Gaise reddened, but this time kept a firm hold on his temper. ‘I was rather hoping for an uneventful evening, lady,’ he said. ‘Though I am glad of this opportunity to apologize for my boorish behaviour.’
Her expression softened, but only marginally. ‘I heard of your duel with Lord Person.’
‘Despite appearances I am not a duellist,’ he said. ‘Lord Person challenged me. I did not desire it.’
‘People say otherwise,’ she observed, reaching out and filling a crystal cup with punch.
‘Really? What do they say?’ he asked.
She sipped her drink. Gaise took a deep breath, determined to maintain composure. It was difficult, though, in her company. He found himself staring at her lips, the tiny movement in her throat as she swallowed, the creamy beauty of her skin. ‘Is it customary to stare at a woman’s breasts where you come from?’ she asked. Gaise’s head jerked up. He reddened, which made the small, white burn scar on his right cheek stand out.
‘I … am sorry, lady. Truth to tell I am not comfortable in the presence of women. I seem to develop two left legs and the manners of a village idiot.’
‘Your mother must have been a ferocious woman to leave you so daunted by female company.’
‘She was murdered when I was a babe. My father never remarried.’
‘Then how do you overcome this affliction, General Macon? You are a mildly presentable young man, and I would imagine have enjoyed the company of at least a certain kind of woman.’
Gaise was shocked. He looked into her green eyes, and saw that she was mocking him. Yet it seemed to him that her manner was more gentle, and there was no malice in it. ‘I have never sought the company of such women,’ he said.
Her surprise was genuine. ‘Let me understand this, sir. You are unused to the company of polite women, and you do not frequent the company of the other kind. Does this mean, sir, that the legendary Grey Ghost, the dashing cavalry general, is in fact a virgin?’
‘I am, lady,’ he told her, blushing furiously.
‘Do you not know how to lie?’ she enquired. ‘All men do it.’
‘Of course. But why would you wish me to lie to you?’
‘It is not about lying to me, sir. In my experience men are boastful and full of vain pride. I can think of no man who would so easily admit to his inexperience.’
‘It was not easy, lady.’
She looked into his eyes, then glanced away. ‘Perhaps you are one of those who prefer the company of men … in all things. It would not be surprising.’
Gaise laughed. ‘It would surprise me. If I was so inclined, lady, I doubt you would be having the extraordinary effect on me that you are.’
Now it was Cordelia who blushed. She recovered her composure swiftly. ‘That was very smoothly said, general. Especially for a man who professes to be uncomfortable with women.’
‘I know. I cannot explain it.’
‘I understand you come from the north. They say it is pretty there.’
‘Aye, it is a beautiful land. Majestic mountains, and lakes of exquisite beauty. Will you be staying long in Shielding?’
‘We had expected to stay longer, but my father has received new orders. We leave in four days.’
‘I am sorry to hear that.’
‘I am not,’ she told him. ‘I long to return home.’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘Enjoy your evening, general,’ she said, and, with a delicate bow of her head, moved away from him.
Gaise finished his punch – which was over-sweet – and located the mayor. Thanking him for his hospitality he explained that there were military matters to attend to and left the gathering. Jaekel and Bard joined him outside.
Mulgrave was waiting back at the house. ‘How did it go, sir?’ he asked.
At that moment Soldier bounded from the rear rooms, his tail wagging. Gaise knelt down and patted the over-excited animal. ‘Be calm now,’ he said. ‘Settle down.’ Eventually the hound quietened. Gaise sat by the fire, the dog at his feet.
‘It was interesting,’ said Gaise.
‘Was she there?’
‘Aye, she was. She is enchanting, Mulgrave. And I barely stumbled in my speech.’