That he answered at all took her aback. That his answer was so … honest broke her heart. Her anger slid away like the child’s thing it was, replaced by deep sympathy. Making no effort to hide how much his words touched her, she replied, “My anger is justly returned on me. You have the right of it. Please, do not be offended when I say, I would indeed have pleasure of you if I might. Even in Kent we know of the great mind of Gloucester, and I would come to know that mind better.”
This time the curtsey she offered was near deep enough to be offered to the King himself, and she laid one hand over her heart.
Humphrey looked at her with a frown, then smirked. Seems the lady’s anger was not due to him lying before about his identity, more about how that little lie prevented further proceedings towards any acquaintance between them. One that would indeed be… well, Humphrey’s mind could come up with plenty of examples and descriptions to that, one more satisfactory than the other, so he remained undecided.
“My dear lady, then indeed there is no bitterness between us I suppose, I apologise for my unreasonable behaviour and hope my chivalrous deed of escort outweighs the said mischief.” he said, offering his arm to Summer. “The weather is indeed beautiful today, is it not? I shall indeed take a walk in the garden and enjoy the sun. Please join me, if it pleases you. There we shall discuss the minds and pleasures of Gloucester. Did you know I have a manor in Kent?”
Summer threw one swift glance back at her father, who raised his eyebrows before flicking a hand in acquiescence. Proprieties met, she tucked her hand in Humphrey’s offered arm, offering him a wide smile. “I did know that, my lord. Perhaps some day I may pay you a visit there. Will you tell me of it?”
She knew there were eyes on the pair of them as Humphrey led her quickly outdoors, but that was surely to be expected to one who was the King’s brother. Summer took a long moment as they walked to truly look at him, to observe details torchlight had obscured in the night.
Tall, of course, as all the Lancaster were; dark hair that curled down his throat; a long elegance of limb that showed well in his walk; dark blue eyes that just now glittered with animation. He was a fine specimen of a man, this Humphrey of Gloucester. Strange that he should fixate on her.