Chapter Six #4
“But what of the rumors?” she wanted to know. “Stephan indicated your mother-in-law to be the source of the hearsay.”
Bose’s gaze was steady. “The woman blames me for my wife’s death, insisting that the son I planted killed her with his size.
Angry that I chose to divert my grief by joining the tournament circuit, my mother-in-law spread the rumors in hopes of ruining my chances of being accepted as a true contender. ”
“And you never sought to dismiss them?”
“They never mattered until now.”
Again, there was no hesitation in his answers and by the expression on his face, Summer realized that any lingering doubt was dissolved.
He had answered her completely and she believed him without reserve.
Unable to control her relief, she emitted a sigh of such power that her entire body deflated; she surely would have tumbled to the ground had Bose’s steadying hand not held her firm.
“Good Lord,” Summer breathed, hand to her forehead. “I felt like such a fool for asking. I did not want to, but Stephan….”
“Summer,” Bose interrupted her prattling statement. When she looked into his eyes, she could hardly explain the glimmer of joy and mirth within the onyx depths. “Do you realize you’ve spoken the last several sentences with hardly a stammer?”
Her brow furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak, abruptly pressing her lips tight when the truth of his words sank deep. She had indeed spoken the last three sentences without a stammer.
“Impossible,” she whispered, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. “I always stammer.”
He smiled, a broad delightful gesture. “I shouldn’t have said a word. We could have continued the conversation endlessly and you would not have realized the event of a miracle.”
“Miracle?” she shook her head, baffled and unbalanced by the entire conversation. “But… it’s simply impossible. I always s-stammer. I always will.”
He stared at her. “Sometimes, we do things because others expect us to. Or we complete certain actions purely out of repetition or self-pity. Is it possible that you stammer because your family has pitied you and coddled you so that you’ve known nothing else?
A childhood affliction that you’ve continued simply because it was expected of you? ”
Bewildered, she shook her head. “I… I do not know,” cocking her head with confusion, she peered at him curiously. “Are you saying my f-family is to blame for my problem?”
He cocked an eyebrow, eyeing Stephan lingering impatiently atop the distant rise. “Of course not. All I am suggesting is that you do what is expected of you. I have treated your affliction with understanding and a casual manner, therefore, you are less inclined to realize the obvious.”
“Which is?”
“That you stutter out of habit. And because you are expected to.”
She stared at him in astonishment. In faith, she’d never given his logic any measure of consideration and had no idea how to respond. “T-T…This is what you would believe?”
He shrugged faintly. “I did not say that. I am merely suggesting the possibility,” his voice softened as his gaze raked her delicate features.
“My father once said that my mother never stammered when she spoke to animals or pets, or when she muttered to herself when she was alone. And she never stuttered whilst she was singing, and she had a lovely voice indeed. My father managed to break her of her impediment somewhat late in life by putting their conversations to song. Can you sing?”
She flushed about the ears. “Not a note.”
He smiled, a wonderfully lop-sided gesture. “Then we shall have to discover another method to rid you of this habit.”
How on earth they had moved from the subject of Bose’s evil reputation to the focus of her speech, Summer wasn’t sure.
But just as the man had been truthful and correct in every matter thus far, he also seemed to know a great deal about her flaw.
Certainly, his speculations left food for thought and Summer found herself upswept with his suggestion.
The more she thought on his words, however, the more she realized her stuttering had dramatically lessened the very moment he addressed her fondly.
Flush deepening with the wonder of a new discovery, she was off course of the original subject and fading fast. Bose, however, was still acutely aware of Stephan’s menacing presence and he dropped his hand from her arm, nearly grasping at her again when she wobbled threateningly.
“I believe your brother is waiting for you, my lady,” he said quietly. “In spite of our recent conversation, would you still like your favor returned?”
Eyeing her brother, Summer sighed sharply. “Nay,” she said softly. “You will keep it. And you will do me a f-favor, as well.”
He was unable to keep the smile from his lips. “Anything at all, my lady. All you need do is ask.”
“Triumph over my brothers,” she said, returning her attention to his inquisitive, if not somewhat pleased, expression. “Beat everyone t-this day and win the joust.”
Biting back a broader smile, he bowed gallantly. “Your wish is my command, my lady. I shall endeavor to fulfill your desires.”
His grin was infectious and Summer smiled in return. “Thank you, Sir Bose. F-For everything, I thank you.”
“’Tis my pleasure to serve you, Lady Summer.”
She reached out a small, delicate hand and grasped his massive gauntlet.
Bose’s heart leapt wildly against his ribs and, unable to help himself, he brought her hand to his lips for a lingering kiss.
It was sweet and warm and wonderful. As Summer smiled radiantly, they could hear a faint shout in the distance.
Bose did not look to see who it was; he simply kept staring at Summer.
For decency’s sake, he attempted to release Summer’s hand, but she refused to let him go and eventually, they both turned in the direction of the shout.
Thinking it must have been Stephan, they were surprised to see it had not come from him.
Bose continued to hold Summer’s hand tightly as Morgan interrupted their gentle encounter.
“Forgive me, my lord,” the well-groomed man said. “Another party has been announced nearly a mile out, bearing your household name and colors.”
Bose’s brow furrowed. “What nonsense is this? Who could be approaching, bearing my banner?”
Morgan cleared his throat, hesitant to continue in the presence of the lady. But he was given little choice. God help him, he wished he were bearing any news other than the information about to spill forth.
“Margot has come, Bose.”