Kathleen E. Woodiwiss(216)

Ruark managed to subdue his mockery and with feigned chagrin replied, “I really don’t know what made me do that.”

Gaylord tossed his head, missing the twist of sarcasm in Ruark’s tone. “Be more mindful of it then. ‘Tis odious enough having to share the same table with a bondslave without being interrupted by such.” Feeling his power over the man, Gaylord sneered. “And bear it in mind, my good fellow, I think there is much of the knave in you. I do not believe you innocent of the pirate’s scheme to spirit away Squire Trahern’s treasures, no matter the rumor, and if I were he, I’d keep a wary eye on you while you’re in this manor. Mayhap you now seek a more valuable reward.” His glance dipped only slightly so as only Ruark noticed it was directed toward Shanna. “A rogue will stop at nothing to gain gold for his purse.”

Ruark stiffened at the slur, and his eyes hardened as he met Gaylord’s taunting stare. Ralston smirked as he saw the darkening of Ruark’s brow and could not ignore the opportunity. He joined the two. His eyes swept the younger man contemptuously as he directed his remark to Gaylord.

“ ‘Tis most unseemly that a mere bondslave should question an honorable knight’s knowledge.”

Gaylord drew himself up to his full height and struck an arrogant pose as he realized the truth of Ralston’s thinly veiled suggestion.

Over her shoulder, Shanna caught her father’s attention and inclined her head toward Ralston with a slight frown. His nod was immediately forthcoming.

“Mister Ralston,” Trahern called. “Might I have a word with you?”

Ralston scowled and reluctantly left the two. He had just begun to enjoy himself, and this was a game he loved to play. Still, he could not disobey his employer. As he drew near, Orlan Trahern lowered the glass he sipped from and frowned in mild reproach.

“Mister Ruark is a guest in my household.” His voice was low so that only Pitney could hear. “I must see to the peace and tranquility of my home. I insist that you, being only a paid servant yourself, treat my guests with equity.”

Ralston reddened and grew rigid with indignation. “Sir? Do you fault me in front of others?”

“Nay, Mister Ralston.” Trahern’s smile bore little humor. “I only remind you of your station. Mister Ruark has proven his worth. Do not disprove yours.”

Ralston suppressed an urge to reply in heat. He had grown accustomed to the rich apartment he maintained in the village and was well aware of the reaches of Trahern’s wealth and power but considered the man would hardly miss a few hundred pounds here and there, and, thus, in his years with the squire, Ralston had laid away a goodly sum for himself; his accounts would not bear any close scrutiny. He also knew that Trahern would, with his commoner’s petty vengeance, seek punishment if the shortages were found out.

With the fine skill of an experienced diplomat, Shanna had taken it upon herself to allay further confrontation between Ruark and Sir Billingsham. Placing herself between the two men and bestowing a warm smile to Ruark, she presented her back to him and spoke directly to Sir Gaylord.

“Kind sir.” Her pitying eyes gave her words the taste of purest honey. “ ‘Tis indeed a shame we are so far from London and you can find none of your peers to lend good rhetoric to the conversation. It must be a pain to you to hear the common and mundane discourses of earthly things so prevalent out here on the—frontier.”

The knight heard only the soft warmth of her voice and was captivated by the distraught beauty of the visage before him. He began to feel as if he had harmed her in some way as she continued.

“I, too, have heard the lofty ideals vividly expressed in the court and know the loneliness you find in your lordly pursuits. You must remember, though, that all, even my father and myself, are of common extraction here and temper your judgments with mercy. Why,”—Shanna laughed as if incredulous at her thought—“you would not ban my good sire and myself from your company, would you?”

Sir Gaylord was equally incredulous. “Of course not, my dear lady. Your father is governor here and you, as his daughter, are most”—he sighed longingly—“attractive.”

“Good.” Shanna tapped his arm with her fan and leaned close, saying confidentially, “I can say of my own knowledge that Mister Ruark was forcefully taken from this island against his will. I beg you to understand why I must treat him with some deference,” she looked aside to Ruark and smiled wickedly.

The knight could only mumble his agreement, though he still struggled with her reasoning.

“You are so kind, sir.” She curtsied gracefully and gave her hand to Ruark. “Let us see to our dinner, then.”