A Winter's Knight

by Fiona Neal

  Starving, she bowed her head as her grandfather said grace, and then she dipped her spoon into the stew. It was delicious and she finished the portion.

  But peace eluded Alice. She was a virtual prisoner in this castle. She could have been killed by Sir Edmund, so he could ransom his sister. Yet…he had not taken her life. He had refrained and devised a plot to spare her and still save his sister. Well, maybe he would rescue the girl and himself. She certainly hoped he would be successful in the endeavor.

  Edmund could be killed in the attempt to removed Edith from the evil Lord Camden. Just the thought made her heart break because he was a good and noble knight. He did not deserve to die at the hands of a scoundrel and a rogue.

  Sir Edmund Moreton could have killed her but he did not. He was a loyal person.

  Yet, Alice still remained in grave peril.

  As long as I remained a single woman, I am in danger of being abducted by my enemies and forced into a marriage, or I can be murdered. How long must I live like this? Why can’t I wed a man I love and who loves me?

  Alice knew that most marriages of nobles were arranged. Her match would be one that many men would want because of the wealth it brought.

  But Alice wanted love, affection, and acceptance for the woman she was—not because of her money or status.

  Chapter Five

  The next day Edmund paced the length of the anteroom, waiting to see Lord Camden. He must do a great job of pretending to be a murderer, but he just had to receive Edith into his custody. Camden could kill her at will.

  It would take no effort to push her down a flight of punishing stone steps or slip some deadly poison into her food. It would be easier still to have an assassin slip into her bedchamber and snap her neck while she was sleeping.

  That thought gave Edmund shivers. That was how he planned to kill Alice, but God had inspired him to plan another strategy to save her and his young sister.

  “Sir Edmund Moreton,” a servant said, “Lord Camden will see you now.”

  Edmund entered a small room and bowed. Again, they were completely alone. Still, the flames leaped brightly in the fireplace, keeping the chill and gloom at bay.

  “You are back from the abbey,” Camden remarked, sitting in his chair near the fire. “I trust the journey was a…shall we say, a fruitful one?”

  “The deed you asked me to perform has been done.” Edmund hated to lie, and the falsehood almost stuck in his throat, but his sister’s life hung in the balance. He had no other way to convince Camden.

  The great rogue knew that Lord De Winter had sent him to the abbey to fetch Alice. Furthermore, Camden did mention that someone could abduct the woman.

  “And I trust you have brought me proof that the young woman is dead.” Camden leaned forward.

  “Oh, yes.” Edmund withdrew the long red lock of hair from his doublet, which he had tied with a thong of rawhide. “You will notice the color of the hair is De Winter red.”

  “Yes, a most unusually bright color.” Camden stood and took the lock. “I shall keep it always. It will remind me of the downfall of the De Winter Family.” His lips contorted into a derisive smile.

  This dreadful rogue was talking about the death of a good and noble woman. Anger surged through Edmund, but he lowered his eyes, so if any of his emotions showed there, Camden would not see them.

  In truth, I should like to kill Camden with my bare hands. Yet, I should imperil my soul.

  “How did you kill the woman? Did you slash her throat?”

  “No, I broke her neck. It was over in seconds. It was fortuitous that she took a chill. Everyone thought she died of that.”

  “I suppose she didn’t suffer,” Camden said.

  “The goal was to commit murder, not inflict pain. Besides, I wanted it to appear as if she died of the chill.”

  “So what is our next move, Sir Edmund?”

  “I have done what you asked. I wish you to give me my sister.”

  “The question was rhetorical, Sir Edmund.” A sly smiled curved Lord Camden’s lips and his coal-dark eyes gleamed with malice, which frightened Edmund. He felt his stomach muscles clench with intense fear.

  Sir Edmund had faced enemies in combat, but those were fair fights. Camden was like a phantom predator from a nightmare. He had never come in contact with anyone quite like this man who wielded such evil power.

  “I have done the deed, so I still require my sister, my lord.”

  “You shall get her. You see, now that I have the evidence, I can accuse you of murder any time you refuse to do as I bid. As you know, in a court of law, my word will always override anything you say. I’m an earl, and you are merely a landless knight, though one of good birth. I shall always be believed.

  Therefore, your next assignment will be to kill Lord De Winter. How the man survived the poisonous meal, I don’t know. But he must die soon.”

  Edmund had surmised correctly. This man wanted a henchman who would do his bidding. The next task would be to eliminate Lord De Winter, and Camden needed someone De Winter trusted. It would be difficult for a stranger to kill the man.

  Camden hailed a servant. “Get the Lady Edith. Tell her that her brother will escort her from here.”

  When the servant left, Camden said, “How long will it take to kill De Winter?”

  “It is easier to kill a woman, but I’ll devise a way,” Edmund replied. “I assume you will want it to look as if he died from natural causes.”

  “Of course,” Camden replied. “I want to maintain an appearance of innocence. I want De Winter Manor. If I am implicated, King Stephen will give the property to someone else.”

  Yes, Camden would want an appearance of virtuousness when the rogue was guilty as a mortal sin.

  “Perhaps some drug in his wine and a fall down some steps. Of course, I’ll snap his neck first to make certain he is dead,” Edmund remarked. “However, I must make sure De Winter is alone when I kill him. I have no wish to hang as a felon.”

  Edmund was lying, but he had to say what Camden desired to hear because he wanted dear Edith out of this man’s castle and as far away from the evil rogue as she could get.

  * * * *

  “Oh, Edmund,” Edith ran into his arms and they hugged in the small anteroom where Edmund was waiting. “It is so good to see you.”

  “It is good to see you, too. I hope you don't mind, but I want you to come with me, Edith.”

  “Of course, I shall come with you,” the young girl answered. “You are my favorite brother, although you had to go to become a knight and were not in our home often.”

  “But now that our parents are dead and our eldest brother is Lord Moreton, I want you to make you home with me, Edith…if that is what you wish.”

  “Oh, of course, I wish it. Moreton Hall is lonely for me. That is why I visit my friends.”

  Edmund considered telling Edith about Camden’s evil doings, but decided against it—at least, for the moment. His young sister should think about fun for a while. The difficulties of life would indeed intrude upon her soon enough.

  “But, Edmund, don’t you live in the barracks at De Winter Castle?” she asked.

  “No, I am now Lord De Winter’s captain of the guards. I have my own private rooms, but I have asked Lord De Winter permission for you to live with me. He’s a fine man, Edith. He will do well by us, and you will find young ladies that will be your friends.”

  “Oh, thank you, Edmund.” The blonde girl smiled and hugged him. “I shall not be long. I don’t have many possessions here with me.”

  “Forget them, Edith. Just come with me now. I'll buy whatever you need.”

  She frowned, but then said, “All right, Edmund.”

  He knew he would have to give her some explanation, but that would come later. Now Edmund just wanted to leave with place of nefarious plots and deeds and make sure his sister was safe.

  * * * *

  “It was as I said, Lord De Winter,” Edmund related as he stood by the firepl
ace in his lordship’s chambers. Camden has let Edith go, but he now has ordered me to kill you.”

  “The man has gone mad with ambition and greed.” Lord De Winter clenched his hands into large fists. “I trusted him so completely, but he is the worst of rogues.”

  “Yes, he is, and he confirmed my suspicions, my lord. He poisoned you and your family.”

  “I hope God has mercy on his soul, because right now, I could kill him with my bare hands.” Lord De Winter’s refined face wore a mask of anger.

  “I told Camden that I would drug you and the break your neck, but I should push you down steps, so it would seem as if you fell to your death. But be on your guard, my lord. The man’s henchmen could strike with stealth anytime. He could have spies within this castle.”

  “Yes, he could.” Lord De Winter nodded. “The rogue has murdered my family with poison.”

  “Yes, he did. Still, my lord, we are ahead of the game.” Edmund stretched his fingers to the warm fire. “We know his plan.”

  “Yes, you are right, Sir Edmund. Now, I wish to see my granddaughter. I am sure she is tired of being confined. Would you please fetch her and bring her here?”

  “Of course, I shall, my lord.”

  * * * *

  Alice gazed out of the window. The snow covered the small garden within the castle walls. Despite the cold, Alice longed to go outside and inhale frosty air, for she felt so confined, but of course, she couldn’t.

  She enjoyed solitude when she read her illuminated book of hours, but this waiting and hiding had begun to grate on her nerves. The one person with whom she had any contact was her grandfather. Thank God for that small favor.

  Although she remained quite alone most of the time, she felt relatively safe, as the soldiers were patrolling the battlements. Of course, that did not protect her from a person within the castle who would betray her for a purse of silver—if that individual knew she lived here. After all, the Lord Jesus had been betrayed for thirty pieces of silver.

  Of course, she did enjoy being with her grandfather. He had always been so kind to her, and he had convinced her father to let her enter the convent—not that her father cared for her. The man had been so indifferent to her for all of his life.

  Her dour thoughts were interrupted by a knock, and she opened the door.

  “Lady Alice, aren’t you cold here? Your fire needs more wood.” Sir Edmund strode into the room and straight toward the fireplace, placing more logs on the grate.

  Alice knew that was the work of the servants, but they did not know she was here. Therefore, she usually performed that task.

  “Thank you, Sir Edmund. This is a surprise. How are you?” She was very glad to see him. Was that because she was lonely, or because she was thankful that he had not killed her? Perhaps it was for both reasons.

  “I am well,” he replied, straightening to full height. “Thank you.”

  “That is good.” She turned toward the fireplace. “I was reading my book of hours, and I get so involved I forget about my surroundings. It is a bit chilly.”

  “More than a bit,” he replied. “I though you didn't like the cold.”

  “I don't, and I would have realized it soon enough.”

  “I hope you are faring well, Lady Alice.”

  “Yes, but I am so alone here. I cannot socialize because few know I am here, and his lordship wants to keep my presence here a secret for a while.”

  Edmund bowed and straightened. The cold had a put rose tinge in his fair cheeks, which made his blue eyes glow. He was not wearing his mail hood or matching shirt.

  “I heard your sister has taken up residence here. My grandfather said she is a lovely girl and is very kind.”

  “I believe that, too, my lady, and you’ll meet her when Lord De Winter thinks the time is right. Your grandfather has sent me to find you. He wishes to speak to you.”

  “But he is just steps away. Why didn’t he come himself?” she inquired.

  “It is not my place to ask, my lady. I do what I am ordered to do.”

  “Yes, of course,” she said. “Did he say what he wishes to discuss?” she inquired.

  “No, my lady, I am not his confidant. Perhaps he just wishes your company.”

  “Yes, I am his only family now,” she replied. “I heard you are his new captain of the guards, Sir Edmund. Congratulations. With the increase in salary, you will be able to save more. Soon, you will have a bride.”

  “I don’t think I shall ever marry, my lady.” A sad expression stole into his beautiful eyes.

  “Why, Sir Edmund?” His statement stunned her. “You spoke about that possibility. You also said that Sir Nigel and Sir Crispin wanted to wed.”

  “And they both will soon. Sir Nigel is now betrothed to Lady Eleanor. She recently inherited a large amount of money, and they will move to a small manor close by. Sir Nigel will marry a young widow, Martha, who has received a home and land from her grandmother. The couples will marry before Advent. They do not wish to wait.”

  “That is joyous news,” Alice replied with enthusiasm.

  “Yes, it is, and I look forward to the nuptials,” he said.

  “But won’t you be lonely without them, Sir Edmund?”

  “No, they will stay in his lordship’s army. They have pledged a certain number of days of service to him. They will hire a bailiff to service their manors when they are not there. But they shall probably spend the winter months on their estates.”

  “I see.” She nodded. “But you don’t wish to join them in matrimony.”

  “I do, but I cannot.”

  “Perhaps you have not found the right woman,” She smiled.

  “Perhaps I have,” he confessed. “Nevertheless, for reasons I don’t wish to discuss, I believe I shall never marry, my lady.” His face remained without expression, but again, his eyes betrayed the deep regret he felt.

  “I am still grieving the death of most of my family, and the fact that I am not allowed to be a nun. Nevertheless, I remember what I learned in the convent. We must submit to God’s will. He is always right.”

  “I shall try to remember that more often,” Edmund said and he smiled.

  Oh, what that smile did to his handsome face. His deep eyes sparkled like the blue of a lake in summer shimmering with sunlight, and he was blessed with the most beautiful white teeth. The flames writhing in the fireplace made his golden hair glow. He was such a magnificent specimen of manhood.

  Alice suddenly felt so drawn to him, but then she remembered. He was a man just obeying orders to bring her to her grandfather. Furthermore, he had just revealed that he had met a woman he could not marry. He realized he was in love, and all her joy quickly vanished.

  “I suppose we should join Lord De Winter,” she advised.

  “Yes,” he said.

  They then entered her grandfather’s quarters, and Lord De Winter said, “Thank you for fetching my granddaughter, Sir Edmund. You have done well.”

  “Yes, thank you, Sir Edmund,” she said and smiled politely, but she wondered who the woman was that possessed his heart.

  “You are welcome, my lord and Lady Alice,” Edmund said.

  “You may take your leave, Sir Edmund,” Lord De Winter said, dismissing the knight..

  Sir Edmund bowed and backed out of the room.

  But Alice could not forget Sir Edmund’s stunning smile. It had completely disarmed her. For a few moments, she almost forgot about the man who had almost raped her.

  But Sir Edmund was in love with a woman he could not have. Alice must forget him.

  Or should I try to find out who the woman is?

  * * * *

  He watched Lady Alice walk to Lord De Winter. As she and her grandfather embraced, Edmund’s heart longed for her—only her. Oh, to hold her in his arms would be such a miracle.

  Of course, she gave him no sign that she favored him in any way, but his heart knew he had found only the woman he would always love.

  Oh, to kiss her luscious lip
s and run his fingers through her fiery-red hair. He often dreamt about making love to her and taking full possession of that desirable body of hers. He often found himself thinking about her when he was alone in his small apartment inside of the barracks.

  Edmund clenched his fists and then turned and made his way to his chambers.

  If he had just been born a first son, he could have a chance with her. But his order of birth dictated that he must be content with his lot—which was not terrible—if he had not been in love with this fine, most noble woman.

  Even so, he could compete in jousts and make a great amount of money if he won the contests. Or if a war broke out, he could capture a warrior of the greater status than he was and hold the man for a large ransom.

  Of course, I could also be captured and languish in captivity for years.

  Yet…he wanted Lady Alice—more than he wanted any woman or any possession.

  “I can never have her,” Edmund whispered, “but accepting that fact is almost impossible.”

  Edmund entered his chambers, feeling the heaviness of his loins and empty sensation in his heart.

  Of all the women in the world, why did he have to love one he definitely could not have?

  * * * *

  “Alice, my child,” Lord De Winter embraced her and kissed both of her cheeks. “It is so good to see you.”

  “And it is good to see you, but why did you send Sir Edmund to bring me here, my lord?”

  “I have my reasons, child.” Her grandfather smiled. “Sir Edmund is an exemplary knight and a fine man,” her grandfather remarked. “Don’t you think so?”

  “Yes,” Alice answered. “He seems to be a good man.”

  “He has all the attributes that would make a fine husband for you…except he has little money and no title.”

  “Money and fortunes can be won and lost, my lord,” Alice replied.

  “True enough,” her grandfather stated.

  “Why did you wish to see me?” she asked.

  “I just wanted to be with you, my child. I enjoy your company.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather. It is nice to be wanted.” For so long she felt ignored and neglected by her father.