Read A Fall Through Time (Stacey and Shane Mcleod, #1) for Free Online Page B

shirt, and leather jerkin and cordovan leather boots.  Stacey had never before paid much attention to how he dressed.  She thought to herself, if not for that beard, he would be a nice looking man.  I wonder what he looks like beneath his beard. “You wanted to see me?” she asked.
    “Aye,” he said, “but Rolf, I did not send for ye.” 
    The big dog laid down on his tummy and put his paws over his ears, which made both Stacey and Eric laugh at him.  They stood and looked at each other.  Finally, Stacey said, “You wanted to see me?” 
    All cold and frosty again he said, “It has been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in not thanking ye for the service ye performed for Gray Cloud and for James, the young squire.”
    “You’re welcome,” Stacey said.  She waited then asked, “Is there anything else?” 
    “Yes,” he said. “I would warn ye to stay away from the destrier. He be a dangerous beast.” 
    Stacey gave him a cold look and said, “No more so than his master, I suspect.” 
    Eric leaned over his writing table and said, “Ye vex me much, wench.” 
    “And that’s another thing,” Stacey said. “I dislike being called a wench.  I know it means female, but you make it sound like something you would wipe your muddy boots on.”  With that said, Stacey turned and walked out.
    The earl of Dun-Raven stood there wondering where things went wrong.  They were laughing over the antics of the silly dog, then she was spitting fire again and gone.
    Lady Margaret came in and asked, “How did it fair?” 
    “Not well,” Eric said. “She be the most complicated wench I have ever had the misfortune to meet.” 
    His mother smiled and said, “I will speak with her again.  Our ways are strange to her.”
    Lady Margaret made it a point to find Stacey.  When she did, she asked, “What be the matter?  Why can ye and his lordship not get along? Ye and Eric are like oil and water.” 
    “Tis naught for you to worry about,” Stacey said.
    “Do not tell me that,” Lady Margaret said. “I am a woman too. Do not forget that.”
    Stacey smiled and told her what happened.  Lady Margaret thought for a while then said, “I think I may know how to help.  Both ye desire respect, so if his lordship refers to ye as, Miss Stacey...” 
    “No,” Stacey said. “Miss Scott.”
    “Very well, Eric will call ye Miss Scott and ye will show him the respect due him and call him, his lordship or sire; whichever ye can wrap ye tongue around. Do ye think ye can do that?” 
    Stacey laughed and said, “Oh Lady Margaret, you know me too well.” 
    “Well in all fairness, Miss Stacey, this be his lordship’s home and ye are a guest.”  Stacey knew she was right and vowed to act better.

Chapter 6
    Eyes Half Open
    W hen the eventide meal was served, Stacey was at the table in her usual place and was dressed in one of the made over dresses, Molly had redesigned for her.  She looked very pretty, but felt like she was dressed for a masquerade ball.  Many of the unattached knights were looking in her direction.  Sir Perceval knew where she was at all times and he still took her to the river to bathe.  He had escorted her there this afternoon, to do just that.  When she rode back with him, she smelled of lilacs. Even her wet hair smelled of it.  Sir Perceval guarded her always and would deter anyone who came too close.  He was relieved no one seemed to know of this private place.
    Everyone was at the table, waiting to be served when Nicole’s little two year old son got away from his nanny and ran into the hall.  He fell and started crying.  Stacey told Nicole, “Stay, I’ll get him.”  Stacey quickly picked him up and was cooing to him, she saw the Nanny and said, “I’ll watch him, don’t worry.”
    The people in the hall knew Stacey much better than Eric did.  While he was away, she had talked with them and played with their children.  She had danced and sang silly songs for