The Bellerose Bargain by Robyn Carr

her. Her eyes were lowered and looking at Seavers. She studied his face carefully and it tugged just a bit at her heart. She had not liked his behavior, but he was actually more amusing than frightening. Beneath his thick hair the color of sand and wheat, his closed eyes looked peaceful. They sported thick, dark lashes, but she clearly remembered the green color. They had sparkled with excitement, delight, and fury, all within the short span of time she had dodged his arms. And the arms—though clumsy, as they clutched at her they were not cruel or careless but strong and gentle. Aside from the drunkards who had lunged at her when she served at the Ivy Vine, there had been only one other pair of arms to hold her...and those had been strong and demanding. Culver Perry was at least as handsome, possibly more so, but there was nothing as boyish and comfortable about his face and body.
    This man, she thought, is appealing in many ways. He is handsome and strong. And though he had not been kind or compassionate, neither could she be sure that he was vulgar and mean. Perhaps when he was not swelled with drink he could be tractable... even loving.
    Her lips curved in a half smile and she felt moisture come to her eyes. What would it be like to have a man like this actually love her?
    "Did he hurt you, maid Alicia?" Rodney asked softly.
    "No," she whispered. "But ‘tis truth that he said he did not want me for his bargain." She looked up into Rodney’s kindly eyes as her own were quickly welling with emotion. "He said I wouldn’t do at all."
    "That was more the ale talking than the man, lass. He’s a bit plagued by the circumstances, but he’s not one to purposely hurt a woman. Even one he does not like." By the way she lowered her eyes, Rodney could see that she could not easily quell her disappointment. She believed the bargain was no longer being offered. "You had your heart set on a fine home and decent clothes."
    Alicia looked up at him again, and for a moment she made no response. As she considered his statement, she remembered that her hundred pounds would certainly buy more in the way of lodging and clothing than she might ever have had as a farmer’s wife. That would not be taken from her. But her spirit was drained by yet another rejection. There had been so very many in her short lifetime.
    She almost had to laugh at herself. He had stumbled into her room drunk and presumptuous, looking like a criminal, and yet the fact that he found her an unsuitable maid had hurt her. And further recollection made her see that she had not been at all terrified of him but just cautious of his intent. She thought perhaps she had been immediately taken with him. Sometimes she didn’t understand herself at all. He was drunk, outrageous, and insensitive. Had she simply liked his face?
    A low moan came from the injured man. "Yes," she said to Rodney. "I had great hopes for the riches you promised me."
    The manservant frowned slightly. Her answer lacked a convincing tone. He puzzled at her manner. This did not fit the proud image he had of her. In his mind he suspected that Geoffrey had already pinched at the maid’s heart, even in his clumsy first impression.
    He moved to the groaning man and lowered himself to look at him closely. Over his shoulder he addressed Alicia. "Eat something, lass, and have patience with my cloddish master. The game is not played out yet."
    With a sigh, she picked up her utensil and stared into the plate of stew.
    "Once you have some decent clothes and the benefit of grooming, I wager he’ll thank us both for this opportunity."
    She chewed thoughtfully on a mouthful. Then she swallowed and returned her knife to the table top and looked earnestly to Rodney. Her eyes seemed cleansed of misery and held only rueful acceptance. "I’m a foolish wench, sir. I’ve long held to a hope that one day I’d meet someone who would look beyond my poor style of dress and lack of legitimate family name—and still find me