Max eased back in his chair, resting his hands on his belly and twiddling his fingers as he regarded this woman whose name he didn’t even know. He hadn’t wanted to until then.

“What’s your name?” When Bennett didn’t speak, Max frowned. “It’s a simple question. You have one, don’t you?”

“Bennett.”

“Interesting,” Max said, stroking his chin. “It’s the female version of Benedict, its origin being both French and Latin. Did you know that?”

“No.”

“Do you have a surname? A given name?”

“No.”

“I’m not surprised. Most peasants don’t. Since you had children, you were most likely married. What’s your husband’s name?”

“I won’t answer that.”

“I understand you have no reason to trust me. None at all, but I have never lied to you, never went back on my promise about your precious village, and I have no intention of doing either—ever. I am a man of my word, Bennett, but if what I’m about to propose comes to be, I’d like you to have a name. So, please, tell me your husband’s. I swear no harm will come to him.”

“It’s too late for that. Your people killed him.”

Max let out a long breath. “I’m sorry. Did he die on that night?”

“Yes.”

“Then I would think you’d want to carry on his name, wouldn’t you?”

Bennett sat straighter in her chair. “My husband was Warrick, son of Archer.”

“So it’s Archer. Bennett Archer. That’s rather an imposing name for a peasant. It is, however, quite appropriate for a protégé of mine.”

“I don’t know what that is.”

“Of course, you don’t,” Max said, scratching his cheek. “A protégé is like an apprentice, usually the best student in a class that you take under your wing to further their education.”

“You mean like Edward.”

“Intelligence, my dear Bennett Archer, comes in all forms. There’s the kind born from years of study, and there’s the kind that comes from the common sense God gave you. Do you honestly believe Edward has what it takes to be my apprentice?” When Bennett didn’t answer, Max said, “Be honest, woman. Do you believe Edward astute enough—”

“I don’t know what that—”

“Do you think Edward is smart enough to ever grasp what I’m trying to teach him?”

“Edward is a dunce.”

A hint of merriment touched Max’s lips. “Regrettably, I’d have to agree. Though, he is rather good in bed.” Bennett’s eyebrows rose in time with the corners of Max’s mouth. “Sorry. I digress, and before you ask, that means to go off-topic.”

“Oh.”