Page 64 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

“Then stop staring, or he’ll cut off your bollocks,” said the other.

“Aye,” Stephen grumbled.

Maddie entered the inn, chuckling, but stopped short to gasp. Low-beamed ceilings sloping in all directions created the cozy nooks and crannies occupied by patrons.Have a seat and warm yourself, the roaring flames in the wide inglenook fireplace seemed to say. Men, mugs in hand, reclined on the wooden benches built into the space on either side of the hearth.

She took in every carving and embellishment in the woodwork. Despite their age, the patterns in the worn rugs maintained their beauty and the faded tapestries remained elegant. With each step, the floorboards creaked, reminding her of the building’s age.

She passed by two stairways to reach the marble Bard of Avon. As she climbed, the steps groaned beneath her. How many individuals had traveled up this ancient path? The building’s rich history filled her with awe, and the man she was about to share the experience with, warmed her to the core.

A blue lantern had been painted on the first door in the corridor. A yellow on the second. Upon finding the red, she unlocked the door and entered the low-ceilinged room.

No wonder the chamber had been labeled with a red lantern. Everything in the room was shades of wine, burgundy, and crimson, from the velvet counterpane covering the four-poster bed to the draperies, rugs, and wall hangings. The flames in the hearth crackled, and a lone lantern burned bright.

There was no time to dally. She peeled off her gloves and unpacked her satchel. It was easy to relieve herself of the male clothing and riding boots. Her stays took more effort. But since she was determined, she made quick work of the laces. After sliding her silk nightdress over her head, she looped the pink ribbon beneath her breasts into a bow. She removed her hairpins, brushed her hair, and applied perfume. A quick peek in the mirror, a few pinches to darken her cheeks, and she was ready. Please let her look so beautiful that he would fall deeply and truly in love.

He had asked her if she believed in destined souls. Did this mean he thought they were meant to be together? Because that sounded like love to her.

A knock on the door startled her. Her momentary jumpiness was probably a product of her excitement because, of course, Stephen would knock. She had the key. She flitted to the door, opened it wide, and beamed.

An older woman with round cheeks and a button nose looked over Maddie’s shoulder to peer into the room. “Hi, miss,” she said, her voice cheerful. “I’m Mrs. Bennett. Mr. Bennett and I own The Rustic Lantern. Your husband said ye haven’t eaten, so I fixed ye a tray. Cheese, bread, cider, roast beef, and biscuits.”

Maddie’s mouth watered at both the food and the mention of herhusband.Let the woman think they were married. It was a delightful prospect.

“It looks delicious. Please set it there.” Maddie pointed at the nightstand.

Mrs. Bennett wobbled across the room to place her offerings beside the lamp. The tray, much too large for the surface, hung out over the edges of the furniture. Hopefully, their nighttime gymnastics wouldn’t knock the food onto the floor.

Mrs. Bennett turned, and her gaze slid over Maddie. Since her nipples probably poked through the silk, she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Upon my word, I ain’t never seen such a lovely nightdress. Look at that pretty satin bow,” declared Mrs. Bennett. “Why, ye look like a princess.”

“I had it designed to look like anà la négligéthat I saw inLa Belle Assemble.” Maddie hadn’t intended to sound pretentious, but it had most assuredly come out that way.

Seeming to take no offense, Mrs. Bennett smiled. “Ooo la la.” She flicked her wrist, fanning pretend flames.

The innkeeper’s wife had buckets more charm than the aristocratic women visiting her uncle.

“Where is yer husband?” Mrs. Bennett asked.

“My husband, Stephen,walked the horses to the stables.” The words danced over her tongue with a comfortable ease.

“My, oh my. He’s such a fine gentleman. And so handsome.” Girly affection filled Mrs. Bennett’s sigh.

Maddie’s heart fluttered. “Yes. He is.” She retrieved a coin from her pouch and pressed it into Mrs. Bennett’s hand.

The innkeeper curtsied and bowed as she stuttered out a half-dozenthank yous. “And ye are a fine lady. What a superior couple ye are.”

Anxious to be alone with Stephen upon his return, Maddie attempted to scoot the woman toward the hall.

Mrs. Bennett was not to be dismissed easily. With a wide-legged stance, she planted herself in the center of the room. “I’ll fix a tray for yer servants too.”

Was she referring to Myrle and Diggins dressed in livery?”

If Maddie was famished, poor Myrle must be ready to roast and devour Diggins. He might rip one of the timbers from the ceiling, shove it straight through the crown of the bald man’s head, and hold it over those massive flames in the main room. He’d spin his Diggins-kebab as he licked his lips. And then, Stephen would never find the buried book. Maddie could not allow that to happen.

“Yes, please. They have large appetites. They each require their own tray.” Maddie retrieved another coin from her pouch and gifted it to the grinning woman. “And forgive our staff for any impertinence.My husbandand I do our best to rehabilitate wayward criminals by giving them a chance at a better life. These two have been quite the challenge. Oh, and if you have apples, could you make sure they each get a few.”

“Mister Stephen is handsome, kind, and generous. Why, he could be a prince or a duke. Or mayhap even a soldier.” Mrs. Bennett tapped her heart as she backed into the hall. “I like soldiers the best. And ye is definitely one of them American princesses.” She halted the closing door with her foot. “Mr. Bennett picked a basket full of apples just this morning.”