Page 59 of Rogue of the Greenwood
“You are blushing,” he said.
“Am I?”
“Do I make you nervous, Miss Maidland? Why is that?”
“I cannot say, sir. When you are around… I find I cannot breathe quite as I ought.”
She was having difficulty digesting her breakfast, too, thanks to his presence, but she did not mention that. Their plan would be ruined if she did not maintain an illusion of hopeful attraction.
“I find thatmybreath comes all the easier,” he said, his voice oozing seduction. “I appreciate it when things come easily to me.”
She cringed. He did not notice; he was too busy breathing down her neck
“I would expect that they do, sir,” she said, struggling for what to say in this unusual situation.
She remained frozen as he circled her, his body brushing hers here and there, too much for comfort yet not quite enough to merit a scream. He leaned in and spoke his next words into her ear, the heat from his body like a swarm engulfing her, making her itch.
“I hope so, Miss Maidland. I am very much looking forward to you coming to me, as you know.”
Such a thing to say! She wanted to swat him. His brass was shocking, to say the least. Instinctively she reacted. It was impossible not to turn and glare intohis eyes.
But he merely laughed. “Such fire you have! I will like to see more of it… and I will, of course. You will come to me tonight. At my dinner.”
Oh, he’d see a great deal more than fire from her if he was not careful. But she smiled sweetly and hid her revulsion behind maidenly timidity.
“Yes… we will come to your dinner tonight. I cannot wait, sir. It was so very kind of you to invite us.”
“The honor is mine. I look forward to seeing you at Greenwood, and I’m sure you will approve of my home.”
His home. As if he were Greenwood’s master! Oh, such blatant presumption. It was all she could do not to show her disgust. But she didn’t. In fact, she managed an encouraging glance with another hard-won smile for him.
“A home with a fine master is a fine home indeed,” she said.
He was too proud to realize that she was not speaking of him. He took it as warm encouragement.
“A home is made even finer by the right mistress, of course. Ah, but you tease me with anticipation, Miss Maidland. Would that I could give up on my commitments today and stay here with you.”
She hoped he could not see that her insides were doing cartwheels at the hint he might be preparing to take his leave from her. Perhaps this misery was over already!
“Must you go soon, sir? I suppose you do have a great many duties to tend and things to manage at Greenwood Manor.”
“Sadly, I do, but today I am needed here on amatter of security for our town. The sheriff has need of me, else I would indeed stay here with you.”
“Oh, the sheriff? That sounds quite ominous! It isn’t anything… I should worry about, is it?”
“Don’t trouble yourself. You’ve no doubt heard whispers of recent criminal activity in the area. Fear not, though! We will soon put it all to rest.”
Now he had her full attention. “Criminal activity? Indeed, I know that my uncle has spoken of some petty issues… do you infer there are darker elements at play? Tell me what has happened!”
“Nothing that will be of any danger to you, I promise. Some trouble at a factory I own; a woman was abducted from there last night.”
“Abducted! Oh, but that’s dreadful. Who would take her, and why?”
“She is of no consequence. Likely some roving band of outlaws thought to have some fun with her.”
“Good heavens! This is quite… worrisome.”
“Now, now… you must not fret. As I said, your uncle and our good sheriff are working tirelessly with me. In fact, I am here today because some information has reached me that may bring an end to these hoodlums sooner rather than later.”
