The Consolation Prize (Brides of Karadok #3) - Alice Coldbreath Page 0,79

fact she was a princess? It occurred to her, as she picked up her wine goblet, that Armand had not seen fit to inform anyone in Derring of the fact, and with sudden clarity she remembered the King telling her that the De Bussell family had always been loyal to the Argent cause.

She set down her wine unsampled. Very likely his father would be horrified at the news, she thought hollowly. And they barely seemed to be on amicable terms as it was, quite apart from this fresh blow. She bit her lip and noticed that Otho was regarding Fulcher through narrowed eyes as if he too harbored suspicions as to the man’s motivations in turning up at Lynwode like this.

After supper, Armand announced he and Fulcher had some private business to discuss, so Una retired upstairs alone to the solar alone for an hour or so. She could not settle and instead made a mental list of the fabrics they would need to refurbish faded household items and tried not to dwell upon whatever business her husband could have with the nefarious looking Fulcher.

Hearing a tread on the stairs, she looked up quickly, but it was only Rose, offering to play for her entertainment on the harp. Una declined, feeling it would only set her feelings further on edge and Rose looked disappointed.

“I expect you played for your former mistress every night?” Una guessed, watching Abelard emerge from her skirts to approach Rose for a fuss.

“Oh yes, my lady,” she beamed, stooping down to pet the little dog. “She said it soothed her nerves as well as any tonic.”

“I’m sure it did. How are all the new servants getting along? I expect it must be a big change for you to adjust to.”

“Oh, they have all been vastly busy. I have scarcely had speech with any of them apart from Janet. She says we should finish polishing the plate by tomorrow evening.” Rose looked a little doubtful.

“I think that new housekeeper starts with us tomorrow,” Una commented, and Rose colored hotly, bending over Abelard to hide her face. “Do you know her Rose?”

Rose shook her head. “I scarcely know anyone in the village, my lady.”

Looking at her dejected attitude, Una thought it better to let the subject drop. “I wonder if you could have some hot water sent up to my bedchamber, Rose. I believe I will retire early tonight.”

Rose looked grateful for the excuse to flee and ran off immediately. Una made her way along to her bedchamber holding her candle before her, while her dog followed along behind. She paused at one point, hearing footsteps above. She glanced up, but of course, could see nothing. Could Armand have taken his guest up to the attics? And if so, why?

It was about an hour later that he came to bed, carrying his own jug of washing water with him. Una lay quiet as he hurriedly stripped and washed and then climbed under the covers beside her, blowing out his candle.

“Are you asleep?” he asked quietly.

“No,” Una admitted, rolling onto her side to face him. “Is everything well?”

“Of course.” She heard the frown in his voice. “Why would it not be?”

She hesitated. “Did you … show Mr. Fulcher your strongroom?”

She heard the rustle of Armand’s pillow as though he’d raised his head. “Why do you ask?” His words sounded rather brisk and Una bit her lip, hoping she’d not offended him. “It’s just that, I hope you do not trust this man overmuch, Armand. Mr. Fulcher seems a very wily sort and you have such a sweet and sunny disposition. I do not want him to take advantage of you.”

A stunned silence met her words. Una peered anxiously into the darkness. She had offended him, she thought with a pang. She knew men could be rather sensitive about any perceived weaknesses. “You must understand that I do not say this as a reflection on your judgement,” she carried on quickly. “I just think you have a lovely nature and need to be on your guard.”

Again, she was met with blank silence. “Armand?”

“Una,” he groaned.

“I did not mean to imply—”

“Please don’t say anymore,” he begged. “I don’t know if my self-esteem could stand it.”

Una shifted toward him in alarm and reached out her hand to his face. “I have upset you,” she said, immediately contrite. She stroked his cheek. “Indeed, I meant no offense. You have been the best of husbands to me. I am sure you have known this