Realm 07 - A Touch of Honor by Regina Jeffers

few hours to tend to his own rest. He has remained your servant since he carried you into these quarters. However, Lord Swenton could not see himself clear to desert you. There was nothing untoward in my motives.”
    The baroness’s tense appraisal dwindled. “I am not critical, Isolde. Enjoy the baron’s attentions as often as you like. It serves my purposes perfectly.”

Chapter Five
    Isolde wished she had either denied the baroness’s insinuation or had sought a clarification of “serves my purposes perfectly,” but Baron Swenton had returned with bread and butter and tea for his wife. He faithfully tended his lady, assisting her with the simple refreshments while Isolde dutifully brushed her mistress’s hair. Therefore, she kept her thoughts to herself, but it galled Isolde to watch how the baroness obviously feigned her weakness to please her husband’s vanity.
    It also bothered her the baron was so easily duped by his wife’s flutterings. “I should…return to my bed,” Lady Swenton said in a breathy rush. She purported to stand, but, as predicted, the baron had immediately swept his wife into his arms
    “Permit me to support you,” he said with honest concern.
    Lady Satiné swayed against him and clawed at the baron’s shoulder. “I still suffer greatly.” Isolde wished to speak out against the girl’s duplicity, but it was not her place to do so.
    “I understand.” Baron Swenton lifted her closer. “Although I consider you quite handsome, the disease still remains upon your lovely skin. Miss Neville seems to believe it may take as long as a fortnight before you know complete health.”
    The baroness smiled easily upon Isolde, but she suspected her mistress meant Isolde everything but goodwill. “Isolde has been a loyal servant.” Lady Swenton permitted the baron to carry her to the bed. When she was settled, the baroness continued, “I insist you keep Miss Neville company while I recuperate. I cannot have my companion the target of speculation while aboard ship. Isolde’s reputation reflects on mine.”
    Baron Swenton protested, “I assure you, my Dear, any time Miss Neville and I spend in company, we act upon your behalf.”
    Satiné caressed her husband’s cheek. The lady evidently knew the effect she had upon her husband. “I never thought otherwise. Yet, even a ship in the middle of the sea is not a safe place for a woman alone. Please extend your protection to Miss Neville.”
    The baron shot a quick glance to where Isolde awaited his instructions. “As you wish, my Dear. However, as Miss Neville serves as your companion, she is already under my protection.” He tucked the blankets about his wife’s form. “You should continue to know rest. I wish you hardy by the time we reach England.”
    “And I wish the same for you,” Lady Satiné said sweetly. “Isolde will remain with me this evening; please find your quarters and know your bed.”
    The baron looked to Isolde again. “If my wife knows additional discomfort, you must promise to come for me immediately.”
    “Certainly, Sir.”
    “Very well,” he announced, “but only because it is your dearest wish.” The baron bent to kiss Lady Satiné’s forehead, but her mistress pulled him closer for a more passionate kiss. Isolde turned her head so as not to observe the intimate moment. However, from her eye’s corner she noted the initial surprise in the slant of the baron’s shoulders and then his succumbing to his wife’s display of affection. For some unknown reason, Baron Swenton’s susceptibility to Lady Satiné’s manipulations maddened Isolde. Her very practical nature said a man of his experience in the world should not be so gullible.
    When the baron stood, Isolde returned to her duties. Perhaps what she felt was her own vulnerability springing forth. No man had ever looked upon her in the manner Baron Swenton had shown his wife. At her age, Isolde was well on the shelf in English Society, and her prospects would