What was it Lord Hamlin had said about her being virtuous and emanating God’s love? She’d have to remember that when people were whispering that the brothers were sharing their trollop.
Determined to hurry home alone, Rose stood. Her head throbbed, as though all the blood in her body was pulsing through her brain, no doubt the product of all her crying. She’d missed supper too, after only eating a piece of bread for her midday meal. She’d been too excited about Lord Rupert’s proposal to eat.
Some proposal.
She stood still, her eyes closed, waiting to see if the top of her head would shoot into the sky. When the pain subsided a little, she opened her eyes and found Lord Hamlin turning to look at her.
Blinking and ignoring the pain, she said, “Excuse me, Lord Hamlin, but I must get back before curfew.”
“I’ll take you back.”
“I mean no offense, but I don’t want to be seen sneaking in the city gate after dark with you. If indeed I still have a reputation, it would certainly be ruined.”
He shook his head. “You won’t make curfew anyway on foot.”
“I might if I hurry.” Rose raised her brows, hoping he would get the hint and end their conversation, which was costing her precious seconds.
The cathedral bells started to ring, announcing curfew. Her breath hissed out. She was too late. Yet again, tears sprang to her eyes, frustrating her further, and she crossed her arms. “Then I’ll spend the night at my father’s house in the forest. It isn’t far from here.”
He shook his head. “When was the last time you were there? Wild animals may have begun to sleep there. It isn’t safe.”
Rose hated his confident, firm tone. “I’ll find a tree limb to bar the door.”
“You can’t, Rose.” His voice softened, which only made the tears spill over. She stood with her arms still folded, knowing that if she reached up to wipe away the betraying drops he would know she was crying again. She wished he would look away, but he continued to watch her. She held her breath, trying to hold back the tears, but more spilled out and dripped to the ground.
Lord Hamlin took Shadow’s reins and walked toward her. He pulled something from his pocket and held it out to her.
Rose took the handkerchief without looking up and wiped her face. O God, haven’t I been humiliated enough for one day?
He took off his long black cloak. He wrapped the garment around her shoulders, pulling it down around her neck.
She instantly felt warmer—and relieved that her exposed shoulder was covered.
Lord Hamlin’s masculine scent of leather and horses enveloped her along with the cloak. His nearness made her skin tingle. She longed to lay her head against his chest. If she only leaned toward him he might put his arms around her.
No, it was a selfish, imprudent thought. But at least it seemed to make the tears dry up.
She gazed up into Lord Hamlin’s shadowed countenance. His dark eyes were beautiful and mysterious. What was he thinking, standing so close to her for so long? Finally, he spoke.
“I’ll put you on Shadow so you won’t have to walk.”
“I don’t think you should.”
“Why not?”
Didn’t he understand? “I don’t want to be seen riding your horse through the town gate after curfew.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
Rose looked at him doubtfully, trying to think of a clever, sarcastic reply.
“I have an alternate way of getting into the castle.”
“Oh.” Rose let this information sink in. Whatever this “alternate way” was, it had to be less public than the town gate. “Thank you, but I don’t mind walking.”
“I insist.”
Rose only stared at him, trying to make out his expression in the dark.
“There’s no reason both of us should walk. Come.” He bent over, clasped his hands, and waited for her to place her foot in his makeshift stirrup.
“But you don’t have a sidesaddle.”
“It’s dark. No one will see you. Merely throw your leg over.”
“I can’t do that.” Rose was horrified at the thought. “Perhaps I can sit sideways and hook my right leg around the pommel.”
“All right.” He still stood patiently holding out his hands, reminding Rose of her first riding lesson with Lord Rupert—that deceiver. Rose had no trouble pushing his memory away with Lord Hamlin so near.
She placed her foot in his hand, praying she wouldn’t fall. She grabbed the pommel and he boosted her up neatly into the saddle. Rose wrapped her leg, modestly covered by her skirt, around the pommel.
“Ready?”
“Yes, thank you.”
She held on as he took the reins and led Shadow through the darkness and down the hill. She thought about all the things she would like to say to him. Thank you for wanting to defend me. Thank you for thinking Rupert is a rogue. Thank you for being a man of integrity. Oh, Lord Hamlin, if you were mine, I’d make you so happy.
Rose stifled a laugh at the stupid, outrageous thought.