Chapter Seven
Oxford, City
Oblivious to what had been discussed between this brother and Simon de Montfort at Oxford Castle, the muscle of the Lords of Thunder, surprisingly, had other things on his mind, things that didn’t involve the state of the country or preparation for battle. Maximus’ mind was on a woman.
Leaving Jeniver with Garran de Moray and Stefan du Bois to do her own shopping, Maximus took Courtly with him as he liveried the carriage and the horses in a small livery near St. Clement’s Church.
The day, which had dawned clear but cold, was showing distinct signs of brilliance as the sky overhead bled bright blue from horizon to horizon.
A few puffy clouds scattered across the expanse, pushed around by a gentle breeze.
Once the carriage was parked, Maximus dismounted his steed and opened the carriage door, extending a polite hand to Courtly who was still inside.
He waited with anticipation until she put her small hand in his big, gloved one and he was able to assist her from the cab.
Even though a heavy layer of leather was between them, he swore he could feel the heat from her hand against his flesh.
It was enough to set his heart racing, an effect she seemed to have on him with very little effort.
When their eyes met, he couldn’t help but smile.
“I do apologize if this all seems rather scandalous and forward, my lady,” he said.
“But in speaking with you last night, I felt very sorry for the fact that you had lost everything in the fire. In fact, I feel somewhat responsible – I should have tried to help you save what you could. In any case, since you made no mention of your father replacing any of your possessions, I thought to make the offer.”
Courtly gazed up into the handsome face of the very big de Shera brother, feeling so giddy that she was breathless with it. It was a struggle not to feel faint.
“It is very kind of you, Sir Maximus,” she said sincerely. “But you are clearly not responsible. Please know that when I spoke of losing my possessions, I did not say it to play upon your sympathies. I was simply stating facts.”
He nodded. “I realize that,” he said. “That is why I hope you do not think me too forward for sending my brother’s wife to lure you into a shopping expedition.”
Courtly grinned. “I think it was a very generous thing to do.”
He smiled because she was smiling All he wanted to do was smile when he looked into that lovely face. “Shall we continue, then?” he asked, holding out his elbow to her. “I was on the Street of the Merchants yesterday and found a stall with all manner of goods. We shall go there first.”
Courtly nodded, eagerly took his arm, and promptly stepped straight on into a massive puddle of urine.
It splashed up and got on her already dingy dress, causing her to gasp with horror.
But the damage was done. Her right foot, right lower leg, and the hem of her dress were soiled.
Maximus, seeing what had happened, pulled her even further back, away from the puddle.
“I beg your forgiveness,” he said, genuinely concerned. “I did not even look to see where you were stepping. This is my fault.”
Courtly was looking at her soaked foot and dirty skirt.
She sighed heavily. “Nay, it is not,” she said, resigned.
“It is my fault. I should have looked where I was walking. Honestly, Sir Maximus, I cannot possibly see how you would want to pay even the slightest attention to me. When we first met, not only did I fall on your head, but I beat you, too. Last night when you came to sup, you found me cooking the meal, looking like a common servant in the only dress I have. Now, I make a mess of myself again. I should apologize for all of this and tell you that I am not normally this slovenly or this clumsy, but so far, that is all you have seen from me. I will admit that I am ashamed.”
Maximus was watching her closely as she spoke. She seemed so dejected and sorrowful, but her words of apology only made him smile. Reaching out, he took her left hand and brought it to his lips for a warm, gentle, and thoroughly wicked kiss.
“And do you know what I have seen from you since we met?” he said, holding her hand against his bearded chin.
“I have seen an exceptionally resourceful, intelligent, and determined woman who makes the best of whatever situation she is in. Instead of waiting for someone to save you from the hostel fire, you found a way to escape it. Instead of allowing your father to be embarrassed in front of his guests last eve, you cooked the meal yourself regardless of how it would make you appear. You sacrificed your dignity and reputation to ensure your father was not shamed. You may feel as if you have presented nothing but the worst you have to offer, but I assure you, I see the exact opposite. You are like no woman I have ever met.”
By the time he was finished, Courtly was looking at him with some astonishment. More than that, his bearded lips to her hand were making her heart race wildly. She’d never known such excitement in her life.
“I… I do not know what to say,” she breathed, watching his lips move over her fingers, “except that you are a very strange man if a foolish, dirty woman appeals to you.”
Maximus broke down into laughter. He kissed her hand again, wishing he could do much more but knowing this was not the time nor place for it.
Besides, he’d already been bold enough and a move like that might scare her off.
So he dropped her hand, bent over, and swept her up into his big arms to carry her through the puddled livery yard.
“Then I accept the fact that I am a strange man,” he said, “because a certain foolish, dirty woman does appeal to me. I am sorry if that shocks you, but you may as well know of my intentions now rather than later.”
Aloft in his arms, Courtly’s hands were around Maximus’ shoulders for support as he carried her through the yard.
It was the safest, strongest place she could have ever imagined.
The only man who had ever touched her had been her father, so to be in the arms of another man, a man she was wildly attracted to, was a new and thrilling experience. More thrilling still were his words.
“Intentions?” she repeated. “Will you explain your intentions?”
They had reached the street at this point and Maximus set Courtly carefully to her feet. “Is it not obvious?” he asked. “I just said that a dirty and foolish woman appeals to me, and you have called yourself those things.”
Courtly had indeed realized what he meant when he had first spoke the words, but she needed confirmation even if he didn’t want to give her a straight answer.
It was nearly beyond her comprehension to realize that this man, this man she had dreamed about since the moment she had met him, was actually interested in her.
“Be plain, Sir Maximus,” she said. “Tell me plainly what you are declaring.”
He looked at her, his eyes crinkling with mirth. Reaching out, he grasped her gently by the elbow.
“I just did,” he said. “And I give you permission to call me, simply, Maximus. Or Max. I will answer to whatever you choose to call me. Now, have you eaten yet this morning? Are you hungry?”
He was pulling her along, out into the street, but Courtly was still reeling from their conversation and unprepared for a change of subject.
“I… I suppose that I am,” she said, now thinking on the fact that he had not only declared his interest but that he had given her permission to address him informally. Perhaps even affectionately. “I have not yet eaten this morning. Have you?”
Maximus shook his head. “I have not,” he replied. “But we will find a seamstress first because you need something clean to wear. Then, we will find a baker and a bagnio, or bath house, which is undoubtedly attached to it so that you may eat, bathe, and dress at the same time.”
Courtly looked at him, both hesitant and intrigued.
“When I fostered at Prudhoe, Lady d’Umfraville said that bath houses were almost always located next to bakers because they used the big ovens to warm the water,” she said.
“I have never visited a bath house, however. Do you truly intend to take me to one?”
Maximus pointed to her soiled right foot and the bottom of her skirt. “Unless you intend to walk about smelling like a livery, I do,” he said. “And you cannot wear this soiled garment any longer, so we must find you a clean one.”
Courtly wasn’t sure what to say to all of that. It was generosity beyond measure. “You seem to have everything planned,” she said. “I do not suppose there is one thing you have left out.”
Maximus shook his head. “There usually isn’t,” he replied, watching her grin. Her smile struck him, like an arrow straight to the heart, making him feel warm and giddy. “For a lady who has fought so hard to survive and thrive over the past day, I would not dare disappoint her on her trip to town.”
Courtly laughed soft at him. She very much like the feeling of his hand on her elbow. “I do not suppose you could ever disappoint me,” she said. “Except when you do not give me a straight answer.”
His brow furrowed. “When did I do this disgraceful thing?”
She looked up at him, eyes twinkling. “I asked you to explain your intentions,” she said. “You did not.”
“I did.”
“Nay, you did not.”
He sighed heavily, feigning annoyance. “Can a man not work up his courage to discuss such a thing?” he asked. “Suffice it to say that I have pulled my sister-in-law into my scheme of having you all to myself on a shopping trip. Shouldn’t that tell you my intensions?”
“It tells me that you are going to buy me bread, some manner of garment, and take me to a bath house.”
He pursed his lips wryly. “Does it not tell you that I wish to be alone with you, as we were briefly last night?”