Page 46 of To Love

He nodded. “Stirling may be quietly recruiting, but word is spreading. As is the rumor last eve’s fire may have been intentionally set.”

It was a statement, and a question.

“’Tis likely rumors are true, unless the fire began both at the entrance of the stable and in the corner of its loft simultaneously.”

“Precisely what the men had heard. So it is true?”

“It is,” she confirmed. “But how they’ve word of it so quickly—”

“One of the stableboys,” he said, taking a sip of wine.

“Hmm. As to the servants, I spoke to one of the kitchen maids and asked her to watch, and listen, for anything unusual.” At Alden’s surprised expression, Elara added, “I’ve a way to aid her ailing mother to ensure her silence on the matter.”

His brows rose. “Cunning.”

“I do what must be done,” she said, making no apologies for it. “And attended the meal this eve to watch for myself.”

“Watch?”

“The maid, Lila.”

Something about the change in Alden’s expression made the hairs on Elara’s neck stand straight. “What is it?”

“Why,” he asked cautiously, “did you wish to watch Lila?”

Elara thought back to the conversation she’d had with the maid earlier that afternoon. “Ada told me there was something amiss about her reaction to the fire. What is it?” she asked, assured now that Alden knew something as well.

“Darien and the others were speaking of it while she was at our table. For a brief moment, I had the same feeling but dismissed it.”

“About Lila?”

“Aye.”

“Your instincts should never be dismissed.”

Alden grinned. “I knew you would say as much as soon as the words left my lips.” At that, her focus went to those very lips. “Elara,” he warned. “You are a saucy minx.”

“You are the cause,” she accused.

The sound he made, the way he looked at her . . .

A vision of herself kneeling before him made Elara flush. She pushed the thought aside. “Eamon recruited her himself. She is the daughter of the village alewife, whose husband died years ago. Her mother is a staunch supporter of Matilda’s, as are most in these parts, but he knows little else. We’ve begun to make further inquiries about her, but . . .”

“But it makes little sense. A maid . . . our traitor?”

Elara agreed. “Tomorrow I will speak to Pembroke, learn if she could have had access to his books.”

Alden leaned forward. “Perhaps she is aiding another.”

“Go on,” Elara said, having considered the same.

“If the maid is involved, ’tis for her access to the castle and recruits. But unlikely she is the mastermind behind it.”

No words were needed between them. Their eyes locked. An agreement and awareness, passed between them. Observing the maid may very well lead them to the traitor. They were closer this eve than they had been from the start.

He stood. “Is there aught else to report?” he asked, placing his goblet on the table.

“Nay.” Elara’s pulse quickened.