How extraordinary that Frau Geruscha would leave her alone with a man. But that man was Lord Hamlin, who radiated honor and goodness like the sun radiates warmth. And he was leaving anyway.
Except when he turned his eyes back to Rose, he didn’t seem in any hurry to go. “We have a library in the castle. There are several books there you might be interested in. I should have offered the use of it to you before. You are most welcome to borrow any volume you wish to read.”
Rose’s smile broadened and she looked at the floor. “To be honest, my lord, I have been borrowing books from your library for half a year.” She glanced up to see his surprised expression. “I hope you will forgive me, but I never take them out of the castle, only to Frau Geruscha’s chambers, and I take great care of them.”
“You know that books are very expensive. I’m afraid it’s a serious offense to take a book without permission.” He tightened his lips, as though displeased, but his eyes twinkled. Rose found it strangely hard to take a breath.
He laughed. “I’m glad you were able to be so…resourceful.”
She started to breathe again.
A figure darkened the doorway. “Ah, Wilhelm!”
Lord Rupert ducked his head to step inside the chamber and Rose inwardly cringed. She had forgotten to talk to Frau Geruscha about going riding with Lord Rupert.
“I came to see Rose, and I see you beat me here.”
The two of them stood face-to-face, their arms tense by their sides, eyeing each other at three paces. Rose wanted to say something to break the tension but couldn’t think of a single word.
“Rose, I trust you are well this morning.” Lord Rupert turned away from Lord Hamlin and smiled, though his eyes did not mirror the emotion.
“Yes, I thank you.”
Lord Rupert cut his eyes back to his brother. “Do you have business here?” His voice sounded tight.
“As a matter of fact, I was just leaving, but it’s fortunate that I’m still here, since you should not be alone with an unmarried maiden.”
“And yet you are here.”
“I was just leaving.” A muscle twitched in his jaw.
“No one’s stopping you.”
“I believe I’ll stay.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Silence ensued, and neither man moved. Rose shifted from one foot to the other, her shoulders starting to ache with the tension. She had to say something. “I’m not sure if I can go riding today, Lord Rupert. I haven’t asked Frau Geruscha yet.”
“Riding?” Lord Hamlin raised his brows at Rupert again. “Not without a chaperone.”
“I thank you for pointing out the obvious, brother. The fact is I have been unable to locate a suitable chaperone, which is what I came to tell Rose.” Under his breath, he muttered, “Not that it’s any business of yours.”
At that moment they heard Frau Geruscha making her way down the steps to the first-floor chamber. When she appeared at the bottom, Lord Rupert brightened. “Good morning, Frau Geruscha.”
“Good morning to you, Lord Rupert.” Geruscha’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. Could this get any more awkward?
“Frau Geruscha, I would like to take Rose riding, but we have no chaperone. Would you be able to come with us?”
Frau Geruscha looked from one face to another. “I could not be gone long, in case of any emergencies.”
“Oh, I promise we shall return very soon, Frau Geruscha.” Lord Rupert’s voice rang with eagerness.
Her jaw hardened. “One hour. I can allow no more.”
“Yes, I promise.” He turned to Rose and leaned toward her, seeming to forget that anyone else was in the room. “I’ve picked out the gentlest mare in the stable for you. I shall have you riding like an experienced horsewoman in no time.”
Frau Geruscha scowled.
Lord Hamlin’s face darkened, and a muscle twitched in his jaw. He nodded at Rose. Then he turned and left.
Chapter 8
Lord Rupert held the reins of a gray mare, already saddled for Rose.
“She’s beautiful.” Rose rubbed the horse’s neck, so big and warm, her short hair so different from Wolfie’s long fur.
A stable hand led out Rupert’s huge Belgian warhorse. His white mane and tail contrasted with his honey-colored coat. Another stable boy brought out a dappled mare for Frau Geruscha.
Rose’s father had always been too poor to own a horse. That hadn’t stopped her girlish fascination with them. Many times she had gazed into the big brown eyes of the wealthy burghers’ horses. A favorite game was deciding if the animal was gentle and sweet, or strong-willed and wily, simply from the way he looked back at her.
Rose patted the mare’s shoulder and then stroked her forehead. She crooned softly near the horse’s ear, “What a fair lady you are, so strong and sleek.”
“Ready?” Lord Rupert came over to her. His eyes were wide, reminding Rose of her little brother when he was excited about something.
Rose nodded.
“Put your foot into my hands and I’ll give you a boost. Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”
He looked so solicitous. It was ridiculous—almost as ridiculous as having her sit beside him at the high table during a feast.