Page 42 of The Time Of Queens

I bowed my head and couldn’t help but flick my eyes to Draven to find him watching us. His jaw was tensed as if he was grinding his teeth.

“And how are you liking this part of England so far?” Lucius asked as they started to serve dinner.

It was obvious that Draven was listening intently and therefore not participating in the conversation between his siblings.

“I like it very much, Sir,” I answered, trying to keep my tone light and not as cautious as I felt.

“And is it your first time?” I glanced up at Lucius to find him grinning down at me like some cat playing with a caught mouse.

“It is.”

“Then it is most fortunate that my good friend there brought you with her,” Lucius replied, looking to Pip who said,

“Oh yes! I just don’t know what I would do without Miss Williams!”

I couldn’t help but smile at her.

“I can’t remember if you ever mentioned it, Pipper, but I’m intrigued, for wherever did you find such a rare jewel?”

Draven’s glass banged on the table a little too hard, making me flinch. However, Lucius pretended not to notice as that tilt to his lips lifted ever so slightly.

“Her previous employment was coming to an end, and she was recommended to me,” Pip answered smoothly.

“Well, it must have been high praise indeed to come recommended, pray tell me, who was your former employer?” he asked, making me gulp down my soup as I frantically tried to search my brain for an answer.

“Mrs Patterson,” I said, having no idea where I came up with such a name.

Lucius gave a thoughtful look before saying,

“I don’t believe I know her, which estate was it?”

“Good lord, Lucius, I fear our guest will think this an integration before long,” Sophia said, helping me out after obviously monitoring the conversation.

“I find it odd that such would bother you, sister, for you would normally have far more to say on inviting the hired helpto our table… no offence, Miss Williams, as we are happy to have you here with us of course,” Vincent said, adding this last part after Draven growled his name under his breath.

The sight of his muscles tensing under his dinner jacket had me reaching for my wine glass. Each of the men looked as handsome as usual in the dinner attire, but none more so than Draven. His black suit moulded perfectly to his large frame, as did Lucius’s.

Although Lucius had opted to wear navy, that most definitely brought out the blue in his gorgeous eyes. His blonde hair was tamed back and held there with a thin navy ribbon, making him look more navel in appearance. As if he had just set foot off his own ship, hanging up his captain’s hat before joining us for dinner.

“High praise on my character, brother, I thank you,” Sophia sneered sarcastically to Vincent’s comment, making him scoff a laugh in return.

“In truth, Miss Williams and I have grown close, and I have a fondness for her, as it would be rare to meet one of such strength of character that could match hers,” Sophia replied, giving me cause to grant her a genuine smile and nod my head, telling her,

“I thank you, Miss Draven, for I feel the same way about you… about both of you,” I added, nodding my head to Pip also.

“Indeed, we have become great friends, and I will miss her,” Pip said, slipping up and making Draven straighten in his seat suddenly before snapping,

“Why, where are you going?!”

This question seemed to have us all tense, as a wave of confusion at his sudden outburst travelled around the table.

“Brother!” Sophia shouted, scolding him, but he clearly ignored this as he snapped,

“Well?!”

Pip looked panicked, as if trying to find a reason for her slip up when I decided to say,

“My employment with Miss Fitzwilliam is only temporary, I am afraid.”

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