Free Taken and Seduced by Julia Latham Page A

been taught about women? What kind of a curious education had he been exposed to as a child? She decided not to press him yet. The more familiar he became with her, the more he would speak.
    “Women are often very close to one another,” she said slowly. “But my sisters have always been encouraged by my father to count on my assistance whenever they needed it.”
    “But not the other way around.”
    She smiled at him. “I did not ask for much. I was more content with my life than they couldever be. They were far too concerned with finding the proper husband, and what they had to do to prepare themselves for such a hunt.”
    He blinked. “Looking for a husband is like a hunt?”
    She lifted her nose in the air. “There are only so many noblemen to be had, after all,” she said primly, then smiled. “My father was determined to be allied with the best families in England.”
    “But not through you.”
    She shrugged. “I understood. The dowry money was better spent on attracting a viscount for Agnes and an earl for Christina. Matilda, married to Father’s heir, Claudius Drake, will be a marchioness someday. For me, Father has set aside money for the convent, of course, but ’tis hardly the same amount necessary for a marriage.”
    “But with that money, you could have attracted a mere knight, could you not?”
    Those blue eyes she’d once thought of as perpetually cold now studied her. Was he teasing?
    She found herself blushing again. “Nay, my infirmity made such a thing difficult, so Father determined it best that I represent the family in the church. I understood, and I accept it. It will be a better life in many ways.”
    “How?” he asked, straightening on his stool as if in surprise.
    “I am looking forward to the education afforded a woman in a convent. And I will be doing God’s work—not my sisters’.”
    Though he smiled and seemed to mean it, she thought his face almost seemed…stiff, as if he wasn’t used to expressing emotions. How curious.
    Suddenly someone came to a stop in the rushes next to their table. Florrie looked up to see Michael nodding to them, his red hair falling forward over his brow.
    “Sir, there is a problem with the horses. May I have a moment of your time?”
    Adam nodded. “Katherine, please remain here and finish your meal. I will only be absent a short time.”
    And then the two of them were gone, leaving her alone in the public room. It was a novel experience, since she’d never been totally alone with strangers—unless you counted her kidnapping. She continued eating, thanked the server for refilling her cider, and looked at all the people and the way they were dressed. Fascinating.
    Several men began to openly stare at her. She should feel uncomfortable, but she didn’t. She knew Adam would protect her. It was an unusual feeling to have a man’s protection, and she relished it, however temporary it was.
    A plump woman wearing an apron to cover her simple gown stopped near the table. “Excuse me, mistress, but I be Mistress Lingard, the innkeeper’s wife. Your husband had to step away, did he? Do ye want company?”
    Florrie was flustered by the fact that Adam hadn’t assigned her a last name. But of course, she didn’t need to introduce herself. “Mistress Lingard, how kind of you to offer, but I would not want to keep you from your duties. My husband will return in a moment.”
    And indeed, she saw Adam entering the public room. More than one person watched him approach, and she could understand why. He looked imposing and dangerous, a man used to command. Florrie felt a thrill at being with him.
    He gave Mistress Lingard a nod and looked at Florrie. “I regret the delay. Have you finished eating?”
    She nodded and rose to her feet, taking his arm as if she always did. “Mistress Lingard, the meal was delicious. My husband could not stop complimenting your establishment.”
    Adam gave Florrie an impassive look, but she wouldn’t feel guilty for her