An Uncertain Choice(31)

“Then I shall have to think of a great reward for this rescue. What could I possibly bestow upon you that would make you happy?”

His grin widened. “I shall think on it, my lady.”

“And you’ll let me know?”

“Yes, in due time.”

The rumble in his voice made my insides quiver. There was something about Sir Derrick that was raw and real and altogether too hard to resist. It unleashed confusion within me and reminded me of how little time he’d spent with me, of how seldom he had sought me out.

I stopped and waited for him to face me. He took several more steps before turning and raising his brow at me. “My lady?”

“You haven’t planned your special day with me yet.” I was unable to keep the accusation from my tone.

He studied my face. “No,” he finally spoke quietly.

“Why? Have I done something to offend you? Something that makes you hold me at arm’s length?”

“I would think you’d be completely satisfied with my two friends.” There was an edge to his voice I didn’t understand. “Are they not giving you enough flattery and attention to equal that of ten men?”

“They’re both very attentive.” I toed a rock with the tip of my slipper. I didn’t quite understand why I wanted to spend time with Sir Derrick. Certainly, Sir Collin and Sir Bennett made my heart flutter with strange new feelings.

But . . . it was becoming undeniable that there was something about Sir Derrick that drew me in a different way. Maybe it was only the fact that he held himself aloof and I needed the satisfaction of drawing him out. Whatever it was, I wanted to be honest with Sir Derrick. I had the feeling he would settle for nothing less.

“Yes, I like your friends,” I admitted. “But I would like the chance to get to know you too.”

His eyes held mine. He seemed to peer into my soul to test the weight of my words. I glanced away to the guard by the quarantine fence, who stiffened to attention as he’d finally recognized me. For a long moment, I waited for Sir Derrick to respond, to put me at ease with flattery, or something. When I finally looked at him, he was wearing a cocked grin. “If you insist, my lady. Then I shall give you a day you will not soon forget.”

“I won’t insist.” I’m sure my cheeks had turned to flames. “If you’d rather not spend a day with me —?”

“Only if you think you can put up with me for an entire day.” His eyes twinkled.

My indignant retort faded. How could he be so irritatingly arrogant one moment and entirely endearing the next? I couldn’t contain my smile. “It might be difficult to put up with you for that long, but I shall endeavor to try.”

“Then you’re a brave woman.” He held out a hand. “Now, shall we get to work? After all, I’ve promised to be your slave for the afternoon. And I don’t wish to break my word.”

I crossed toward him and hoped I didn’t appear too eager.

“What shall I do first, my lady?” He offered me the crook of his arm.

I slid my fingers against his strong flesh, hoping he couldn’t feel me tremble at his nearness. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to find a way for me to cross into the infected area so I can check on my people?”

He started to shake his head, but when I turned the full force of my pleading eyes upon him, he stilled and studied my face. “I cannot do that, my lady. But what if we were to have the guard allow those who are well to come out of their homes so that you can talk to them from this side of the fence? Then you might encourage them from a safe distance.”

His plan was fair and level-headed. In no time, he’d convinced the guard to allow me limited access. For a short while I was able to offer words of comfort and pass out the medicines I’d brought in my basket.

When we were done, Sir Derrick didn’t oppose me when I stopped to visit some of the bedridden elderly who weren’t in the affected area. I was surprised, but not displeased, when he joined me inside the dark huts. Although he didn’t speak much, he was kind and attentive to the people and seemingly in no hurry to leave.

By the time I made my way out of the last home, a slight drizzle had begun to fall. I fell into an easy step next to Sir Derrick as we retreated toward the town gate that would lead to the castle.

“I thank you, sir, for your kindness in accompanying me today.”

“’Twas my pleasure.” He swung the basket in a carefree manner.

“I suppose it wasn’t the most exciting afternoon you’ve ever had, especially compared to the tournaments and hunting and skirmishes you participate in.”

“Exciting isn’t the right word to describe the occasion,” he said, earnestness hardening his face. “There’s nothing exciting about seeing the suffering of others.”

I nodded in understanding.

“But it was an amazing afternoon,” he continued, observing me with an intensity that made me squirm. “You continue to surprise me. To feed the poor from your kitchen is one thing. But I hadn’t expected that someone like you would trouble herself with visiting among them.”

Even if his words weren’t high praise, I still basked under his half-admission that I’d finally done something he liked. “And why wouldn’t I visit among them, sir?”

“Because you certainly have more important things to do, like wear fancy gowns and enjoy dinner in the garden.” The mockery in his tone was barely concealed.