by Alexa Aston
Hal recalled how Rosalyne lost her parents as a babe and Benedict’s wife had refused to allow Rosalyne to be raised at Shallowheart. Instead, she’d gone to live with her mother’s brother, Templeton Parry, who gained recognition as an artist in Canterbury. While not raised in poverty, her life had none of the luxuries she should have had access to if she’d grown up at Shallowheart. Now, she had the love of her husband and would return to bring up her children at the place of her birth. The title and lands would remain in the family, passing from Edward to his oldest son.
“When do you leave Kinwick?” he asked.
“Tomorrow,” his brother told him. “There is much to tell you between now and then.”
The rest of their riding party arrived. Geoffrey, Merryn, and Jessimond dismounted as stable hands took charge of their horses. Greetings were exchanged and then the entire group headed up to the solar. Fruit and cheese awaited them, with Tilda fussing over everyone as they gathered around the large table. Hal kissed the longtime servant’s cheek and she swatted at him as if he were still two years of age. He remembered Tilda having to chase after him many times when he was young and perpetually in motion.
Edward spoke of the missive they’d received a week ago, informing him and Rosalyne of Benedict’s death.
“He went peacefully in his sleep. The steward who wrote to us said Benedict had spent the morning hunting and the afternoon reading. He ate a light dinner and retired then never awoke.”
“Uncle enjoyed life at court until the king was removed from power,” Rosalyne told Hal. “But I am glad he spent his last days at Shallowheart. He had a true love for the place.”
“I used to see Benedict in the palace every now and then. He was always friendly and had a kind word for me. Many courtiers will miss his presence,” Hal said.
Rosalyne looked to her mother-in-law. “Merryn, I have a favor to ask of you since we are speaking about Shallowheart.”
She smiled warmly. “You know I will do whatever I can for you, Rosalyne. You are as a daughter to me and have already given me two precious grandchildren.”
“Would you come to Shallowheart with us for a few weeks?” pleaded Rosalyne. “You make running a castle seem effortless. I know I have learned much from you in the two years I’ve lived at Kinwick but I fear there will be so much to do once we arrive, especially since Uncle Benedict never remarried. Shallowheart has been without a baroness for many years. I don’t want to make any mistakes.”
Merryn shook her head. “I must refuse this favor, Rosalyne. Hear me out. First, you have already learned everything I could teach you about managing a great castle and need to have confidence in yourself. Second, the people of Shallowheart must look to you as their lady from the very start. Not me. You. We can talk over some of the things you should do upon your arrival but you are the one who needs to put her mark on the place.
“Find out who is to be trusted and can help you oversee the keep. Then check continually at different times in various areas so that the servants know your eyes are everywhere and see all. Set high expectations and they will live up to them.” Merryn smiled. “Once you have established yourself as a strong but fair baroness, you will still have plenty of time for your painting. Only then will Geoffrey and I come for a visit.”
Rosalyne took in the words, nodding in agreement. “I understand, Merryn. ’Tis wise advice you give me. But that reminds me, I finished my latest portrait. Transporting it to Shallowheart half-done would have been too much trouble, so I worked quickly in order to complete it before we left. I hope you don’t mind that I sent word to the Le Rouxs for them to come for it. I neglected to tell you that they should be here soon.”
It pleased Hal to know Raynor and Beatrice would arrive today. Raynor had made a wooden sword for each de Montfort child through the years. The tradition had started when he did so for Ancel and Alys demanded she also should receive one in order to learn swordplay. Raynor had reluctantly given in to Alys’ demand but found her to be a willing student who worked hard and took his lessons to heart. Since the twins had received swords, all de Montforts, be they male or female, had been awarded a wooden sword crafted by Raynor for their sixth birthday.
The door swung open and Raynor and Beatrice entered. A joyous reunion took place among those gathered. Hal grinned down at Beatrice before embracing her. As a boy, he’d been taken by the petite beauty who could outsing any songbird in the land.
“I still remember how you would come and sing us to sleep when you visited Kinwick or we came to Ashcroft. It was as if an angel had come down from heaven and lulled us to sleep. I fancied myself half in love with you,” Hal confessed.
Beatrice laughed merrily. “And I wanted little terrors exactly like you. Fortunately, Cecily was our first and a perfect babe. But her two brothers? I fear their Cousin Hal had a bit of influence on their wild behavior.”
“A toast!” Geoffrey called out. “For the return of our beloved son and the visit of my closest friend and kin, along with his beautiful wife.”
Raised goblets clanked together. Happiness permeated the room. Hal could only hope the same scene would be repeated in the near future, with Elinor by his side, as their upcoming wedding would be acknowledged.
“Enough of this. Hal must tell Beatrice and me where he has been,” Raynor said. “We’ve been anxious since you went missing when the king rose up to fight but we’re delighted to see you back at Kinwick.”
Hal explained what he’d shared with the others about the trials Richard had undergone as he went up against the Lords Appellant and how unsuccessful uniting an army had proven to be. Then he related the story about the injuries he’d suffered, which kept him from returning to Kinwick sooner.
He took a long swallow of wine, his mouth parched after speaking for so long.
“The rest, Hal,” his mother urged.
Before he spoke, his eyes met Beatrice’s. He saw that she knew.
“You’ve found love,” she said softly, her eyes misting.
“Aye,” he confirmed. “How could I not with so many shining examples around me?”
Jessimond giggled while Nan’s jaw dropped. Hal realized they’d both been in the training yard and didn’t know anything about his feelings for Elinor.
Raynor clasped his shoulder. “Tell us of her.”
Hal did, describing everything he could remember about Elinor, from the way she looked to how she’d nursed him back to health to her vast knowledge regarding raptors.
“Elinor even allowed me to help her train the two newborns, Bess and Tris. They’re called eyases. Those weeks working with the young raptors while I healed passed quickly.”
“It sounds so romantic,” Rosalyne said. “And to think she loves you for yourself, with no idea you are a member of the nobility.”
“Speaking of love,” Edward prompted, his fingers entwining with his wife’s as he looked at Raynor and Beatrice, “you must see your portrait. Rosalyne did something unusual.”
Beatrice’s eyes sparkled. “What? Oh, I cannot wait to see them. I’ve loved the ones you have already done of the family.”
“Actually, there’s only one,” Rosalyne said. “I have always painted couples separately but, this time, I decided to put the two of you together.”
“Once you see it, you’ll wonder why Rosalyne has never done this before,” Edward added.
Merryn said, “I’m already jealous and have yet to view it.” She looked at her daughter-in-law. “Promise me, Rosalyne, you will do the same for Geoffrey and me once you’ve settled in at Shallowheart. Between birthing Edward’s babes, of course.”
Everyone laughed and rose to follow Rosalyne to the chamber she had taken over as her studio. Entering, all conversation ceased as the group studied the portrait of the pair in front of them.
Beatrice walked toward the canvas and gazed upon it reverently. “We are so lifelike.” A smile danced upon her lips. “And ’tis obvious that we are very much in love. Even after all these years.” Sh
e gave her husband an adoring glance.
Raynor joined his wife and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him possessively. “You’ve always had my respect, Rosalyne, when I’ve seen your art. But this? You have more than earned your commission. I can tell that Beatrice will want all of our children painted now.”
“I promise I will paint every Le Roux,” said Rosalyne, “as soon as I become familiar and comfortable with my duties at Shallowheart.” She glanced at Merryn, whose eyebrow was raised. “That is, after I do one of Geoffrey and Merryn together.”
Tilda appeared in the doorway. “The evening meal is ready, my lady.”
“Thank you, Tilda.” Merryn looked around. “I hope everyone is hungry.”
As they filed from the room to join with the workers at Kinwick, Hal found himself near the end of the line, with only Edward and Rosalyne behind him. Happiness radiated from the couple as they engaged in a long, heated kiss. Hal turned away and followed the others, giving them privacy. He was eager to share this special bond with Elinor. He’d already gone too long without tasting her. Touching her. He decided when Edward left with his family in the morning, he would do the same and head toward Whitley to claim the woman who’d stolen his heart.
Edward and Rosalyne caught up to him as he entered the great hall.
Rosalyne slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “Once I meet your Elinor and get to know her as my new sister, I look forward to painting her portrait. And yours, too. I haven’t yet done so and now I know why. You are a wonderful man, Hal de Montfort. A good son. Brother. Friend. A dedicated, skilled knight.
“But love adds a dimension to your life and your appearance changes because of it.” She squeezed his arm. “I cannot wait to capture you and Elinor.”
“Together,” Hal insisted. “As you did Raynor and Beatrice.”
Hal swore to himself that once he found Elinor, he never would be parted from her again—not even on canvas.
Chapter 18
Hal waved a final farewell as the escort party left the inner bailey. Edward returned his salute, his smile one Hal wouldn’t forget. For a family’s youngest son to receive his own land and titles was a remarkable accomplishment. Hal couldn’t be prouder of Edward and was eager to see what his little brother would do at Shallowheart in the coming years as he built a legacy for his growing family.
He watched his mother brush away a tear as his father’s arm went about her shoulder in comfort.
“Are you sad to see them go?” Hal asked.
“Nay. Can’t you tell these are tears of happiness?” Another cascaded down Merryn’s cheek. “Well, mayhap one or two possess a little selfishness. I have enjoyed having Edward and Rosalyne at Kinwick these past two years. Rosalyne fit into our family as if she’d been born one of us. And her birthing two little ones only made their time here all the sweeter.”
“But they are off to start a new life,” Geoffrey said. “The time together without us hovering about them will be good for them as a couple. They will learn to depend upon each other.” He brushed a kiss against his wife’s hair. “Besides, it gives us an excuse to visit them. I know you’ll like that, my love.”
“You’re right,” Merryn admitted. She looked to Hal. “And I suppose you’re off, as well. At least you plan to bring Elinor home to us.” She brightened. “I will have a new daughter added to my family. Hopefully, more grandchildren, too.”
“Aye,” Hal agreed, ready to fill Elinor’s belly with his seed and know the joys of sharing a child between them.
“Let me consult with Gilbert,” his father said. “You’ll need to take some men north with you. Gilbert can also see that you are fitted with new armor for the trip.”
“That’s not a good idea,” Hal said. “Elinor has no idea that I am a knight of the realm. It would probably frighten her to find armed knights riding into her clearing.” He paused. “Remember, Father, I go to win Elinor’s hand and her heart. I don’t need a dozen armored men surrounding me while I try to do so.”
Geoffrey frowned. “I won’t let you go alone as you did when you left the Midlands. Looked what happened to you, Hal. I refuse to allow my son to suffer or be set upon by brigands on the road.”
“I think this calls for a compromise,” Merryn said smoothly.
Hal bit back a smile. His mother had run Kinwick alone during the long years his father was locked away. She had the head—and heart—of ten men and had often led individuals that clashed toward peace.
“What would you suggest?” he asked.
She mulled it over. “You should allow Gilbert to see that you have weapons and armor for the ride there. Being part of an armed escort party, you will reach Whitley quickly and safely. Once you near the estate, have the men camp nearby. Discard your armor and convince Elinor of your love and invite her to return with you to Kinwick. After you are successful, you can rendezvous with our soldiers and proceed to Whitley’s castle.”
“Why?”
“You’ll need to discuss with the baron about Elinor leaving. Who knows what type of arrangement they have? He may wish her to stay on until he can find a worthy falconer to replace her.”
Hal didn’t know the particulars. Jasper had been the baron’s falconer, not Elinor. When she’d returned from burying her adopted father, she hadn’t mentioned if things had changed or if the baron had agreed that she should remain to tend and train his raptors. Hal had left an important part left unsaid because he’d been too interested in comforting her—and pleasuring her.
“’Tis a sound plan,” Geoffrey said. He flicked his wrist and a servant came running. “Tell our captain of the guard to come to the great hall at once.”
Geoffrey led them back inside as they waited for Gilbert. He mentioned that Joseph, Kinwick’s falconer, was getting up in years and that Elinor would be welcomed to work with their raptors if she wished. Once Gilbert arrived, Geoffrey explained how he wished ten men to accompany Hal to Whitley and stressed that Hal was to be armed to the hilt. Hal accompanied the knight to the armory first, noticing that Gilbert moved more slowly than he did before. He wondered how long the man would be allowed to remain in his position as Kinwick’s captain. Hal couldn’t remember a time when another man served in that capacity.
By the time Gilbert helped Hal into new armor, his horse and ten men awaited him outside the keep. He kissed his mother’s cheek and offered his father a hand.
“Be safe,” Geoffrey said. “And don’t come home until Elinor is with you. Do whatever it takes to win her heart, Hal. If you love her, she will be life itself to you. And every day with Elinor will be one rich in happiness.”
“Thank you,” Hal said. He knew the separation his parents withstood years ago had been difficult but the strong love they possessed for one another had seen them through that dark time. The years that followed had been ones blessed because each day had been wrapped in love. For each other. For their children. For Kinwick and its people.
Hal mounted his horse, ready to ride to Elinor’s side. His mother blew him a kiss as their group started out. All he could hear were thundering hooves as they rode through the gates of Kinwick and north on the road to Whitley.
He tamed his impatience, wishing they could ride straight through the day and night. Instead, they stopped and camped twice overnight and then rose early the following day to complete their journey. By mid-morning, they’d reached Long Bellbridge. Hal had them ride through the village and stop on its outskirts near where he’d first seen Jasper.
“Wait here,” he instructed. “I hope to be back in several hours if all goes as planned. If not, we’ll make camp here and then leave sometime tomorrow.”
Ronald, the squire who’d accompanied them, helped Hal from his armor. He left all weapons behind save for a baselard tucked inside his boot. As he wove his way through the thick woods, his heartbeat picked up. Excitement rippled through him. All he could think about was wrapping Elinor in his arms and kissing her senseless.
Reaching
the clearing, he saw a man standing next to the empty broad perch. His right hand was raised, shadowing his eyes as he searched the skies. His left hand wore a gauntlet.
Had the baron already added a new falconer?
Hal strode into the clearing, taming the anger and uncertainty that raced through him.
“Greetings,” he called. “I seek Elinor.”
The man dropped his hand and faced him. “Elinor is no longer at Whitley,” he said, his words tinged with sorrow.
“Not here?” Hal stood a moment, dumbfounded. “Where is she?”
“Gone.”
His heart pounded fiercely in his chest. “Gone where?” he ground out.
The man shrugged. “No one knows. I am Gerald. I was hired by the baroness to be Whitley’s falconer. Elinor helped me get to know Bess and Tris as she evaluated my skills. She went to the keep to let the baroness know I would be a suitable replacement. Then . . .” His voice trailed off as his feet shuffled in the dirt. “There was . . . trouble. She’s gone. Never came back to tell the two raptors farewell.”
This sounded nothing like the Elinor he knew, a woman both responsible and caring. She never would have left her falcons without saying goodbye to them.
“Wait,” he said, puzzling over the man’s words. “You said two raptors. There are four. Did she take Horus and Cleo with her?”
“Nay.” Gerald shook his head. “Horus took ill. He died only days before I arrived. And poor Cleo?” The man’s lips trembled. “She grieved herself to death. Elinor took their deaths hard.”
Hal’s head spun. Elinor had lost Jasper and then the very raptors she’d spent most of her life with. He’d also deserted her by heading back to Kinwick. Why hadn’t he told her who he was before he left? Declared his feelings for her? Or better yet, taken her with him? His foolishness had only left her with heartache.
And he had no idea where she was. She could be anywhere. Anywhere.
A calling startled him from his thoughts. Hal looked overhead and saw Tris sailing through the air toward him.
