At least he wasn’t too upset to make a jest about it.
“Do not fear, Odette.” He shook his head. “He would never suspect you of anything. You are my niece, a beautiful, graceful young woman who receives at least three marriage offers every month.”
“Not that many.” She often had to rebuke Rutger for exaggerating.
“At least two every month.” He made a gesture with his hand. “Do not worry. You are perfectly safe. You can enjoy his company for one more night and then you will probably never encounter him again.”
She supposed that was true. “I must try not to be nervous around him.” And try not to notice how beautiful his eyes were. Or how deep his voice was. Or how much she liked talking to him.
“The only reason I asked him was because of the way you were looking at him. I was hoping he might be wealthier than he appeared.”
“What do you mean, the way I was looking at him?”
“The way you were looking at each other. But though he is young and handsome, you are above his station in life. He is only the adopted son of the old gamekeeper.”
“Do you know about him?”
“Why, yes. If the stories I’ve heard about the new forester are true, the old gamekeeper found him as a young boy in the Marktplatz, without parents or family, and took him home. He and his wife raised him. The old gamekeeper and his wife sent him to the town school, and Jorgen must have impressed the margrave because he appointed him the new forester. But after tomorrow night, I will not be asking him to any more parties, just to be safe.”
That seemed the reasonable way to approach the situation.
“What did you think of Mathis Papendorp? He is also a handsome man, is he not?”
“I suppose, though perhaps his status as the Burgomeister’s son makes him a little more handsome?” She raised her eyebrows in challenge.
“Are you asking me or telling me?”
Odette laughed. “His manner is polished but . . .”
“You do not approve of him either? He is at least young! You cannot say I am foisting another old man on you with this one.”
“I do not disapprove of him, but it is difficult to discern his true character after knowing him for so short a time.”
“You have certainly known him longer than you’ve known Jorgen. But take your time learning his character. All I ask is that you do not reject him outright. After all, think of the influence he could have over the town ordinances and in your cause to help the poor of Thornbeck. Surely you can see the advantages of such an alliance. You could refrain from poaching and still feed the poor.” He lifted his brows with a significant nod.
“I suppose.” She hated to admit it, even to herself, but Rutger was probably right.
“You will not be going hunting tonight?”
“After missing two nights because of Midsummer, I don’t want to miss another night.”
“Sometimes I think you push yourself too hard.”
“I am well and hearty. Do not worry.”
The servant returned to hang another tapestry. Odette needed to prepare for the hunt, so she gave Rutger a quick kiss on the cheek and went upstairs.
Though her uncle was only fifteen years older, he was a good guardian. She couldn’t imagine a better one. What need did she have of a husband? She was her own master, doing what she wished. Things like poaching that no husband would allow. As long as she avoided getting caught, she could see herself hunting and giving away the meat for a long time to come.
6
JORGEN MADE HIS way toward Rutger’s house. The sun was still shedding its light across the sky, but the people on the street were heading home after their labors.
He was still surprised he had been invited to Odette’s birthday feast. But unless Odette was a girl who cared naught for wealth, power, and status, she would never choose Jorgen over Mathis Papendorp. He would be foolish to get his hopes up about her.
A young man and woman were walking in Jorgen’s direction. The man was smiling down at her, her face was upturned toward his, and she laughed. He smiled even wider and put his arm around her. She leaned her body into his, and he kissed her on the mouth before they continued down the street.
He had avoided thoughts of marriage as long as he was still a gamekeeper, but seeing that couple, he felt a slight ache in his chest. When he married, would he and his wife be in love like those two?
Now that Jorgen was the forester, he could afford to take a wife—a wife who was willing to live a less wealthy life than the one to which Odette was accustomed.