“You don’t like the stables?” Blazes, he was having more fun bantering with her than he’d ever had talking to any woman. “I assumed since you loved sports you wouldn’t mind a tumble in the hay.”
“You assume wrong on many counts, Lord Grey.”
Her words held an iciness that doused a chill over his desire. There was a critical piece to her puzzle he was missing. “I beg your pardon, Lady Madelaine, if I was crass. I was simply bantering with you.”
Her eyebrows arched high. “So you didn’t just invite me to a tumble in the hay?”
“Oh, I did. Rather poorly done of me. I assumed a lady such as yourself who loved sports and adventure would like the idea of a tumble in the stables. But I understand now. You prefer a bed over the stables. I can accommodate you, but you’ll have to give me time to figure out where we can meet privately and how to get you there.”
She slapped her palms against the wood, her frown turning beautifully thunderous. “Lord Grey, you’ve misunderstood every word I’ve said. I don’t wish to be pursued or tumbled.”
“You don’t? But at Golden Square—”
She held up a palm. “You were correct in assuming I slipped away without permission. Which I had never done before that day. I knew I was to be deposited at Court the next day. A situation that didn’t please me. I wanted one last adventure to see things I’d never seen. The adventure never included bed sport.”
“That’s not much of an adventure.”
“I seek a husband, Lord Grey. The adventure of marriage will be quite enough for me.” Her blush burned bright on her face.
Blazes. He’d misjudged her character by leaps and bounds. It was strange he didn’t feel as surly as he should about his mistake, considering his state of arousal. Rather, he was glad to have finally met a woman who was a true surprise in a good way. Under the circumstances, his honor now demanded he offer his services as protector, even if his loins wanted otherwise. “I suppose, given this enlightening conversation, I’ve no choice but to protect you from Thorton.”
Lady Madelaine walked to the side table and picked up a roll. “And here I was certain the tales about you were true.” She took a bite of the roll and chewed but the corners of her mouth tugged upward into a smile.
“What tales?” He came to stand beside her and get a hunk of bread for himself.
“Well.” She swallowed. “The other ladies-in-waiting likened you to Casanova, but if this is you at your most charming, I’m afraid you fall short.” She grinned.
“I’m glad I can amuse you. But I vow I can be extremely charming.”
“In that case, I’m happy you understand turning your immense charms on me is pointless for what you are after.”
“Come.” He offered his elbow. “In case Thorton is lurking, let me walk you where you are going.” He had enough time to do that and still get to the king’s chambers at the appointed hour. She slipped her arm through his and a jolt of awareness shot through him. He’d held many women before, during and after the heat of passion, but none had ever made his body hum with a simple chaste touch. It occurred to him as they walked, and her warmth heated his side and her floral scent filled his nostrils, he had not promised to protect her from himself, only Thorton. A small tug of conscience reared its annoying head to pose the question of which was worse—a wolf in sheep’s clothing or simply a wolf.
“I’m no wolf.”
She stopped and glanced at him. “What did you say?”
“I said I’m no wolf. I’m not at all like Thorton.”
“Lord Grey, no one has accused you of that.”
“Yes. I’m sorry.” By God, he was rambling. He’d never rambled because of a woman in his life. It was almost a relief when Lady Madelaine disappeared with a quick goodbye into the queen’s chambers. Now if only his conscience regarding the lady would disappear.
Seven
Grey pushed thoughts of Madelaine aside as he entered the king’s audience chamber. Yesterday there had been two guards who had asked him to identify himself, but today the guards were not at their post. That was odd. Across the room, beyond the formidable, oak door that led to the king’s bedroom, angry voices erupted, followed by a strange clattering sound.
Temptation had always been a problem for Grey. Women tempted him. Danger tempted him, and now his curiosity tempted him. He needed to see what was happening. No doubt that would lead to danger, which would lead to a problem. But the thrill of excitement was too great to ignore.
With a quick glance around the candlelit chamber to ensure he was alone, he moved to the midway point between the outer door and the bedchamber. He half expected a guard to burst out from the king’s chambers and yell “got you” just as Edward used to do when tormenting him by forcing him to play endless games of hide-and-seek.
He smiled at the memory. Thanks to Edward’s excellent instruction on how to move through the shadows, Grey had never been caught during any of his more wicked adventures. From behind the door, shouting commenced again followed by a single, harsh command that rang with the king’s noble tones. The room fell so silent that each breath Grey took hissed in his ears.
“Cease bickering,” a voice commanded, as only the king could. “You there.” A fervent murmuring of voices rose to fill the silence. “Bring me my favorite blanket. No need to freeze to death while I endure Sir Walter’s cures.”
As the oak door creaked open, Grey slipped behind the dark folds of the floor-length curtains. He should let his presence be known, but then he wouldn’t have any idea what was happening. The other thing Edward had taught Grey was to know everything about any situation you are entering. The next time he saw his older brother he would have to thank him for all the advice. A pinch-faced page rushed into the room, grabbed a plush, burgundy blanket off the settee and flew back through the oak door.
Grey smiled at the cracked door. It was perfect. If he moved closer and was careful, he could see into the room without being seen. He slipped down the length of the wall until he was by the door, and then he positioned himself where he could see through the crack.
