As soon as they were finished eating, Robert turned to Matilda. “I would like to walk with you, if you will favor me with a bit more of your time.”

Matilda frowned at him, trying to decide what he really wanted from her. Why was he using his best manners to invite a maid to go on a walk with him? He could have just ordered her to, and she would have done it. Why make it seem like she had a choice in the matter?

Finally, she nodded. “Aye, I will walk with you.” He held his hand out for hers, and after hesitating a moment, she put her hand in his. She felt a rush of emotions flood through her body at his touch, but she did what she could to hide it. This man had a power over her that she had never expected. “Thank you for allowing me to share your meal, Lord Alex and Lady Lina.”

Lina grinned at her. “I certainly hope it will become something you do often.”

Matilda nodded her head once in recognition of the statement before she was pulled from the room and out of the castle by Robert. “You are being rude to your parents, milord!”

“Robert. You must use my name or pay the forfeit.”

She almost laughed. The man thought eating with him was a suiting punishment. What would he consider a forfeit? “Lord Robert, I do not think it is fitting for me to use your given name . . . ”

Robert waited until they were outside walls surrounding the castle before turning on her. “Lord Robert? Did you say Lord Robert?”

Matilda could not help but giggle in response. There was something about this man that made her want to forget all her duties and just follow him around. She knew her parents would not be pleased. “You must have misheard me, milord. I would never call you something you had not asked me to call you.”

Robert wrapped one arm around her waist. “Do not lie to me, wench!”

She giggled again, her hands coming up to rest on his shoulders. “I beg your pardon, milord. It shall not happen again!” She could not help but emphasize the word, milord.

He growled and leaned toward her face. “Now you must pay the forfeit!”

“A lock of my hair? A piece of my toenail? Perhaps a feather from my pillow!” She could not believe she was giving him ideas for the forfeit he asked for, but the game was such fun. Never had she simply enjoyed herself this way. Life was about work for most people she knew, and he was showing her a whole new side of things.

He leaned down further until his lips were hovering just above hers. “A kiss.”

She could feel his breath against her lips. Never had she kissed a man. Her parents had kept her sheltered as much as they could. One of them had always been with her until that very day. “But . . . I know nothing of kisses.” She had never even wanted to kiss a man, and all of a sudden, she could not take her eyes from his lips. The idea of having them brush against hers made her heart beat faster.

“Oh? Then you should not have disobeyed me!”

She frowned up at him, wondering if he would be satisfied with the kind of kiss she would give her mother. She knew of no other kind, so she pulled his head down and pressed a kiss to his cheek, feeling very bold. “There, I have paid my forfeit.”

Robert could not help but grin. “That was not a kiss, Matilda. That was merely a brush of your lips across my cheek.”

“It is the only kind of kiss I know, mi—” She stopped herself before the full word was out, but he caught it. It felt good to tease him as she was. This man . . . he was something special.

“You are trying to raise my ire!”

She shook her head. “No, I would not. I just . . . I have never kissed a man. Only my parents, and they do not count.”

“Then you will learn to kiss this very night.” He took her hand and resumed their walk, leaving her surprised.

“I will?” Why was he walking again if he intended to kiss her? Was not the spot where they stood a good one for learning how to kiss?

“You will.”

“What if I choose not to kiss you? Would that anger you?” She had to wonder what he would be like if angered.

Robert sighed. “I will never force anything upon you, but it would sadden me a great deal. If I am sad, then my mother becomes sad. You do not want it raining inside the castle, do you?”

She laughed. “Does it rain inside the castle when your mother is sad?”

“If she is not paying attention it does. When she met my father, she immediately made it snow inside in the middle of the summer.” He grinned at her.

“What emotion is she feeling when it snows?”

“Embarrassment. And then of course she was more embarrassed because she would made it snow!”

Matilda laughed. “I think the powers in your family are fascinating, but I would not want them. I would probably do horrible things without meaning to!” She could not imagine knowing how to use a power like that. It sounded wonderful and frightening all at once. No, she would leave the powers for others.

Robert looked down at her, walking beside him in the moonlight. He had never met a woman he was so drawn to! “If you had all the time in the world and no responsibilities, what would you do?” he asked.

“I would read every book I could find,” she answered without hesitation. “I might even write a book myself. Has a woman ever written a book?”

“I do not know. I have never met a woman who was quite so passionate about reading. Will you teach our sons to read?” he asked, watching her carefully to see how she responded to his mention of them having children, as if it was a foregone conclusion.

She made a face at him. “I have not agreed to have your sons, if you will remember.”

“I could order you to marry me.” He would not, but he wanted to know what her reaction would be to his threat.

“And know that you were trapping a woman who may not want to be your bride? I do not think you would. I think you would rather find a way to convince me to agree to be your bride.” Matilda did not know him well yet, but she already knew that much. He was too gentle to be willing to force a woman into marriage with him.

“No, I would not do that. You are right. But I do want to go and meet your parents on the morrow. Mother said that you could leave the castle without a problem tomorrow. Will you do it? Introduce me to your parents?”

Matilda bit her lips. “My mother was very worried the son of the lord of the castle would show too much of an interest in me. It frightened her a great deal. I do not know how she would feel if we went to her and told her you want to marry me.” Something inside her made her want to find out. Could she be starting to fall under his spell?

“I would think she would be relieved that my intentions were good and not malicious.” Robert spotted the bench he would been walking toward and sat down on it, pulling her down beside him. “I would like to try.”

She sighed. “I will take you to my parents, but I do not want you to think they will be happy that you want to marry me.”

“We shall see.” He turned to her on the bench, cupping her face in his huge hands. “Now, let us see to that kissing lesson.”

She looked up at him, not sure what to say to that. She had always been known for being quick with a comeback when someone said something to her. It was considered most unladylike, but she had never pretended to be a lady. His eyes seemed very large as she stared into them, and she was a touch frightened. Mostly she knew he would never hurt her.

He lowered his head slowly, and she felt as if her heart would stop beating if his mouth never touched hers. When they finally did connect, she gasped softly against his lips, and he traced her lips with his tongue.

Matilda had not known that much feeling was inside her, and she was certain it was not until he touched her. He made her feel things that would have been impossible before, but now they would not stop shooting through her body. Finally, she dragged her mouth away, her chest heaving. “Must needs catch my breath!”

His hand stayed on her shoulder, toying with her hair, as he fought for control of his own body. The wedding needed to be soon. He would not be able to hold out long. The passion was just too much.

“You will break your fast with my family in the morning, and then the two of us will head to your parents’ home. I must speak with them about the feelings I have for you and about my intention to marry you.”

She stared at him for another moment, but she knew she had no willpower at all where he was concerned. She needed to agree, so they could marry quickly. It was in that moment that she realized she had no choice. If he did not command her to marry him, her body would do it for him. “I will take you to them.”

“And you will marry me?” he asked for the first time. He had been hinting about it all day, but it was the first time he actually asked her.

“I do not know. I must talk to my parents about it. They may choose to keep me there rather than send me back here to marry you.”

He did not think such a thing was likely, but he did not argue with her. She knew her parents better than he did, and she knew how they felt about the nobility. He could only guess based on the peasants he had known in the past. “May I walk you to your chamber?”

She shook her head. “No, you may not. It would be terribly forward of you to do so. Instead, you may walk me to the entrance to the servants’ quarters and say goodnight there.”

“You are getting very bossy, Matilda.” Robert loved that she was asserting her opinion and no longer running from him in fear. She seemed to have come to an understanding that he would not hurt her. He was thrilled. Now he just had to convince her parents. How hard could it be?

They held hands as they walked back to the castle and in through the servants’ entrance. She walked to the door that led up to the chamber she was using. “Goodnight. It has been a lovely day.” She said the words because she knew they were expected of her, but she realized they were true. It had been a very lovely day, and she had enjoyed every minute of it. Even dusting and cleaning his home was so much easier than the field work she had done with her parents.

Robert pulled her to him. “You still have not used my Christian name. It is Robert. Practice it all night because I expect to hear it from your lips in the morning.”

She laughed softly, seeing him better inside because candles were still lit around the kitchen. “I will do my best.”

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers firmly. “Dream of me, Matilda, for I shall be dreaming of you.” He watched as she hurried through the door, all but running from him. He knew her well enough now that he knew she was running from her own feelings more than she was running from him.

It was wonderful to know she was afraid of her feelings because he knew he was afraid of his.

In her room, Matilda sank into the bed, finding it more comfortable than any place she had ever slept. This job, this castle, this man. All were changing her life. Mayhap a little too fast.

* * *

Matilda woke early the following morning, as was her habit. She stretched and laid in bed for a moment, trying to remember where she was. And then it all came rushing back, and Robert’s face appeared in her mind. She thought about him for a moment as she got up and readied herself for her day of work.

Surely, he would have forgotten all about wanting to marry her by today. He must have lost his mind when he decided she was the only woman for him.

She would go downstairs and act as if nothing had happened with him the day before, and she would do her job. It was the only thing she could do. Hopefully the others would not be too sorry for her when he forgot who she was.

When Matilda got down to the kitchen, she immediately reported to Alice. “How may I help?”

Alice’s eyes grew wide as she looked at her. “Lady Lina has already been here to talk to me this morning. Lord Robert is insisting that you move to one of the empty chambers meant for family on the other side of the castle.” She locked eyes on someone behind Matilda. “Mary, help Matilda move her things please.”

“My possessions are few, and I need no help moving them. Truly, though, I think I should stay where I am. At least for a while.” Matilda was not sure why everyone was in such a hurry to get her out of the servants’ quarters.

Alice shook her head. “You may defy him all you like in private, but I will follow my orders. Mary?”

Mary hurried forward. “A room was prepared for you yestereve while you were dining with the family.” She turned around and hurried up the stairs, leaving Matilda with no choice but to follow her.

“I did not know another room had been made ready. Did you do it?”

Mary nodded. “Aye, and I was thrilled to do it for my friend. I cannot believe your station in life is changing so quickly. Lady Lina said you were no longer to be considered help. You will be following her around and learning to run the castle instead.”

“I will?” Matilda shook her head. Lady Lina had suggested it the night before, but Matilda had thought she was joking.

“Aye, you did not know?” Mary’s eyes were filled with mirth. She quickly took the few possessions Matilda had brought with her and bundled them together. “You are going to need new dresses as well. Mayhap you will ask Lady Lina if I can be the one to help you with them. I think we will work well together.”

“Oh, aye! If I must have a maid, I would prefer it be one I can call my friend.”

Mary nodded. “I was hoping you would say that.” She hurried out of the room, Matilda following her. “There is no connection between the two parts of the castle. You can only reach the servants’ quarters from the kitchen, but you can only reach the upstairs where the family lives from the great hall.”

Matilda simply followed, learning all she could. When Mary started up the stairs on the other side, Matilda put her hand on her arm. “I do not feel like I should allow my things to be moved.”

“You have no choice, Matilda. We do as we are told. Come on!” Mary continued her journey up the stairs and stopped at the second door at the top. “That is his parents’ chamber,” she said, nodding to the first door. “Yours will be right beside it. Lord Robert’s is way down at the other end of the hall.”

“Do his parents not trust him?” Matilda asked with a grin.

“Apparently his mother does not trust him where you are concerned.” Mary pushed open the door and walked to the trunk at the foot of the bed, putting Matilda’s meager belongings into it. “Now sit down and allow me to fix your hair for you. I know it is not something you are used to, but I can make it look much more beautiful, and then you can tell Lady Lina that I make a wonderful lady’s maid.”

Matilda felt like she was living in a dream. No one had ever fixed her hair but her mother or herself. She did as she was told and sat down, feeling Mary pluck the pins that held her hair up. “I will brush it first. Your hair is beautiful, Matilda.”

Thirty minutes later, Matilda was headed down the stairs to break the fast with the family of the castle. Her hair was in an intricate knot at the back of her head, and she felt odd. This was not her life. She was an interloper. At least she was still wearing a dress she would brought with her; though she knew it made her stand out as a peasant, she was comfortable in it.

Lord Robert was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, and he offered his arm. She immediately tucked her hand into the curve of his arm and allowed him to escort her to the table. When they reached the table, she saw that his parents were already seated there. They had just been waiting for her. She was mortified that she would made them wait while Mary had played with her hair.

“Good morning. I beg your pardon for making you wait.” Matilda wondered if they had send her right back to work where she belonged.

“Nonsense. It is my fault you were late. I made you move all your things this morning when you were not expecting it. I hope you will find your new chamber comfortable.” Lady Lina smiled at her, making it clear she was not upset at all.

“Aye, of course I will, milady. It is the most beautiful room I have ever seen.” Matilda did not even have to exaggerate. Yesterday the most beautiful room she had ever seen was the one she had slept in last night. Today, her standards were changing quickly.

“I am glad you like it. I want to have some more dresses made for you as well. Are you a good hand with a needle?”

Matilda nodded. “I am, but if I may ask, I would love for Mary to help me. She did my hair this morning.”

Lady Lina nodded. “Sounds wonderful. She will be a good maid for you, I think.”

Robert was sitting across from Matilda, and she looked over at him, trying to determine if he thought everything was moving too quickly. Matilda was more than a little overwhelmed by how fast her life was changing. “Does all this make you happy?”

He nodded. “But I would be much happier if you would use my given name. My mother is going to start thinking you do not approve of the name she gave me.”

Matilda sighed. “It does not feel right calling you by your name. Robert.” She forced the name out of her mouth and realized that it did feel right on her lips. Robert.

“That is the way! We are leaving right after we break the fast to go see your parents. We will take the carriage. I do not suppose you know how to ride?” he asked. it would make things simpler for him, because he preferred riding, but it was unlikely she had the skill.

She shook her head. “My family has never had enough wealth to own a horse.”

Lady Lina shook her head. “You will learn to ride as soon as possible. It is one of the most freeing things that you can do. Galloping across a meadow with no saddle . . .”

Robert shook his head. “Matilda will use a saddle.”

“I never have, and I am a very good rider.” Lady Lina was smiling, making Matilda think this was an argument they had often.

“You have been riding your entire life, Mother. Matilda has never been atop a horse. She will need lessons from someone who will teach her to use a saddle and not ride bareback.”

Lord Alex smiled at Matilda. “You will find my wife a better teacher, but she will most certainly try to teach you to ride with no saddle, which is the most unladylike way to ride.”

Matilda looked between the two and shook her head. “I am not sure I am ready to learn to ride. A carriage is likely the best way for me to get around for a while.”

Alex laughed. “She made her own decision and refused to do what the two of you want! Now what?”

Robert shrugged. “I do not really care if she never learns to ride a horse as long as she is willing to marry me.”

“Let us see what my parents say first.” She was certain her parents were going to insist she stay home and not go back to the castle. There had been too many rumors about the family for her parents to trust them with her.

“All right. We will go, and we will talk to your parents, but do not be surprised when they meet me and realize they love me and want to keep me as their own son.” Robert grinned at her, lifting his glass in a toast.

Matilda looked over at Lady Lina. “Has he always displayed so much humility?”

“Oh aye. From the day of his birth, he has been just this humble.”

“I was afraid of that.” Matilda shook her head at Robert, wondering how her parents were going to respond to him.