“Thank you,” she said. Jude nodded as he slowly tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
“Tis I who should be thankin’ ye for all that ye’ve done.”
“It wasn’t anything, Lord,” she said, “perhaps we could go somewhere else?”
“Such as?” Jude asked glancing around the open courtyard.
“Do you happen to have a library? I would so love to see your collection of books.”
Jude smiled as he extended his hand to the door. “Follow me.”
Cleopatra smiled as she moved back through the line of stalls. Pulling in a deep breath she took in the hints of jasper and cinnamon from the spice cart. Her eyes skimmed over the small trinkets that shimmered from the brioches that were laid out for all to see.
“Daenae be too disappointed when ye see the room,” Jude said. “I doubt I have as many books in me library as yer Faither does.”
“Does not matter the number of volumes you have,” she answered. “But I’m hoping you have new ones for me to read. It would be a tragedy to have to read the same ones again.”
There is something amiss here. Clearly, he is up to something. He has not spent any time with me since we got here, and yet, it seems as if he is trying to make me as comfortable as possible.
Oh, dear, I am not leaving this place, am I?
12
Jude’s heart fluttered as he led Cleo into the library. He wished more than anything to be able to read her mind as he pulled open the giant oak doors. Keeping his eyes locked on her, he smiled when her mouth popped open as she stepped into the room.
“All of these belong to you?” she asked as she scanned the large room that was filled from floor-to-ceiling with books.
“Aye they do. Do ye like them?”
“It’s more than I have ever seen. I didn’t know that one man could own so many books, have you read them all?” she asked as she turned to Jude. There was no denying the fact that he was thrilled by her expression. It seemed as if the whole room got brighter with her smile.
“Heavens, nay,” Jude said shaking his head. “Most of them were me faither’s. Me maither was an avid reader, much like yerself. He started the collection for her and now, they are yers.”
Cleo’s eyes widened as she shook her head slowly. “I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be right.”
“I insist. After all, ye’ll need books to teach Hugh. So, take yer pick.”
“You mean it…” Cleo paused and drew her eyes to the walls lined with books. Jude couldn’t hide the smile on his face as he stepped closer to her and reached out, touching her shoulder.
“Are ye all right?” he asked as he noticed tears swelling in her eyes.
“My father never allowed me to enter his library, let alone take any of the books. I always had to sneak in to get them and return them before he noticed they were missing. Yet, here you are, freely allowing me to read?”
“Forgive me,” Jude said tilting his head to catch her eye. “But if yer faither was so horrid to ye, why do ye want to go back to him?”
“It’s complicated,” she answered wiping the tear that slipped from her eye.
“I see,” Jude said stepping back from her. His heart tightened as he straightened his shoulders.
She has a sweat heart. That could be the only explanation of why she’d want to return.
Of course, she would. After all, she’s lovely and cunnin’. She must have a few admirers that are missin’ her. I’ve been selfish to keep her here. But then, what of her faither, the Earl? Did he nae practically hand her to me with nay further quarrel?
“Now it is you who looks distraught,” she said turning her attention to Jude. “Will you tell me what’s ailing you?”
“Tis nothin’,” he said pulling his eyes off her and trying to focus on the dust floating in the beams of light that trickled through the window.
“I can see something is bothering you,” she said. His heart quickened as she placed her hand on his forearm. The worry in her eyes caused him more pain that it should have.
How can she be so cruel to be leadin’ me on in such a manner? Or maybe, she’s just bein’ kind and I’m mistaken her kindness for somethin’ more. Oh me, she does smell lovely though.
“I was just thinkin’ about this room is all,” Jude lied as he stepped away from her and moved to the floral couch and sat down. Crossing his legs, he dropped his head into his hand and sighed.
“Does it hurt you to be in here?” she asked moving to him.
“Nay,” he said drawing his eyes back to her. “It is filled with so much love. When me parents wed, me faither built the bookshelves and over the years, he offered her a new book for every month they were together.”
If her heart belongs to another, I swear, I’ll bring her back home, despite her faither’s wishes.
“That is very romantic. It sounds as if your father really loved your mother,” she said sitting next to him.
“Aye, he did,” Jude said stealing a glimpse of her from the corner of his eyes. “And what of ye? Have ye found a love? Ye ken of me past wife. Any suitors that fancy yer hand back home?”
Cleo dropped her head and focused on her nails. Jude watched her chew on her lower lip as she pulled in a long, deep breath.
“No,” she answered. Jude couldn’t believe the relief that lifted off his shoulders. It took all he had not to jump from the couch with excitement. “My father never introduced me to anyone,” she said. “The only ones missing me are the rabbits and the squirrels that frequently visited me in the forest where the ruins were.”
“So, there’s nay one
