“I was concerned. She is almost too similar in her features to that of Lady Johanna. The lady from Blackmore could be your lady reincarnated.”
Reynard almost choked on his wine as he set the chalice down. “You see it, too?” he asked in a hushed whisper. This alone was reason enough for Reynard to stay as far away from Elysande as humanly possible.
“’Tis hard to miss the resemblance since I also knew of your affection for the young lady in your youth. I know howmuch Lady Johanna’s death left its mark on you,” Richard said pointing a two-pronged fork at Reynard. “But you need to think clearly for whatever may await us in Winchester. Do not lose your head to a pretty face and a shapely body.”
Reynard glanced momentarily at Elysande before returning his attention to his meal. “You expect trouble upon our arrival at Winchester?” he asked not taking the bait to comment on the Lady Elysande’s beauty. Anyone with half a mind could see for himself the woman was indeed attractive.
“’Tis hard to say. I would like the prisoner exchange to be peaceful, but one never knows what to expect where King Stephen is concerned. Let us pray that we can hand him over and in return take the earl and escape with our heads still attached.”
“The sooner we leave Winchester the better. I cannot imagine there is much left to the town after the bishop finished setting fire to the place,” Reynard dryly commented.
With their conversation done, he ate his meal in silence. His mood plunged with each bit of laughter that rang out from the other end of the table. Obviously, the men were enthralled with their conversation with the lady who continued to keep them entertained. But as the hall began to empty when the hour grew late, Reynard stayed where he was until Elysande stifled a yawn. She apologized to those around her and finally stood, causing Reynard to do the same. He could not miss the glance she gave him before she began bidding each man a good night.
When the lady came to stand next to him after dismissing her captain, Reynard was not sure if he was surprised or mayhap a bit mystified. He was about to ask how he might be of service when she spoke her thoughts.
“Will you walk with me, Sir Reynard?” she asked in a breathy whisper. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow giving him no chance to decline.
“Where would you have me escort you, my lady?” he asked as curiosity got the better of him.
“Perchance a quick walk outside in the garden before retiring for the eve?” she suggested. “I understand the night is not too cool so we may enjoy a short stroll.”
He nodded his acceptance of her idea and led her out the keep door. A short while later, they were strolling in the moonlit garden area. The path was neat and pleasant enough, although the flowers had all but died for the season.
“Is there a reason you asked me to accompany you instead of your captain?” he asked breaking the silence that stretched between them.
“My conversation with Hawke earlier had me thinking I was mayhap too harsh in my assessment of you.” Her fingertips traced his arm, and he was certain she was not aware that she was causing his skin to tingle from her touch.
He cleared his throat, taking a moment to get his thoughts in order. “I thought your plan was to hate me,” he responded with a slight chuckle. They came to a stone bench, and she went to take a seat, motioning toward him to do the same. This brought him far closer to the woman than he would have wished. Aye… she was weaving some sort of spell around him, and he was unaware how to get out of this situation without losing his head.
“As I said… mayhap I was overreacting just a bit.” The smile she gave him was that of an innocent, and he was certain that if he could see her in the light of day, a rosy blush would be rushing across her cheeks.
“In the end, you came to see reason on how dire your situation was, so how you think of me hardly matters,” he said quickly. She reached over to take his hand causing his eyes to widen at the contact.
“Mayhap we can start anew?” she asked. Those blue eyes held such promise… but Reynard could in no way give her hope that they had a future together.
“Elysande—”
“—and perchance you will forgive me for this…”
He was completely unprepared when she quickly leaned forward to place her lips upon his own. ’Twas a chaste kiss and showed Reynard how inexperienced this young lady truly was. He should have stood and escorted her back into the keep and up to her bedchamber. He should have told her they had no future together. But as a part of him rose to prove to Reynard just how attractive he honestly found the lady, he could not help himself from leaning forward to kiss her once again.
Chapter Ten
Elysande must havelost her mind when she started this mild flirtation with Reynard. She had watched him intently during the evening meal and saw for herself the subtle looks of appreciation he gave her when he did not think she would see. Perchance she was imagining the whole exchange but a part of her soul that craved the adventure she’d never had the luxury to indulge in called to her to explore what might happen with this handsome knight. Aye… she could not deny the attraction she felt for the man, no matter how she vowed to hate him.
Mayhap she should blame the wine she had drunk this eve. She had only wanted to apologize to this man for her earlier behavior. But between the moonlight and watching him this eve, ’twas as though some force had pushed her forward to press her lips to Reynard’s. She was almost embarrassed of the childish peck on his mouth that proved she had no knowledge of how this kissing business was supposed to occur between a man and a woman. But how quickly the situation changed once Reynard leaned forward and slid his lips along her own.
His tongue followed along the seam of her mouth causing her to gasp whilst heat rushed throughout her body. But apparently this was the response he wanted for his tongue slipped forward and began to tangle with her own. A moan escaped her from the deepest depths of her soul. Her arms wound their way over his broad shoulders and her fingers began twining themselves inhis dark brown hair. She was lost… or mayhap she was found, and she surrendered herself to the sensations this man was sharing with her. Aye, he was teaching her what he liked when he deepened their kiss and she completely forgot everything else but Reynard. From the low moan that rumbled in his chest, Elysande was thrilled to note that Reynard was also enjoying this moment they took for themselves.
A name rushed from his mouth when he began trailing kisses down her cheek to her neck. His hand tightened around her waist pulling her forward until they were chest to chest. Her heart beat a rapid staccato thatnearlydrowned out everything else—but then the reality of what he had whispered in the heat of the moment finally penetrated her brain.
She broke off the kiss and pushed upon that rock-hard chest to put some distance between them. His eyes may be passion filled but he clearly had been thinking of another.
“Who is Johanna?” she demanded as soon as she found her voice. She stood, quickly straightening her gown and patting down her disheveled hair.
“What?” Reynard asked in confusion. His brows furrowed and he held out his hand as if she would take it after that.
“Johanna. Who is she?” Elysande asked again.