Page 42 of While Angels Slept
“I left her at Thunderbey to protect her, Geoff. You had no right to bring her to Rochester and put her in peril as you have. This entire area is under threat. You know this. God only knows what could have happened to your party on the open road.”
Geoff simply shook his head, a smirk on his face. “You worry like an old woman. Arabel needs the adventure of travel. You keep her caged like an animal.”
Tevin nearly took his head off for that remark. He was rather pleased that he had held himself in check. In lieu of saying something that could very well anger his cousin, he simply turned his back on him and scooped his daughter up into his arms. She beamed at him brightly.
“It’s so good to see you, Father,” she laid her head on his massive shoulder. “I have missed you very much.”
“And I have missed you, sweetheart. What an unexpected treat this day has brought.”
“Will you show me Rochester now?”
He gave her a little toss, listening to her squeals of delight. “Ofcourse I’ll show you this behemoth of a fortress if it pleases you. You’ve come all this way and I’ll not disappoint.”
“Are you angry with me?”
“Of course not.”
Behind them, Geoff snorted. “What about me? What thanks do I get for reuniting father and daughter?”
Tevin cast him a long glance, letting him know that he was still mightily displeased. But he was, in fact, very glad to see his daughter. He could feel himself relenting. “My thanks for bringing my daughter safely to Rochester, Geoff.”
Geoff grinned and winked boldly at Arabel. She just smiled, her spindly arms wound around her father’s neck as if to never let him go. The two older maids that had tended Arabel since birth brought along the chair and followed close behind as Tevin took her on a brief tour around the hall.
“So now you see the great hall of Rochester,” he looked up to the soaring ceilings and the two massive tapestries that hung near the gallery of lancet windows above. “This place is like a damn cathedral.”
“Father!”
“Sorry.” He pursed his lips contritely. Arabel was quite correct in reprimanding him for his harsh language. “Outside to the left are the kitchens and a massive kitchen yard. And above us are two more levels with chambers.”
“Where is Val, Father?”
Tevin’s brightened mood dimmed. He knew Geoff was somewhere near them, wondering if he had heard the question. Although his cousin knew that Val fought as a knight, he’d not said anything about her since his arrival and Tevin did not want to bring up the subject. He squeezed his daughter gently.
“She is not here at the moment.” He continued back around the hall and headed for the entrance with the intention of going outside, but Arabel stopped him.
“Nay, Father. I want to see the chambers.”
“Upstairs?”
“Upstairs.”
Tevin dared to look around, then, to see if Geoff was still around. His cousin was seated on the table near the hearth, tearing apart of piece of bread and chatting with one of his knights. He was far enough out of earshot that Tevin felt he could speak with confidence.
“Do you remember what I told you about Cousin Geoff and Val?” he asked quietly.
Arabel wasn’t stupid. She nodded after a moment’s contemplation. “Aye,” she said hesitantly.
“Then I would ask you not to mention Val when he is about. He likes her, too much, and we do not want to be put in a bad position because Cousin Geoff cannot control himself. Do you understand?”
Again, she nodded. “I am sorry, Father. I did not mean to say anything wrong.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “You did not, sweetheart. But we must keep Cousin Geoff away from Val.”
“I know, Father. Where is she?”
“Upstairs. You must keep this secret. Can you do this?”
She nodded eagerly. “I would see her, please!”
