A Most Dangerous Profession(55)

“Goodness,” Moira said, staring about wide-eyed. “You certainly have a lot of weapons. Have you used them all?”

Ross had handed his coat to a servant and turned to answer the question, dumbstruck as his gaze fixed on her with avid interest.

Robert almost chuckled. Moira had strategically placed herself in a pool of light that poured through a circular window. Her green gown seemed ethereal, and the golden light made her look like a fairy rising from a sunbeam.

But it wouldn’t do to allow their host to see too much of her. Robert sighed. “I vow, I am exhausted.”

“Of course.” Ross turned to the waiting butler. “Escort Mr. Hurst to the blue suite and Mrs. Hurst”—his gaze lingered on her—“to the yellow suite.”

The butler bowed and turned to leave, but Robert forestalled him. “I beg your pardon, but is my wife’s room close to mine?”

Ross’s smile faded. “They’re down the hall from one another, of course.”

“I wish them to be adjoining.”

“The room adjoining your wife’s is very small.”

“I’ll make do, whatever it is.”

Ross bowed stiffly. “Very well.” He turned to the butler. “Escort Mr. and Mrs. Hurst to the yellow suite. Mr. Hurst will take the smaller of the rooms.”

Robert ignored his almost challenging tone and nodded. “Excellent.” He walked over to Moira and offered his arm. “My dear, shall we?”

“Yes, of course.” She took his arm and smiled at Ross. “Until dinner, then.”

He brightened immediately. “Yes! We shall serve at seven, but if you’d like a tour of the castle I would be happy to meet you at five.” He sent a reluctant glance at Robert. “And you as well, of course, Mr. Hurst.”

Robert yawned delicately. “I daresay I will still be napping, but Mrs. Hurst is free to do as she wishes. She enjoys old houses. I’m more interested in the quality of your port.”

“Very good. I trust that neither of you will be disappointed.”

“I should hope not.” Robert gestured to the butler. “Lead the way.”

They were quickly led up the stairs. After they’d reached the landing, he leaned close to Moira. “This might be easier than we thought.”

She gave him a tense smile. “I hope so.”

They turned down several more halls, and climbed two more sets of stairs before the butler paused outside a set of wide double doors. “Mrs. Hurst, this is your room.” He opened the doors and they passed through. It was a huge chamber; over a dozen large beds could have made their homes here without crowding. The lone bed was set upon a platform at one end of the room, the pale blue and yellow silk draperies fluttering in the small wind stirred by the roar of a truly humongous fireplace edged with white marble. Four pairs of wide windows overlooked a small faux balcony and allowed light to spill over several clusters of gilt-edged furniture. “My,” Robert said, lifting his monocle. “This is certainly impressive. I think more and more of our host.” He turned to the butler. “And my bedchamber?”

The butler bowed and nodded to the doorway. “Your room is next door.”

“I don’t see an adjoining door.”

The butler bowed again. “There isn’t one, sir. However, the hallway doors are adjacent to one another.”

Robert strolled to the wide windows, opened one, and looked outside. They were several stories up. A wide stone ledge ran the length of the castle wall, punctuated by large, snarling gargoyles. Judging by the closeness of the window-sills lining the ledge, every room had at least one window.

“The wind is brutal at this height.” Robert closed the window with a snap and turned to the butler. “I will see my room now.”

“Yes, sir. Madame, your luggage will be brought up once it arrives. A maid will arrive shortly in case you need anything until then.”

“Thank you,” Moira said.

The butler bowed and crossed to the door. He held it open and stood to one side, staring stoically ahead.

Robert bowed to Moira. “I shall give you a few hours to rest. I know you must be tired.”

She smiled. “I am. We’ve traveled a long distance over the last week.”

“Yes, we have.” He looked at her narrowly, noting the faint circles under her eyes. “Our luggage is still a good two or three hours behind us. You should use that time to rest.” Aware that the servant watched, he said in a cool tone, “You don’t wish to look haggard. That will never do.”