Page 138 of Rogue of My Heart

“Nothing I cannot shake off,” he said, then forced his attention away from Rebecca. “Lady Phoebe, a pleasure to see you again.” He swallowed his disappointment. She was a lovely lady, but he’d wanted to be alone with Rebecca. It was the very reason he’d given the few servants he had tasks to keep them away from the storage areas below. How was he to speak plainly with Rebecca now?

Phoebe nodded. “Likewise. If you wouldn’t mind, Captain, I’d like to take a turn around the bailey while the two of you inspect the treasure you found.”

His heart soared at her words, and he gave a nod of approval.

Rebecca placed her hand on Phoebe’s arm. “Do you not want to see its contents?”

Camden shot Phoebe a grateful smile before settling his gaze back on Rebecca. “We can share what we find with her before the two of you take your leave.”

“I should like that.” Phoebe stepped toward the large arched entry door. “I simply have no desire to wander the dusty keep when I could take in the fresh air out of doors.”

“No need to explain, Lady Phoebe. You are welcome to explore the outside all you wish.” Camden moved to the entry. He pulled the heavy wood door open. “Do be careful around the ruined outbuildings. I fear they are not at all safe.”

“I will take care. Thank you, sir,” Phoebe said, then stepped past him.

He closed the door, a spring in his step. If he had to guess, he’d say Lady Phoebe knew exactly what she was doing, leaving Rebecca alone with him. He had seen a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Clasping his hands behind his back to keep from pulling Rebecca into his arms, he turned to her. She stared at the closed door, cheeks still stained pink, eyes rounded. “It’s not a good idea for us to be alone.”

“Why ever not?” He captured her gaze and smirked.

“It’s not proper. We should have a chaperone.” She strode toward the door. “It is why I brought my sister along.”

He caught her arm, stilling her. “What are you afraid of?” His fingers tingled where they touched her.

She notched her chin up. “I’m not afraid. I would simply like to avoid scandal.”

“In that case, let us go open the trunk.” He winked. “Your sister will safeguard your reputation.” Lady Phoebe did not make an appropriate chaperone, and he well knew it. Rebecca had brought her as a shield, nothing more.

She swallowed, her eyes fluttering closed for an instant. “Very well. Where is the trunk?”

He grinned with satisfaction as he retrieved a lantern. “Follow me. And watch your step.” He wanted to offer his arm, provide her balance as they made their way down the stairs, but he had no wish to upset her. After what he went through to get her here, the last thing he wanted was to give her a reason to flee.

He glanced back at her as he descended the stairs. She followed a few feet behind, her head bent and skirts clutched in one hand. He fought the urge to sweep her into his arms. To show her how he felt and what she meant to him.

“We’re almost there.” Camden held the lantern in front of him as he turned the corner into the storage room.

The lantern illuminated the space, casting a warm glow on the floor and walls. Rebecca gasped, “it is beautiful,” then moved past him to the trunk. She ran her hand over the lid, a slow reverent touch. When she looked up, her gaze was much softer than it had been a moment ago. “Do you think it belonged to Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel?”

Camden moved to stand beside her. “It appears old enough to have been theirs. The iron latches and style of the trunk look to be medieval and there is considerable rust.”

“Is there anything inside?” She bent and feathered her fingers over one latch.

“I did not open it. I wanted you to be the one to do so.”

She met his gaze, eyes sparkling. “Me?”

“I can think of no one else who would experience greater joy in doing so.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You love Almerry, and it was your idea to explore the keep. You’ve earned the right to open this treasure.”

She crouched in front of the trunk. The hinges creaked as she tried to lift the heavy oak lid. She glanced back at him through thick lashes.

He nodded, waiting for her to continue.

With both hands, she pushed hard against the top of the trunk. The old iron hinges protested, the lid unmistakably rusted shut. He kneeled beside her, desire flaring deep within him when their shoulders touched. “Maybe together we can get it to open?”

She placed her hands back on the old oak top. Camden did the same, and both gave a huge heave. Inch by inch the lid creaked open until they revealed the contents. Rebecca gasped and looked up at him. “How is this possible?”

“I don’t pretend to know. It defies logic that such items could remain intact after so many centuries. Perhaps it is not as old as I suspected.”