An Uncertain Choice(17)

For a moment I was at a loss for words.

“I have no doubt the duke and my two companions will willingly sacrifice their portions as well, in order to fill the bellies of these children to overflowing.” His gray eyes held the intensity I was coming to expect from him.

“You’re very kind, and I would indeed be grateful for your sacrifice.”

“Although I would do anything for you, my lady,” he replied softly, “I’m doing this for the children’s sake, not yours.”

I didn’t quite know how to respond. My vanity suggested I should take offense, but the deeper part of me was relieved — relieved that he was noble enough to want to make such a sacrifice from his heart rather than from his desire to impress me.

In the end, I said nothing at all. For some time, I worked with Cook and Sir Derrick to distribute the loaves, pastries, cheese, and cuts of meat Cook had prepared for the noon meal. When the last of the children had skipped away with an extra bundle, I leaned against the cool stone wall near the kitchen door and wiped the perspiration from my forehead.

Sir Derrick had disappeared into the kitchen and now stepped out of the dark interior with a mug in hand. “For you, my lady.” He held it out to me. “A cool drink of ale.”

“Thank you.” I offered him a smile and then took a sip of the spicy drink, letting the coolness of it soothe my parched throat.

He glanced to the high noon sun and then rested his back against the stone wall as well. He soon began watching a few remaining children nearby petting Pup.

In the shade, I took another sip, and peeked at Sir Derrick sideways. In his sun-bronzed face, the scar near his eye stood out starkly white and lent him a ruggedness that his companions lacked. Strands of his hair stuck to his forehead. And he wore his hunting clothes from earlier. But even without clean and fancy apparel, he was still as fine-looking as the other two knights.

I waited for him to start a conversation like his companions had. But he only crossed his arms over his chest. The movement pulled his tunic tight against his muscular arms. From the rippling set of his jaw, I had the feeling he wasn’t planning to be the first to speak.

Very well. Perhaps he wasn’t as outgoing as his friends. “You must be glad to be free of your hot armor and ready to have a break from the fighting.”

The muscles in his jaw flexed before he cast me a sideways glance. “I’m a warrior, my lady. It’s what I’ve been trained to do.”

“Why, sir,” I said with a half laugh, unable to keep from baiting him. “Surely you enjoy other things too?” I waited for his declaration that he was looking forward to spending time with me. But it never came. Instead he pushed away from the wall as if to leave. I held the mug out to him. “You must be thirsty. Would you like a drink?” I wasn’t sure why, but I didn’t want to part ways yet.

He hesitated but then reached for the mug, careful not to brush his fingers against mine. He took a long drink and over the rim of the mug, his gaze captured mine.

What should I do? Pretend I didn’t notice him staring? Or stare right back? My heart fluttered, and I peered at the bouquet I’d discarded on the wooden serving table. The flowers were long-past wilted.

He wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “I see my friends have already been hard at work wooing you.”

I wanted to deny it, but the pin burned in the pocket underneath the layers of my gown. “Yes, they’ve both sought me out.”

“And given gifts?”

I nodded.

“Then it appears I’m lagging behind.” There was something hard to his tone I didn’t understand.

“Shall I go away, sir?” I said lightly. “And give you the chance to seek me?”

He smiled at my small jest, and I found that I rather liked the curve of his lips and the unguarded softness that came over his stony features. “You can’t hide from me for long. I’m good at the hunt.”

For some reason, his words sent a tremor of warmth through me. And the longer he held my gaze, the warmer my insides grew, until I was tempted to press my hot cheeks against the cold stone of the wall behind me.

He finally set the mug onto the serving table. There was something in his eyes that told me he was every inch a man and that he wasn’t playing a child’s game. “I regret to say I’ve already done all the hunting today that I should.”

“Done?” I didn’t like the dismissal in his tone. How could he not want to woo me the way the others had? I’d not mistaken the attraction in his eyes, had I?

“I cannot hope to compete with Bennet’s winsome ways and whatever gifts Collin may give you.” He gave a small bow and then started away.

I wanted to reach for him and stop him. But I could never be so brazen as to touch a man of my own accord. “Perhaps you’re afraid.” I said the first thing that came to my mind. “Perhaps you lack the courage to pursue me as your friends have.”

At my words he halted and spun around. His brows came together in a fierce scowl. And before I could react, he strode back to me, closing the distance between us with quick, decisive strides. He didn’t stop until he was mere inches away.

My breath caught at his closeness. What had I done? Had I made him angry? Somehow, I felt as though I ought to blame myself for goading him. But he’d been so aloof, I hadn’t been able to resist.