Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

I t took Julian about ten minutes to assess what was happening.

Along with Ashton and the three senior sergeants, one of whom had been part of the escort from Berwick, Julian assumed that the Scots had come to raid the vineyard and the gardens for stores.

His stores.

When he married Lista, all of this would become his, so already he was protective over it. Mostly, he was protective over Lista. These Scots bastards who had come down from the border, bypassed Northwood Castle, which was a massive castle along the River Tweed and quite accustomed to border raids, had come straight down to Felkington nestled in her little valley. They'd deliberately avoided Northwood and her enormous army.

That made Julian particularly angry.

Given that he had just been in that vineyard in the afternoon, he didn't want the Scots ruining it or the gardens that had a variety of vegetables and flowers. It was all so tranquil and beautiful and to think about the Scots damaging that infuriated him. The Scots seemed to be focused on raiding anything contained within that ten-foot wall and weren't particularly focused on the castle itself, which gave Julian time to form an army. Never one to simply stay idle while there was an attack going on around him, Julian took one hundred and fifty men with him and left the safety of the castle, leaving Ashton to seal it up behind him.

Out into the field he went.

When the Scots saw the Felkington army coming, they moved to meet them. But Julian noticed something particularly strange going on in the middle of the road that led to the gatehouse. There was a mounted knight, all by himself, fighting off a gang of Scots that were clearly trying to dismount him and steal his horse. Julian was mounted, of course, and charged towards the English knight who was ably keeping the Scots at bay, but once Julian joined the fight and cut off a couple of heads, the Scots fled in terror.

Julian and the other knight went after them.

They were swarming the garden and the vineyard. Since the gate was closed, Julian couldn't get his horse through, but he pulled the animal alongside the wall and climbed over it. Fully armed, wearing armor that weighed more than a ten-year-old child, he began plowing through the Scots as they stole vegetables and ripped young trees out by the roots in order to steal what fruit they were bearing.

Julian wasn't even trying to chase them away. He was out to kill them and the Scots realized that very early on. He had a massive sword, serrated on one side, that could slice through a man's neck as easily as a hot knife through butter. When he started leaving headless bodies amidst the carrots and apples, the Scots couldn't get back over the wall fast enough. Worse still was the other English knight who had followed him, a big knight who was beating men with crushing blows. He didn't seem to be killing like Julian was, but he was definitely thrashing men as they tried to flee.

On it went into the night.

The storm, which had been lighting up the sky overhead, had eased up by midnight. There were still Scots around, men who were hiding out and then trying to steal goats and chickens, but Julian found them and the body count piled up. The other English knight was rooting out any who might be hiding and driving them straight to Julian. In truth, they made a very efficient team, as men often did who had experienced a great deal of battle in their lifetimes. There was intuitive behavior and tactics that helped them work well together, teamwork that continued until dawn.

When the sun finally began to rise and the storm clouds cleared out over a wet and verdant land, Julian found himself out of the garden, standing by the open portcullis leading into the courtyard of Felkington. There were many soldiers in the garden and vineyard, cleaning up, taking inventory of what had been damaged or lost. Julian thought that the English knight had departed sometime towards the dawn because he hadn't seen the man in the last hour, when he suddenly emerged from the garden leading a scruffy Scotsman by the neck.

He came right up to Julian and tossed the man on the ground.

"I thought you might like to find out where the Scots came from," he said in a smooth baritone voice. "You can also send this fool back with a message to his clan as a warning to those who try to raid this castle again. What castle is this, by the way?"

Julian pulled off his helm, handing it to a nearby soldier. His hair fell over his right eye as it always did, especially when facing someone he'd never met before.

"Felkington Castle," he said. "I am Julian de Velt and my comrade is Ashton de Royans. Who are you?"

The knight pulled off his helm, revealing a younger knight with dark eyes and black hair, sweaty against his pale skin. He grinned.

"Louis de Rhos," he said. "I was traveling through the valley and saw the lights of Felkington, so I thought to get out of the storm. I was just coming up the road when I saw the Scots and they attacked me, so I had little choice but to engage them."

A succinct explanation of what had happened. Julian smiled faintly. "Your assistance was most welcome," he said. "You have my thanks. Where are you from, de Rhos?"

The knight threw a thumb in a southwardly direction. "Herrington Castle."

Ashton, listening to the conversation, cocked his head thoughtfully. "That's near Sunderland, isn't it?"

Louis nodded. "Aye," he said. "My father is the Earl of Sunderland."

"Ah," Ashton said. "So we have the high nobility among us. Your father may be the Earl of Sunderland, but Julian's father was Ajax de Velt. The Dark Lord of legend. Surely you've heard of him."

Louis looked at Julian with some surprise. "Of course I have," he said. "Your father is indeed legend. I heard he was killed a few years ago."

"He was," Julian said.

"You have my deepest sympathies," Louis said. "John, wasn't it?"

"Unfortunately."

Louis grunted in disgust. "An unworthy man against your father's greatness," he said. "My father never liked John, either."

"Your father is a man with good taste."

Louis grinned. "I think so," he said. "Speaking of taste, would it be too much to ask for a meal and a bed for a few hours? I've not eaten since early yesterday."

Julian motioned to him. "It would be my honor to eat with you," he said. "Ash, deal with this prisoner. Find out what he knows and send him back with a message that further raids at Felkington will not be tolerated. I will take our guest inside."

As Ashton nodded and grabbed the prisoner by the hair, Julian escorted Louis through the long entry passageway and emerged into the courtyard in the center of the castle, with the tall walls all around. In fact, he had to pause because Louis had come to a halt. The man was looking at the walls around him with awe.

"God's Bones," he muttered. "This place is enormous. How is it I have never even heard of Felkington Castle?"

Julian smiled weakly. "Impressive, is it not?" he said. "Evidently, it used to be quite important about a hundred years ago, but now the main road takes travelers away from it. It did not, however, take you away from it. Where are you coming from?"

Louis finished his inspection and started walking again. "I was in Berwick on business for my father and continuing on to Kelso, but the storm threw me off track. Which road am I supposed to be on to reach Kelso?"

Julian's grin widened. "North, about three miles," he said. "You must have taken the wrong road to end up on this one. If you continue on, it should take you south to Wooler."

"I do not want to go to Wooler."

"No one does."

They shared a laugh as they entered the main entry of the castle. Before them was a large mural stairwell that led to the upper floors and Louis followed Julian up two flights before reaching a common room that had a fire burning. The door to the chamber, which had been so recently bolted, was wide open and the fire was inviting. Louis immediately went to the fire and began removing his gloves and helm.

"I'll find the lady of the keep," Julian said. "Meanwhile, I'll have servants bring you some wine. After a night like that, I'm sure you can use it."

Louis was holding his hands out to the fire. "Will you join me?"

Julian nodded. "Certainly," he said. "But first let me…"

He wasn't able to finish before Lista was rushing through the door, plowing into him in her haste. "Julian!" she gasped. "I heard your voice! Are you well?"

She'd hit him in the arm, teetering him sideways. He reached out to steady her, to steady them both, as he chuckled.

"I was fine until that moment," he said. "Now I think I am gravely wounded, all thanks to you."

Lista laughed, her hands on him as if to make sure he was indeed all in one piece. "Stop whining like a woman," she teased. "A big man like you? It would take a building to fall on you to hurt you."

He grabbed her by the shoulders, planting a kiss on her cheek. It was a sweet gesture, and a bold one, but Lista didn't seem to mind. She put her soft, warm hands on his face, looking at him before tucking the hair back over his right eye so she could see both eyes. She inspected him closely.

"Swear to me that you are well," she said suspiciously.

He grinned lazily. "I am perfect," he said. "With you, I could be nothing else. But I have brought a visitor so that is the most you will get out of me at the moment."

Lista had been so focused on Julian that she hadn't seen the knight next to the hearth that was taller than he was. Julian had her by the hand, leading her over to the handsome, black-haired knight.

"Sir Louis, this is Lady Lista de la Mere," Julian said. "She is the mistress of this castle. Lista, this is Louis de Rhos, whose father is the Earl of Sunderland. Louis was fortuitously traveling last night when he encountered our Scots. He helped chase them away, so we should show him all manner of gratitude."

Lista smiled at the handsome knight. "You have my thanks, Sir Louis," she said. "May I provide you with food and drink?"

"And a bed," Julian said before Louis could respond. "The man needs to sleep a little, too."

Louis grinned, focusing intently on Lista. "Food, drink, and a bed would be much appreciated, my lady."

Lista's smile turned bright. "Gladly, my lord," she said. "Please come with me. You, too, Julian."

Julian didn't even have to be told. He was already following her. Louis brought up the rear, following them through a large antechamber before entering the great hall, which had a few wounded near one of the hearths. Lista directed the knights to the dais, where they sat heavily. Gloves, helms, and other possessions went on the table as Lista sent the servants running for food and drink.

It wasn't long in coming.

Mostly everything that had been served the night before ended up on the table again, warmed over and sauced. There was boiled beef with a gravy of wild mushrooms, an egg and cheese pie, and also a hot pottage comprised of green beans, cabbage, wine, beef, and barley. It was a veritable feast and the knights dug in as Lista stood next to Julian, watching the pair eat ravenously.

"I am afraid to ask how bad the damage is in the garden," she said. "Some of the servants are out there now, but you've seen it. Is it terrible?"

Julian's mouth was full of the egg pie. "It could have been worse," he said. "I think some of the young trees were torn out, and many of the vegetables were uprooted, but we'll go out in a bit and assess the damage. I'm afraid there might not be any grapes left."

Lista sighed heavily and sat down next to him. "They'll grow back," she said. "As long as the vines were not damaged."

"I do not think so, but I did not look closely."

"Is this kind of thing regular?" Louis asked, chewing. "The raids, I mean. Is it a regular happening here?"

Lista shrugged. "Not too often," she said. "They seem to leave us alone for the most part but, from time to time, they come around. It is nearing winter, so they are looking for food. Were there many of them?"

Louis nodded. "I'd say a couple of hundred, if not more," he said, glancing at Julian. "What do you think?"

Julian cocked his head thoughtfully. "At least that many," he said. "But there are a lot of dead bodies in the garden right now."

"You mean headless bodies," Louis said, a smile playing on his lips.

Julian sensed the humor, but he was unapologetic. "If one chooses to tangle with a de Velt, one must pay the price."

"I will keep that in mind."

They chuckled at one another, shoveling more food into their mouths. Julian buttered a piece of white bread, handing it to Lista, who took it gratefully. She dipped it into the gravy on his trencher and took a big bite.

"Where were you traveling to when you got caught in the battle, Sir Louis?" she asked.

Louis glanced up from his food. "Please call me Louis," he said. "I never liked formal titles. They seem so… oh, I don't know. So cold. But in answer to your question, I was traveling from Berwick to Kelso and was driven off course by the storm. I never even knew Felkington was here, but from what I've seen, it's a magnificent castle. How long has your family lived here?"

"Since the Duke of Normandy came to these shores," Lista said, eating more food off Julian's trencher. "Felkington was one of the first stone castles in this entire area."

"And you have lived here your entire life?"

"My entire life."

"Where did you foster?"

"Richmond Castle and Bamburgh Castle. Do you know them?"

Louis nodded. "I do," he said. "My father is allied with Richmond. He's also allied with Northwood Castle, not far from here. My older brother married the earl's daughter."

That realization struck Julian. He hadn't even made the connection until this moment. His older brother, Cole, was supposed to marry Audrie de Longley, the Earl of Teviot's daughter, but the woman broke their engagement to marry the heir of Sunderland. He felt stupid for not even thinking of that before now. Not knowing if Louis would have known that, he didn't bring it up. He didn't see a need since Cole had been rather relieved by the broken engagement.

"We are close allies of Northwood Castle," Julian said. "And when I say ‘we', I mean the de Velt properties. Pelinom and Berwick Castle included."

"Oh?" Louis said, interested. "I thought Berwick was a royal property?"

Julian nodded. "It is," he said. "But it was entrusted to my father to manage since our family home is so near to it. My eldest brother is the garrison commander."

Louis nodded in understanding. "Then the next time I am in Berwick, I shall pay my respects to a son of de Velt," he said. "Who is your brother?"

"Cole de Velt."

Louis paused in his eating. "I have heard that name," he said. "But where?"

He didn't seem clear on the answer to the question, but Julian had a feeling he might figure it out so he simply told him.

"It's possible you heard it because my brother was betrothed to Audrie de Longley before your brother married her," he said. "But do not fear– there were no hard feelings. My brother is happily married to a good woman and we enjoy a strong alliance with Northwood, still."

Louis lifted his eyebrows as if realizing the same thing Julian had. "Ah," he said. "That's where I've heard it. Audie's former betrothed. I remember my father was terrified of angering Jax de Velt when my brother and Audie declared their feelings for one another. I am glad to hear there are no lingering hard feelings."

Julian grinned. "Not at all," he said. "Be at ease. I hope Audie is well."

"Very well, thank you. I shall give her your greetings."

"Please do."

The conversation died a little, but only because their mouths were full. Lista was picking beef off of Julian's plate, contemplating getting her own food, when two lone figures entered the great hall. Glancing up, she found herself looking at her mother and aunt.

Immediately, Lista was on her feet.

"What are you doing here, Flora?" she asked, moving to intercept the woman. "There is nothing for you to see here. Kindly retreat to your chamber and if it is food you desire, I'll have it sent up to you."

Flora eyed her niece but her gaze moved to the two big knights in the hall. She moved around Lista, heading for the dais.

"Will you not introduce us to our guests?" she said loud enough for Julian and Louis to hear. "It seems we have some fighting men at our table."

Lista was greatly displeased that Flora had moved around her. She wasn't even paying attention to Meadow, who slipped past her and went to sit next to Julian. Since it would have been rude not to make introductions, she sighed heavily and tried not to sound unhappy as she spoke.

"Sir Louis, this is my mother's sister, Lady Flora d'Orbec," she said. "The woman who just sat down is my mother, Lady Felkington. Ladies, meet Sir Louis de Rhos, whose father is the Earl of Sunderland."

Flora's eyes glittered. She pulled away from Lista and went to sit between Louis and Julian.

"Welcome to Fucking… I mean, Felkington Castle, my lord," she said, fixed on Louis. "I have been to Sunderland, many times. It is a lovely village."

Louis didn't sense anything odd, but though the woman looked quite haggard as she sat down. She'd also been rather vulgar with her greeting.

Perhaps all was not as it seemed with her.

"Thank you, my lady," he said steadily. "I agree with you. It is rather nice."

Servants started to bring food and drink, but Flora was fixed on the dark-eyed knight. "Your father is Henry de Rhos?" she said. "My mother was the daughter of the Earl of Malton and I do believe he was a friend of your grandfather, Warren. I miss the days when we would visit with our great allies of the north. I do remember Herrington Castle to be particularly nice."

Louis nodded. "It is comfortable."

"Do you live there?"

"I do, my lady."

"And you have brothers?"

"Three, my lady. I am a middle son."

"Like Julian," Lista piped up, wanting to pull Flora's attention off Louis. The older woman seemed particularly focused on him. "Julian is the middle son of Ajax de Velt."

Louis looked at Julian and lifted his cup. "Ours is the best of the birth order."

Julian chuckled, lifting his cup as well. "We are gods."

Louis laughed as he shoveled more pottage into his mouth, which Flora didn't see as a deterrent to a conversation. Servants set food and a cup of wine in front of her and all she did was go for the wine. She took a couple of healthy gulps, all the while her focus on Louis.

"Are you married, Sir Louis?" she asked.

Louis choked a little on his food, taking a sip of wine to wash it down. "Nay, my lady," he said. "Though my older brother is, I've not yet had the time."

"Pity," Flora said, turning to look at Julian. "And you are not married either, are you?"

"Flora," Lista hissed, cutting the woman off. "That is not an appropriate question for men you have just met."

Flora waved her off. "I was simply making conversation," she said, gulping at her wine again. "Forgive me. I did not mean anything by it."

She demanded more wine and Lista watched her with growing fury. Meadow, however, was eating pottage, her eyes darting around the table nervously. She was always nervous when Flora got to talking and Lista became irate.

There was no telling what could happen.

Julian sensed it, too, because his attention was moving between Louis and Flora and Lista. He could see that Lista was glaring at her aunt so he sat forward at the table, blocking her view.

"Where is Addie this morning?" he asked.

Lista turned her attention to him, seemingly gratefully so. "She was up most of the night so she is sleeping right now," she said. "Where is Ashton?"

"Outside supervising the clean-up," he said, mopping up the last of his bread and gravy. "I will sleep a few hours, too, while I am able. I find that I am wholly exhausted."

Lista smiled faintly. "Then you must rest," she said quietly. "I will take the watch."

He looked at her as if surprised by her words. But he realized it was one of the sweetest things he'd ever heard. He was weary and she was prepared to stay vigilant while he slept. Was that what it meant to have a woman's genuine concern? Her loyalty? God help him, he'd never had that before. He'd seen it between his parents, between Cole and Corisande, and even his sisters and their husbands, but it was something he never imagined he would have for himself.

Reaching out, he took her hand under the table, fondling her fingers.

"Show my new friend where he should rest," he said softly. "Then you will escort me to my chamber. I want your face to be the last one I see before I sleep."

Giving him a wink, Lista stood up from her seat, collecting the pitcher of wine on the table and topping off his cup. Then, she moved to Louis, completely ignoring her aunt and her empty cup.

"When you have had your fill of food and wine, I will be happy to show you to a comfortable chamber," she told him, pouring a little more wine into his cup. "You have had a busy night."

Louis grinned at the true statement. "Busier than I had hoped for," he said, taking a drink of the tart, red wine. "I am very grateful for your hospitality, Lady Lista."

Lista smiled at him and set the pitcher down, out of the reach of her aunt, who was growing frustrated that she was being denied more wine.

"And we are very grateful for your sword," she said. "I must check on the wounded on the other side of the hall, but fetch me when you are ready to lie down."

"I am ready now," he said, standing up wearily and collecting his things. "I do not wish to be any trouble, so if you point me in the right direction, I shall find a bed."

"Nonsense," Lista said. "I shall show you myself. Mayhap Julian would care to join us?"

Julian was already on his feet, moving around the table as he collected his own things. "I am so tired that I am not entirely sure I will be able to make it under my own power," he said. "You two may need to drag me."

Lista giggled as Louis answered. "I fear Lady Lista may be dragging us both," he said. "I could curl up on a rock and sleep like the dead."

"I have no rocks," Lista said as she came off the dais, heading for the southern door to the hall. "But I do have comfortable beds. That shall have to suffice."

Grinning, Louis and Julian followed.

Lista led them around to the front of the castle, near the great portcullises, where there were small guard rooms, three in a row. The first two had been used but the third one had a bed that had not been slept in. The linens were clean, the pillow soft, and there was a hearth that was stacked with kindling and not lit.

"Here you are," Lista said, moving to the single window facing south and reaching up to pull the oil cloth down to dim the chamber and cover the window. "If you need anything at all, there is usually a servant or soldier at the end of the corridor. They will be happy to help you."

As Louis dropped his things wearily, Julian set his down at the doorway and went to light the hearth. Using a flint and stone, he sparked the wood easily and a blaze came forth, filling the chamber with some warmth and light. Lista picked up the empty water pitcher and went to find the servant she spoke of, sending the man for fresh water. As he ran off, Julian finished with the fire and went to collect his things again.

"Thank you," Louis said, removing the belt around his tunic. "I feel as if I have made a good acquaintance today, Julian. I hope it will not be the last time we see one another."

Julian nodded his head. "As do I," he said. "I realize Pelinom and Berwick have not been great allies of Sunderland, but we can change that."

"I believe we can."

Julian's exposed left eye twinkled. "If I do not see you before you leave, then this parting was well made," he said. "Find me at Pelinom the next time you are in the north and I shall seek you at Herrington the next time I am further south."

"I hope you do."

"Good sleep to you, my lord."

Louis gave him a smile and Julian quit the chamber, running into Lista as she returned with the pitcher of water. She took it into Louis as Julian stood just outside the door, waiting until she emerged and shut the panel quietly behind her. Then she looked up at Julian and looped both hands through the crook of his elbow.

"Now," she said. "Off to bed with you, young man. You have had a busy night, too."

That was very true. Julian let her lead him back to his borrowed chamber, which was actually quite a large chamber and very comfortable. Far too big and comfortable to be for visitors. As they entered the room, Lista let go of him and went to the hearth, which was dead embers at this point. There had been a fire yesterday when Julian had arrived, but that had long since died out.

As Julian began to strip down, Lista swept away the ashes and neatly piled the kindling, lighting the fire with a flint and stone.

"This used to be my father's chamber," she said. "Normally, no one stays here, but I made an exception in your case."

Julian smiled faintly as he placed his belt upon the nearest table and bent over to begin stripping off the rest of his clothing.

"I am honored," he said. "Truthfully, I was wondering who this chamber belonged to, once. It is quite grand."

He pulled off his de Velt tunic as Lista glanced up at the enormous de la Mere standard that hung against one wall. "Grand, indeed," she said. "My father liked his comfort."

"Were you close to him?"

Lista blew on the fire, bringing forth a weak flame. "I was," she said. "Closer to him than to my mother. I miss him daily."

Julian put his tunic on the table and bent over to shimmy off his mail coat. "I am sorry," he said. "But I understand what it is like to miss your father. I miss mine daily, as well."

Lista fanned the flames a little more. "Were you close to him?"

"Very close."

She paused a moment. "What do you remember most about him, Julian?" she asked, then quickly added: "I do not mean to pry, but I wonder if it is the same thing I remember about my father. He has only been gone a little over two years and I awoke the other morning, terrified that I'd forgotten what he looked like. More than anything, I remember the sound of his voice. Do you remember that about your father?"

Julian's movements slowed as he set the mail across a chair to dry out, his thoughts moving to his father. He didn't often let that happen.

"I remember," he said, subdued. "Mostly, I remember the way he made me feel when I was in his presence."

"How was that?"

Julian's gaze drifted over to the de Velt tunic, like the one his father was wearing when he'd been killed. "Safe," he finally said. "My father made me feel… safe."

Lista pondered that. "I don't remember that about my father," she said. "Of course, we rarely had any trouble at Felkington. Last night was a rare occasion, indeed, so safety was never something I needed to feel. What I remember other than his voice is his hands. My father had very big hands. Odd, isn't it? What we remember about those we loved, I mean. It's the little things."

Julian didn't reply. He stripped off the rest of his clothing, leaving him naked from the waist up. There was a basin of cold water from the day before so he went to his saddlebags, pulling out a bar of white, lumpy soap that smelled of lavender. Using the cold water in the basin, he proceeded to lather it into a slick froth and ran it over his arms, neck, underarms, chest and, finally, his face.

But he'd gone silent for the most part and Lista was aware of that. She continued to blow on the fire, coaxing forth a healthy blaze.

"Did I bring up a subject you to not wish to speak of?" she asked. "If you do not ever wish to speak of your father, you only need tell me and I will never bring him up again. I am sorry if you thought I was prying. I wasn't, truly."

"I know," he said, overlapping her last word. "I know you were not prying. Since this is a time of discovery between us, you should know that it is not easy for me to speak of my father."

"You would prefer I did not speak of mine, too?"

He splashed water on his face and neck, rinsing the white froth off. "Nay, sweetheart," he said softly. "You may speak of your father as much as you wish. I would like to come to know him through your eyes. But my situation with my father is different. It is simply difficult for me to speak on him so do not press me if I won't. Agreed?"

Lista turned away from the fire about the time Julian pulled out a cloth from his saddlebags to dry off with. "Agreed," she said. But then she caught sight of his naked torso, illuminated in the weak light of the chamber, and her cheeks flamed. "Oh… goodness."

Quickly, she turned away because the sight of Julian's magnificent, naked torso had her heart thumping against her ribs. Na?vely, she hadn't expected him to strip down and wash up, so she abruptly found herself in a rather intimate position with a man she found quite beautiful.

More beautiful when his clothes were off.

She stood up.

"I will leave you to rest," she said, heading for the door and trying not to look at him. "I will be in the hall if you need me. Send a servant to fetch me and I will come."

Julian paused in his drying. He couldn't help but notice that she was moving rather rapidly for the door. "Wait," he said. "Where are you running off to? You do not need to leave right away."

Lista was at the door, her hand on the latch. "Aye, I do."

"But why?"

She wouldn't look at him, but she pointed a finger in his direction. "You are without clothing, sir," she said. "It is not proper for me to be here."

He grinned lazily. "I see," he said, tossing the drying cloth onto the table. "You think we are in a compromising position?"

She could hear the humor in his voice. "Do not tease me, Julian," she scolded. "You know it is not proper. You should have waited until I left before removing your clothing like that."

"Don't you like what you see?"

With a growl, she yanked the chamber door open and charged out, leaving him rushing after her. "Wait," he called. "Lista, I am sorry, truly. Come back!"

She was already halfway down the corridor, heading for the hall. "Nay!"

He started laughing. "Please?"

"You are incorrigible, Julian de Velt!"

He watched her disappear through a doorway and, still laughing, he went back inside the chamber and shut the door. He hadn't meant to chase her away but he had a feeling she'd run not because she was offended.

Because she was titillated.

It was just a feeling he had.

Going back to the basin, he stripped off his breeches and washed the rest of his body from the waist down with the lavender soap. It wasn't that he had a penchant for being inordinately clean but more that he couldn't stand the smell of a stinky body, especially his own. Once he was washed down and dried off, he climbed into the bed with the soft mattress, his thoughts lingering on the beautiful young woman with the sea-colored eyes.

Sleep claimed him before he realized it.