Chapter 23

I was a little surprised when the viscount appeared again as the sun dipped behind the horizon. I knew he had to be inundated with work, especially with both the Count and his steward unavailable to help him. That he took the time to come check on me once more warmed my heart.

Tareth greeted him cheerfully, and I was glad to see that my brother wasn't still wallowing in guilt after my colossal breakdown. Our long chat this afternoon had relaxed him, and I felt like brothers again, for the first time in years. My panic at how he might judge me after knowing of my circumstances had diminished in light of his own guilt as well as his anger at our father's trespasses.

While we hadn't talked of papa or the marquis again this afternoon, an unspoken pact had emerged between us to lay our guilt aside. Neither of us were at fault for what papa or the marquis had done. I'd had a hard time accepting that until Tareth had tried to take the blame for things he'd had no control of, and I'd realized that was exactly what Ash had been trying to tell me. But knowing it and truly believing it were different... yet a stirring in my belly had me thinking maybe I could.

"How are you feeling?" Ashton asked as he strode across the room.

"Better, sir, thank you." A flicker of irritation crossed his face, but apparently he decided not to correct my addressing him as 'sir' again.

"Good." He turned to address both my brother and me. "I've ordered supper to be delivered up here tonight. However, I'm hoping you'll both want to dine in the main dining room with me tomorrow. I think Kye could use a change of scenery. I'm sure he's be tired of being cooped up in here all day." He smiled knowingly before he his attention solely to me. "I just want you to know, you are free to go where you wish around the estate."

I gaped at him as he seemed to know my thoughts. How had he known I would never have left this room without his permission? That I would never have even asked permission to do so?

"Thank you... sir." A small smirk playing at the corner of my lips as I intentionally addressed him as 'sir' this time.

This time I elicited a small growl from him, and he crossed his arms in an irritated huff.

A soft snicker escaped before I could hide it behind my hand. Tareth was staring at me in shock, apparently realizing I'd just intentionally baited the viscount.

Ashton's frown slipped into a grin as he realized I'd been teasing him.

"You're welcome, little one," he enunciated the pet name Donnelly had given me.

I glowered at him for a moment at the retaliatory moniker before he laughed and leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "Maybe you won't be so stubborn about remembering my name now, huh?"

"Yes, sir," I said obstinately as I tried to keep the smile from tugging at my lips, causing him to laugh even harder.

A knock at the door interrupted our banter, and Ashton strode over to open it.

Tareth had already crawled off the bed as he leaned into me. "I can't believe you were provoking Lord Ashton like that," he chuckled.

I froze. Provoking? Oh, Gods, I had been intentionally trying to needle the man, hadn't I? What the hell had gotten into me? To deliberately disobey his order like that?

But it had slipped out so easily with Ashton. It hadn't even occurred to me at the time that I could be punished for the repeated willful affront to his order.

Yet, even after Tareth's comment, I still didn't feel any fear that Lord Ashton might punish me for disobeying. He wouldn't, and I realized that I'd instinctively known that, enough to let down my guard, my control, and actually tease him.

I couldn't help but smile at the realization as Ashton let in an older woman carrying a tray of food.

"Ahh, thank you, Patricia." He waved toward the small table surrounded by four chairs near the window. I hadn't paid much attention to it before, but the decorator of the room must have designed it for guests to be able to breakfast in the room.

"Gregory is coming up behind me with the other tray, sir. I hope you enjoy the fruit tarts. Rosa and I spent the afternoon making them especially for you and the little one."

I caught Ashton's smirk at me when she called me 'little one' and narrowed my eyes back at him, crossing my arms as she continued prattling on.

"We were so upset to hear about his ordeal. We hope he gets better soon." She turned to smile sympathetically at me after she set the tray down. I was just wondering how she knew so much when she added, "Sam is so distraught that he hadn't known what the marquis had put you through. He's been a mess all day. Useless. Both him and that girl of his."

Oh, of course. Samuel and Alisha.

"Please let any of us know if you need anything, little one," Patricia cooed.

I heard Ashton's soft chuckle and turned to glare at him before he cleared his throat and dismissed the woman. "Thank you, Patricia."

She was just leaving as young man, a boy really, appeared at the door bearing another tray. She quickly directed Gregory where to put it, hovering at the door to wait for him. The boy seemed to have similar features to Patricia, and I suspected he might be her son.

After they were gone, Tareth, Ashton, and I settled around the table to eat. This time the food was already plated for each of us, and Ashton quickly lifted domed covers from the dishes and set about pouring drinks from the pitcher. I noticed it was simply water, not wine as I'd expected the man to drink. Perhaps he knew I was unaccustomed to drinking it.

I waited until both he and Tareth had taken bites before I lifted my fork. I think Ashton noticed my reticence to begin eating, but he said nothing, only smiled and remarked on the flavors the pheasant had been spiced with.

I was surprised at how easily Ashton managed to get me talking over dinner. His gentle prodding, along with Tareth's, had me relaying some of what Tareth and I had talked about, as well as some of the escapades my brother and I had growing up. We carefully avoided the more sobering topic of our father, keeping the conversation light and easy.

Ashton was serving the sweet fruit tarts before I realized how much I'd been talking. I wondered briefly if I'd bothered the viscount with too much talk, but the smile and the crinkle at the corners of his bright cinnamon eyes told me he was genuinely interested and actually listening.

I'd been trained to silence for so long, it was liberating to be able to say anything I wanted and not fear repercussions.

After a leisurely dessert, Ashton seemed hesitant to leave, even as Tareth looked like he was ready to dart to the door.

"I'll, uh, be taking my leave now, sir." He edged toward the door, glancing between the viscount and me.

Ashton looked startled that Tareth wanted to leave. "If that is what you wish. You may stay, of course."

"I need to check on the horses," he stated. And I suddenly realized that I'd kept him from his duty all day. "While I know Will would have done his best, I still feel I need to check on them."

Ashton nodded. "Of course," he agreed, probably knowing my brother felt a little guilty for shirking his duties today, even if he had had permission to stay with me. Caring for the horses had become his life, and after our conversation today, I knew he loved them.

After Ashton and I stacked the dishes back on the trays, he stretched and yawned, tightening his shirt across his chest. I swallowed thickly, averting my eyes as he walked toward the couch. He stopped at the nightstand next to the bed, picking up the book Tareth had laid there.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stay with you until you woke earlier. I had to attend to some work," he said, as he brushed his hand over the bed where I'd slept before turning to me. I was surprised by his apology. He had no reason to explain his actions to me.

"I understand, sir. I wouldn't have expected you to. I'm sorry." I stared at the floor, suddenly ashamed at having disrupted his work in the first place. "I know you have better things to do than to have me screaming and interrupting you."

"Not true."

I looked up abruptly, eyes wide.

"While I certainly don't want to hear you upset, I would enjoy nothing better than to spend the whole day with you if I could." His voice was low, husky, sending tingles down my spine and an excited thrill through my chest.

"I think... I think I would... like that too," I stammered shyly. Then added with a sly smirk, "Sir."

"Good, I'm glad we agree, little one." He grinned.

And when we both laughed, Ashton's eyes widened in surprise, eyeing me oddly.

"W-what did I do wrong?" I asked uncertainly.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I'm just... I loved hearing your laugh," he finally admitted, causing me to blush profusely.

"Yours is nice too, Ash," I murmured softly.

I could tell I had him a little flustered too as he smiled and cleared his throat. He flipped the book over in his hands. "Were you reading this afternoon? Are you enjoying the story?" He smiled as he turned to me, effectively diffusing our mutual awkwardness.

I quickly shook my head, heat flaming my cheeks as I turned away before he could see. "No, I believe Tareth was reading it while I was asleep."

"Oh." He carried the book with him to the couch, idly flipping through the pages as we sat. "It's a good book. You should read it, if you get bored."

"I... I can't," I mumbled, biting at my lip as I wrung my hands together, picking at the bandage still wrapped around my palm.

"What?" Ashton looked up sharply.

"I—I can't read." I glanced up to see those beautiful eyes staring at me in shock before bleeding to sympathy and compassion. "Not really anyway. Mama taught us our letters and numbers... and we were learning to read before... but it's been so long since then... I don't remember much..."

He set the book on the small table in front of the couch before leaning closer. "Well, that will be remedied, if you'd like to learn. We have a couple of teachers who school the children living here as well as new hires who didn't have the opportunity to learn before. Would you be interested in learning?"

The almost imploring note in his voice was charming. I smiled at the offer. "Yes... sir," I added with a teasing lilt.

The anxiousness in his voice broke as he chuckled, shaking his head. "Stubborn..." he mumbled. "Come here, let me check your hand."

I slid closer to him on the couch, holding out my bandaged hand. He carefully unwrapped the linen, shaking his head in amusement. "You amaze me, you know that?"

"Me?" I squeaked. What was so amazing about me? I'd done nothing but follow orders to avoid more pain, nothing but let myself be used.

The scrap of cloth fell away, and Ashton held my hand gingerly, his thumbs stroking over the palm. The cut was well on its way to healing, a long scabbed line slicing across the center of my hand.

"Gods, yes, Kye. You have no idea how amazing you are." He leaned over and kissed the palm of my hand. My fingers curled reflexively, wanting to capture the tender gesture. "Someday, I hope to get you to see what I see in you." He brushed his hand over my palm as if sealing his kiss in place before he let it rest and patted my thigh with a wide smile. "But for now, let me check on those feet you abused last night."

"Oh, no, you don't have to—" I protested at the thought of the viscount—a noble, an aristocrat, a blueblood—tending to my feet. My feet! I flushed as I tried to edge away, but he was quicker, snagging an ankle and pulling it into his lap. I yelped, "Ash!"

He chuckled as he held firm, unwrapping the linen swaddling my tender soles. I knew they were fine, just a little bruised, maybe a few scratches, but nothing worth all the fuss he and Dr. Fulbert had given them. They'd suffered worse when Barrett had bruised them with his crop after one of my attempts to run.

He held both of my feet hostage on his lap, inspecting them after he'd discarded the cloth. His prodding at the soles tickled more than hurt, and I squirmed to pull them free. He laughed as he rubbed them more firmly, massaging rather than tickling. I let out a little moan of pleasure at the rubbing.

He reached forward, still keeping my feet trapped, and grabbed up the book he dropped on the table. "How about a bit of reading before bed?" he quirked.

"You don't have to—" I was sure he had better things to do than sit here with me, reading to me...

"It's what I would be doing anyway. Why not share it with you? But if you'd prefer I leave—"

"No!" I almost shouted, then quickly bit my lip. Gods, where was all of this defiance and outspokenness coming from all of a sudden?

He quirked an eyebrow, clearly amused.

"I'd—I'd love for you to read. If you want to," I mumbled.

"Good. Because I really want to... little one."

My eyes narrowed at his teasing. "Thank you... sir."

His deep laugh resonated in the quiet room as he opened the book. He started reading, rubbing absently at my feet as he did. I rested back, enjoying the sound of his voice, the stroke of his fingers on my skin. His hand rubbed over my feet, sliding over my ankles and brushing lightly over my shin. The repetitive strokes and his soothing voice had me drifting off.

I startled when I felt myself lifted, and Ashton shushed me when I grunted a mild protest. He deposited me back in the bed, pulling the covers over me as I rolled to my side and curled up.

A soft amused chuckle preceded the brush of his lips to my cheek. "You always curl up so tightly," he mused. "Relax, Kye, know you are safe. Sleep well, my stubborn one."

I vaguely heard him shuffling around the room, drawers opened and closed, although I didn't know what he would be looking for in the empty guest room wardrobe. Maybe Tareth had placed extra clothes in there for me while I was bathing this morn. I smiled at the thought that he might be setting out clothes for me before I drifted asleep.

****

Tareth and I were making our way downstairs towards the dining room the next evening. I'd spent most of the day in the guest room that I was quickly calling my own. I know I had no claim on it, and I was sure once the doctor deemed me sufficiently recovered that I would be given a bed in the servant quarters. I only hoped I could find some way to make myself useful on the estate and earn my keep.

After bathing, I'd dressed in clothes I found resting on the chest at the end of the bed. I had a moment where I considered checking out the wardrobe to see what other offerings there were, but I decided I liked the idea that Ash had picked out something for me to wear last night before leaving.

Ash had appeared at breakfast and again at lunch. I'd spent much of the time in-between staring out the window watching the flurry of activity on the estate. Tareth had arrived shortly after lunch, apologizing for taking so long to come back, but I knew he was busy taking care of the horses and dismissed his apologies. He'd led me out through the maze of the mansion, intent on taking me to meet the beautiful animals he cared for. As we walked down the halls, I couldn't help but wonder which of the rooms we passed were Lord Ashton's. I thought I recognized the slightly ajar door of his study, but I refrained from peeking in so as not to disturb him.

I was exhausted after Tareth's tour, even if it was just of the stables. I enjoyed meeting the stallions and mares. Tareth's excited discourse explaining all that he did clearly showed how much he loved his job. Unfortunately, large animals and I had never agreed much. I think they knew they intimidated me and secretly laughed about it.

Tonight, Ashton had insisted we come down for dinner in the dining room. So Tareth and I had freshened up back in 'my' room before he led me downstairs.

As we entered, only Rowland and Dr. Fulbert were seated at the table, and I was surprised more people weren't there, but then Donnelly and Liam were both still away. Tareth seemed a little nervous as we approached, until the count gave us both a wide smile and waved for us to sit.

"I usually eat in the kitchen," Tareth whispered, explaining his unease. Of course. That made sense. Servants normally didn't eat with their lords.

Of course, that made me wonder why we were now.

"Tareth, please join us. Kye, good to see you up," Count Rowland greeted. He seemed a little pale but in good spirits.

"You as well, sir." I bowed slightly.

He laughed. "Well, Gabriel here has finally allowed me out of my room. I insisted on dining with everyone tonight."

Solid boots clicked on the floor, announcing the viscount's arrival. "Ahh, good, Kye, you decided to come. Thanks for bringing him down, Reth." He nodded greetings. "And Row, I'm so glad to finally see you moving about. Gabriel, thank you for joining us as well."

"Thank you for having me, sir," Tareth said stiffly.

"I expect to see you here more," Ash said easily, startling my brother. "I know most of our staff prefer to eat in the kitchens, but I've never precluded anyone from joining us. And you know I insist on everyone joining together for the Autumn Equinox Celebration each year at least."

Tareth smiled timidly, which seemed odd with how much time Lord Ashton had spent with me—and him—in my current room the last two days. I studied the viscount for a moment, trying to remember how intimidating I'd felt in his presence at first. He was a noble; regal and daunting in his mere existence. But strangely, I didn't feel distressed by his appearance anymore. I had found myself eagerly anticipating seeing him again each time he had to leave.

"Yes, sir."

"And Kye, I would be grateful if you would consider joining us each night as well, if you feel up to it," Ashton added. "Of course, if you don't, I may just have to join you where ever you choose to dine."

Rowland and Gabriel chuckled as I blushed at Ashton's entreaty. Plates full of delicious smelling dishes were brought out by two of the kitchen maids, both smiling and curtsying to their lords. After a short prayer to the gods, we indulged in the heavenly meal while Rowland asked his brother about the state of the manor over the last week during his convalescence.

Most of the talk involved the wagons delivering goods to their tenants as well as a shipment Ashton said was arriving next week with more staple seeds and arms. I'd heard talk like this many times in Barrett's home, and it still didn't intrigue me enough to care. He briefly mentioned they were still hoping Charlie would divulge more information about Barrett—his whereabouts and/or his plans. From Count Rowland's responses, I realized Ashton had already detailed in private my capture—or really, rescue—and subsequent events leading up to Charlie's imprisonment and Richard's demise.

"... I'll leave the day after tomorrow, mid-day, but I should be back late that evening..." Ashton was telling his brother.

Wait, what? He was leaving?

"I don't know why you are going to Huxton's dinner party anyway," Rowland huffed. "You know he's just an arrogant blowhard."

"Because we still need to know where he stands in regards to supporting the Regent," Ashton explained patiently.

Don't go, please, don't go, I prayed to myself, squeezing my eyes shut.

"What?" Ashton and Rowland asked together.

Gods, I'd spoken it aloud—well, whispered loud enough for them to hear me, at least. I glanced down at my plate, swallowing hard. The nobles' scrutiny had me doubting my capability of speaking my mind again. Even though I'd already done so previously without censure from Ash, the count was much more intimidating, just because of the nature of his title.

"Kye..." Ashton urged softly.

The gentle pleading stiffened my resolve not to revert back to holding my silence. I needed to tell him... because I didn't want him going to that horrible earl's estate.

"Don't go," I finally whispered loud enough for them to understand me.

I cautiously peeked up to see Ashton frowning, and Lord Rowland and Dr. Fulbert looking somewhat amused. Well, at least no one but Ash seemed to be upset by my entreaty.

"Why?" Ashton eventually asked, reaching for my hand clenched in my lap.

"He's... he's not a... nice man."

The other men at the table all exchanged bewildered looks.

"Why do you think that?" Rowland pressed.

"Mas—Barrett often visited Lord Huxton. He sometimes took me with him. Mas—Barrett sometimes... a-allowed him to... take liberties..."

Ashton's eyes darkened, his jaw clenching as he cursed under his breath. Dr. Fulbert and Tareth gasped, muttering words I couldn't hear, since I was focused on the viscount.

Lord Rowland narrowed his eyes, but he retained his composed demeanor. "Do you know why Barrett visited the earl?"

I struggled to remember. I didn't like visits with the earl, and I was more focused on keeping their attention off of me. "I'm—I'm not sure."

"Did they talk about the Regent? A rebellion? Arms? Shipments?" Rowland pressed anxiously, and my heart began to race as I tried desperately to focus on remembering.

"Kye." Ashton's hand covered mine gently, his touch instantly calming me as he glared at his brother. "We're just asking what you remember of your visits, of what Barrett might have been doing there."

I nodded, closing my eyes to block out the intense gaze of the count.

"I think maybe he was paying the earl?" I offered helpfully.

"Paying him? With what?"

"I don't know. Mas—Barrett usually brought a wagonload of boxes with us that he handed over to Lord Huxton."

"Fucking hell," Rowland cursed as he and Ashton shared a knowing look. "That's where Barrett is taking the shipments, to the earl."

"But why would Barrett be paying the earl? Barrett is much higher ranked than Huxton. What would he owe a lesser noble for?" Ashton mused before all eyes turned back to me expectantly.

I fretted over an answer for several moments before I tilted my head, suggesting, "Land? The earl gave him some land on the edge of his estate. It was just a little bit of land, with a small house, but we stayed there once or twice a season. But... maybe it was the earl who was paying my mas—the marquis instead, giving him the land for the boxes? Lord Barrett did seem concerned a lot about getting deliveries made on time."

"That actually makes more sense," Lord Rowland agreed. "Huxton probably paid for part of those supplies—our shipments—in land and not just in money. Barrett may be higher ranked, but he was floundering financially for a while. And since the insurgent movement, he's made quite a rebound. We always thought he was reselling our stolen cargo to rebels. Huxton quite probably is a cardinal player within the insurgents. I'd suspect Barrett is only involved for the land and money."

"Land," Ashton repeated, apparently thinking over what I'd said. His eyes widened abruptly as they shot to his brother. "Huxton's estate is to the north. Kye said Richard and Barrett were heading to 'his northern estate,' but officially Barrett doesn't own one. I'd bet the 'northern estate' they were referring to was this holding at Lord Huxton's."

Lord Rowland thumped his hand on the table. "Well, we might know where that murderous maggot went now. If he's there, though, you know we can't go after him."

My eyes bounced between the two brothers. Ashton suddenly looked like he'd swallowed something sour the way his lips twisted in disgust.

"I know," he grumbled. "Huxton keeps a small army at his estate. Since he's near the northern borders, he claims he's worried about an invasion from the Grozdan tribes that inhabit the colder regions."

"If Barrett did take refuge there, and they are on good terms, Huxton is likely to protect him."

"Damn it, Row! I know!" Ashton snapped, banging his fist on the table. I flinched with his show sudden anger that rattled the silverware. "We'll just have to draw the bastard out of his lair then."

"How?"

Nonononono... I didn't want my old master coming anywhere near Ashton or the Sterling estate. If he was hiding himself away way up north, let him stay there.

"We have a cargo ship arriving late next week. Could we get him to make a move on it, if he's not already? If I mention it to the earl at the dinner party, I'm sure he'd pass on that tidbit of information. Barrett wouldn't be able to pass up the opportunity to intercept another cargo load, especially after the last failed one. If he promised armaments and ammunition to Huxton and didn't deliver, Barrett could be desperate now."

"Very true," the count agreed. "But do you think Barrett will come himself?"

Ashton sighed. "That I don't know."

"Yes."

All eyes turned to me again. Damn, why had I blurted that out?

"Why do you think so?" Ashton asked curiously.

"B-Because Richard is dead. He didn't trust anyone else to manage it."

"Hmmm, then it's likely he'll show up himself. That's good. Let on to Huxton that we are short on men, maybe say many of them have fallen ill, and that you are worried about securing our next shipment," Rowland told his brother.

Ashton nodded, smiling again, as he took a long sip of his wine.

I bit my lip. I wanted to protest his going again. If Barrett was at the earl's estate—and it made perfect sense now that he would be—then Ashton could be in serious danger heading there.

"You'll need to be extra careful, Ash," Rowland continued, and I felt a swell of hope that the count might become a voice of reason in their risky plan. "You'll literally be walking into the lion's den."

"I know, but I'll bring my own small army with me. Liam too, if he's back tomorrow."

Dr. Fulbert, who'd listened to the whole debate silently, spoke up. "Won't bringing along a large number of guards put them on alert? You are just going for a dinner party."

"Yes, but with Row's poisoning, I can use the excuse that I have reason to fear for my life," Ashton explained. "And thus need the extra guards as escort. I'll figure out tomorrow who to take."

He should be in fear for his life! I wanted to rail at him for even considering putting himself in danger like that. Didn't he know that he was important? That he was needed and loved by—

"Me," I blurted. "Take me."

"No!" Every man at the table, even my brother, snapped at once.

My jaw dropped at the resounding dismissal of my request.

The men glanced between each other and chuckled at their collective agreement. Ashton turned back to me with a soft smile. "There's no need for you to go with me. You need to stay here, with Row and Tareth and stay safe."

"But I know the estate—"

"I don't need to know my way around the estate," Ashton dismissed my protest. "I'm just going to make an appearance and plant some seeds of information."

I bit at my lip again, knowing it was pointless to continue arguing.

"Well, I believe I'm ready to retire for the evening," the count announced, sliding his chair back. "We'll talk more about this tomorrow, Ash. Good night, everyone."

"Good night, Row."

"I'll follow you up." Dr. Fulbert pushed back his own chair.

"Good night, sirs." Tareth bowed his head slightly in deference to the count before he rose himself. "And you as well, my lord. If it pleases you, I'd like to take my leave and feed the horses after taking Kye back upstairs. I am assuming he will be sleeping in the same room?"

I lifted my brow at him. I hadn't realized there had been even a question of changing my room. I was becoming comfortable there, secure. I admit; I had been a bit afraid at first of being alone in the big room last night. I was beginning to associate it with Ashton's presence, however, which made the unfamiliar room less intimidating. And I had expected to stay there for a little while longer. Surely, Ash would have mentioned last night, or even earlier today, if he were planning to move me.

"Yes, he will be staying where he is. And, of course, you have my leave," Ashton stated. "But I was going to ask Kye if he'd mind a little company," he turned his attention to me, "perhaps another chapter or two in the book?"

Time. He wanted to spend more time with me. "Yes. Yes, I'd like that very much."

"Well, then, shall we adjourn upstairs?" Ashton rose.

Tareth's lips quirked into a knowing smile. "Ah, then perhaps, sir, you could guide Kye to the room, so I may head directly to the stable?"

"If you wish." Ashton inclined his head to my brother with a grateful smile.

I rose too, grabbing my brother in a tight embrace. "Good night, Tareth. I love you."

"I love you too, Kye. Have a good night."

We broke apart and he headed towards the back hallway where the food had appeared from. Ashton's hand landed in the middle of my back as he gestured forward with the other.

"Shall we?"

I nodded. Oh, yes, we definitely shall.