Naamah's Kiss - Jacqueline Carey [55]
"Eh?" I blinked. "I thought you disapproved of her affairs."
"Well, yes, but…" She laid a hand on my arm. "You're very young, dear. And, how shall I say it?" She patted my arm. "Unsophisticated. There are discreet and tasteful ways to conduct such matters."
"Why?" I asked. "Elua and his Companions didn't seem to concern themselves thusly."
Lydia hiccupped. "Blessed Elua cared naught for crowns or thrones," she intoned.
Florette gave her a sharp look. "Are you intoxicated?" she hissed. "Oh, Elua have mercy, you are!"
"I'm not," her sister replied with dignity, listing a little in her seat.
I helped Florette d'Aubert maneuver Lydia up the stairs to the chamber they shared, then bade them good night and beat a hasty retreat to my bedchamber. I waited until I heard the sound of snoring through the thin walls before I summoned the twilight and stole out of the inn.
Lamplight spilled through the chinks in the wall of the stable. Inside, I found Theo reading. There was a small jug of wine and two cups beside him.
He lifted his head and smiled at me. "Seeking refuge, are you?"
I smiled back at him. "I am."
"I hoped you might." He rose and lifted the lantern, hanging it carefully on a hook. "Come, then."
I went to him.
* * *
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
"They're not so bad," Theo said drowsily the next morning when I complained about the prospect of another day in Florette and Lydia's company.
"They're insufferable," I informed him.
"Ah, now." He cupped my face and kissed me. "They're ladies of a certain age with naught else to concern themselves in life. In their minds, they're doing you a kindness by correcting your manners and preparing you for life in the City."
"That doesn't make it any more pleasant to bear, and I'm perishing sick of hearing about the Queen." I had a thought. "May I ride with you?"
Theo shook his head. "It's not done, Moirin."
"No?" I brushed the straw from my dress and donned it. "Well then, if it's not done, I'll just wait for the next coach. There should be one along in a few days, aye?"
"Oh, fine." He sighed. "Just don't be surprised when the gossip turns to you." He gave me a wry look. "Though I imagine that's bound to happen anyway. You didn't, ah, mention your heritage to them, did you?"
"No. I thought they might take it amiss."
"Doubtless," he agreed.
To be sure, the good sisters took my decision to ride atop the carriage beside Theo amiss. I did it anyway and I was glad. The terrain began to change from cultivated land to a pleasant mountainous wilderness. The valleys were lush and filled with oak and chestnut trees, while the heights had plains covered with fragrant heather and tough, scrubby broom. I breathed deeply, happier than I'd been in days. Theo smiled at my pleasure. In turn, I admired his skill with the coach and the way the muscles of his forearms shifted as he handled the reins.
"Is it hard to do?" I asked.
"It takes some practice," he said. "There's a knack to it. You've got to have a good feel for the horses' mouths."
Much to my delight, he showed me and let me try. Once I'd mastered the complicated technique of holding the reins in my left hand, I thought I could almost manage. I could feel the horses respond to my guidance and I knew instinctively to give them their heads on an upslope and keep them in check going downhill.
"Well done," Theo said approvingly. "Once you learned to use the whip, I daresay you'd make a passing fair driver."
My arm was beginning to ache with the strain. "'Tis hard work." I handed the reins back to him. "Is the whip truly necessary?"
"Only to direct them." He arranged the reins in his hand. "It's not used to punish—"
"Hold!"
A pair of men with scarves wrapped around their lower faces stepped out from behind a rocky outcropping ahead of us. One held a loaded crossbow aimed at Theo, who swore softly and drew rein. "I've naught of value, only passengers!" he shouted. Inside the coach, I heard shrill cries of alarm.
"The girl's got a goodly purse. I heard her say so myself." He glanced at his companion