He knocked on the door to the den, inching open the wooden door so not to startle her if she were in there. As he peered around the doorframe, he was surprised to see Isabella and Sarah huddled over a book. Isabella's eyes widened, but she seemed to relax when she realized it was he. Sarah, though, gasped, dropped the book, and raced toward him. Charles stepped aside to let her pass. It was all he could do to hold on to Kitty. What in the world was going on?
The door clicked as he eased it closed. He placed a calming hand on the cat, whose tiny heartbeat raced against Charles' shoulder. His animal's reactions had never taken his interest before now, before Isabella, for she would care about something such as that.
He crossed the room and sat next to Isabella. Not sure how to begin his apology, for he wasn't accustomed to giving them often, he handed her the cat. Isabella took Kitty and cuddled the animal on her lap. Once again, Charles envied the feline and her close proximity to Isabella. After he took a deep breath, he plunged ahead.
"Isabella, I owe you an—"
She held up a hand. "No. I think I owe you one."
He widened his eyes. What was this? She felt a need to apologize to him? She'd only stated her wishes. It was he who had taken the matter too much to heart. "But—"
Isabella shook her head, causing her beautiful dark tresses to fall forward over her shoulders. His impulse to reach out to touch her hair was nearly overwhelming. "Charles, I shouldn't have said what I did, like I did. It came out all wrong. Yes, I do miss certain things about my life back home, but I also appreciate what you're doing for me, protecting me and making my stay here comfortable and safe." She glanced away. "And, there are certain things about being here which I find…" She angled back toward him, dark eyes large and lovely. "Quite nice."
Charles scooted nearer, but still left a modest space between them. A sigh escaped Charles' mouth as Isabella held out her hand. He glanced down at their hands, now joined, and felt his mouth form into a smile. "Oh, Isabella, I'm so pleased to hear you say that. Even though you don't think an apology from me necessary, I must still give one. I was abrupt, leaving as I did, when all you had done was simply state your preference for your time. And truth be told, I found your reference to such time quite enchanting. Being one who loves to read and study about other worlds and times, it caught me by surprise that such things actually do exist."
"I'm so glad we have that behind us, now."
"I'm relieved as well." He tilted his head. "What was happening with Sarah? She nearly knocked me flat when she ran out of the room."
"Oh." Isabella's face reddened. "You may not like this, but I… I'm teaching Sarah to read." She stared at him. Was she gauging his reply?
"I see." He frowned.
"You're angry, aren't you?"
Was he? Even a short time ago, he would have been infuriated with someone coming into his home, taking liberties with his servant. Somehow, though, he found it difficult to refuse Isabella anything.
Charles shrugged. "While in the past, I would not have seen the necessity or appropriateness of teaching a servant to read, I…"
Isabella blinked her beautiful eyes. "You, what?"
"It seems, since you have come to stay, I find myself more open to new ideas about my staff and my home." He darted a glance toward Isabella's other hand, which stroked Kitty's fur. "And my cat."
"Thank you for bringing in Henrietta, since I couldn't go outside to see her."
He frowned. "Who is this man Henry of whom you speak?" Had another man found out she was here? Was Isabella being courted? Charles clenched his fist.
"Henrietta. It's what I'm calling Kitty." She smiled. "Remember, I told you I thought she needed a new name?"
Charles relaxed, flexing his fingers. "But why Henrietta?"
"Well I couldn't name her after the queen, now could I?"
Charles felt one side of his mouth lift. "Yes, quite right. The queen might frown on a marmalade feline carrying her royal name. Henrietta it is, then."
Isabella leaned toward Charles ever so slightly. "Since you're being so generous, I have another request to make."
Charles lifted his eyebrows. "Is that so? And what would that be, Isabella?" He bit his lip to hold in a chuckle. At this moment, he felt he could grant her every request.
Isabella fumbled with the lace at her neckline. "Well, you see… I'm so grateful for all you've done for me and given me."
"Go on."
She lowered her gaze. "Would it be too much to ask, since you've bought so many dresses and things for me to wear, to give some of the day dresses to… Sarah?"
Charles widened his eyes. Not because he was opposed to the idea, simply that the woman sitting next to him had such a generous heart. In the past, yes, he would have thought it inappropriate, but seeing things through Isabella's eyes had changed his view. Of everything. How had it happened so quickly? Who was this man he was now becoming?
She glanced down at her lap. "You think it's a terrible idea, don't you?"
"On the contrary, Isabella, I think you are a most endearing, thoughtful creature."
"You do?" Her eyes lit up like a full moon on a dark winter's eve.