Page 24 of Secrets of Capell Manor
His lips, not overly full, smiled and revealed white teeth. He must have heard something amusing while listening to the girl’s chatter as they played before him on the rug. Her gaze ventured to his arms and chest. His broad shoulders and chest tapered into a trim waist. His thick, muscled forearms rested on the arms of the chair. Suddenly Rosalind wanted to remove her shawl despite the manor’s chill.
“Ridley! You clever lad! I think you’ve got me!”
Alden’s booming voice thankfully interrupted her admiring assessment of Sir Devlin that left her smoldering.
“It will be check-mate in three moves unless you’re smart enough to figure out how to get out of it!” Ridley boasted loudly.
Devlin looked surprised that the boy would beat Alden in the game.
“He was taught by the best, Mr. Danby,” Rosalind said.
“And who might that be?” Alden asked with a ready smile. “Who is the Capell Manor chess master?
“That would be Benton,” Rosalind said with a proud smile. “I’ve never known him to be defeated in a match.”
“Sir Devlin, do you play?” Rosalind asked.
“I can hold my own at the chess table.”
Rosalind nodded. “Did your father teach you?”
Devlin’s expression turned cloudy. “No. No, my father, though a brilliant strategist, didn’t play games. He was much too…serious to ever engage in such pursuits.”
“Your father, what was his trade?”
Rosalind noticed Devlin’s posture change. No longer looking relaxed, he seemed uncomfortable, and his lower jaw flexed.
“My father was a hired soldier as his father before him. He worked for whoever could pay him the highest price.”
Rosalind thought it wise not to seek more information about his father.
“I’m sure he wasn’t around much, then. What about your mother? Where did you grow up as a child?”
He snorted. “You’re right. He wasn’t around much.” He took a gulp from his tankard. “My mother died having me. And my father, not being a devoted family man, left me in the care of some distant relatives. They were kind enough, at least from what I can remember.” He paused and seemed lost in the past. “But as my father aged, he returned home more often between tasks. He taught me everything I know,” he said with a clipped laugh.
Rosalind lowered her head to her sewing and wondered if she should continue to ask about Devlin’s past. But suddenly, a loud banging was heard from the foyer. Marta dropped her mending. The children looked up, and Grim leaped from his lounging position on the rug to an immediate alert pose. The dog glanced at Sir Devlin for instruction. Alden and Sir Devlin reached for their swords that were never far from their persons.
“I don’t suppose you are expecting anyone, milady?” Devlin asked.
Chapter Seven
Rosalind quickly folded her work and placed it in the basket. She took a step toward the incessant thumping coming from the manor entrance.
Devlin held up a hand to stop her, “Are you expecting someone, milady?”
Rosalind quickly replied, “No. No. Of course not. And who would be out on a night like this?”
“And it’s getting so late, too!” Marta added.
Benton rose from his chair, and Ridley sat with Luella and Kaylyn.
“Benton and I will go see who our surprise visitor is. Alden, you stay here.”
“Grim! Stay!”
Everyone did as they were told.
Benton and Devlin left the room and turned the corner. Once out of sight, Rosalind’s heart beat even faster. Yes, Alden was there, and Grim was too. But she would have felt better if Devlin were there with her and the children. Unannounced, late-night visitors rarely brought good news.
