“I am not hungry.”
She hesitated, wondering how much to press. She wanted to ply him with food and warmth, but she doubted he would allow it unless she disguised her intent. “Then will you please stay with me for a while? I would rather not eat alone.”
Lord Hawkhurst gave her a long look, as if questioning her motives. But he shrugged and murmured, “Very well,” much to Skye’s gratification.
“Will you take the tea into the servants’ dining room and bring the tray back to me? I want the cheese to melt a little more.”
When he did as she asked, she piled the rest of their meal on the tray and let him carry it to the long dining table while she lit another lamp. Skye served the food, then waited until they were settled before commenting in a conversational tone, “I thought you would be glad I am staying overnight. If nothing else I will provide you company.”
“I am in no mood for company.”
“It is no wonder, shut in like this in this gloomy castle. It cannot be enjoyable living here practically by yourself. But some hot food and tea should improve your mood greatly.”
His reply was another wordless utterance of disagreement.
“You tend to growl a great deal, don’t you?” Skye asked.
“What do you mean, ‘growl’?”
“That low, grumbling sound of displeasure you make. It makes you seem excessively grumpy.”
Hawkhurst raised an eyebrow at her frankness.
“Fortunately I have had ample practice dealing with grumpy men. Especially Jack when he is starving or in his cups.”
She gestured at the earl’s untouched plate. He had taken a drink of tea but hadn’t touched the food. “This cheese with a bit of apple is quite delicious, my lord. Won’t you try a bite?”
“I don’t need you to feed me, Lady Skye. In fact, I can prepare my own meals if need be.”
Skye nodded sagely. “You must have learned as a spy.”
His brows narrowed on her again. “What is this obsession of yours with my career?”
She kept her expression innocent. “I cannot help but be curious.”
“Your curiosity will have to remain unsatisfied.”
“I understand completely. Aunt Isabella said all your secrets must remain shrouded in mystery.”
He gave something like a snort. “She has already revealed far too much. I intend to throttle her when I next see her.”
“You need to forgive her, my lord. Moreover, I hope you will forgive me for wanting to cheer you up. It is long force of habit, dealing with my brother and cousins. And I know from their experience, vast quantities of brandy won’t settle well in an empty stomach. You can drink more if you eat something first. So if you wish to drown your sorrows, you would do best to take at least a few bites.”
Hawkhurst stared at her for a long moment. She thought he might growl at her again, but he smiled unwillingly, as if he was amused in spite of himself. With his knife, he cut a piece of softened cheese and laid it on a piece of toast, then chewed quickly. “There, are you satisfied?”
“It is a start.”
Her desire to comfort him was only natural, Skye reflected. She wasn’t imagining the lines of sadness etched into his handsome face. Once more she noticed the burn scars on his hands. The sight deeply stirred her compassion. By all accounts the Earl of Hawkhurst had lived a fairy-tale existence until fate had intervened so cruelly to shatter his life.
In truth, they had that much in common at least. Fate had taken her beloved parents from her. But she’d had her brother and cousins and uncle to help alleviate her grief. He had to be lonely, living in near solitude in this enormous house, dwelling on his tragic memories—a situation she could help rectify if she was allowed to stay.
Her fair hair and delicate features made her appear angelic, but she was far from an angel. Her sense of mischievousness had gotten her into trouble more times than she could count. A dose of mischievousness might be precisely what Hawkhurst needed to enliven his dour life, although tonight was likely not the most appropriate time.
Still, she could attempt to put him at ease and coax him to lower his guard with her. Her best approach might be to ask him about his breeding stables, Skye decided. “Aunt Isabella says you raise magnificent horses—that you have crossed Thoroughbreds with Barbs for stamina and speed.”
“Yes. This past week I purchased two broodmares and a stallion.”
“I should like to see them. I am very fond of horses myself.”