The Secret Kiss of Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page B

passed several startled customers and sat down at one of the tables. Her groom, a young, nervous-looking man, hovered behind her until she told him to be seated. He looked as though he would have liked to protest, but was too much in awe of her ladyship to remonstrate with her.
    A serving girl approached her respectfully and bobbed a curtsey. ‘My lady? What can I get ye, ma’am?’
    ‘Ale for my groom and a mug of your best cider for me, if you please.’
    ‘Right away, m’lady.’
    Eliza looked around her with interest, her beautiful eyes seemingly taking in every detail of the establishment. She smiled at the other customers, who were regarding her with a mixture of awe and consternation, and nodded at them. Their mouths fell open in astonishment. This was the first time the new Lady Marcombe had ever ventured out of her eyrie and into the village, and they didn’t know what to make of her. Not to mention the fact that no one had thought to see her set foot in a common inn with only her groom in attendance.
    Jago watched from behind the counter and deemed it time to intervene. He took the tray of drinks from the serving maid and carried them to the table himself, bowing low to her ladyship.
    ‘Lady Marcombe, you honour us with your presence.’ He straightened up and gave her a warning look as he set the drinks down on the table. She gazed back innocently, and then he noticed her eyes open wide in startled admiration when she caught sight of his eyes. He knew their clear blue colour was a marked contrast to his otherwise dark looks, and he was aware, without being vain, that women found the combination attractive. They’d told him so. Eliza continued to study his face and smiled again. Perhaps she liked what she saw? A frisson snaked down his back. It shouldn’t matter to him, but it did. Lord help him, it did. He wanted her to like how he looked, not just what he could make her feel.
    ‘Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jago Kerswell, owner of this inn.’ He bowed again.
    ‘I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr Kerswell. Would you care to have a mug of cider with me and tell me a bit more about the inn and the village? I fear I have been very remiss in not visiting before and I would like to make amends.’
    It was a highly irregular request, as he was sure she was well aware, but coming from her it sounded innocent enough. She had courage, he had to give her that. He knew what she’d really come for, but at least she had brought a chaperone of sorts and she’d acted as prudently as possible under the circumstances. Just as well, for he felt sure this incident would be reported back to Sir John upon his return. It must never happen again.
    ‘Certainly, my lady. I would be honoured.’ He pulled up a stool on the other side of the table, as far away from her as possible.
    For the next half-hour he sat with her and told her all about the village and any amusing anecdotes he could think of, and all the while he revelled in her smiles. At such close quarters and in daylight she was exquisite, like one of the porcelain dolls he’d seen in a shop window in Exeter once. She played the gracious lady to the hilt for the benefit of their audience, with just the right note of condescension in her voice, but he knew it was all an act. It wasn’t the real Eliza, because he had already met her.
    Finally, when she obviously realised she couldn’t possibly stay any longer, she nodded to the groom and said, ‘Hobbs, would you be so kind as to ready my mare for me, please?’ The tone was imperious, brooking no argument, even if the groom had been so inclined.
    ‘Yes, of course, my lady.’ The young man, who’d remained silent during the entire visit, jumped up to do her bidding, and Jago was alone with her at last, out of earshot of the other customers.
    ‘Meet me tonight,’ she whispered so quietly only he could hear her. ‘Please, Jago?’
    He nodded, stood up and bowed to her again. ‘It has been a