Ack, what a lovesick fool he sounded. The sooner he forgot the damned woman, the better.
He dragged up the bucket from the well and propped it on the stone side. A bath would have to wait. He needed to see to his duties. Thankful the day was already warm, he scooped up some water and scrubbed his chest before bending over and pouring the rest over his head. The sharp shock of cold water cleared his fatigue while he swept away the drops. He blinked as he straightened and rubbed his eyes.
God’s blood, he had truly gone mad.
Lucy, the Lord’s wife, caught sight of him and smiled before tugging on the arm of the woman who accompanied her. As they neared, James conceded that he hadn’t gone mad. The dark-haired, beautiful lass was indeed Ellise.
James stood rigidly as they approached, acutely aware of his bare chest. Both women had seen his chest. Lucy had tended to several scratches he’d garnered during weapons practice and to catch him washing at the well was no unusual thing, but Ellise’s presence thoroughly disconcerted him. He settled on an expression of cool courtesy and watched closely for any reaction.
Her brown eyes widened briefly but she matched his cool expression with one of her own, lush lips pulled into a polite smile.
“Good morrow, James,” Lucy greeted, one hand resting on her ample stomach. Pregnancy suited Lucy, making her usually pale skin vibrant and setting off her fair hair.
“My lady.” He dipped his head. “Forgive my state of undress, it seems the men did not think it necessary to wake me this morn.”
Lucy waved her hand. “Ack, ‘tis no matter. Though I would not let the Lord catch you late again. His behaviour is more like that of a wounded boar than that of a lord these days.”
“Lord Dominic is concerned for you, and ‘tis only right he should be. A wife carrying two babes at once is enough to concern any husband.”
Lucy grinned. “Well, that is why I have Lady Ellise to help me now.” She tugged on Ellise’s arm. “She will aid me with my duties and has a great knowledge of herbs. She will help bring these babes safely into the world, will you not?”
“Aye, my lady. That I will.” Ellise offered James a tilted smile, her gaze connecting brashly with his.
James studied her. What in God’s name was she doing here? And acting as a lady-in-waiting to the mistress of Thornewall, at that. The gown she wore contrasted greatly with the last one he’d seen her in. This was no peasant’s gown, nor that of a serving girl. With fine detailing upon the sleeves and bodice, the green silk made her look like a noblewoman. Her dark hair was confined into a tightly wound braid with only a few strands framing her face. Elegant, beautiful…and a liar, James thought bitterly. Either she’d made a complete fool out of him and was really a noblewoman or she had somehow lied her way into Lucy’s graces.
He allowed his expression to harden as he ran his gaze deliberately from her delicate slippers to the top of her head. “Lady Ellise, is it?”
One eyebrow arched up as Ellise inclined her head toward him. “Aye, Lady Ellise. And you are Captain James. ‘Tis a pleasure meet you, Captain.”
“Likewise, my lady.” Damn, what a calm creature she was. No hint of fear that he might reveal all. And she stood perfectly content, whilst all he could do was remember what lay beneath the elegant gown and false façade. Lord, the very thought sent a surge of lust through him. He needed to escape her presence as swiftly as possible lest she see as much. “Forgive me, my ladies, but I must away. I have duties to see to.”
“And clothes to put on,” Ellise added with a grin as he turned away.
~***~
Ellise dropped her basket and propped hands on hips as she studied the herb garden. Nestled behind the kitchens, it received the benefit of sunlight all day and she turned her face up to the sun, sucking in a breath. Lavender and rosemary mingled in the air, masking the smells of animals and cooking. She allowed herself a small smile as she enjoyed the moment of freedom.
The gardens were well tended and nicely laid out, Ellise was pleased to note. She would find most of what she needed here. She nibbled on her lip as she surveyed what was on offer. Carrying twins was indeed a worry, even if Lucy did not seem concerned. She suspected Lucy’s bravery was more for her husband’s sake. She’d only met him briefly, but he certainly doted on her. The Lord of Thornewall had been wise to hire her services upon the recent discovery his wife was bearing twins. Ellise would do her best to ensure Lucy carried the babes safely and brought them into the world with as much ease as possible.
Snatching her basket once more, Ellise stepped over to a large rosemary bush and broke off several branches. Aye, it was a good thing indeed she was here. Her knowledge of herbs and her experience were unmatched by any other in Northumbria. Mayhap she sounded conceited, but it was true. She had aided Mamá in many childbirths when she was but a young girl and had been taught well. Only her mother’s knowledge had been better than hers, God rest her soul.
That deep, sickening sadness threatened to engulf her again as she considered her parents. Would life be so much different if they were still alive? Certainly she would never have been pushed into marrying Richard but she could hardly regret the marriage for it gave her a blessed son. A son she so wished she could hold at this very moment.
She rubbed her thumb across a rosemary branch and sniffed it, forcing herself back into a positive frame of mind as she kneeled to explore the other herbs. The rosemary would do well to help the Lady with the inevitable stomach ailments as the babes grew. Lucy seemed a kind mistress. Quiet at first, but Ellise suspected they could form a strong friendship. It was a pity she had to leave eventually. She could settle quite easily here.
A shadow cast over her and a shiver wracked her. What sort of game were the fates playing on her? Why did he have to be here? It was not as if the angelic knight did not already play on her mind every night. And now he was here in the flesh, at the place her dreams had shown her. She glanced behind. Leather boots filled her vision and she allowed her gaze to trail slowly up, as he had done to her previously. The sunlight made her squint and prevented her from making out his expression but from his glower earlier, she doubted it was one of welcome.
With a dismissive sniff, she turned back to her herbs and plucked a few more leaves.
“Ellise,” came his gruff voice. “Ellise,” he barked when she failed to respond.
Sighing, Ellise got to her feet and brushed both hands down her gown. Mio Dios, she would never get used to wearing fine clothes again. She grimaced as she noted the streaks of dirt across the front of her bliaut before turning to face James.
“Captain, ‘tis a pleasure to see you again. And I am glad to see you found your clothes.”
He didn’t respond to her jest, unless his deepening frown could be considered a reaction. He curled one hand around his sword. Whether he intended it to be a threatening move, Ellise didn’t know, but clearly he was displeased with her. Was it her presence that angered him or was it that she had snuck out of the inn after that one night?
“Ellise, what are you doing here?”
“Picking herbs.” She grabbed her basket and stepped past him, forcing him to turn so she could see him properly.
Aye, just as beautiful as she recalled. A little tired in appearance, with more stubble than before, but the hue of his skin had darkened and the summer sun picked out a few light strands in his hair, making the golden mix even more enticing. She remembered the silken feel of his locks between her fingers vividly. A rush of heat flowed into her cheeks. She remembered much of that night vividly. Did he recall it in as much detail as she? Or was she just another peasant girl to him?
Jaw tense, his hand flexed around his pommel. If she didn’t know better, Ellise would be readying herself to do battle with him.
“Nay, what are doing at Thornewall?” he asked.
“I am to look after the Lady. She explained as much this morn, Captain.”
“Ellise, you are not a wit, so do not pretend to be. How is it you came h
ere? And how is it my mistress believes you to be a lady?”
“Sir, you do insult me. Here I thought you found my words quite diverting.”
“Diverting indeed. Do not change the subject.”
Ellise slanted her head and regarded him dismissively. “If you fear that I came here to chase you down, then you need fear no longer. I knew naught of your employment here and I hold you to no promises. ‘Twas one night, naught more, and I know well enough that was all it could ever be.”
His green gaze settled on her face, narrowing marginally but giving little away. “Indeed, naught more than one night…but, Ellise, you did not even do me the courtesy of staying the whole night.”
“And why would I? Mayhap you wished me to stay and profess my undying love for you? Does it flatter your ego to have naïve peasant girls fall at your feet? Forgive me, Captain, but I had no intention of being dismissed the next morn. Did you wish for one more tumble perhaps? Mayhap you regret taking me in, for I did not fully recompense you.”
His eyes hardened and he snatched suddenly at her arm, making her gasp. “I did not purchase you, Ellise. You were not my whore, so why should I complain of such a thing? I am not in the habit of paying lasses to share my bed. And you will remember that you offered yourself to me. I do not appreciate you implying otherwise.”
Ellise gulped. Her words had been harsh but his unexpected presence and angry expression forced the insults from her tongue. How could she admit that she feared his rejection? And of course he would have rejected her. A captain and a thief? Imposible. Not to mention she dare not risk him witnessing one of her visions.
He smirked. “Ah, a miracle indeed, I have silenced your bold tongue. Mayhap you will find it again so you can explain to me how you came to be in the position of lady-in-waiting to the lady of Thornewall.”
Ellise twisted in his hold and he released her, a flicker of regret flying across his face. “I am experienced in herbs and childbirth. I assure you your mistress could be in no better hands. It happened that word of the position reached Durham so I travelled directly to apply for the role. My circumstances in Durham were not so good, if you recall.”
“And what have you to say of your deceit? What is to prevent me from revealing you to be a fraud?”
“There is no deceit. I am a lady. My father a knight, my mother of a noble Spanish family. Alas, I am a destitute lady, but noble blood runs through my veins nonetheless.”
James’ shoulders dropped, the righteous stance of his body diminished slightly, though it did not make him any less impressive in his leather armour. And it did not help her forget about the body lying underneath it, either.
“You are a noble?”
“Aye.”
“Why did you not tell me?”
“What difference would it have made? I am poor. I have naught. My family’s name is all but gone. Would you not have taken my favours so readily had you known?”
James swept a hand through his hair and Ellise swallowed. The chivalrous man no doubt regretted their night together and it made her heart ache, for she could not bring herself to regret a single moment, as sweet and as brief as it was. If only she saw just a fragment of that man now. Now he was all indignant anger and cold righteousness.
“I would have helped, Ellise. If you had stayed around long enough, I would have helped. Regardless of your birth.”
“I—”
“You play on false pride and ‘tis unbecoming, for I much preferred the peasant lass to the noble woman who stands before me. Good day to you, my lady. I shall see you this eve at supper.” He spun away, boots grinding in the dirt and Ellise stared at his back as he disappeared through a rear door and into the kitchens.
False pride? His words stung, but mayhap it was because he was right. Each word she’d spoken had been bitter and defensive. But his behaviour had been little better. Accusing her of deceit and questioning her words. Why did it rile her so much? James was right there, too. There were many things she still kept hidden.
But she had no choice, did she? And it was far better that she maintained her distance from the striking Captain. She could not bear to disappoint him once more. If he even still found her attractive, she would not act upon it. It could only lead to heartache when she left. And she would leave eventually. As soon as she’d saved up enough coin, she needed to find a way to get her son back and track down her mother’s family in Spain. What other choice did she have? If they stayed in England, her son would never be safe from his uncle’s clutches, and neither would she. That was what she needed to concentrate on. Not some beautiful knight.
~***~
Crashing through the heavy hall doors, James stomped across to one of the trestle tables and poured a mug of ale. The drink sloshed onto the linen cloth and he knew he’d have trouble if any of the maids caught him making a mess before supper.
He threw back the ale, the cool relief instantly soothing him. What a day. The heat made the men irritable and he’d broken up two scuffles. To add to that, he gained a decent sized bruise on his arm when he’d been distracted during weapons practice. Thank the Lord the sword had been wooden, or he’d be missing an arm instead. He rolled his shoulder and grimaced as it twinged.
That had been Ellise’s fault. He’d spotted her watching them from a distance, her dark lovely looks making her stand out, and the soldier had used it to his advantage. On his bare arm, the wooden waster had hit hard. Damn the woman. First he’d been preoccupied because of her disappearance and now her reappearance had addled his mind.
He suspected he had an apology to make. He hadn’t handled seeing her again well. But how could he treat her as a casual acquaintance after what had occurred between them? And she had been so calm and indifferent, using that quick tongue of hers to put him in his place. If felt as if that eve had meant nothing to her.
Did it mean something to him?
Ack, well, even if it did there was little that could come from it. Even as a noble woman—a noblewoman—he couldn’t very well marry her. A captain like himself needed a woman with a strong highborn family and preferably some riches to her name. And bedding her again was out of the question. It was bad enough he had once. Aye, Ellise was no innocent, but he still should never have taken her in such a manner. It was against everything he stood for. The code of chivalry was meant to protect the weaker members of society. He should not have taken what she offered so easily.
Aye, he would apologise. After supper. After his meeting with Lord Dominic.
Taking one last gulp of ale, he swiped a hand across his mouth and took the wooden stairs up to the solar two at a time.
Lord Dominic awaited him at his desk, a quill in hand. The solar took full advantage of the afternoon sun and it streamed through the green-tinged glass, spilling upon the wooden floorboards in distorted patterns. James strode forward and waited as Dominic finished his missive.
The Lord laid down his quill and ran a hand through his long dark hair before coming to his feet. “How goes it, James?”
“Aye, well enough, my lord.”
“Ack, you need not address me so in private, you know that.”
James laughed. “Aye, as you will.” The formality came naturally to him but Dominic hated it. As boyhood friends, the distinction between their roles never existed.
“I hear you took a beating. From a whelp, no less.”
James touched a hand to his arm, then fisted it at his side. “Not a beating, Dominic. A mere tickle. What did you want with me?”
“We are to expect a visitor. The Earl of Wighthurst—Lord Edmund Wighthurst.”
“We’ve not heard from the Earl in many years.”
“Aye. I extended an invitation to him last Christmas, but he declined. He has had little occasion to visit with us in spite of the proximity of our lands. I will admit to being unsure as to the reason of his visit.”
James ran a hand across his rough jaw. Whatever the visit meant, it couldn’t be good. Wighthurst was a notoriously ruthl
ess man with great ambitions. “Think you he wishes to involve you in some plot?”
“Nay, he speaks…” Dominic frowned and shook his head. “He speaks of the reiver threat and extending the hand of friendship.”
“And you believe this to be true?”
“I have no reason to believe otherwise, but the reivers have caused little trouble of late. If he wishes for an alliance between us, I can only imagine it is so I will join him in some cause. And I have no wish to be part of any plot involving him.”
James snorted. “Aye, well we all know you’ll not be easily convinced of any political cause, but does he?”
“I know not, but this visit makes me uneasy. Why this sudden interest? If it is to do with the troubles in the south, then I want naught to do with it. The crown cares little for our problems, so I do not see why I should care for theirs. Mark my words, James, we shall always be on the outside the law, no matter who sits on the throne.”
Nodding, James strolled over to the window and surveyed the courtyard. He understood Dominic’s bitterness. The king had helped little in the struggle against the border reivers, leaving it up to them to deal with the lawlessness that still dominated the borderlands. He turned his attention back to Dominic. “When shall Lord Wighthurst arrive?”
“Two days’ time, according to his missive. He sent this ahead of his departure. Seems he did not wish to wait for a response. Mayhap he feared me telling him to go to hell.” Dominic grinned and James felt his own lips tug into a grin.
“I shall have the men be extra vigilant. And pray Wighthurst is true in his wish for friendship.”
“Aye, you do that, James. I fear this visit will not be the straight-forward matter Lord Wighthurst claims it to be.”
“Aye, I fear it also.” An odd sense of premonition struck James, twisting his stomach. Something told him the Earl’s visit would bring more troubles to their doorstep.
~***~
The boisterous atmosphere of the Great Hall at supper time almost erased the memory of Ellise’s brief exchange with James. But not quite.
Borderland Betrayal Page 4
