Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney

Author:Mary Jo Putney [Putney, Mary Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2023-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Tamsyn was firmly in charge as she organized accommodations for herself and Cade. They had the two rooms on the south side of the house, separated from Bran and Merryn by the stairs and a passage. The Penhaligon housemaids had done a good job of preparing the bedchambers. A cold night wind was blowing from the sea, but fires had been laid and were waiting for the guests. Cade lit them to warm the rooms, while Bran took care of the fires in Merryn’s room and his own.

His eyes warm and caring, Bran briefly laid his hand on Merryn’s shoulder and wished her a good night. Then he and Cade descended to the drawing room to share a good-night drink and a brotherly discussion.

Tamsyn said, “Merryn, if you’re not too tired, come into my room so I can give you the clothes I brought. If you’re to pretend to be my maid, you need to dress the part.”

Merryn glanced down at her rumpled boy’s clothing as she followed Tamsyn into the guest room. “I suppose that means skirts again.”

“Sadly, yes. I quite like wearing trousers myself when I have a good excuse.” Tamsyn bent and lifted one of the cases onto the bed. Opening it, she said, “Nothing very exciting because maids aren’t supposed to be noticed, but all the dresses fasten in the front for convenience. We’re close enough to the same size, so they should fit fairly well. I also brought shoes, but size is more of a problem with shoes than clothing.”

“Bran found me used riding boots and shoes in Plymouth that are a good fit.” She glanced at Tamsyn’s shoes. “That is fortunate, because my feet are larger than yours.”

Tamsyn pulled two folded garments from the bottom of the case. “Here’s a nightgown and a robe for you. Since your day clothing is boring, I thought you should have nightwear that’s pretty.”

The nightgown was a soft cream-colored material trimmed with blue embroidery that matched the warm blue robe. Merryn stroked the fabric with pleasure. So unlike the rags the Starling had given her. “Lovely! I’ll sleep well in this.”

Tamsyn closed the case again so Merryn could carry it to her room. “Have you minded living here with just a man?”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Merryn said, only now realizing that she’d violated one of the cardinal rules of behavior for an unmarried female: A single woman should never be alone with a man. And she’d been living with one and enjoying it!

“There has been no problem. Bran has been everything that is kind. I don’t know what I would have done without him. I’d still be a captive of the Crow and the Starling, I’m sure, and my mind would not have been my own.” She shuddered at the thought.

“I’m so glad you escaped those horrid people!” Tamsyn covered another yawn. “Sleep now and know you’ll be safe.”

* * *

Merryn obediently went to her room and prepared for bed. She fell asleep quickly in her soft, pretty nightgown, but her newly awakened mind spun vivid, restless dreams.

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