Royalist Rebel by Seymour Anita

Author:Seymour, Anita
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781783035731
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Published: 2013-05-22T04:00:00+00:00

‘I will ask you again, Mistress Murray. Who was that man?’ Straggly clouds slide across the moon, throwing pale light onto the stern expression of Robin Carter, who glares down at me from his impressive height.

My first instinct is to kick him and run, but instantly I dismiss the thought.

I recall his kindness the day the troopers came to Ham, and decide I can use the gentle soul he hides within his fierce stare.

‘What man would that be?’ I do not flinch, indignant that he presumes to lay hands on me.

His eyes narrow, and uncertainty flickers within. ‘The man you spoke to a moment ago. I saw him only briefly. By the time I reached you he was gone.’

‘Dusk often plays tricks on our eyes in this dense undergrowth. You are mistaken. Now release me!’ I shrug off his grip. ‘There was no man. And what right have you to question me in my own garden?’

‘The right of Parliament!’ As if he did not notice my attire before, his glance drops to the low neckline of my skimpy chemise beneath a light cloak. He gives a start and swallows, a self-conscious flush creeping into his face. He is either a good Puritan or a man of little experience with women. ‘I-I know what I saw, and insist you tell me who that man was.’

I bundle the collar of my robe up beneath my chin in a display of affronted pride.

‘Insist all you like, Roundhead. I shall explain nothing.’ I make to brush past him, but his hand shoots out to grasp my forearm. I look down at his fingers and arch a brow, then lift my eyes slowly to his face. ‘Remove your hand.’

He swallows again, and to my astonished relief, obeys. A light of interest enters his eyes that shows me he is not immune to me. A fact I shall use against him if I can.

I take a step toward him, thrilled when he inhales sharply and backs away. ‘This heat is oppressive do you not find? I wished to take the air and the flowers are so sweet in the evenings.’ I smile into his face. ‘Is that not why you are here, rather than chanting prayers with your comrades?’

‘I urge you to answer my question, Mistress Murray.’ His voice croaks and he licks his lips. ‘Unless you wish me to rouse the sentry and begin a search?’

My mind races. How far has Father got in the last few moments? I hope far enough. ‘Maybe I have a lover?’ The thought comes from nowhere. But then why not? Carter may be the plain soul his name implies, but is not illicit love something even he can understand?

His lop-sided smile tells me he rejects the explanation. Never mind, it buys me time.

He cocks his chin toward the house. ‘Is she aware you cavort half-dressed with a stranger who does not present himself at your door?’

‘You would accuse me to my mother?’ I force appeal into my eyes that rove his face.

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