like to play games?”
He nodded.
“What games do you like to play? Spillikins? Battledore? Bilbocatch? Marbles? The house is well stocked, and you and I shall amuse ourselves however you wish. Or if you prefer, I can read to you. Would you like to stop by the library and choose some books?”
He nodded. “My father used to read to me, but he doesn’t any more.”
“Perhaps he will start again soon. He is a very busy man. However, I am sure you are always topmost in his thoughts.” She grabbed one of the smaller candelabra to light their way as they walked to the library.
The halls were kept well lit, an extravagance permitted while the marquis remained with them. But there was little activity. The house was big and empty now that the family was not in residence. Taffy ignored the eerie chill running up and down her spine, not liking that so many parts of the house were unoccupied.
She would speak to the housekeeper about adding a few more footmen here and there.
She hid her trepidation and distracted the boy by keeping him engaged in conversation. All the while, she maintained a sharp eye out for any moving shadows. Her heart raced at every corner turned.
Perhaps she was being too cautious, but it was in her nature. In all likelihood, this enemy was not hiding here, lying in wait. It was too soon. The marquis had only arrived a short while ago. Who was to say his assailant even knew where he was?
Still, she kept a small step ahead of young Rafe in order to shield his body from anyone springing out at them. All was quiet and they reached the library without incident. She did not think the villain would be in there or even be able to approach the house unnoticed until well after sundown. But she took nothing for granted. “Let’s pick out a few books,” she suggested. “What stories do you like best?”
He shrugged.
“Let’s choose a few. Do you like swords and magic? Knights on horses? Sailing ships?”
He nodded in response to all of these suggestions, so she picked out four books because that was as many as she could tuck in one arm while she held the candelabra in the other. “My hands are full, Master Rafe, so I cannot hold your hand as we return to your bedchamber. But I would like you to grab onto my apron strings while we walk. Will you do this for me?”
He regarded her earnestly. “Yes. Can we read the story about the boy and the sword first?”
“Yes, of course. It is an excellent choice.” She knocked lightly before entering the guest chamber since the boy shared it with his father and she did not wish to walk in on him unannounced, especially if he was disrobing.
That would be quite something.
She was not unaffected by his good looks. And to see him without his clothes? She’d probably swoon. Certainly drop the books on her toes. The candelabra, too. And now, she could not even think about the bed without taking a deep breath. Rafe would be sharing that grand four-poster with the magnificent man.
The maids were already in a flutter over him.
More than one comment had been made in passing about wishing it was they, instead of the little boy, sharing that massive bed.
Taffy frowned when her heart began to flutter. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t the one going to slip beneath the covers with the marquis. He’d already told her that he was not the sort to romp with the maids on staff.
This ought to have put her mind at ease, but his honorable nature only made him more attractive to her. The laird was a gentleman and respected those who were lesser in stature.
Did the man have any flaws?
She knocked again, this time louder, and cautiously led the boy in when no one responded. After setting down the books and candelabra, she did a quick turn about the room, checking the large wardrobe, peering under the bed, and behind the drapes.
“What are you doing?” the boy asked.
“Just looking around.” She retrieved the boy’s nightshirt and woolen socks from the wardrobe and set them on the bed, then poured water from the ewer into a basin. Wash cloths and soap were neatly set out beside the basin.
She washed the boy’s hands and face, especially his hands since they were sticky from the honey cake, and then helped him out of his clothes into his nightshirt. He