Page 27 of Bloody Business

She eyed it dubiously, but sniffed it to humor him.It didn't smell weird, so she took a careful nibble.That one was much more acceptable.Jammy, with a hint of brandy, it had a toasted nut crust.“You're right.This one is much better.Thank you.”

Mollified, he left.

“You're a challenge,” Artur observed, amused.“He's never cooked for a human before.”

“Does he force feed everyone?”

“Only if he's feeling frustrated.Or if he likes you and he wants you to feel better...”Artur's brows went up in realization.“Yes, he mostly does.”

She laughed.

As she calmed down, she realized he was a little too close.She drew back to create a little distance.

He took the hint and went back to his chair, not in the least offended.

She picked up her tea to have something to do with her hands.She appreciated that he was never pushy.Of course, he didn't need to be, when he relied on charm...and possibly guile.

He was turning her idea of goblins on its head.This considerate side was new to her, and a little disturbing.She wasn't sure how to respond.

She was casting about for something to say when a servant stepped in and said, “The merchant is here, sir.”

Artur brightened.“Ah!Show her in.”

He looked at Julep.“I know summer is coming, but it's been chilly.I had some things brought for you to look at.You can have all of them or none of them.Whatever pleases you.”

“A few things” turned out to be several crates of knitwear.There was cashmere and the softest wool, suitable for delicate skin.The furniture was soon covered with cable knit, waffle weave and intricately patterned sweaters of Northern design.Much of the yarn was undyed natural colors, but there was some red or gold stitching around the buttoned collars.

The wool skirts were plaid, burgundy and a delightful assortment of patterns and colors.None of them were itchy.Julep hadn't known that was possible.

“It's the fiber size,” the merchant explained.“Fine grade wool is much smaller and bends easier than the large fibers.It feels more comfortable and is priced accordingly.”

Julep frowned.“How much...”

Artur interrupted.“You're hardly going to bankrupt me, wife.”

“Besides, it's practical.Wool is warm even when it's wet, and it's surprisingly cool in the summer.I suggest you choose a couple of short sleeved shirts to test it out.”He looked at the merchant.“She'll take one of those and that cream one there.”He pointed to two of the shirts that Julep had admired.He'd clearly been paying close attention.

Julep scowled at him, but he ignored her.Fine!If he was going to be pushy, she wouldn't worry about the bill.Goblins!Forcing food and clothes on people.

She would have been thrilled to own anyoneof the fine sweaters, but ended up with several at Artur's insistence.She picked skirts, some calf length and light enough for warm weather.

“Well, I won't need to buy clothes for the rest of my life,” she said pragmatically, folding her clothes so the maid could help her carry them to her room.

Artur laughed.“Your niece would be horrified!Don't worry; I'm confident you'll feel like shopping again.Besides, the dressmaker still isn't done with you.”

Julep shook her head.“Why bother with the dressmaker?I have plenty of clothes now.”More than she'd ever owned.

“I should have known you were a woman of practical tastes,” he said, amused.“But there are some formal occasions.Occasionally, we’ll need to look impressive.”

“For whom?”She asked, unimpressed.If she'd been a dog, her ears would have been flat.

He laughed, his eyes sparkling.“Don't worry!I promise not to attend any gatherings that aren't absolutely necessary.”

His first wife had loved to be on display.An actual princess, Astazia had prized her beauty, money and power.She'd also been a notorious flirt.

He hadn't minded at the time.It had been a shallow relationship, and that hadn't been a problem.It was all about flirting, dining and waiting for her to try to kill him.

Marrying her had been the solution to a problem.There was no comparison between that relationship and life with Julep.

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