by Alexa Aston
“I am Lord Hardwin, the neighbor to the north of Kinwick—and Earl of Winterbourne.”
The king’s brows shot up at that news. He glanced from Geoffrey back to Hardwin. “Interesting,” he murmured.
Merryn reached over and thrust Johamma forward. “This is Lady Johamma, Sire. Lord Hardwin’s betrothed.” Johamma curtseyed and then clung to her betrothed.
Without warning, the twins rushed up and made their curtsey and bow. Merryn apologized for their eagerness.
Alys handed some posies she’d gathered to the queen and gave the picture she had drawn to the king without a word. She stepped back and hid in her mother’s skirts.
Ancel yanked his wooden sword up and declared, “I will fight with my king to the ends of the earth for England’s honor.”
Edward laughed heartily. “I see you’ll make a fine knight. Just like your father.”
Merryn said, “I have several entertainments planned for your visit, your majesty. A hunt. Feasts.” She named several of the courses she planned to serve and watched the king’s eyes glow in approval.
“I also have a request.” Merryn paused, working up her courage in light of what she had learned moments ago. “I had hoped, Sire, that you and the queen would do the honor of attending Lady Johamma’s wedding to Lord Hardwin. They could marry here at Kinwick during your stay and celebrate with their wedding feast in our great hall.”
Edward rubbed his jaw in thought. “I’ll consider it.”
Merryn decided to sweeten the pot. “We also would like to hold a small tournament, Sire. Nothing fancy. Just our local knights involved.” She looked to Geoffrey for support.
“My men-at-arms have been training for weeks in anticipation of your arrival, your majesty. They want to show off their jousting and sword skills to you and Queen Philippa.”
The queen smiled at Geoffrey. “I do enjoy a good joust.” She gave her husband a pointed look. “And I adore weddings.”
That decided things for Edward. “So be it. We will hunt tomorrow morning. The day after we shall celebrate a wedding. The following day will be the joust.” He rubbed his hands together. “Now, show me to your great hall, Lady Merryn. I grow faint with hunger.”
She and Geoffrey led the way as Edward took the queen’s arm and escorted her up the steps.
On the way, the king told Merryn, “We shall have a walk and talk, my lady. You, too, Lord Geoffrey. I have several questions that need to be answered regarding the state of affairs at Kinwick.”
Merryn dreaded lying to the king about Geoffrey’s missing years and wondered what her husband would tell Edward.
It surprised her when Geoffrey smiled easily. “Don’t think to distract me, your majesty. For during our talk, I shall have a guard of ten sworn to protect Cook.”
Edward dropped his wife’s arm and paused. Merryn thought his look of outrage a bad sign that a tantrum might follow.
Instead, the king burst into raucous laughter. “I rather like you, Lord Geoffrey. And as a man of your word, I believe you would most certainly protect your cook.” He slapped Geoffrey hard on the back and the two of them continued on their way.
Merryn breathed a sigh of relief as Queen Philippa linked an arm through hers and they followed their men into the keep.
Chapter 28
They dined in the great hall. The king’s jovial mood continued. His appetite remained enormous and Merryn watched him consume vast quantities, especially various flavors of tarts.
“I declare, these fruit tarts are even better than I remembered,” Edward said.
“You most certainly would know. You have sampled a good five or more,” Philippa gently scolded.
“Do you chide me, Wife?” Edward turned to Geoffrey for support. “Surely, my lord, a man should be able to eat a few simple tarts without worry.”
“I could not agree more, Sire,” Geoffrey responded. Merryn saw her husband hide a grin behind the hand he brought to his mouth.
“I am stuffed to the gills.” Edward looked at his wife. “Shall we retire to the solar? I am not as young as I once was. I wish to rest after our journey.”
“I am most agreeable, Husband.” As they withdrew, the queen winked at Merryn. She had a feeling the king had more than rest upon his mind for the afternoon.
As they rose, Hugh caught her elbow. “Milla and I have decided to return to Wellbury. She needs her rest, as well.”
Milla nodded. “I seem to tire easily nowadays.”
“I understand,” Merryn told her. “I was never as weary as when I carried the twins. The larger I got, the less energy I possessed. I swear those two sapped my strength and held it in their greedy little hands.” She looked to her brother. “Will you return for the hunt tomorrow?”
“Nay, but we plan to attend the earl’s wedding the day after. I may also compete in the joust. I haven’t decided yet.”
Merryn kissed them both farewell and they departed. Lord Hardwin and Lady Johamma joined her.
The young woman took her hands. “Thank you, Lady Merryn, for seeing that my wedding takes place in front of the royal couple. You are such a brave woman. I would have quaked with fear and never found my voice to ask the king for that favor.” She cast her eyes down. “Especially after what transpired.”
“We are happy to have you marry at Kinwick,” Merryn assured her. “I had already prepared some of the arrangements in advance in case the king agreed to the proposal. Our priest will be ready. All I need to do is learn of your favorite foods so they can be serve at your feast.”
Johamma said, “Nay, please serve what delights our king. We shall be happy to eat whatever is placed before us.”
Hardwin took Merryn’s elbow and squeezed it with affection. “Thanks to you, my lady, a most awkward situation turned into a cause of celebration. My deepest gratitude goes out to you.” He paused. “If you ever have a favor to ask that is within my power to grant, say the word. I will do everything to make it happen,” he said fervently.
“Anything?” Geoffrey asked as he came to stand next to Merryn.
Hardwin nodded. “Anything Lady Merryn asks of me, I would do.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.
Merryn sensed a ripple of tension in Geoffrey as she thanked the earl. He and Johamma took their leave.
She turned to her husband. “I want to know about Barrett.”
He glanced around the great hall. “Let us find some privacy.”
Geoffrey led her to the small room which housed the estate’s records. He shut the door and offered her a seat.
“I prefer to stand.” Merryn waited for him to speak. When he remained silent, she asked, “Why did you hide this from me?”
Geoffrey ran a hand through his thick hair. “I never meant to.” He wrapped his fingers around hers. “I fought in France for so long, Merryn. When I made my way back to you and Kinwick, all I could think about was how happy I was to be home again. Leaving the horrors of war behind became important to me. I wanted to look to the future—our future—and never think about those dark times again. If I could, I would forget everything that happened in France.”
Her heart ached at his words and anguished tone. “You never told me how awful the war was. Nor how deeply it affected you. I’m sorry.” She tightened her fingers around his. “We won’t speak of it again.”
“Nay. I owe you as much.” A shadow crossed his face. “The memories of losing men that I fought with will always haunt me. But worse than the bloodshed is knowing I was responsible for the death of my neighbor. Even though Barrett proved to be a traitor to his country, I lived. He didn’t.”
Merryn saw the agony on Geoffrey’s face as he continued. “I had to look Barrett’s father in the eye while Lord Berold blamed me for his heir’s death. And knowing Hardie was so young. He must have looked up to Barrett as any younger brother worships an older one.”
“I don’t think Lord Hardwin harbors any ill will toward you, Geoffrey, else he would not have asked for the twi
ns to foster at Winterbourne,” Merryn said. “I’m sorry you seem to bear such guilt at turning over a traitor. A man who willingly betrayed his country. You did the right thing for your king and England.”
But the look on Geoffrey’s face said otherwise.
*
The hunt only involved the men. Merryn told Geoffrey she would remain behind to attend Queen Philippa and put the finishing touches on the evening’s feast. Tonight’s entertainment included a troubadour who would sing ballads of Edward’s battle victories and a talented jogelour to perform tricks of skill and magic.
As the horses were saddled and brought out, Geoffrey mounted Mystery. His gut told him that today the king would address the time Geoffrey spent missing from Kinwick.
He dreaded the conversation.
“You shall ride next to me, Geoffrey de Montfort.”
The words startled him. He looked up to find England’s king in the saddle, their horses side by side.
“Of course, your highness,” he said, surprised at how confident he sounded. “It’s my pleasure to accompany you during the hunt. Our woods are wide and deep and will challenge you.”
Geoffrey glanced around as the yard filled with well over two hundred mounted men. It gave him a sinking feeling to be surrounded by so many. The noise from dozens of boisterous conversations and loud laughter disoriented him. He had to fight to keep Mystery in place instead of kicking his heels and riding off to find solace.
At that moment, he truly appreciated his quiet, country life at Kinwick. Given time, Geoffrey had faith that he might become close to the man he once was. Nightmares still disturbed his sleep, but he hoped they would recede as time passed.
The best medicine of all had proven to be Merryn. Her faith in him, even knowing he kept dark secrets from her, would be what saved him from a descent into madness. As long as his beloved remained at his side, he would survive—and thrive. Geoffrey didn’t know what he’d done to deserve an earthly angel to watch over him, but he knew Merryn would protect him as any lioness would her cubs.
As the hunters sought various prey, he rode beside the king, their conversation light. Then shouts ahead announced a boar had been spotted. The mass of riders turned their mounts in the direction indicated. Thundering hooves stampeded away.
All took up the chase except Geoffrey and Edward, along with his royal guard—which included Sir Symond Benedict.
The king waved his soldiers off and motioned for Geoffrey to follow. They rode in the opposite direction of those in pursuit of the boar. The royal guard rode behind the two men at a discreet distance.
Finally, Edward slowed his horse. Geoffrey knew the time had arrived for a serious conversation.
“I grow old,” Edward shared. “Once, I enjoyed the excitement of the hunt. The thrill of the chase. But now I choose to allow others to enjoy it for me.” The king threw a leg over his horse and dropped to the ground. “Walk with me,” he commanded.
Geoffrey dismounted and kept Mystery’s reins in his hand. The horses trudged behind their masters.
“You have fine lands, my lord. And from what I can see and what Lady Merryn has shared with me over the years, happy people.”
“We do, Sire. My wife’s efforts make Kinwick run efficiently.”
Edward smiled. “Ah, Lady Merryn. A true beauty and woman of rare intelligence. If not for my darling Philippa, I could imagine myself married to Lady Merryn.” He chuckled. “Instead, she’s become like a daughter to me. Challenging me, when others dare not speak in such a bold manner. Did you know she came up with a better way to both tax and record the transaction? I implemented her idea to collect monies. My advisers thought I was brilliant to suggest it.”
Geoffrey swelled with pride. “Nothing Merryn does surprises me. She is an original. From childhood, I knew how special she was. When we were apart, I could think of no other.”
“You love her a great deal,” the king observed.
“With everything I am and have. Merryn holds my heart, Sire. She is my reason for living.”
Edward scowled, his mood quickly turning dark. Geoffrey knew this was the fickle ruler that Merryn had warned him about. He steeled himself for what would come.
“Then by God’s Bones, man, why did you willingly leave her?” he roared. “You are most fortunate, Lord Geoffrey. You could have returned and found Lady Merryn the wife of another man, living upon another estate. What could possibly make you walk away from a woman you claim to love with your heart and mind and soul?”
Edward’s scowl would have most men quaking in their boots, but Geoffrey stood his ground. “I know of your plans, Sire. You would have married her off to Benedict.”
“Aye,” the king admitted. “I gave the lady more than enough time to mourn your supposed passing. Benedict is a steadfast soldier.”
“But is he a good man?” Geoffrey asked.
After speaking with several of Kinwick’s knights once Gilbert revealed Benedict would have become Merryn’s husband, Geoffrey doubted it. Though each man told Geoffrey that the royal guardsman possessed strong fighting skills, none of the Kinwick soldiers liked him. They called him a braggart and claimed he was full of false pride. One knight who was sweet on a kitchen maid shared how Benedict had pursued the girl—even though he was at Kinwick to gain Merryn’s affections.
The king glared at Geoffrey. “Benedict is a loyal guardsman to me. Lady Merryn would have found him loyal to her and Kinwick. Now Lord Geoffrey, stop avoiding my question. I ask as your king and as a man. Why did you vanish? You had everything and risked it all—for what?”
Geoffrey gathered his courage and spoke from his heart. “You know from the Black Prince that I hold honor in high regard. When I give my word to someone, I never break it. It reflects who I am as a man and a knight.” He swallowed hard. “I gave my oath to someone, Sire, that I would never share where I spent those years. As a knight, I will never break that promise.”
Geoffrey watched the king for any sign of anger. “Only know this—I knew I had found paradise on earth—and it was snatched from me against my will.”
Edward regarded him solemnly for some minutes, no words spoken between them. Finally, the king said, “I could command you to tell me. And imprison you if you refused my order.”
Geoffrey nodded in agreement. “You could, your majesty. But even if you had me tortured, it would be as if I had no tongue to speak. As if I were deaf and mute. My conscience would not allow me to reveal what I swore to keep private till the end of time. I am not happy in keeping this oath, but I do not regret giving my solemn word. It’s everything I am.”
The king’s mouth tightened in displeasure, but he nodded slowly. “You are a true man of honor. I have never met a knight whose word meant so much to him.”
Geoffrey held his breath, not knowing if the king meant the praise and would let the matter drop—or if he would punish him.
Then a slow smile spread across Edward’s face. “I have need of men like you in London.”
Chapter 29
Geoffrey froze in his tracks.
The king wanted him—in London?
Edward spoke bluntly. “London is full of sycophants who will do anything to gain my favor. They agree with me no matter what I suggest, no matter how outlandish it might seem.”
The king paused. “I need men to serve me whom I can trust. I must put England’s best interests at the heart of every matter. Surrounding myself with men of your caliber is important to me.” He smiled. “Besides, my son respects you. That alone would have been all I needed to know about you.”
The king’s words pained Geoffrey. “I beg you, Sire. Please do not issue that command. I would be miserable at court, in the midst of politicians and liars. I doubt I could serve your best interests because I would be mired in unhappiness.”
Geoffrey thought carefully before continuing. “Look around. You yourself admired Kinwick and my people. Here is my family, all that I’ve ever desired. Merryn thrives here, too.”
“I intend no disrespect, Sire, but that means little to me. At heart, Merryn and I are simple people who want to avoid the intrigues of court.”
Geoffrey knew his words displeased the king, but he continued. “I have been through untold horrors, your majesty. I need to be at Kinwick to heal. I beg you to leave us in peace.” He dropped to his knees. “I give you my oath—my word of honor—that I will fight for your name whenever called upon. I will give you taxes. Troops. My humble advice. But I want to remain here. At Kinwick.”
He watched Edward consider his words. The king tapped a finger along his jaw.
“How about visits to London every now and then?” Edward countered. “What if I took your twins under my wing? Instead of fostering in some nobleman’s household, they could come to London and learn. Your son could be one of my court pages and your daughter could serve in the queen’s household. I would guarantee them advantageous marriages, as well.”
Hope beat in Geoffrey’s heart. His precious twins would not have to foster at Winterbourne, the place he most despised. They could serve the royal house of Plantagenet and be under the king’s protection.
Yet his promise to Hardie weighed heavily upon him.
“They are promised to the Earl of Winterbourne, Sire. Only he could alter our arrangement.”
Edward clapped his hands once. “So be it. If it’s agreeable with you and Lady Merryn, I shall speak to Winterbourne.” His smile showed a few missing teeth. “My will is strong, Lord Geoffrey. Mayhap even stronger than yours. I can be quite persuasive with my noble subjects. Rise. At once.”
Cheers went up in the distance. Symond Benedict rode over to where the king and Geoffrey stood.
“The boar has been felled, Sire. The hunting party is ready to return to Kinwick.”
Geoffrey and the king mounted their horses and rode to join the others. As they made their way to the castle, Geoffrey wondered what Hardie’s reaction would be to Edward’s request. Would the young earl defy the king and hold Geoffrey to his word or would Hardie allow the twins to foster at court?
