. “Ah, Lord Ellis, how nice to see you again.”

“And you, sir. I need a room,” Jason said.

“Yes, a storm’s coming. Been brewing out there all day. I suspect it’ll be a strong one, too, judging by all the customers tonight.” He nodded toward the full tavern, then he seemed to notice Isabel for the first time, and his wiry white eyebrows rose as he quickly looked from Isabel, then back to Jason. “Of course, my lord. This way.” He led them through the tavern and up to the bar area where he managed all manner of duties for the inn. He flipped open a large book, then glanced up. “Only one room, then?” There was insinuation in his voice, although his posture and expression remained respectful.

Jason nodded. “Yes, only one. This is my niece. I intend to ensure her protection. Perhaps an extra blanket or two so I can make myself comfortable on the floor.”

“Yes, of course.” The man bobbed his head several times, then bent behind the bar and came back with a key. “Nicest room we have, my lord, and the largest. I’ll bring up extra bedding directly.”





Chapter Four


The innkeeper had come up to their room, bringing what Isabel suspected might be every extra piece of bedding they owned. He set up a small table with two chairs, and soon returned with heaping bowls of steaming stew and buttered bread. It seemed Jason had accounted for all their needs. Save one. Isabel still needed a solution to her current predicament. Hiding at one of his family estates would provide only a temporary fix.

The best she had done while pondering the situation was to realize that, more than anything, what she needed was to no longer remain unmarried. Then those men, whoever they were, wouldn’t be able to wed her in some political game. But she wasn’t married and certainly didn’t have any prospects. She didn’t even know many men her age. St. Bart’s admitted only girls, and the adjacent school, St. Basil’s, had never provided any tempting prospects. Which left only the man she was currently with. She glanced across the table from her. She’d studied him so much during the carriage ride, she feared she’d already memorized all his handsome features.

He wasn’t married.

Could he be the solution she needed? It was a ludicrous idea, but it was the only one she had. Jason was handsome and gallant, and she dared think even charming. Because of those qualities, he was more than likely already spoken for, betrothed to the prettiest of genteel-born ladies in London. Still, he might be her only hope of getting out of this mess. And certainly Jason would see the benefits of making her unavailable for marriage to someone who wanted the current queen murdered. He already worked to protect the Crown. Isabel could help do the same, if only in a small way.

She cleared her throat, trying to think of how to ask such a thing. “I don’t suppose those men would be after me if I were already married,” she said.

He looked up from his meal. “I am not certain that would stop them, but it would definitely slow them down. They have proven that they’re willing to go to the extreme to accomplish their goals. They’ve attempted to kidnap you twice now.”

“Still, it is worth considering, I think,” she said.

“What is?”

“Me finding a husband.”

He nodded slowly. “Do you have someone in mind? A suitor from near the school?” he asked.

“A suitor?” she asked, blankly. She watched his face, noting how very attractive his blue eyes were. Gold flecks enhanced them, making her want to stare into their depths. Oh for heaven’s sake. She needed to get a hold of herself. This wasn’t a romance, this was necessity. “No, nothing like that.”

He returned his attention to his food.

“You could marry me,” she blurted out.

He stilled, staring blankly at her. Then a thick line furrowed his brow and he set down his spoon. He cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon?”

She winced. That had not come out the way she’d hoped. “You are not already wed, else I’m certain I’d have seen a wife at your townhome, true?”

“True.” His frown deepened.

“Betrothed?”

“No.”

Hope blossomed within her. “Then you are available for marriage?”

He ran his hand through his dark, wavy hair. “No, I am not.”

She chewed on her lip and watched him. “You do not care for women?” she asked, her words slow and deliberate.

His brows rose in surprise and then he chuckled, and the mirth created such attractive crinkles at the edges of his eyes. She sighed.

“I very much care for women, as it were. I am simply not looking for a wife.”