Page 66 of Gambling with the Earl
Kitty put a hand to her head, struggling to keep up. She’d been so consumed with the need to build a better life for her sister, that she’d never imagined it could happen without her willing self-sacrifice. “What does all this mean?”
Rosalind gave a bubbling laugh. “It means that, even before you brought back the jewels, our financial worries were over. But now we have the jewels as well.” She shrugged, brimming over with good fortune.
“We will have to offer them to the Erkines as a dowry,” Kitty thought aloud, unable to let go of her natural instincts to worry. For so long she’d seen the Answick jewels as key to Rosalind’s happiness.
“You will do no such thing,” Lizzie interrupted. “It’s all arranged now, with no need for a dowry. That family is lucky enough to have Miss Rosalind joining them.”
“Don’t you see, Kitty?” Rosalind leaned forward, her eyes alight with excitement. “We’re rich. Our troubles are over. You can keep the jewels for yourself.”
The happiness shining from her sister’s face was enough to convince Kitty that she really had found love and the promise of a joyful future with Richard Erkine. Rosalind would be cared for and content, which was all Kitty had ever wanted for her. So why did she feel so much despair?
“I don’t want the jewels.” Kitty’s throat closed over the words.
Rosalind sat back. Disappointment flashed through her eyes, but only for a moment. “Then we will sell them and use the money to make much-needed repairs to the house. Shoreston will be a grand residence once again. You shall live here in the style that Mother intended, no longer beating rugs or baking pies. And I shall come to see you often.” She smiled beatifically. “It’s all going to be wonderful.”
An icy numbness spread across Kitty’s chest. The future Rosalind described was everything she had once hoped for. But now she’d met Guy and known the possibility of love and happiness for herself. Now everything had changed. Now she wanted more. His touch, his kiss. The feel of his muscular armsdrawing her close. His smile, his laugh. His strong body, which she had nursed back to health.
She put a hand to her mouth to keep this whirlwind of emotion inside her. Her eyes fluttered closed. In another moment she would regain her composure. Such bittersweet reminders of their fleeting time together might assault her often, but she would learn to put them aside. That part of her life was over.
“She’s overcome,” Lizzie remarked. “It’s no surprise, not after all the poor girl’s been through.”
“You’re safe now, Kitty. You never have to leave Shoreston again.” Rosalind squeezed her shoulder.
Kitty forced her eyes to open and summoned a smile. “And I never shall,” she stated, forcing her true feelings deep down and locking them away. “I’m so happy for you. For all of us.”
Chapter Eighteen
Guy read themessage one more time and then placed the slip of parchment neatly on his writing desk and folded his hands together. He must pen a reply to the king, but first he needed a moment to gather his thoughts.
He turned in his chair to the solar window and gazed out at the sparkling sea, but he didn’t see the white-tipped waves and soaring seagulls, he saw a tall young woman with tumbling auburn hair, enticing curves and a wide smile. She had worked here for no more than a month, yet every foot of Rossfarne Castle was permeated with Kitty’s memory. He couldn’t so much as eat a meal without thinking of her and missing her. This room, which had once been his sanctuary, had grown almost unbearable. She had sung for him by the fireplace. They had shared their first kiss while standing on that very rug.
It would be easier to put her behind him once he returned to the service of the king. He flexed his fingers. His body was healed. His mind ready for a fresh challenge. He hadn’t been expecting a summons so soon, but now he saw that the timing could not have been better. Tomorrow, he would join King Edward on the tumultuous borderlands, where they would prepare for battle.
He must get ready. There was much to do. He had no time to wallow over a girl who had lied to him, stolen from him, cheated him. Not even when the memory of how they had come togetherstill lit a fire inside him. She had been so responsive to his touch, and his body had sung for her. But it could never be again.
He would find other avenues for pleasure. Ones that did not stave open his heart and leave him vulnerable.
A knock sounded on the wooden door.
“You sent for me, my lord?”
Guy beckoned for the marshal to enter. The man was clad in a smart but plain tunic, his dark hair neatly combed away from his sun-tanned face.
“I am leaving tomorrow,” Guy announced, without preamble.
The marshal looked surprised. “So soon? We were not anticipating your departure.”
Guy drummed his fingers on the desk, unwilling and unaccustomed to sharing details of his personal life. “The situation has changed. In my absence, you will once again assume charge of the castle. I trust this is to your liking?”
“Happy to serve, my lord.” The marshal dipped his head.
“Ensure the repair work continues on the gatehouse. It must be weather tight by winter.”
The marshal nodded. “And the extra guards? Shall we stand them down?”
Guy thought for a moment. “No. I want the castle to be secure. I may be gone for some time.” A question flickered behind the marshal’s eyes, but he was too well-trained to voice it. The man, however, had served him willingly and without question; mayhap he deserved more of an explanation. Guy sighed resignedly. “There is little to bring me back here.” He raised his eyebrows to check he understood. “I will remain with the king for as long as he needs me.”
“We shall be ready to welcome you home, whenever that may be,” the marshal said, stiffly. He cleared his throat. “May I speak freely, my lord?”
