breasts tapering to a slim waist. And then the loose breeches she wore in favor of hose. Now he knew why. . .
Dear Lord, do not turn around, woman.
The curve of her delicate buttocks stirred him to arousal. If she turned, Alex would be lost. To his relief—and slight disappointment—she entered the water before giving him an even more scandalous view. Alfred, or whatever her name was, reached up and removed her hat. It was the first thing he’d noticed about her, a cap styled similarly to those usually reserved for servants. It covered more of her head than was typical. And, of course, the smudges of dirt that were ever-present on her face.
Dark hair, either brown or black, he could not tell in the darkness, spilled onto her shoulders and stopped just below them. She did turn then, to toss the hat onto the shore, and Alex got a glimpse of her freshly washed face. Though the features were still imperceptible, he could see enough to chide himself for a fool.
She was not only a female, but a damned beautiful one. Slim enough to pass for a boy, though not so slim that he could not imagine himself running his hands along every one of those lovely curves.
A gentleman would have turned away the moment he realized what was happening.
Clearly, he was not a gentleman, for Alex couldn’t look away. Her transformation from a young squire to this curvaceous, sensual woman had so startled him that he did not even consider the matter of why until she turned away. The questions came quickly, one on the heels of the other. Why the ruse? Why would a woman wish to train as a squire?
His breath caught as she once again emerged from the water. She stood before him, utterly naked, unquestioningly female. Still hidden among the bushes, Alex watched as she pulled clothing from her sack and began to dress. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Should he confront her now? Nay, he would learn what he could from Toren first. If his brother knew the truth, then her purpose for disguising herself as a lad posed no threat to the clan. If that were the case, mayhap he would have a bit of fun with this revelation. Granted, she was an Englishwoman and therefore off-limits to him. Even still, the day promised to be an interesting one.
With a final glance back at his female squire, who was now fully dressed, bent by the river washing clothes, Alex set off to find his brother. By the time he made his way to the main keep, the castle inhabitants were just beginning to stir. Alex sent a maid to fetch Toren, who was none too happy when he entered the great hall.
“Alex Kerr, if Brockburg is not under attack—”
“Walk with me.” His tone quieted his brother, who, in a state of half-dress, followed him down a winding staircase to a chamber typically occupied by the steward during daylight hours. But the steward was likely still abed, and though servants had already lit the chamber, it was still mostly dark due to a lack of outside windows.
Alex closed the door behind him and turned to Toren.
“My squire,” he said, “is female.”
One glance at his brother told him what he needed to know. Goddamn it, Toren already knew. “So that’s why you defended her yesterday in training,” he said.
“We vowed not to tell anyone. Including you.”
“We?”
“Juliette is the one who discovered her secret at Bristol. The girl was terrified of discovery. So much so that she fled after Juliette learned her secret. She only reappeared as we prepared to ride here.”
Not only had he known the truth all along, but Toren was wholly unapologetic.
Alex felt his body tensing. He crossed his arms and waited for a real explanation.
“We made a promise, Alex. I don’t break my word.”
“Admirable.”
His brother had nothing further to say, apparently.
“So let me assure you,” Alex said. “That is no ‘girl’ you brought from England. She is very much a woman. What am I to do with an Englishwoman who poses as a lad? Did she tell you why?”
He uncrossed his arms and began to pace the room.
“Alex, you’re not marrying the girl. Just training her. She’s capable in many ways. I told
you, she served me well in Condren. Let her prove it to you.”
He stopped in front of Toren. “Why does she disguise herself so?”
When Toren hesitated, Alex threw up his arms in disgust. “You don’t know. Toren, have