Lady Thief - By Rizzo Rosko Page 0,48
not have the hold on her emotions that she thought she did.
The larger man shook his head in the direction Blaise had left in before addressing William. “I do not know why ye let the boy get away with being so cruel to ye.” He said before staring down at Marianne in an equally meaningful way.
Marianne heard what was not said. The large man also did not understand why William allowed her to rant and rage at her husband like she did, and truthfully Marianne did not know the answer either.
Marianne feared William would speak of her behavior as well. His silence was equally accusing.
Wishing to take the attention away from herself, she puzzled over why the larger man would mention Blaise in the first place when all he did was storm off. She heard Blaise say naught of William when she stormed in. She deducted that he must have been speaking ill of William’s skills before she arrived.
Wishing to redeem herself for her wicked display, she spoke loudly with both arms crossed. “From what I have seen William is improving his swordplay splendidly.”
Both men had the good grace not to mention the sudden change in the subject, nor that she had never seen William spar previously to know whether he truly improved or not. Still, a pleased grin appeared on William’s face.
“Marianne, my dear, might I introduce you to my brother in spirit, Lord Bryce of Ironside.”
Marianne curtsied politely, blushing and wondering if it made a difference in his opinion of her now that he’d seen her in a rage.
The man had a bright smile hidden under his gnarled hazel beard. “I knew ye’d be plenty o’ fun. Said so myself, even Nicholas figured ye’d have a fiery spirit. Hugh thought Will had gotten ye with—”
“Quite enough, old friend,” William interjected, but ‘twas too late, Marianne knew what Lord Ironside was about to say. Her face blazed.
She decided the best course of action was no action at all and said naught. She pursed her lips and smiled, though the smile she gave suggested she was trying to hide lemon juice in her mouth.
“I pray that I have not ruined your practice, you may both continue if you wish.” Though that would not stop her from demanding a real explanation from William as soon as his guest was out of the way.
“I do no’ think so, milady,” Said Bryce, turning his attention back to William. “I think we are better to start this again first thing on the morrow.”
William nodded. “Aye, I have some other work that could be seen to while I wait for our next match.”
Bryce snorted and shook his head. “Don’t know how ye manage to sit there like that, adding numbers all day,” he poked the pointed end of the wooden sword at William’s chest and jabbed him. “‘Tis no wonder yer skills are lacking.”
William slapped the sword away, but Marianne could see that he took no offence to the comment.
Bryce turned to the stables, where his horse waited for him.
“Will you not stay the night and have some supper?” She offered, not sure if she liked the idea of letting a guest leave without being fed, as she was certain no well bred lady would allow.
Bryce turned at the mention of food. “I canno’ cheat a beautiful woman like yerself out of one o’ yer spare rooms when I live just an hour south, but if ye’ll be so kind, I would love to stay for supper.”
***
The man ate more than a pack of starved wolves and had the manners to match, but Marianne could see why William enjoyed having him as a friend. She could sense they had a genuine liking for each other that truly was brotherly. When they spoke to each other it was without any formalities.
Marianne was glad to meet him, his jolly humor and inappropriate jokes of both his and William’s clumsy boyhood made her forget that James stood several feet behind her. She now wished to meet the other friends William hid from her, because Bryce was correct, William did spend most of his time in his solar. Marianne was glad for someone other than herself who wanted him to spend time outside of that stuffy room.
When they bid him farewell Marianne was shocked to see that he hadn’t even brought any men for protection, just a single horse.
“Ye need no’ worry fer me. Who would try an’ rob me? I’m huge and look like a beggar.” He waved