A Mortal Bane(160)

“William has a right to my loyalty. He has been my patron, my protector—my lord, since you will understand that term best—for over ten years. I am no man’s woman, not even William’s, but I do put his interests above those of others. If you cannot understand and accept that, I am most truly sorry.”

There was a little silence. Bell watched her as if he expected her to slam the gate in his face and walk away. Finally he said, “I suppose you want me to gather my things and go back to my former lodging.”

Magdalene looked up at him over the gate and put out her hand to keep it half open between them. He had not killed Guiscard over her. He had not flown into a rage over her repeated statement of her obligation to William. Maybe training would tame him. She smiled.

“Not unless you cannot bear to live among us any longer, or you think the bishop would disapprove. I would miss your company, which I enjoy. And it is comforting to have a man in the house whom we can trust to defend us. I will gladly exchange that for the cost of your board, if you can remember that I am a whore and can belong to any man for only his five-pence worth of time, you are welcome to stay…if you wish.”

“You said you were retired.”

“So I am, but that does not change what I am.”

He grinned. “Now that Baldassare’s murderer is taken, I will begin in earnest to convince you that total retirement is not so blessed as you think.”

“I look forward to the contest,” she said, laughing.

The twist of Bell’s lips in response was sour, but he stepped through the gate, shut it behind him, and walked companionably beside her to the back door of her house. Both reached for the door latch simultaneously and their fingers touched. She snatched hers away, which restored Bell’s good humor and he laughed aloud. But he did not try to follow his advantage. He lifted the latch and opened the door, looking down at her, his eyes sparkling.

“We will both enjoy the contest, I think.”