“Just stay away from him for now,” Robert repeated and this time she nodded, though a bit reluctantly. Really, Pembroke seemed very kind. Besides, she had rather been looking forward to the ride up the river and the picnic that was to follow the day after tomorrow. Well, she was now that she wasn’t hanging over a basin. Although, now that she thought of it, if his cook was preparing the picnic, perhaps it was better to avoid it anyway. She didn’t wish to be hanging over the basin again the night after tomorrow.

“Here we are,” Bet said cheerfully, entering the room now with a tray in hand. “I brought ye tea and some food too, Lord Langley. I thought ye might want it after yer efforts.”

“Thank you, Bet.” Robert stood at once and moved the table beside Lisa’s chair, shifting it between them for Bet to set the tray on. “That was kind of you.”

“My pleasure, my lord,” Bet said, blushing slightly at the compliment as she set the tray between them. She straightened, hesitated, and then headed for the door saying, “Cook asked for my help with mending her apron so I’ll just go see what I can do while you eat. Send for me if you need me.”

“Thank you, Bet,” Lisa murmured as the maid left. She then turned her attention to the contents of the tray. Cold chicken, cucumber sandwiches and bumbleberry tarts filled two plates on the tray. There was also a steaming pot of tea and two cups. Lisa smiled with anticipation and pulled the nearer plate a bit closer to begin on the chicken, but paused with a drumstick to her lips, eyes widening when Robert did the honors and began to pour the tea.

“I’m sorry,” she said, setting the chicken leg back. “I’ll do that.”

It was always the woman’s place to pour the tea, but Robert just chuckled and shook his head. “No. Go ahead. You are obviously hungry. I will pour the tea.”

“Thank you,” Lisa murmured, picking up her drumstick again and this time taking a bite. A little sigh of pleasure slid from her lips as the flavor of roast chicken filled her mouth. It was heavenly, even cold. But then she was hungry enough that she suspected even porridge would have tasted delicious at that point, and she disliked porridge.

“Slow down,” Robert cautioned as she swallowed and immediately took a second bite. “Your stomach may still be a little tender. You don’t want to make yourself sick again.”

“No, I don’t,” Lisa agreed dryly, forcing herself to set the drumstick down and instead pick up the tea he’d just poured for her. They were silent for a bit after that, both of them eating and enjoying the tea. It was only after they’d both pushed their plates away that Lisa glanced to him and said quietly, “Thank you, Robert.”