Free Spirited Away by Cindy Miles Page A

bloody strength? The more he met with her, the more he wanted to meet with her again. And again. Besides, what about the quarter finals? Of course he couldn't meet with her.
    Damn his arse.
    "Aye. Mayhap for a short spell. I am very busy. You can always confer with Jameson. He knows a great deal regarding the castle's history."
    She nodded. "I don't want to be a nuisance. But the more you have to offer, the more I'll have to offer." Turning, she began taking more photos.
    Now. What was he to say to that? Not what he wished. He cleared his throat. "Yes, well. I'll do what I can. In the meanwhile, I've Dreadmoor business to attend to." Which he didn't, but that was a fact she need not be aware of. Before she could answer, he turned and made for his very unimportant Dreadmoor business.
    A cool breeze brushed Andi's cheek as she walked through the kitchen's double doors. "I forgot to ask you this morning. Did you light my fireplace last night, Jameson?" She glanced at her watch.
    Three thirty. She'd been surveying and recording for six hours.
    The aging butler spared her a glance. "Yes, my lady, I'm afraid I did take the liberty of doing the like. 'Tis a dreadfully drafty place, the castle. Even in the summer months, the north of England is a tempestuous place." He cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow. "I take it you made headway with your tasks this morn?"
    She crossed the floor and sat down at the kitchen table. "I did, actually. All the photos have been taken of the remains and area, and I began the recording. I've got to note every grain of dirt, every rock, and every misplaced bit of tree bark surrounding the exposed soil."
    Jameson raised one gray eyebrow. "I see you've been busy. But you mustn't make a habit of missing tea, Dr. Monroe. You're passing thin as it is."
    As if in response, her stomach growled. "I guess I got busy and forgot." She smoothed the tablecloth before her. "Lord Dreadmoor came out and viewed the area."
    The other eyebrow shot up. "Did he, now? Were you able to gain any more information regarding the Dragonhawk legend? I daresay if anyone would know, 'twould be Himself."
    Andi shrugged. "I think I annoyed Himself, actually. Although he halfheartedly agrees to meet with me for information, he seems to do it with reluctance. I did find out he has the original plans of the castle, which I've been given permission to examine. I didn't have time to ask him about the shield in my chambers, though."
    "Ah, well, I can enlighten you somewhat." Jameson placed a plate before her. "I do hope you like egg and dill salad with mayonnaise on wheat?"
    She nodded. "Absolutely. Thanks." Lifting the packed sandwich, she took a bite. Yum.
    "Of course. Now. 'Twas the original Dreadmoor's war shield, passed down from the centuries. Quite a sturdy piece of armor. You can feel the battle notches carved in the wood."
    Wiping the corner of her mouth with a white linen napkin, she met his gaze. "The original Dreadmoor—that would be the infamous Dragonhawk, right? I discovered that fascinating detail earlier, but I'll be sure and ask him about the rest this evening."
    Jameson cleared his throat. "I daresay you must have made quite an impression on him."
    Andi took a sip of tea, placed the mug down, and eyed the steward. She crossed her arms over her chest. He knew something, and she wanted to know what. "Okay, Jameson. Give it up." She rapped her fingertips on the tabletop, awaiting his answer.
    Jameson slowly turned. The bored expression on his face gave nothing away. "Give what up, my lady?"
    Andi raised an eyebrow. "He is not a typical English lord—not what I expected at all." She pinned him with a stare. "Himself. I want to know about him —and why he doesn't want to talk to me."
    The corners of Jameson's mouth twitched, just a bit. He straightened his already straightened jacket.
    "Yes, of course. Lord Dreadmoor—"
    "Oh no. His name is Tristan." She smiled. "Tristan what?"
    The collar of Jameson's coat rustled, as if