cease to be thankful for it. He might be lying in the street, badly wounded or dead. I’d assumed Richard would fight like a gentleman, surrounded by rules and esoteric skills, but Richard had done what was needed in an economical and efficient way, with none of the showy about it, and none of the elaborate flourishes required of the expert swordsman. He fought like he knew what it was to fight for his life.

He watched me closely, waiting for my response. I met his stare with a steady one of my own. “More secrets?”

“Not any longer, I fear.” He broke his scrutiny, and glanced down at his coat with a wry grin. “Carier will not be pleased.” He tried to brush off the worst of the dirt, but knowing his valet, I didn’t think Carier would mind too much, although he might pretend to.

Richard held out his arm for me to take in an imperious gesture. I couldn’t gainsay him.

We left the cottage and returned to the large house at the end of the street, where the carriage waited to take us home. From behind the safety of windows, I felt the hard scrutiny of anonymous watchers on my back.

Mr. Hoarty tried to apologise, but Richard cut him off. “It might be wiser if you saw to your mother. This can’t have been good for her.”

Mr. Hoarty saw the sense in this, but lingered long enough to say, “Be careful, my lord. It was a brave thing you did today, but perhaps not a wise one. You have made some enemies, I fear.”

“I’ll add them to the list,” Richard informed him, and handed me into the coach.

Once inside and past the hidden eyes in the village, I leaned on his shoulder and indulged in a hearty bout of tears, which much relieved my temper. His arms tightened about me. I felt blessedly safe. I knew it was an illusion, but I let myself believe it for now. He was as vulnerable as anyone else. “I thought they would kill you.”

Busy drying my tears with his own handkerchief, he smiled and drew one finger along my cheek. “When I have so much to live for? They hadn’t a chance.”

“What is all this? Why do you carry extra weapons? Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“Shhhhh…” He drew me to rest on his shoulder. I smelled him, and felt content, breathing him in. “Did you think we always fought fair? How do you think the aristocracy got where they did in the first place?” He pressed his lips against my hair. “I learned to fight like that because I wanted to win. I carry extra weapons because a dress sword is of little use, although I do try to carry one of Toledo steel. The rest can wait. I will tell you. I made you a promise, but let that suffice for now.”

“They’ll come after you,” I said from the safety of the folds of his coat.

“I’ll do my best to ensure they don’t.”

When we got back to the Manor, he helped me down, took me upstairs, and gave me into the care of my maid. I partly resented his pampering, as though I were an invalid, and partly appreciated it. I’d never known anything like it before, this cherishing, this care.

Before I went into my room I heard what he said to Carier, who had appeared silently on the scene, waiting. “I became involved in a fracas with two representatives of the local band of thieves. The name of the leader is Cawnton. Get word to him I’m only here to be married, not to get Thompson’s involved in their affairs.” Carier nodded and left. Richard went to change his coat alone.

Chapter Seven

I must have been in shock because I slept until dinnertime. Martha sent word that I must stay upstairs and rest. After a short interval to eat the dinner sent up to me on a tray, I slept well that night, despite my worries.

I felt much better in the morning. My gown of yesterday had been ruined by its short visit to the mud, but I didn’t care, because today was my first day out of mourning. I was glad to give my maid the order to throw away the ruined gown, and to lay out my new blue flowered silk.

When I looked over the banister on my way downstairs I saw Richard, waiting for me. Lizzie stood in the doorway of the breakfast parlour. She smiled back at me when I smiled my good morning. She looked lovely in a pale yellow striped gown. Richard took my hand, and openly studied at me, and I lowered my gaze, flushing when I saw the warm expression on his face. “So much better,” he said.

I met his eyes. “You like it?” I turned a little to make my skirts move and heard the rustle of the new silk. For once, I felt equal to his magnificence. He was dressed simply today, but a master had fitted his country coat, and the attention to detail in the waistcoat embroidery, the arrangement of the folds of his neckcloth, spoke of the leader of fashion.

“Elegance personified.” He kissed my hand. When his mouth brushed my knuckles a shiver passed through me. “Should you like some fresh air?”

“Yes please.”

There was a shawl on the window seat by the front door, which Richard picked up and arranged over my shoulders. Even this simple gesture made me feel cherished. I glanced at Lizzie who hadn’t spoken and I saw her smile again. She