"He then transferred the potency of those dusty green eyes on Jessica, took her hand, and made a low bow over it. At least he hadn't kissed it, Richard noted. Kendrick had spared himself being run through. "Jessica," Kendrick purred. "A lovely name for an even more beautiful woman." Jessica laughed as she pulled her hand away. "That's pretty good. Would it be rude to label you a womanizer right now?" Richard almost gasped at her cheek but Kendrick laughed. "Astute and beautiful. Tell me, Lady Jessica. Whence do you hail?" "'Tis on no map you'll ever see," Richard interrupted with a grumble. Jessica smiled serenely. "It is rather far away." "Then it will obviously require a great deal of time to explain where it is," Kendrick said delightedly, as if he'd just come up with a brilliant scheme. "Richard, fetch some weak wine and join us in your solar. I'm sure being out in this sun cannot be good for this sweet maid." Richard took Jessica's hand and pulled her away. "This sweet maid, as you call her, has work to do. Go finish my floor, Jessica. I'm sure Kendrick will survive without your attentions for the next little while." "How possessive you are, my lord," Kendrick said, his eyes twinkling. "This is a new side of you, Richard. It's charming, truly."