Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn discussion

Hi
I’m posting two today (early) because one is a romantic scene from a mystery and it’s not even the main protagonists. I just really liked it…and the couple. This is that one.

The man whose nickname includes “the twig”is talking to his friend George the detective; the woman is the hostess and married to the (not likeable) man who becomes the murder victim.


‘Oh, yes, everybody was invited this time, even me. “Forest warden” sounds pleasantly feudal, and who knows, he may want a haunch of venison some day.’ Part of Man the Twig’s forest was plantation only a few years old, but part of it was very old indeed, and had supplied venison to kings of England ever since Edward III. ‘I just blew in out of curiosity, I’ve only met the fellow once. I thought I’d have a look round, and be civil, and then shove off to the “Gun Dog” for a pint.’ Judging by the distrait tone of his voice and the steady stare of his light, bright grey eyes this original plan was in process of being modified. And at that very moment Woman’s roving gaze had lighted upon him, and very thoughtfully halted there. George felt the slight, silent tensing of sinews, the almost imperceptible leaning forward, as when a pointer is about to surge out of his concentrated immobility into action.

‘I shouldn’t, if I were you,’ said George benignly.

‘On the contrary,’ said Man the Twig, ‘being you, of course you wouldn’t, but if you were me you certainly would.’ And without further waste of time he strode across the room, swerving only sufficiently to clear such persons and objects as got in his way, and made straight for Woman. Who, George observed before he drifted towards his next encounter, was neither surprised nor displeased, but stood and waited, reeling in on the dark and glittering thread of her glance the only fish that had so far engaged her interest, in all these hundred or so milling about her. ‘Hullo!’ said Woman .

‘I’ve been noticing you for some time, and nobody’s told me who you are. I was wondering when you’d work your way round to me.’

‘I don’t work my way round,’ said Man the Twig. ‘I go straight across. And my name’s Man last name . Warden of Middlehope Forest. I don’t know if you like forests?’

‘I never really met one,’ said Woman. Her voice was low, deliberate and thoughtful.
‘On closer acquaintance I think I might get to like them very much .”

intriguing; I don't know it.

Curious!

Forest, meet fiery woman!

Rainbow’s End. It’s by Ellis Peters who also wrote the Brother Cadfael mysteries .