Free [The deBurghs 07] - Reynold De Burgh: The Dark Knight by Deborah Simmons Page B

she had first caught sight of him in the road, she had thought of him foremost as a possible saviour. He had been more hero than person, larger than life, untouchable. But as the days passed, she had come to know him a little and like him even more.
    ‘Lord de Burgh,’ Ursula called, rising to her feet. The older woman certainly had changed her tune. At first wary and full of warnings about him, Ursula doted on him now. And who could blame her, for when had they seen the likes of such a man? Even his voice was seductive, a hint of hoarseness making it exotic and compelling, as he answered her greeting.
    Unfortunately, Ursula did not stop there.
    ‘Come sit by Sabina,’ she urged. ‘I have found a cushion to make the chair more comfortable.’ Walking to the seat next to Sabina’s, Ursula patted the thin pillow invitingly, and Sabina cringed.
    Lord de Burgh shook his head, moving past the chair that had belonged to her father to the long bench on the side of the table. No amount of cajoling could entice him to take the seat that stood beside her own, one of a pair intended for the master and mistress of the hall. Andwhen Sabina saw a muscle leap in his jaw, she was moved to action.
    ‘Lord de Burgh is our guest, Ursula, and may sit wherever he likes,’ she said in a tone that put a stop to her attendant’s nonsense.
    Sabina was going to have to speak to the woman about what could only be interpreted as increasingly clumsy efforts at matchmaking. At first Sabina had let it go because she was glad to see Ursula acting like her old self, a giddier version of the frightened creature her attendant had become. But it had gone too far and for too long. Not only did all that flittering and flirting make Sabina uncomfortable, but Lord de Burgh’s expression became even more shuttered.
    For Ursula could not be more misguided. During the week since his arrival Reynold de Burgh had been unfailingly polite, but cool and distant. He showed no interest in Sabina whatsoever, and why should he? He might be married or pledged to a high-born lady with more riches and lands than Sabina could imagine. He was doing a duty here, nothing else, and obviously longed to return to his home and his life, where he was not thrust into awkward situations by a foolish old woman.
    Trying to ignore her own embarrassment, Sabina cleared her throat again. ‘Good morning, my lord,’ she said. ‘Will you break your fast?’ Although she gestured toward the table, Sabina knew there was little there to tempt him. He was probably used to fine dishes, a variety of meats and exotic spices that Sexton Hall could not have offered in the best of times. Now, they were living off what little stores were left.
    ‘Just some ale, perhaps,’ he said, with an eye to the limited provisions, and Sabina flushed. Yesterday, their guest had scouted the area around the village and returned with some hares for their dinner.
    ‘You must eat more, to keep up your strength, my lord,’ Ursula said, with a sly look.
    Sabina sent her attendant a quelling glance. Was the woman intent upon driving him away? His expression was not encouraging, and Sabina tried to think of a way to divert him, to change his grim features, to prevent him from saying something she did not want to hear.
    ‘Adele, please bring some cheese and ale. No, is there any wine?’ Sabina asked, as Urban and Alec entered the hall, Peregrine the squire not far behind.
    Lord de Burgh shook his head, and Sabina’s heart sank as he gazed directly at her. ‘Mistress Sexton, I need to speak with you.’
    Sabina’s pulse began pounding even as a protest rose to her lips. But she swallowed it and met his gaze, for he deserved no less. ‘Yes, my lord, what is it?’
    Before he could answer, Ursula spoke, drawing Sabina’s attention. ‘Come, Urban, I have need of you,’ the older woman said, motioning to her father’s man as if to lead him away. Sabina could only eye her attendant askance. Did Ursula think Lord