“‘Tis all ready for ye, my lords. I’ll have some food sent up in but a moment.”
“My thanks, Mary.”
“Ye are very welcome, Captain.” She flashed him her most flirtatious smile and he groaned inwardly. As much as Mary was a pretty lass, she barely interested him anymore. Ack, he couldn’t imagine being with anyone who did not have beautiful exotic skin and glossy dark hair.
“Well, here we are, my lord. Mary will see that you have all you need.”
“I thank you, Captain.” Wighthurst turned his smile toward Mary.
She simpered and James sucked in a breath through his nostrils. He didn’t like that the maid found him attractive. Did Ellise think so too?
Hell’s teeth, but he needed to stop caring what she thought. Offering the quickest bow possible to Edmund, he spun away. Briefly pondering finding some company for the eve, he shook his head. Nay, he had no taste for it. Ack, that lass would be the death of him.
~***~
Ellise peered around the chapel doorway and sucked in a breath. Edmund stood silhouetted in front of the stained glass window, coloured light flickering around him. His head was bowed in prayer but he had not dropped to his knees. She recognised the pious act for just what it was—an act. Edmund cared little for God or for prayers. He cared only for himself and power and wealth.
She stepped carefully past the pews, her shoes tapping against the tiled floor and he turned when he heard her approach. Darting a look over her shoulder, she checked they were still alone before she spoke. “Why are you here?”
“Is that any way to greet your brother?” Edmund smirked, facing her fully and drawing himself up to his full height. He was quite a bit taller than she. Not as tall as James, but still strong and intimidating.
But Ellise was no longer a young girl and she would not be intimidated by him this time.
“You are no brother of mine. I was your brother’s wife, naught more. I have never considered you family.”
“I had thought you might be pleased to see me, Ellise. It has been many years since I’ve had word from you. I thought mayhap you had come to harm.”
“That would suit you well, would it not?” She fixed him with a glare.
“Nay, not at all. You forget I offered you protection once.” His flashed a grin at her.
It could almost be considered a handsome smile. Indeed his face was not unsightly. His short dark hair set off well-proportioned features but the malicious glint in his eyes always made him seem grotesque to her. Mayhap it was because she knew of his true nature. Unlike his brother, her late husband, who was mild mannered, if a little dull, Edmund had a temper and an arrogance to match.
“You did no such thing. You tried to force me to marry you. And what protection could you offer then when the biggest risk to me was you?”
“I was your overlord. And I had every right to decide whom you should marry. You should have agreed, Ellise. You would still be a wealthy woman if you had and be able to see your precious boy.”
“If I had survived long enough,” she spat. “You took everything from me, Edmund. My dowry, my child. What more could you possibly want with me? Do you come to taunt me?”
He released a disparaging laugh. “Nay, not at all. You may think all men bow to your will, my lady, but not I. ‘Tis a happy coincidence that I find you here. Indeed, I hope to talk your lord into supporting my cause.”
“What cause might that be? One that brings you much wealth and power no doubt, all the while taking from those who do not deserve such treatment.” Ellise allowed herself a bitter smile as angry heat swelled in her chest. “You will not persuade Lord Dominic to aid you. He is a good man and cares much for the welfare of others. Unlike you.”
Edmund plucked an invisible speck of dirt from his tunic and shook his head. “I care for the welfare of Thomas.” He released a sharp laugh. “Of course, you know him as Arias but I could not have a son with a Spanish name.”
Her stomach rolled at the mention of her son’s name, the ache that always resided in her heart grew stronger. She felt her normally positive spirits waning. She worked so hard to continue on, to focus on getting her son back, but seeing Edmund in front of her, so smug, so assured, it ate into her confidence. Would she really ever be able to hold Arias in her arms again?
“Do you not wish to know how my son fares?”
Ellise tilted her head as he came closer, their toes almost touching, but she stood her ground. She would not let him see her sorrow. “He is not your son and never will be.”
“He may as well be. As the only male heir to Wighthurst, he will continue on my legacy.”
“You are an impotent fool, Edmund. Everyone knows he is Richard’s.”
Edmund’s hand whipped out and she heard the crack before she felt it as he smacked the back of his hand across her cheek. She cried out, hand to her face as it throbbed but somehow she forced down her surprise and straightened.
“Little whore,” he hissed as she eyed him.
Chin raised, Ellise schooled her expression into one of cold dispassion. “Mayhap. But I will never be your whore. And I will get my son back, mark my words.”
She spun on her heels before he witnessed the tremble of her lips or the quake of her shoulders. It felt like fire surged under her skin, but was it from anger or fear? She was furious. How dare the man invade her place of solitude, the place she thought would help her out of her situation? She was so close to having enough money and when she did, all she needed to do was find a way to gain access to her son. But apprehension seized her heart. She didn’t know if Edmund was lying, but it was too much of a coincidence that he’d turned up while she was working at Thornewall. Word could have spread about the Lady Ellise who had a great knowledge of herbs. If anyone had described her, Edmund could have been sure it was her.
Whatever he had planned, she didn’t want to wait to find out. She needed to get Arias back and escape to Spain. Quickly.
CHAPTER SIX
Clutching a basket of herbs, Ellise scurried across the outer ward to the courtyard. She had managed to avoid Edmund by spending most of the morning in the herb garden and now she hoped to evade him again by hiding in the kitchens as she prepared some lemon balm.
The basket dropped from her numb fingers and she gulped and froze. Santa Maria. The crash of a wooden sword on a shield jolted her as she gaped at the fighting men. At James, really. She bent to pick up the herbs and rose slowly, glancing around the courtyard to see if anyone had noticed her foolishness. She strolled leisurely along the edge of the bailey, flicking glances at James, unable to keep her gaze from him.
He fought with grace, his movements always carefully considered, but a great deal of aggression lay behind them, as if determined to win at any cost. Ellise battled the heat rising in her breast as she traced the lines of his chest. The day was hot, the summer sun beat onto the dry earth. All the men fought shirtless but none drew her attention as James did. He stood taller than most of them and was stronger. A pang of sympathy for his opponent struck her. She would not wish to be up against such an indomitable warrior.
His golden skin glistened under the sun, muscles undulated as he swung his sword at his enemy. Ellise sidled around toward the arched alleyway leading between the walls and paused in the shadows. The shade gave her no relief from the heat, but most of the heat came from within, came from watching James’ agile movements. He lunged forward and she caught sight of the determined expression on his face. All his focus was on his opponent.
It was the same focus with which he approached everything in life. Ellise let a smile slip across her lips. In some ways, she understood it. She felt the same determination to get her son back and create a new life for them. Unfortunately James proved quite the distraction. And who could blame her? Was there ever a more beautiful man?
“He always wins.”
Ellise jolted away from the wall and laughed in surprise as Lucy offered her a teasing grin. “Who, my lady?” she asked, k
nowing exactly of whom Lucy was speaking.
“Captain James.”
“That does not shock me.”
“He does not even hold back with Dominic. There are not many men who can beat him in a fight and even fewer who would be happy to show up their lord. Thankfully, Dominic does not take offense.”
“Nay, Lord Dominic is indeed blessed with a happy temperament but you are right, not many lords would be pleased to be bested by their vassals.”
“‘Tis fascinating to watch, is it not? These warriors doing what they do best.” Lucy’s lips quirked.
“Indeed.”
“And you watch most closely, Ellise.”
Her cheeks burned as she swung her gaze between Lucy and the fighting. “I... I admire the Captain's courage.”
“There is much to be admired about James, I think. A more dutiful man, I have never met. The woman who captures his heart will be a lucky woman indeed. I have hopes that he will find someone soon.”
“Aye. I suppose he will accept the offer of the lady from the south before long.” Even she heard the solemn tone to her voice. Did Lucy?
“I know not. He has never shown any interest in marriage but has need of an heir. A man as dutiful as James will not be able to neglect such a duty for much longer.”
The thought of another woman garnering his affections made her chest constrict. Which was foolish. Why should she begrudge him happiness? It was not as if she could give him all he wanted. A wealthy wife with a good family, that’s what a man like James looked for. And all she wanted was her son and freedom from fear. She could not stand looking over her shoulder for much longer, forever worrying what the Earl had planned. Fearing he would decide that taking her son, her wealth, and her home was not enough.
James parried a swift swing from his opponent and knocked the lad’s feet out from under him. In the quickest of movements, he had the wooden blade at the throat of the soldier, who raised his hands in surrender. With a quick grin, James offered him a hand and helped him to his feet. The exertion and the heat made his skin shimmer. Ellise practically tasted the salty tang of his skin as she recalled his slick body beneath her fingers. As he patted the boy on the shoulder, he peered in her direction and his grin fell. His brow furrowed as he continued to stare, gaze locking onto hers. Her bodice grew tight and she tried to drag her gaze away but he held her captive. A man came up behind him and dragged his attention away. She blew out a breath as Lucy laughed next to her.
“It seems you’re not the only one to watch closely, Ellise. I do believe you may prove a distraction if you continue to observe.”
Ellise shook her head, struggling against the need to lower her head in embarrassment. “I do not believe anyone can distract the Captain from his duties. And certainly not a woman such as myself.”
Lucy made a sound of disapproval. “Nonsense. You are a fine beauty. Would that I had a figure like yours…”
“My lady, you are preg—”
“And you have far more wit than most. Some men are able to see past a one’s circumstances to the value within.”
“My lady, what are you saying?”
“James is a clever man, if a little bound by chivalry at times. He will come to realise what is right in front of him before long.”
“I really have no wish—”
“Then you had better tell him that.” Lucy sank into the shadows and Ellise gasped as James approached. She glanced back around but Lucy was gone and James was upon her.
Chausses low around his hips, her mouth grew arid as he wiped his face with his shirt and pulled it on. The movement gave her an instant to appreciate the lines of his stomach and the sprinkling of golden hair leading into the waistband of his chausses. His shirt stuck to him and he left the collar wide open. Ellise leaned against the stone for support.
“Is all well, Captain?” she forced herself to ask brightly.
“Aye, well enough. How goes it, Ellise?”
“Well, sir.”
His scowl deepened at her formality. The words stuck on her tongue but she needed the distance they provided.
“Has aught happened to upset you?” he asked.
“Nay, why would you say that?”
His green gaze pierced her. Sometimes it seemed as if he saw all the way into her soul. Did he know of her connection to Edmund? The Earl certainly made no declaration of it. He’d claimed Arias as his and she trusted he wouldn’t want any person discovering their shared past. For that, she was grateful. She did not need anyone getting in the way of her plans, but it still galled her to think of him playing at being her son’s father.
“You seemed… shaken yesterday. I saw you leaving the chapel shortly after the Earl’s arrival. I do believe he was praying. Did you encounter him?”
She swallowed. Should she lie? “I… I did. But we did not converse. I left him to his prayers. Why do you ask, James? Have… have you some concerns about him?”
He appeared to consider her words for a moment. “Aye. The Earl is known for his ruthlessness. If he has upset you in some way, you must tell me.”
Ellise shook her head and offered him a small smile. “I am capable of looking after myself. But, nay, he has not upset me.”
“Good. For if he had…”
A placating hand to his arm, the heat of his skin through the linen seared her palm and stole her breath. Somehow she managed to find her voice. “Do not fear. I am not easily upset.”
His lips twisted into a wry smile. “Aye. You would do well to allow a man to do his duty sometimes, Ellise. ‘Tis most frustrating when you do not accept aid.” He glanced at her hand. “Is it healing?”
She blinked and stared at her hand. She’d forgotten all about the slowly mending cut. No doubt it would leave a jagged scar but it did not bother her. Edmund’s visit and James’ presence seemed to steal all thought from her. It was exhausting being so caught up in two men’s lives. Not that she should be so fascinated with James.
“Aye, ‘tis healing well.”
“Good,” he said again.
Ellise plucked at the linen bandage, twisting a loose strand with her finger. Had she really once made love to this magnificent man? She reached out, unthinkingly, and paused, her hand not far from his collar bone where a bruise marred it.
“Do you… do you have need of some yarrow root?”
“Nay.”
She clenched her hand at her side. “Good.”
“Well, I—”
“I must go and, uh…” She lifted her basket of herbs.
“Aye, indeed. Well, good day to you, Ellise.” He dipped his head formally.
“Good day,” she murmured.
James hesitated and she sensed he wanted to say something but mayhap he changed his mind as he offered her another awkward nod before spinning on his heel toward the armoury.
Watching his powerful strides and the movement of his hips, she released a sigh. Que Dios me ayude. This attraction was torture. The sooner she left Thornewall the better. She only hoped she had enough coin saved by the time the babes arrived. Once Lucy was settled with them, there would be nothing keeping her.
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she turned and made her way to the kitchens. The heat from the ovens hit her as she stepped down the stone stairs, the aroma of pastries thick in the air.
The cook grumbled and sent her an annoyed look as he prepared some fish, making the large table in the middle of the kitchens shake with every thump of his knife. Ellise rolled her eyes. He hated having someone else taking up his cooking space.
Ellise dumped her basket on the table and began unloading the herbs. Winnie sat on a stool in one corner, picking at a bread roll. From her flushed cheeks, it was clearly too hot for her in the kitchen.
“Winnie, what are you doing in here?”
“Ack, I’m trying to avoid Lord Dominic. He’s in a foul mood again.”
Ellise laughed. “Already?”
“Milady insisted she accompany him and the Earl on th
eir tour of Thornewall. And he has returned in a terrible mood, though Lord only knows why! Lucy is as healthy as ever.”
“Aye, she carries the babes well. Not all women are as blessed. Lord Dominic worries for her ‘tis all. She is fortunate. Not many men would care so much for their wife’s welfare.”
“My sister’s husband had her out planting the fields when she was carrying her fifth babe. Ye see why I never married?” She waved her bread around, sending crumbs flying. “Men are fools.”
“You do not mean that, Winnie. I know as well as you, that you love Lord Dominic as a son. As soon as these babes are born, you will be doting on him again.”
Winnie humphed. “We’ll see.” She flung the bread into a basket with a grimace. “What of you?”
“What of me?” Ellise began binding the rosemary, ready to be hung.
“Will ye marry?”
Ellise tensed but tried to keep her face relaxed. “Nay, I think not.”
“But ye are a pretty lass. Surely ye will. That Earl is interested in ye. Milady said as much.”
Her stomach gave a twist and she made a show of concentrating on the herbs. “I have no interest in the Earl.”
“But he is rich and handsome. Do ye not think him handsome?”
“Handsome is well enough but we both know there are many men with beautiful faces and ugly souls.”
“Ack, ye sound as if ye speak from experience and ye are surely too young to be so bitter. If ye have no interest in the Earl, then mayhap ‘tis because ye have found a better man?”
Ellise faced Winnie and narrowed her eyes. What was the woman getting at? Did she know of her and James? Winnie’s face betrayed nothing, only wide-eyed innocence. The maid was far too shrewd for her liking.
“I have found no one, Winnie,” she insisted. “And I will not marry. I have no wealth or accomplishments and I have no need of a husband.”
The maid shook her head. “Well, the Earl is wealthy enough for both of ye. I hear he is hoping to expand his influence with the help of Lord Dominic and he is looking for a stepmother for his young son. A boy needs a mother.”
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