Page 48 of Seductive Secrets (Secrets of the Heart 2)

“As they should,” agreed Conrad.

“Lady Willow, I don’t believe you have been searched yet. Nor Lochwood’s sister,” said Lord Beaufort.

“Me?” Willow looked up in surprise. “Lord Beaufort, surely you don’t think I had anything to do with the disappearance of the ruby?” She picked up the goblet and took a sip of wine.

“I can search her for you,” said Conrad, almost causing her to choke on the wine when she heard him. She coughed, and Sir Chester patted her on the back.

“I’m sure Lady Willow and Lady Hazel don’t really need to be searched,” said Lord Beaufort’s wife. “After all, they are nobles and Willow is your ward, Walter.”

“Nay, I insist we be searched just like everyone else,” said Willow. “Shall we do it now, so wagging tongues don’t start rumors?” Willow stood up, and Sir Chester jumped to his feet as well.

“Sit down, Willow,” said Conrad under his breath. “No one thinks you’re a thief. Now, eat your meal.”

“I’m no longer hungry,” Willow retorted, not liking the fact Conrad was telling her what to do. “Sir Chester, if you don’t mind, will you escort me back to my chamber?”

“Me, too,” said Hazel, jumping up as well, followed by Sir George.

“Now, now, I don’t want my meal interrupted,” said Beaufort. “I’m sure it can wait.”

“Conrad, I’m not feeling well,” said Hazel. “Will you walk me back to the room?”

“I’ll do it,” said Sir George, putting his hand on her shoulder.

“I’m her brother. She’ll feel more comfortable with me.” Conrad climbed the dais to help his sister. “Willow, are you coming?”

“Me?” Willow saw this as an opportunity and didn’t want to waste it. If Conrad was with Hazel, she could be alone with Sir Chester and try to figure out if he was the thief. “I haven’t eaten yet.”

“You just said you weren’t hungry,” Conrad reminded her.

“Well, I’ve changed my mind.” She sat back down.

“Fine. I’ll be back for you.”

As soon as they left the room, Willow sprang into action. “Sir Chester, would you like to go for a stroll?”

Chester was just spooning some stewed rabbit onto his trencher, and his hand stopped. “Now? But the food is just being served.” He looked like a man who liked to eat, so she was sure he wouldn’t want to miss a meal.

She had to convince him to go with her now. If she waited until the meal ended, Conrad would be back and be watching her like a hawk. It was her duty to her late queen and her country to use her skills to find out the answers she needed. Boldly, she placed her hand on his arm and looked deeply into his eyes. “I thought you wanted to get to know me before the competitions are over.”

“There will be plenty of time for that after the meal,” said Sir Chester, taking a bite of the stew and making a slight moan of delight.

“I’ll go with you, Lady Willow,” said Sir George, now sitting by himself since Hazel had left.

“I’d like that very much.”

Sir George got up, but Sir Chester jumped to his feet as well. “Nay, I’m taking her.”

“I’d like to get to know both of you,” she told them. “Perhaps all three of us could go for a stroll?”

The men chuckled.

“I’ve never strolled with three before,” said Sir George.

“Neither have I, but I’m willing to try it,” added Sir Chester.

“Great! We can make it a threesome,” said Willow, noticing the lustful looks on the men’s faces. “I mean, a walk with all of us,” she corrected herself. Taking hold of one man’s arm on each side of her, she strolled across the great hall and out the door. They were about to take her outside, but in order to know if they had the ruby, she would have to search through their things in their solar.

“Where would you like to go, Lady Willow?” asked Sir George.

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