Courtly Scandals by Erin Kane Spock

Author:Erin Kane Spock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Published: 2018-02-05T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Charles stood on duty at the entrance to the Queen’s Privy chamber. He had done this a thousand times before and never had difficulty politely ignoring Her Majesty’s guests unless they posed a threat.

Lady Oxford was not a threat nor were her ladies in attendance, including Mistress Mary Montgomery, in spite of the rumors that continued to circulate. He had even had to reassure two guardsmen that Mary did not pose any danger to the Queen.

Charles could only hope that the gossips would soon find juicier tidbits to blow out of proportion. He stood at his post, stoic, finding it impossible to turn a deaf ear to the chatter that became more hushed as Queen Elizabeth sat with Lady Oxford, leaving Lady Oxford’s ladies hovering in the background waiting to be of service.

Mary seemed to be ignoring it all as she waited, calm and still, her hands gracefully clasped before her. She looked paler than usual, but otherwise, her appearance was impeccable. She had probably made an effort to do everything right—her dress was elegant, but not enough to attract attention. He could tell she was putting on a brave face. Not just for the gossip mongers, but for him. And she was pointedly not meeting his eye.

He could not blame her.

He felt like such a fool for last night. She had trusted him and what had he done? Taken advantage.

She had looked so delectable last night, her hair still wet from her bath, wearing only Mistress Parry’s dressing gown. He had done his duty by escorting her back to her rooms. He had gotten her to bed without being detected by the greater Oxford household, which was a feat considering that Mary was still very animated and very amorous. Duty done, he told himself he should leave, but the next thing he knew, he was kissing her, feeling her soft body against his.

He should have been a better man. He should have tucked her in safely and then been on his way. But no, he could not resist her touch.

Thank God he had come to his senses before it was too late. She was a lady and worthy of gentlemanly behavior.

He just hoped Mary would forgive him. Maybe it would be better if she did not. After all, that would release her from any implied commitment. She deserved a man that could offer her a home and a family. A name. She would never find that man if she was wasting her time with him.

Then again, the thought of Mary with any other man, smiling and laughing with him, leaning in to kiss him, it was too much.

A guardsman stepped forward and saluted him. Shift change. Charles stepped aside as the young yeoman took position, standing tall and sure. Charles pivoted on his heel and was about to finish his customary march back to barracks when a commotion caught his attention.

Baroness Sheffield, looking somewhat worse for wear from last night’s festivities, was at the center of a group of enrapt ladies.

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