didn’t answer, but only shook her head.
“Oh, my lady. I’m sorry to bring up a sore subject.”
“It’s okay.”
“I vow you will be most happy here. I promise to help sew some new dresses for ye. Lord Marshall sent out men to hunt for the thieves who stole your clothing, but I doubt there is much chance of its return. There are your sister’s clothes, of course, but you are much taller and with more bosom, so they won’t fit well.”
Gillian wiped tears away. “That would be great. I’m not much of a seamstress so I accept the offer.”
“You look very fine today, my lady. Do you wish for supper in your chambers? Or in the solar? Your sister ate thus often, and you could as well, but I know for a surety Lord Marshall is waiting for you to appear below. Or you could send word that you are not coming?”
Gillian, wondering why wife number one had eaten by herself, apparently took too long in answering because Beatrice rushed into speech.
“Father Elliot considers it a sin to eat food in chambers unless you are ill. He declares it a form of gluttony.”
Gillian laughed at the not-so-subtle comment. Actually, she was surprised to realize she couldn’t wait to see Kellen again. She probably ought to be making a list of possible ways to get back home, but right now all she wanted to do was enjoy being here.
Kellen was attractive, attentive, and made her feel feminine—a state Ryan had managed to make her question. And, for now, being the lady of the castle sounded like fun. Why not enjoy the experience while she could?
For all she knew she’d be whisked back as unexpectedly as she’d arrived. If not, she could think about returning in a week or two. For now, she’d just enjoy every minute and consider it her vacation. Albeit a somewhat dangerous one.
Besides, she seemed to be one of the main stars in the local gossip mill, so she’d best show up to provide fodder.
Gillian stood and, feeling very maidenly and beautiful in full medieval garb, headed for the door. “I believe I’ll eat downstairs.”
Beatrice’s squeal made Gillian chuckle and, smiling with anticipation, she went to find her knight.
***
When Edith finally appeared at the top of the stairs, Kellen stopped pacing to wait at the bottom. He wished Edith to settle, and planned to do all he could to ease her way as she accustomed to her new situation.
With a bounce, she reached the last step and smiled at him.
“Hello.”
Kellen tried not to show his surprise at her happy greeting. She’d not curtsied, but Kellen gave a slight bow, regardless. “A good morrow.” Kellen considered the way her green gown brightened the blue of her eyes, the way her coiled hair revealed the length and smoothness of her neck, and the fact that she was more beautiful than he’d remembered.
Her skin was dewy, her figure lush and attractive, and the wide smile she gave belied any shyness or upset she’d suffered the day before. She wore his gift, surely a good sign, and he was pleased and hoped she would comment upon it.
He’d not had much experience with ladies and feared his gallantry to be sadly lacking, but stiffly offered an arm. “My lady?”
She entwined both hers around it, startling him, heating his blood, and he was gratified she touched him of her own accord. As she looked curiously about, Kellen led the way to the head table, sat her beside him, and motioned the servants to come forward with water. Kellen helped Edith wash and dry her slender, delicate hands. Her smooth skin and easy acceptance of his touch caused a surprising breathlessness on his part.
Edith smiled teasingly. “I just had a bath, you know. But maybe you’re using this as an excuse to hold my hand?”
Owen and Tristan both laughed as they joined them across the table. “Aye,” said Tristan. “Kellen is a tricky sort and must be watched always.”
Owen smiled. “’Tis true, my lady. He plans strategies that cannot be seen until too late, and his victim
“Oh, my lady. I’m sorry to bring up a sore subject.”
“It’s okay.”
“I vow you will be most happy here. I promise to help sew some new dresses for ye. Lord Marshall sent out men to hunt for the thieves who stole your clothing, but I doubt there is much chance of its return. There are your sister’s clothes, of course, but you are much taller and with more bosom, so they won’t fit well.”
Gillian wiped tears away. “That would be great. I’m not much of a seamstress so I accept the offer.”
“You look very fine today, my lady. Do you wish for supper in your chambers? Or in the solar? Your sister ate thus often, and you could as well, but I know for a surety Lord Marshall is waiting for you to appear below. Or you could send word that you are not coming?”
Gillian, wondering why wife number one had eaten by herself, apparently took too long in answering because Beatrice rushed into speech.
“Father Elliot considers it a sin to eat food in chambers unless you are ill. He declares it a form of gluttony.”
Gillian laughed at the not-so-subtle comment. Actually, she was surprised to realize she couldn’t wait to see Kellen again. She probably ought to be making a list of possible ways to get back home, but right now all she wanted to do was enjoy being here.
Kellen was attractive, attentive, and made her feel feminine—a state Ryan had managed to make her question. And, for now, being the lady of the castle sounded like fun. Why not enjoy the experience while she could?
For all she knew she’d be whisked back as unexpectedly as she’d arrived. If not, she could think about returning in a week or two. For now, she’d just enjoy every minute and consider it her vacation. Albeit a somewhat dangerous one.
Besides, she seemed to be one of the main stars in the local gossip mill, so she’d best show up to provide fodder.
Gillian stood and, feeling very maidenly and beautiful in full medieval garb, headed for the door. “I believe I’ll eat downstairs.”
Beatrice’s squeal made Gillian chuckle and, smiling with anticipation, she went to find her knight.
***
When Edith finally appeared at the top of the stairs, Kellen stopped pacing to wait at the bottom. He wished Edith to settle, and planned to do all he could to ease her way as she accustomed to her new situation.
With a bounce, she reached the last step and smiled at him.
“Hello.”
Kellen tried not to show his surprise at her happy greeting. She’d not curtsied, but Kellen gave a slight bow, regardless. “A good morrow.” Kellen considered the way her green gown brightened the blue of her eyes, the way her coiled hair revealed the length and smoothness of her neck, and the fact that she was more beautiful than he’d remembered.
Her skin was dewy, her figure lush and attractive, and the wide smile she gave belied any shyness or upset she’d suffered the day before. She wore his gift, surely a good sign, and he was pleased and hoped she would comment upon it.
He’d not had much experience with ladies and feared his gallantry to be sadly lacking, but stiffly offered an arm. “My lady?”
She entwined both hers around it, startling him, heating his blood, and he was gratified she touched him of her own accord. As she looked curiously about, Kellen led the way to the head table, sat her beside him, and motioned the servants to come forward with water. Kellen helped Edith wash and dry her slender, delicate hands. Her smooth skin and easy acceptance of his touch caused a surprising breathlessness on his part.
Edith smiled teasingly. “I just had a bath, you know. But maybe you’re using this as an excuse to hold my hand?”
Owen and Tristan both laughed as they joined them across the table. “Aye,” said Tristan. “Kellen is a tricky sort and must be watched always.”
Owen smiled. “’Tis true, my lady. He plans strategies that cannot be seen until too late, and his victim
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