Page 92 of The Noble Servant

“Do you think your uncle knows we’re in Wolfberg?” Magdalen put her arms around herself, resisting a shudder.

“He at least suspects it. We should be extra quiet and careful. And if he comes looking up here, we will hide under the floor.”

She recalled Lord Hazen’s arrogant face. The man would do anything to keep Wolfberg, she was quite certain. He would not hesitate to murder the true heir.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Steffan watched Magdalen as she sat on the floor of the round tower room stitching up a tattered blanket and alternately looking out the window at the beautiful view.

How long would they be alone together in this room? It was getting more and more difficult not to tell her his feelings. And yet, part of him never wanted this time to end. But when help arrived, it would end. It could happen any day. Lord Thornbeck could come riding up to the castle with all his guards and soldiers. The guests would arrive soon as well, and Steffan would expose his uncle for the evil schemer that he was—if his uncle didn’t kill him first.

“Tonight I’ll go look in one of the tower rooms for my portrait.”

“Is that one of the places you played as a child?”

“Yes, but I don’t know if it’s the place Jacob meant. It could be a place I no longer remember. It could be anywhere.”

“I want to help you search.” Magdalen’s green eyes were placid but intent, her lips full and perfect.

“You are very beautiful. Honestly, I was surprised when Lord Thornbeck did not ask you to marry him.”

She laughed, her eyes sparkling as she covered her mouth with her hand. The sound of her laughter made his chest expand.

“I cannot say any handsome young men have ever asked me to marry them, except for one earl who later broke our betrothal when he realized our copper mines had run out. And your uncle.”

“I am sorry that happened to you. Please forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive. You did not create the misunderstanding. Lord Hazen did.”

“Yes, but—”

“Do not give it a moment’s thought. Besides, even though I will no longer need to get married, I shall be in high demand by impoverished noblemen everywhere, as soon as they hear that our mines in Mallin have iron ore.” She smiled triumphantly.

She was right. The thought of those impoverished noblemen caused heat to rise up the back of his neck. How dare they look at Lady Magdalen as a means to wealth? She was so much more than that. She was brave and kind and compassionate. They wouldn’t be able to appreciate her ... the way he did.

Still staring down at her mending, she said, “I suppose you will be glad to finally have your house all to yourself again when your uncle is defeated and your cousin is sent away.”

He thought for a moment. “Now that you say it, it will be rather sad.”

She looked up at him. “Why?”

“My grandmother is dead, as well as Jacob, and my uncle has dismissed all the servants that I knew and depended on. And I will also miss you very much ... when you’re gone.” His chest constricted just saying the words.

She looked down again. “I should think you’d be glad to get rid of me. I must be a reminder of a terrible time in your life.”

He stepped toward her. “I have enjoyed every minute I’ve been with you.”

She stared at him, her mouth open. She said quietly, “I have enjoyed every minute with you too. I thought you were a bit unkind at times, but you’re not.”

“You thought me unkind?”

“But you are not.”

“Why did you think that?”

“I suppose it was because you were very angry when I first saw you. And because you said you never intended to marry for love.”

He sat back. “Is that why you were shouting at me before Agnes came to force you to work inside the castle?”