And just when his lips almost brushed against hers, she took a big step back, then swung the rake round and under his feet so quickly and unexpectedly that he lost his footing, flew backwards and hit the ground—hard.
‘What the blazes did you do that for, woman?’ He made a face, scowling as he rubbed the back of his neck.
She raised her chin imperiously. ‘Next time you wish to flirt and carry on with other women have a care not to do it in my presence, will you?’
Eleanor threw the rake down next to him and started to stride away.
‘So, you were jealous—and I was not flirting or “carrying on” with anyone!’ he called after her, getting slowly back on his feet.
‘I may not have the appropriate maidenly manners, but I do know that you, Hugh de Villiers, are being obnoxious and ill-mannered,’ she threw over her shoulder. ‘But then you have been both of those since we left Tallany.’
‘Is that so, my lady? I beg pardon for my abominable behaviour,’ he mocked.
She threw her arms up in annoyance. ‘I don’t even know why you agreed to me coming on this godforsaken journey to this godforsaken place. Oh, I wish I was back home.’
Hugh caught up with her. ‘I’m sure you do, Eleanor. And Lord knows what it is that you get up to when you are “back home”—as you so affectionately put it.’
‘Have you had too much to drink, Hugh? I don’t understand your meaning,’ she retorted. ‘And, yes, everything I love and hold dear is back home—it’s also where I belong!’
He grasped her by the arm and pulled her round to face him again. ‘Is it, now?’ he said, in a low voice filled with barely suppressed anger that surprised and confused Eleanor. ‘Have you wondered why I have kept away from you? Why I have not spoken to you in the same manner as before?’
‘Why don’t you enlighten me, my lord?’
‘Very well—but not here.’ He grimaced as he let go of her arm and took her hand, marching her towards the guest quarters of the castle. ‘This way.’
‘Where are you taking me?’
‘Back to your chamber—and you had better dismiss your women for the night, as what I have to say to you will not require an audience.’
They walked into the building adjacent and connected to the main castle, which overlooked a pretty herb garden, its blend of evocative aromas permeating the night air. The only sounds that sporadically burst through the silence were the calls of owls and other nocturnal birds and animals in the distance.
Eleanor dug her heels into the ground and stopped walking. ‘Why don’t you just say what you want to and leave me be?’
‘Not here, when anyone could be eavesdropping. Now, come,’ he said. ‘And I can tell you something, Eleanor Tallany, your prowess with defensive weaponry is not your only talent.’
‘Oh? And pray tell me what other talents I apparently possess?’ she hissed.
‘With pleasure, my lady,’ Hugh growled as they reached her chamber.
He swung the door open, surprising Eleanor’s women, who were busy with needlework, seated around the hearth, waiting for their mistress’s return from the hall.
Eleanor gave Brunhilde a small smile and indicated with a nod of her head that she wished for her and the others to leave them. Thankfully her maid understood. They all curtsied one by one and left the chamber.
She turned and raised her chin. ‘Well? What is it you have to say to me, Hugh?’
She took off her veil and the silver Tallany circlet and placed them carefully on a trestle table covered in one of Brunhilde’s blended woven tablecloths. The deep crimson, mauve and evergreen were the colours of Tallany and a reminder of home.
‘I wanted to wait until later, Eleanor. This confrontation is not something I wished to face yet,’ he said, rubbing his jaw.
She tried to steady her fingers as she took the pins from her hair. They trembled uncontrollably at his ominous words, and her heart was hammering fast in her chest.
What did he mean?
‘Eleanor?’ he said quietly. ‘Let me help you with that.’
His voice had lost all trace of the annoyance and anger it had held only moments ago. He had probably noticed her weakness as she was unbinding her hair.
Dear God, what was happening? Did he pity her?
‘Thank you, but no. I don’t need your help.’
She glided her hands through her dark locks, making it cascade down in waves. She was ready now for whatever he had to say. She turned to face him and swallowed down her anguish as she straightened her spine and squared her shoulders.
She knew what was about to come.
She’d always known that a man like Hugh would eventually feel like this about her and her ‘talents’, as he put it. How could she ever have thought that she would be able to hold the interest of this man? A man who would naturally be attracted to someone like that blue-eyed beauty with her melodic voice and perfect manners. Hugh had only ever married her out of duty, and it wasn’t as if either of them had wanted this union.
Eleanor was headstrong, sharp-tongued and highly opinionated—everything a man, any man, would despise. She had always known this about herself, but it was who she was, and she was not about to change. Not for anyone!
‘What is the matter, Eleanor?’ he muttered, moving towards her.
She took a few steps to one side, wanting to avoid his inquisitive gaze.
‘Nothing. Just say what you want and leave,’ she said, fiddling with her mother’s cross around her neck.
‘You have tears in your eyes,’ he said, somewhat in disbelief. ‘Why?’ He frowned.
She rolled her eyes. ‘You were right the first time, Hugh. I’m angry and upset.’ She turned to face him, shaking her head. ‘I knew what I’d got with Richard Millais; he was a man who had no bounds to the cruelty
