Free The Bellerose Bargain by Robyn Carr Page B

this will not last long. I cannot let myself learn to love—"
    Before she could finish her statement, there was a loud knock at the door and Rodney looked in that direction. He did not rush to see who called, for he wanted her to complete what she was saying. Love riches? he wondered. Love the fine lodgings? Servants? Lord Seavers?
    "The door, Rodney," she said. "Shall I?"
    "Allow me, madam," he said, turning toward the door. Alicia was close behind him, curious about the visitor. They found the same servant that had directed them. "His Majesty has many appointments and bids you be comfortable until he can come to welcome you himself."
    "My lady would be pleased to go to the king," Rodney offered. Alicia listened raptly, these courtly manners intriguing her. Certainly she would be pleased to go to the king, but it had not occurred to her to offer.
    "He has no time to see her now and the wait could be a long one," the servant replied. "Take your leisure and he will come when there is time."
    Rodney faced Alicia again when the man had gone and the door was closed. "You were saying, madam?" he questioned.
    She laughed lightly. "I just heard that the king is coming to call and you expect me to remember what I’ve been saying?"
    "Understandable, madam. You’ll be needing some things that I can send for if you’ll be all right alone here for a time."
    "Will Lord Seavers be coming here soon?"
    "I think not, lady. You see, he does not know you yet."
    A strange and almost victorious look crossed her eyes. She glanced around the room and a smile played on her lips. "That’s right. He does not know me yet."
    Rodney studied the expression and recounted the words of just moments before; her declaration that she would not allow herself to be attached to any of this—any of these people. Floating around in her mind somewhere, Rodney guessed, there was more hope and fight than she would admit to or allow to be seen. And he reckoned it was not the fine furnishings or the prestigious position she was aiming to secure for herself. He thought perhaps this young woman before him, now an unblossomed rose, sought the love of a man and the commitment that could accompany it.
    "I imagine there will be a formal introduction," Rodney said, unable to suppress a sly grin. Alicia merely lifted her eyes in his direction, showing little, saying naught. "Do your worst," he advised in a knowing way.
    "Kind sir," she returned indignantly, covering her inner longings as best she could but concealing them from Rodney very poorly, "I assure you I shall try my hardest to do my best."
    "I am Lord Seavers’s man, madam, and he depends on my loyalty, but there is a thing I would have you know: I would not betray him or lie to him, but whenever you need my aid, I am your servant."
    Alicia’s heart grew soft and pliant as she luxuriated in a fatherly concern, the likes of which she had not known before now. "I promise you, sir, I intend only to serve Lord Seavers as faithfully as you do."
    Rodney nodded and departed, and Alicia took a moment to wander around her splendid new abode, touching the rich coverings on the furniture and turning full circle to take in the four walls and ceilings of every room. When she finally paused in her tour, she did so before the dressing table and mirror in her large bedchamber. She pulled pins from her hair and let the shining tresses fall to her shoulders. She reminded herself that there was work to be done on her stylishness, but what she saw in her reflection now, for once in a decent mirror that did not mar her complexion, was pleasing to the eye. And she would pay close attention to the ladies, learning from them how to make the most of her appearance.
    She smiled at the new face—rosy cheeks, light lip paint—and the clean, shining hair falling in thick curls about her shoulders. Charlotte Bellamy would certainly be recognized as fair of face, and with the proper clothing her figure would be greatly enhanced.
    "Everyone