by Anne Herries
‘You will be my wife, Anne,’ he told her. ‘I am a wealthy man whether or not the King restores my father’s estate. When we are married, you will have all the clothes and trinkets you deserve.’
‘You bought me cloth for gowns when we were at the chateau,’ she reminded him. ‘I did not even know my name, but you offered me yours. I was not sure then if you loved me—or if you offered because I had nowhere else to go?’
‘I did offer because you had nowhere to go,’ he replied and laughed as he saw her look of disappointment. ‘But I loved you from the first time you woke up and looked at me. I wanted you then, and I was tempted to make you mine—but I loved you too much to ruin your chances of happiness. I did not think myself worthy of you, and I might not have offered for you had you not been alone in the world.’
‘We should have lost so much if we had never met,’ Anne said. ‘I think it must be fate, as Ali says.’
‘As Allah wills it,’ Stefan said and laughed huskily. ‘He told me that if you save a life, that life belongs to you and you must guard and protect that person all your life—and he was right.’
‘He is a wise and clever man,’ Anne said. ‘We have much to thank him for, Stefan.’
‘More than you know,’ he replied. ‘The man they found in the hut that you were taken to was near to death when my men brought him back to de Montifiori. Ali saved his life, and it was in gratitude for that that he gave evidence at my trial. We had some evidence, but without his word that Cowper and Sir Hugh had planned to murder me I might even now be back in the Tower, awaiting execution.’
‘Then you must thank him properly,’ Anne said. ‘He may have been responsible for stealing me away, but he should be paid for his services to us.’
‘And will be,’ Stefan told her. ‘I shall give him enough money to buy a house and land of his own.’
‘Who is he?’ Anne asked. ‘What do you know of him?’
‘He calls himself Fritz and gives no second name, because he is a bastard—but Hassan told me he believes that he is the son of Lord Cowper.’
‘Lord Cowper was his father—and yet he worked for him as a common soldier?’
‘Yes, I believe that may be the case,’ Stefan said. ‘Cowper hath no legitimate son.’
‘You would have thought he would acknowledge him and take him as family.’
‘I dare say his mother was baseborn,’ Stefan said. ‘Cowper is arrogant and proud. He clearly thinks Fritz too low to be acknowledged as his son.’
‘Yes,’ Anne said thoughtfully. ‘But it was as well for us that they fell out, was it not?’
‘Yes, indeed,’ Stefan replied. He smiled and kissed her once more. ‘I think it is time you sought your bed, Anne. You have a long journey in the morning.’
‘I suppose I must,’ she said, still reluctant as she stood up. They faced each other, holding hands. ‘You will come to me as soon as the King releases you?’
‘The instant he releases me,’ Stefan promised. He touched her cheek with his fingertips, both of them reluctant to say goodnight. ‘Go now, my love. I would stay with you for ever, but we must part for a time.’
‘Yes…’ Anne sighed and then laughed at herself. ‘I am greedy! Now I have so much, I want more.’ She relinquished his hands and walked to the door, turning to look back at him once more. ‘Until we meet again.’
‘It will not be long,’ Stefan said. ‘Enjoy your brother’s wedding, Anne. Very soon now it will be your own.’
‘Yes.’ She smiled at him. ‘Very soon it will be our wedding.’
Anne had slept for a while, her mind content with dreams of the happiness that was to come in a few weeks, when the King allowed Stefan to leave court. However, she was up early and they had another short time together before they were forced to part.
Anne bore it as best she could, forcing herself to smile as she waved goodbye from the back of her palfrey. She knew that Harry’s wedding to Claire was a joyous occasion for her family and she would not allow anyone to see how much it cost her to leave the man she loved behind. After all, she had been given much that she desired and it was only a matter of patience until she had all she could ever want.
Yet to ride away from Stefan was one of the hardest things she had ever done. It cut her to the heart, but she did not shed a tear, at least not while she was in company.
Anne was not alone in regretting the parting. Stefan had faced the truth when he was a prisoner in the Tower and uncertain of his future. He knew now that revenge meant nothing against the love he felt for Anne Melford. He no longer cared whether or not his father’s estate was restored to him, and would have given it up willingly to be able to follow his love to her home immediately.
However, he understood that he had no choice but to obey the King. Henry was imposing this delay on him as a matter of obedience. He was being taught that he must not carry old quarrels into a feud that might end in bloodshed.
Stefan understood that he must attend court and play the part of a courtier, something that did not come easily to him. However, he would bend the knee and pledge allegiance if it were demanded of him in the hope that he would be given permission to leave and to go to Anne.
In the meantime, he would use his enforced stay in London to purchase the clothes he needed for court wear, and jewels for his bride.
‘I know it is hard for you to leave Stefan so soon after his release,’ Melissa told her daughter when they were home again. Anne had just come downstairs wearing her cloak, about to go for a walk to the village on an errand. ‘I am proud of the way you have behaved, Anne. When you were younger you sometimes showed your displeasure too much, but you have learned to control that and I think it becomes the woman you are now.’
‘Thank you, Mother,’ Anne said and embraced her. ‘It is true that I would not have left Stefan if it could be avoided, but I could not miss Harry’s wedding. I do truly love Claire as a sister and I wanted to be here for the wedding.’
‘Well, it is tomorrow,’ Melissa said and smiled. ‘We shall celebrate your brother’s wedding for a few days, as is customary—but after that you could return to London with Catherine and Andrew.’
‘Mother!’ Anne stared at her in surprise, for she had not expected such an offer. ‘How kind you are to offer it—but Stefan told me that I must wait here for him to come. He believed I should be safer here until he is able to arrange the wedding. I shall do as he asked; it is right and proper that I should.’
‘Now I know that you do indeed love him!’ Melissa teased, laughter in her eyes. ‘He has achieved something I never could, for you were never as willing to oblige me.’
‘Mother! I am sure I always did my best to obey you,’ Anne said and then laughed as she saw the teasing expression in her mother’s eyes. ‘Well, perhaps not always. I may have been impatient and wilful as a girl.’
‘But now you are a woman and I am proud of you,’ her mother said. ‘Go for your walk now, Anne. I have delayed you long enough.’
‘Yes, I shall, for I promised to take this gown to a young mother in the village. She needs a new dress for her babe’s christening and I thought she might have this one, for I do not wear it much.’
‘It was one of your favourites once,’ her mother said and nodded. ‘But it was generous to think of her and you have my blessing.’
Anne smiled and went out. The air was chilly, but not yet bitter. She was happy to be walking in the fresh air, though she thought that she might prefer to be in Normandy before the worst of the winter snows began to fall. A little sigh escaped her, for she was not sure whether or not Stefan would have been released before then.
Anne was unaware of the eyes watching her or the jealous thoughts of the man who followed her as she walked as far as the village. It was an opportunity to take the revenge he craved and yet even as he hesitated, a horseman came trotting down the lane. He saw that it was the Earl of Gifford and drew back into the shelter of the hedgerows. It would be better to wait until the wedding w
as over, and then he would find a way to catch the haughty little bitch alone. He would teach her a lesson. By the time he’d finished with her she would be no use to any man.
He would have his way with the Melford witch and then make sure that de Montfort understood what had happened to her before he died. It would be sweet revenge. Once de Montfort was dead, he would make sure that the Chateau de Montifiori became his property.
Chapter Ten
‘You look beautiful, Claire,’ Anne said as she handed her a garter of blue silk. ‘It is no surprise that Harry adores you. I am so pleased that you are to be my sister.’
‘Thank you, dearest Anne,’ Claire said and kissed her on the cheek. ‘You have been kind to me from the first and I shall be happy when I can dance at your wedding, as you will at mine.’
‘It should not be so very long,’ Anne said and smiled, her eyes bright with excitement. ‘I had a letter this very morning. Stefan says that the King’s men have arrested Lord Cowper and he has been taken to the Tower to cool his heels for a few days before answering the charges against him. If things go well, it may only be a matter of weeks or even days before Stefan comes to me.’
‘I pray that it is so,’ Claire said and smiled, picking up the garland of flowers that her bridesmaids would use to lead her to the church. It was an ancient custom and a pleasant one. ‘I think we should go down now, for I would not wish to keep Harry waiting at the church.’
‘I think he would wait if it took you for ever to come,’ Anne assured her. ‘I have never seen Harry so happy, and it is all because of you, Claire.’
‘Oh…do you truly think so?’ Claire blushed, but looked pleased.
‘Yes, I do,’ Anne said firmly. She picked up the train of Claire’s lovely gown, which was fashioned of dark cream silk embroidered with gold and suited her well. ‘But you are right. We should not keep him waiting, for he will worry.’
Church bells rang out as the happy couple left the church, their family and friends following to shower them with dried rose petals. They ran laughing and trying to avoid the deluge. Everyone trooped behind as they made their way back to the house for the reception.
‘Your sister-in-law looks very beautiful. She is a dutiful, pleasant girl and your brother will find her an obliging wife, I dare say.’
Anne turned to look at the gentleman who had addressed her, and a shiver ran down her spine as she saw the cold expression in his eyes. She wished he had not been invited to the wedding, but her father had thought it only right since he had been of such help to them.
‘Yes, sir, I believe Claire is everything you say,’ Anne said. ‘However, she loves Harry and he loves her—that is what is important, is it not?’
‘Is it?’ The Comte De Vere’s gaze hardened. ‘I would have thought duty and breeding mattered more than love, which is hardly considered in most marriages. In France we do things in a more practical way.’
‘Indeed?’ Anne’s eyebrows rose. ‘I believe in this country, too, marriages are often a matter of property and family. However, my father would not have his children marry for such a reason, though of course Claire is an heiress.’
‘I dare say your brother took that into account even if you did not,’ the Comte said coldly.
‘Perhaps, but I do not think it weighed with Harry,’ Anne said. ‘He might have married long ago had he thought only of wealth and consequence.’ There was a hint of scorn in her tone, though she was not aware of it, but she saw the flash of anger in his eyes and knew that once again she had angered him. ‘Forgive me, I must go to my mother. I think she needs me.’
Anne walked away, her head high. Comte De Vere’s eyes followed her, glittering and dark with fury. The insolent chit would discover her mistake one of these days!
‘And when do you return to France, sir?’
The Comte turned to glance at the man who had addressed him, his expression frozen as he saw that it was the Earl of Gifford. The interfering fool had robbed him of one chance to be rid of de Montfort!
‘I believe my business here will be done in a few days,’ he said. ‘I have stayed longer than I intended already.’
‘Anne is a beautiful girl,’ Andrew replied. ‘She knows her own mind and is not afraid to speak it. Her family hopes to see her wed soon—will you not stay for the wedding, sir? It is in part due to you that she is alive and able to marry.’
‘Is it so certain that she is to marry?’ the Comte asked.
‘Yes, we believe it cannot be long delayed now. Lord de Montfort waits only for the trial of Lord Cowper and his release from the King.’
‘Indeed? Then I wish her well, but I do not think I shall be here for the wedding.’ If he had the chance, De Vere would see to it that Anne Melford never married!
‘It is a shame that you must leave,’ Andrew said and inclined his head before moving off.
Comte De Vere stood watching the merriment for a few minutes longer, then turned and left the house. He had put in an appearance, and when Anne met the fate he had in mind for her none would suspect him of being involved.
‘I am sure you are wrong,’ Rob said when Andrew finished telling him of his suspicions. ‘He found her when she was ill that time and took her to his home. He allowed us to stay there and was everything that is generous.’
‘I saw it in his eyes, in his manner as he watched her,’ Andrew said. ‘I believe he was minded to make an offer for her once, but something has changed. Now he hates her and will harm her if he gets the chance. Besides, I have heard things.’ He shook his head as Rob looked at him questioningly. ‘I am not certain yet. I am waiting confirmation before I speak—but in the matter of De Vere’s intentions towards Anne, I am certain I am right.’
‘She refused him when he offered for her,’ Rob replied and frowned. ‘Melissa warned her to be careful, for he is a proud man—but surely he would not bear a grudge against her for refusing his offer?’
‘Some people harbour grudges,’ Andrew said. ‘I do not forget what happened to Catherine after we were wed. Lady Henrietta expected that I would make her an offer. When the King commanded that I marry Catherine, Henrietta assumed it was a marriage I did not want and that if my wife died I would turn to her. It was only vigilance and good fortune that saved Catherine from her spite.’
‘She was deranged,’ Rob protested. ‘You are not suggesting that Comte De Vere would attempt to murder Anne?’
‘I know that I saw him lurking yesterday as I met Anne on the way to the village, and I have sensed something in his manner. He is not a man I would trust, despite what he did to help Anne. If she hurt his pride…’ Andrew shrugged. ‘I believe he would bear watching, sir.’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ Rob said thoughtfully. ‘I had hoped that she was out of danger now that Cowper has been arrested. I do not know what the King’s judgement will be in the matter.’
‘I have heard that Cowper is near to death,’ Andrew said. ‘I did not tell you earlier, for I did not wish to cast a cloud over the wedding, but he was not well when they arrested him…a matter of drink and neglect, I am told. When he was cast into the Tower, he fell in a gloomy state and developed some infection. It is doubtful that he will stand his trial.’
‘I am not sorry for it,’ Rob said. ‘The sooner the whole regretful business is over the better. All I hope is that Henry will see fit to release de Montfort. It would be better if he were here to keep a watch over Anne. I cannot forbid her to leave the house and gardens, but, if you are right, she may be in danger.’ He shook his head. ‘I still find it difficult to believe that De Vere would do anything to harm her.’
‘I may be wrong, of course,’ Andrew said. ‘I should have failed in my duty to you, as Anne’s father, had I said nothing.’
‘No, no, I am grateful to you,’ Rob said. ‘It is better to be forewarned. You may well be right. However, I believe De Vere returns to France soon and we shall be rid of him.’
‘Yes.’ Andrew looked thoughtful, but said no more. Rob was clearly
sceptical about the suggestion that Comte De Vere bore Anne ill will, but Andrew felt it might be wiser to make certain arrangements with or without her father’s knowledge. ‘Yes, it would be a good thing if De Vere were to return to France.’
‘I have learned that Lord Cowper has died of a fever in the night,’ King Henry said, his expression giving nothing away. ‘Without a trial, nothing can be proved either way. As he died intestate and has no issue, his estate and lands become the property of the Crown, and are in my gift.’
‘Yes, Sire,’ Stefan replied. ‘I understand the law concerning this and I bow to your jurisdiction in the matter.’
‘I have not yet decided what should be done with them,’ the King said, eyes narrowed. ‘I shall consult with others about the rights of this case and you will hear my decision in due course.’
‘As your Majesty wishes,’ Stefan said and inclined his head. ‘Lord Cowper may have a bastard son, though I do not know if you would consider that he has a right to inherit a part of what his father owned. It is not my affair and I do not seek to influence your judgement. However, I would crave a boon of you in the meantime?’
‘If it is reasonable, I see no reason why not.’
‘I wish to leave the court and travel to the estate of Lord Melford on the borders of the Welsh Marches, where I would marry the lady Anne Melford, Sire.’
‘You do not care for life at court?’ Henry nodded. ‘You have lived too long as an adventurer, I dare say. Well, sir, I trust that you have learned your lesson? I will not have petty quarrelling amongst my lords. Nor shall I allow disputes to be settled by the sword. If you have reason to fall out with your neighbour, you must settle within the law. If you must fight, contain it to the joust at feasting time. If you flout my wishes in this matter, you may discover that I am not so lenient next time.’
‘I understand, sir,’ Stefan said. ‘Now that Lord Cowper is dead, I wish only to live in peace with my wife, here in England or in Normandy.’
