The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(87)

“Your first kiss shouldn't come to you in a stable. It was ungallant of me, knowing that we will never be married.” The desire in his eyes raged, an inferno that threatened to burn her where she stood.

She had thought the kiss would seal the deal. Maybe she’d made an error in judgment. “I will not marry another. My father will see reason. And then we'll kiss in the stables, and on the porch, and at our breakfast table.” She took a step toward him and lifted her hand to his shoulder, kissed him lightly again and whispered, “in the gardens. I had no idea how much I liked kissing.”

Desire raged. Isabelle could feel the tremor in Luke's arms when he pulled her into his embrace. “Isabelle, I love you. If you'll wait for me, I'll build you a house. You'll have a garden and a closet full of the finest clothes.”

“I don’t need closets. I just need you. Come, we'll speak to my father together.” Isabelle's request was a challenge. Luke accepted the challenge with a nod. Pressing close to her he leaned down for another kiss.

“What is this?” Thindle blustered into the stables, removing his velvet hat in a clenched fist. His boots were somewhat high heeled to give him a few more inches, and what he lacked in height, he made up for in clothing.

Luke stepped between Isabelle and Thindle, ever the protector, not that she needed protection from the likes of Thindle Perkins. “My apologies. We will go elsewhere.”

Isabelle took Luke's hand and stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. “This is Thindle Perkins”

Luke glanced down at Isabelle, and she couldn't help but grin at the expression of sheer shock. She nodded.

He was so busy watching Isabelle that he missed the velvet hat smacking him across the face. “Take that.”

“Hey!” Luke grabbed the hat out of Thindle's hands. “Stop that.”

“Unhand my woman, you wretch.” Thindle's brows knit to a fierce scowl and his fists were clenched while he pranced around as if he were a boxer, “We're going to fight for her, you and me.”

Isabelle took the hat from Luke's hand and threw it at Thindle. “I'm not your woman.”

Thindle grabbed her arm. “I'm the richest man in the region, and I want you.”

With the whole of her strength, Isabelle thrust Thindle from her. He tripped backward on his boots and fell onto the dirt. He picked himself up, brushing the dirt from his clothes.“Your father will be interested in hearing that your maidenhood is at risk. I look forward to my conversation with him.”

Isabelle grabbed Luke's hand. “We'd better hurry. We need to get to my father before Thindle.”





*


Thindle delighted in the opportunity. Once Edward learned of his daughter's loose morals, he would have no choice but to marry her off. He found Edward walking with his wife through the vendor booths.

With a nod to Edward's wife, Thindle made his request. “Edward, may I speak with you for a moment?”

“I only have a short time. My wife has not dragged me through all of the tents yet, and I'd like to have supper before sundown.” He winked at his wife, whose face was as fresh and pretty as the day they met. Maybe an extra laugh line or two about the eyes.

“Indeed. I've heard that wives can be a bit of trouble. Looking at the crowd, Thindle tugged on Edward's sleeve. “We need a spot of quiet for the news I bring.”

In a low whisper in the small space between two tents, Thindle gravely spoke of seeing Edward's daughter, Isabelle, kissing a paladin in the stables.

“I see. That is terrible news.” Edward said.

“Imagine my shock when I saw her wrapped around him like a scarf.” Thindle's face flushed, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you such an image.”

“Does that mean you are withdrawing your suit?” Edward asked.

“No. But if you need her married sooner rather than late, I'm willing to take on the challenge. I won't allow the girl to run off once she's mine.” Thindle slapped Edward on the shoulder as if they were old friends.

Edward rubbed his beard, “I still haven't spoken to Isabelle yet. I want her to be happy above all.”

A sudden commotion in the crowd drew Thindle and Edward's attention. Luke and Isabelle were holding hands and out of breath as they arrived. They had gone left when Thindle went right. He'd been lucky and found Edward first. “Have you seen Papa?”

Edward stepped into the open, Thindle right behind him.

“There's the miscreant.” Thindle pointed to Luke.

Edward took a deep breath when he saw Isabelle's flushed face and the look of adoration she gave Luke. He reminded himself that he couldn't very well kill someone for loving his little girl. “Luke, you will meet us for dinner at the dining tent where we will discuss today's events. Isabelle, you'll be accompanying your mother and I until that time. Good day, Luke, Thindle.”

Isabelle squeezed Luke's hand . “Don't look so worried. Everything will be fine.”

“Isabelle!” Edward called her impatiently to his side.

“Sorry.” Isabelle didn't look the least bit sorry. She actually looked quite pleased with herself. And Edward couldn't help but see the stunned expression on Luke's face when he looked at her. So, Thindle had told the truth. As a father, the idea brought with it a painful melancholy. His little girl was a woman now and ready to make her way in the world.