Page 19 of The Masked Baron
Andalin glanced at the closed door before she trusted herself to speak. “Is he as violent as people say he is?”
Lord Kerrigan held back a laugh with his fist. “He is the finest swordsman in the country. But do not mistake it. He might look fierce, but he has had a gentleman’s upbringing.”
Andalin put her fork down and scowled. “I have had a deprived upbringing by contrast. What does it mean? Does it mean that one of us is more honest, more charitable than the other?”
Lord Kerrigan’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “You’ve made a good point. If Cadogen is violent, it is only with just cause. Does that clarify my blunder of words?”
Andalin studied his sincere expression. “I only ask because I have not known him long. I would like to ascertain his true character.” A thousand questions about Ellis bounced in her head, but she needed to tread lightly if she wanted to befriend Lord Kerrigan. “How long do you think you will be at Braitwood Hall?”
“I leave the day after tomorrow to attend to business. I will return in two weeks to escort you to your first ball.” He gave her a disarming smile. Andalin tried to imagine what her first ball would be like. She didn’t even know how to dance. “How about that ride to Terrence Hill today?”
Now it was her turn to smile. “I would enjoy nothing more. I will go upstairs and change into my habit straightaway.”
Lord Kerrigan stood. “Excellent. And I will inform Cadogen of our plans.”
As hinted earlier, Birks was asked to be their chaperone, seeing as none of the women knew how to ride and Andalin had never seen Ellis venture outside in daylight. It seemed some parts of the stories of the Dark Rider were true.
While they rode, Birks kept his distance, allowing Lord Kerrigan and Andalin to converse freely. Andalin peppered her companion with questions about his life. And in return for his openness, she shared some of her background with him.
It took an hour’s leisurely ride to get to Terrence Hill, but not nearly as long to ascend to the top. The magnificent view of grassy knolls dotted with sheep seemed to breathe into Andalin new perspective. She could barely see Braitwood Hall; the gray stone blended right into the tall trees of the Black Forest. Her new home radiated with age and unique history. She had to pull her eyes away, feeling a strange sense of belonging she was not ready to accept. Opposite of the manor, directly below them, lay Thornton Way. It was larger than she imagined, and she wondered if any of the stores carried Papa’s glassware.
“Can we ride into town?” Andalin asked hopefully.
“No, Cadogen would have my head,” Lord Kerrigan said. “Your safety is of utmost importance.”
It was wishful thinking on her part. She cast one last look at the town, which appeared to be quite normal. “Would I truly be unsafe?”
Lord Kerrigan pointed to the rooftops in the distance. “There are few gentlemen who reside in town. I assure you, Thornton Way is not the friendliest place. There are too many taverns and not enough churches, if you know what I mean.”
“And too many who think of Lord Cadogen as the Dark Rider,” Andalin blurted. She covered her mouth. “I hope I did not cause any offense.” Lord Kerrigan’s face bore an unreadable expression, but Andalin wondered if there was a touch of sadness in his eyes.
“Miss Durante, masks bother people. They do not like what they cannot see. If you wore a mask, I daresay stories would circulate about you. As a society, we are afraid of people who are different from us. Cadogen is different, so they target him.”
“But you trust him?”
Lord Kerrigan straightened his hat. “I trust him. But I don’t think you do.”
Andalin looked away, pretending to study the scenery. Her conscience was pricked, but how could she trust him? She realized she didn’t fear him like she had initially. Although he was still intimidating in his own right, there were still things about him she yearned to understand.
Was it just the mask? It separated them in more than just a physical sense. He seemed to be hiding more behind his mask than just scars. He was elusive. Of course people would be afraid of someone who hid away and only came out at night.
“Like I said this morning, I am trying to understand him. I don’t think I can trust him until I know more of his character.”
Lord Kerrigan shifted in his saddle. “Yes, I think I might be the same way if I had not known him for so long. Just be careful with how much you delve into his life. There are some things better left buried.”
Too much was left unsaid in his warning. It was just another Cadogen secret to drive her mad. She nodded when he looked at her, despite her misgivings.
“I approve of Cadogen’s plan to help you make a good life. He has a good heart, and this will help him to get his mind off the past. Try to be patient with him.”
Andalin thought about Ellis’s threats of what would happen if she did not find a husband in a year’s time. It had bothered her in the moment, but she was beginning to think his threats were all a bluff. “Will Lord Cadogen ever marry?”
Lord Kerrigan shrugged. “If he were to fall passionately in love, which is possible but unlikely. He keeps his heart guarded under lock and key.”
This proved Ellis’s threats to marry her had not been serious, thank heavens. “Has he ever come close to falling in love?”
Lord Kerrigan laughed and shook his head. “You are full of questions. I think I have already betrayed too much about my dear friend. You must interrogate him yourself. I’m afraid my tongue has been too loose in your company. Cadogen will start wondering whether he should trustme.”
Andalin bit her lip. “I’m sorry. My father says I am curious by nature. As far as Lord Cadogen is concerned, he has a very loyal friend in you. I am sure he would not be disappointed in anything you have said.”
