Page 32 of A Husband for Esyllt
Connor smiled. “No danger of that. To my knowledge, he has none. In fact, I have never seen him with a woman.”
Esyllt could not hide her shock at that piece of information. Matthew, leading a chaste life, or as near as? She found it impossible to believe. “Really?”
“Yes. That is not to say he doesn’t meet any, of course, but he has never introduced anyone to me or even mentioned anyone special.”
That was surprising. Whatever she thought of his gruff manners toward her, there was no denying that a man as well-favored as he was would appeal to the ladies. Why, she had been struck by his appearance herself, until his golden good looks had been eclipsed by her husband’s brooding intensity. Even Branwen, who never remarked on men’s appearance, had commented on it.
And now she was told that he was, if not exactly a monk, at least discreet enough to hide his conquests from the brotherwith whom he shared everything. It was unexpected to say the least.
“And doyouhave by-blows?” she asked, heart in her throat at her own daring. But since Connor had not thought it relevant to inform her that he was a widower, she had no choice but to ask directly if she wanted to know—and she dearly did.
There might be dark secrets lurking everywhere with this man who was still a near stranger.
Green eyes pinned her in place. He had not liked the question or what it implied, but after a while seemed to conclude that it was only fair of her to ask the question and that he owed her an answer. His expression softened. “No. I do not.”
His sincerity could not be doubted. Esyllt nodded in relief. But then... “Wait. I’m sure Matthew said you?—”
“What the hell did he tell you?” Connor cut in with a snarl.
She recoiled at the violence of the outburst and did not have the courage to reveal what his brother had said. “N-nothing,” she stammered.
But it was not nothing. Matthew had definitely told her that Connor could only fathergirls. Plural. Perhaps she had read too much into it. Perhaps he’d only meant to unnerve her by alluding to possible illegitimate offspring, or even lied outright. She wouldn’t put it past him. Stirring trouble between his brother and his unsuitable Welsh wife would have been Matthew’s intention all along and she would allow him to win.
“It’s nothing,” she repeated, cursing herself for having spoilt the moment. They had been physically and emotionally close, they had almost kissed, they had rejoiced in their daughters’ happiness. Why couldn’t she have left it at that?
Something flashed in Connor’s eyes. Anger? Wariness?
“As long as itisnothing. I will not have you casting aspersions on my character—or Matthew’s. We do not go aroundtaking our pleasure with women and then leave them to deal on their own with the bastards we have fathered, do you hear?”
His voice had acquired a rough edge Esyllt had never heard before. Apparently the topic of children was a sensitive one with the Hunter men. She gulped, now convinced that there was indeed a dark secret somewhere. Nevertheless, she knew she would never have the courage to ask now, or perhaps ever.
“I have to go and find the girls,” he told her, eyes still glittering.
“Yes.”
Good luck to him. The two giggling friends were probably safety holed away in a dark corner by now. It would take him forever to unearth them.
When Connor left, Esyllt realized that she had completely forgotten why she had been making her way to the great hall, so she stayed where she was. Her legs were too weak to support her anyway.
A moment later she heard Siân’s shriek, betraying the fact that the girls had been found out. The sound pierced at her heart. Her daughter had never sounded happier, or more carefree. A rush of gratitude toward Connor washed through her.Hehad done that, by bringing Jane to Castell Esgyrn and being the benevolent, mischievous father figure her child had never had.
And then it struck her.
If she let him, he could also be the fiery, sensual husband she had never had.
The rest of the day was spent in a haze. The scene in the bailey kept playing in her mind. The moment she had thought Connor would kiss her, the anger in his eyes when she had mentioned possible children, her daughter’s shrieks of laughter. Everything melted in a confused mess. What did she feel forhim? What did she want to do now? Was it even her choice to make?
Before going to bed, as was her custom, she went to say good night to Siân. More than ever, she needed to see that her daughter was safe and well before settling for the night. It might bring peace to her soul.
The door opened just as Esyllt was reaching out for the handle. She froze. Connor stood in the frame, gilded in the light of the candle she was holding. As he was one step above her, she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze. Intimidated by his looming presence, she flattened herself against the stone wall.
“I came to say good night to Siân,” she said unnecessarily. Why else would she be here? Her daughter was the only one sleeping in that room. Or... Was she? She frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to say good night to Jane.”
“Jane? But she... She’s not sleeping here.”
Connor sighed. “I know she was given her own room, but she insisted she would sleep with her new best friend from now on. I did not have the heart to refuse her, so I agreed. I found the two girls asleep in each other’s arms just now.”
