The Viking's Touch. Joanna Fulford
No.’ Her face reddened. ‘I mean I will take care.’
Gently she disengaged herself from his hold and was relieved when he made no attempt to stop her. Rather he spoke about the ship, pointing out various aspects of her design as they went. Anwyn relaxed a little. In front of them she could hear Hermund patiently answering Eyvind’s questions. Wulfgar surveyed the pair for a moment.
‘The boy has an enquiring mind.’
‘Enough for half-a-dozen children.’ She smiled fondly at her son. ‘He has really come out of his shell.’
‘He was not always so forthcoming?’
‘No.’ She hesitated. ‘His father was overly strict with him. It made the child shy and fearful.’
He thought he detected anger beneath the quiet tone and was suddenly curious. ‘Some firmness is essential, but a child should not be afraid of its father.’
‘My late husband was not a patient man.’
‘I see.’
Anwyn had no wish to talk about Torstein. He was a part of her life she wished to forget. Accordingly she changed the subject.
‘Do you have sons, my lord?’
He should have been expecting that, but it caught him unawares. ‘No.’
‘A wife?’
‘No.’
He did not elaborate and something about those succinct replies forbade further inquiry. Perhaps the life of a mercenary was incompatible with domestic ties. Such men took their pleasure where they found it. She shivered a little. Had he ever taken a woman by force? Almost immediately she rejected the idea—a man like this would never have a problem getting women to share his bed. Her experience was limited, of course, but she guessed that most would not object. That thought led to others, unexpected and disquieting. Quickly she looked away lest he should read her face.
‘We have trespassed on your time too long, my lord. We should go.’
‘I think it is we who trespass,’ he replied. ‘All the same I cannot regret that we did.’
Anwyn smiled. ‘Nor does my son.’
‘And you, my lady?’
‘No, of course not.’
They reached the gangplank and he stepped up ahead of her, offering his hand once more. Strong fingers closed over hers. The touch sent a charge along her flesh. When they gained the beach once more she called to Ina and Eyvind. They rejoined her and the whole group walked back to the horses. Anwyn half-expected that Wulfgar would take his leave of them then and remain. However, it seemed that was not his intention.
‘I must find out how work is progressing on the yard,’ he said.
Anwyn nodded. ‘Of course. We have kept you away too long already.’
‘It was a pleasant interruption.’
‘I am sure that Eyvind will talk of nothing else for days.’
They remounted and rode slowly back to the homestead. The tension that Anwyn had felt earlier was missing now and she felt a little ashamed of her suspicions. You suspect … I might carry you off? The idea should have been abhorrent. Pirates took slaves to sell them on. I wouldn’t sell you. The implications of those words should have been abhorrent, too, but the thoughts they engendered were rather different. The realisation sent a flush of warmth through her entire being. Mentally giving herself a shake, she reflected that Lord Wulfgar had been amusing himself at her expense. Moreover, if he had intended harm he would have done it already. In spite of his avowed profession there was much about him that did not seem to fit the conventional image of a mercenary. It was something of a mystery, like the man himself.
Chapter Five
Her buoyant mood lasted until they reached the pale and she saw the horses waiting outside the hall. Recognising them, her heart sank.
‘Ingvar,’ she murmured.
She and her companions scarcely had time to dismount before half-a-dozen men emerged from the hall with Lord Ingvar at their head. For a moment he surveyed the little scene and then hurried forwards to meet her.
‘Lady Anwyn. I came as soon as I could.’
‘Is something wrong, my lord?’
It seemed to throw him for a moment, but he was quick to recover. ‘I refer to what happened yesterday. I can only apologise.’
‘Grymar has already done so.’
‘It is meet he should. He is fully aware of my displeasure.’
Anwyn had no doubt of that. ‘I knew he had exceeded his authority.’
‘It is deeply to be regretted.’ Ingvar paused. ‘Of course he meant well. He knows how much care I have for your safety.’
‘I was never in danger, my lord.’
‘He did not know that at the time. When he saw a warship and her crew he feared the worst.’
‘His fears were quite unfounded. The ship was damaged and put in for repairs. When they are completed it will leave.’
His eyes narrowed a little. ‘You have given permission for this?’
‘That is correct.’
‘Was that wise, my lady?’
‘I should not have done it if I had thought otherwise.’
‘No, of course not.’ He paused. ‘All the same …’
Wulfgar spoke up. ‘Lady Anwyn has nothing to fear from me, or my men.’
Ingvar looked beyond Anwyn’s shoulder, apparently noticing him for the first time. There followed a tense and silent mutual appraisal.
‘Do I infer, then, that the ship is yours?’ asked Ingvar.
‘You do.’
Anwyn interjected quickly. ‘This is Lord Wulfgar. He and his men are my guests for a few days.’
‘Indeed?’
‘As you can see, my lord, there is not the least occasion for alarm,’ she continued.
‘I am relieved to hear it. You know the depth of my concern for you.’
‘Yes, I believe I do.’
Ingvar turned to her companion. ‘I hope you will forgive the unfortunate incident of yesterday, Lord Wulfgar.’
‘No harm was done, my lord.’
‘My men were overzealous,’ Ingvar continued, ‘but that is because they know the extent of my regard for the lady.’ He possessed himself of her hand and pressed it to his lips.
A muscle twitched in Wulfgar’s jaw. ‘Perhaps you should exert tighter control over your men.’
‘As I hope you will do over yours.’
‘My men are not in the habit of interfering where they have no business.’ Wulfgar turned to Anwyn. ‘Now I beg you will excuse me, my lady. There are matters requiring my attention.’
‘Ah, yes,’ said Ingvar. ‘I’m sure you want to be on your way as soon as possible.’
‘We’ll leave when we’re ready, my lord.’
‘Be sure to let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you achieve that state.’
Wulfgar met his gaze and held it. ‘When I need your help I’ll certainly ask for it.’ With that he bowed to Anwyn and walked away.
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