The Pearls by Deborah Chester

paid plenty of compliments without having to seek them, and her penchant for disposable relationships did not bode well for her future marital happiness. As for the captain, Lea found it shocking that he pursued them both. She supposed he and Rinthella thought her too naive and unsophisticated to ever realize the truth. But she perceived that behind their smiling faces they were secretly laughing at how easily they thought they had deceived her.
    Raised by the Choven, who courted and married for life, Lea despised these games.
    â€œRinthella, you may leave me,” she said.
    Rinthella’s dark brows lifted in surprise. Color stained her cheeks as she curtsied very correctly, then flounced away. Hervan watched her go with open appreciation before returning his attention to Lea.
    His gaze was warm, showing her equal appreciation.
    Astonished, Lea thought, He has no shame at all .
    â€œMay I assist you, Lady Lea?” he said suavely and snapped his fingers. “Groom! The lady’s reins, at once!”
    Wim tried to hand the reins to her, but Hervan intervened, taking them and knotting them together as though for a child. Then he cupped her small booted foot in his hands and boosted her lightly into the saddle.
    She gave Hervan a cool nod. “Thank you, Captain.”
    Stepping back, Hervan threw her a cavalry salute and spun on his heel. “Sergeant Taime, mount up the men!”
    Taime bawled out commands that were echoed by Lor and the third sergeant down the line, and soon they were riding out. The flag bearer went to the head of the column, and so did Adjutant Barsin, but Hervan angled his horse beside Lea’s, crowding Thirbe.
    Scarlet with outrage, Thirbe said, “Best leave off paying court to our good lady, Captain, and see to your men.”
    â€œThe sergeants have things in hand.”
    â€œWell, your squint-eyed Sergeant Taime, and Lor, and whosit down the line ain’t worth the price of their commissions. We’re straggled all over the road, and the column ain’t forming up tight like it should.”
    Hervan gave Thirbe a cold stare and turned to Lea. “Lady Lea, your man-at-arms worries far too much. He’s cast his poor spirits over you and made you fear this valley instead of appreciating it. Now he seeks to give me orders. Will you dismiss him from his duties for a while? Perhaps he would enjoy escorting your lovely attendants while I personally attend to your safety.”
    Lea gasped in affront. “Captain, you go too far! His duty is to remain close to me at all times while you—”
    â€œBut how can we enjoy a real conversation with him scowling and muttering as he does?” Hervan asked. “His face could sour milk, and with such an audience how can I find the proper words to express how much I ardently admire you?”
    Shocked, Lea reined up her horse so abruptly that Hervan passed her before he wheeled back.
    Lea was already gesturing at Thirbe. “To my stirrup,” she commanded.
    Thirbe obeyed, wearing a grim little smile of satisfaction as he trotted his horse into position before Hervan could block him.
    All the while Lea glared at the captain. “You disappoint me, sir. You presume too much, and your behavior is inappropriate.”
    â€œTo an untried maiden, perhaps,” he murmured for her hearing alone. “But not to a woman.”
    Her brows drew together in consternation.
    His eyes were dancing with amusement. “Dear Lady Lea,” he went on. “I realize I should not be talking this way while I’m on duty, but my admiration fills my heart to overflowing, and no longer can I avoid telling you so.”
    â€œMake a better effort,” she said fiercely. “It’s improper to speak to me like this.”
    â€œOh, but I am lost to what is proper. My feelings overwhelm me.”
    â€œYour feelings are false ones. I—”
    She broke off just in time, aware that she could not mention his