Thrill Of The Knight

by Julia Latham

And the proof would be in gathering Alderley’s soldiers and convincing them to follow him to aid their mistress, should it come to that. He was a man who knew how to command; he could lead men—but what if that turned Lady Elizabeth against him?

  “Perhaps John Russell does not have the same honor as his elder brother had,” Anne said sadly. “After all, he hasn’t returned to England in many years. It is as if he forgot his family.”

  John took a deep breath and tried to control his fury. This maid was ignorant of all that had occurred—as was poor Lady Elizabeth, trapped in her tower.

  “Remember that Lord Russell is a third son,” John said, “who probably had no hopes for family property or wealth. Perhaps he had to earn it all on his own.”

  She frowned, appearing undecided. Finally she stood up. “I will tell my mistress your words. Excuse me while I see to her.”

  “Of course.”

  When she had gone, Philip leaned toward him and whispered, “It sounds like Lady Elizabeth is ripe for rescue. At least you don’t have to worry about being unwelcome.”

  “If only I could speak to Lady Elizabeth directly, to gauge the kind of woman she is.”

  “Perhaps you should confide in her maid?”

  John frowned in disbelief. “A woman I have only known for one day? She is already trapped in a dangerous situation. I will not give her knowledge that might endanger her—or us—further.”

  John watched Anne leave the hall for the kitchens, and he noticed that he wasn’t the only one doing so. The bearded soldier would have to be dealt with.

  Philip looked around the hall, wearing an expression of anticipation. “You know, the League could already be here.”

  John rolled his eyes. “If there really is a League, rather than a few men who think themselves important.”

  Philip gaped at him. “How can you doubt it?”

  “Please don’t bring up your grandmother’s rescue again.”

  “I don’t need to,” Philip answered, offended. “You know of the smuggling raid. You are from Cornwall, after all.”

  “Aye, the League supposedly helped a small group of smugglers get out from under the fist of a tyrant.”

  “Who was using them as slaves.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  Philip shook his head. “And yet you doubt. Christ himself could appear and you would still…”

  John let Philip talk on.

  Philip finally frowned. “You’re not even listening. Those soldiers playing dice look like they need a jovial companion.”

  John glanced at him with interest. “I cannot wait to hear everything you discover.”

  Philip stood up, smiling. “Perhaps I’ll tell you; perhaps not. You’d doubt me anyway.”

  John grinned and shook his head. He was glad to have a friend such as Philip, who could certainly be off on his own adventures instead of helping him. By tomorrow, John would have to send Philip into the forest to meet up with Ogden and Parker, to exchange information. Perhaps luck had been with them, and they had already found Alderley’s army.

  John remained in the great hall throughout the evening, observing both the castle residents and Bannaster’s soldiers. Musicians played for several hours, and even a traveling jester performed. But the merriment seemed forced—except for the soldiers, who grew more boisterous throughout the evening.

  And Philip was right in the middle of it. If he was only pretending to be drunk, it wasn’t evident. He grew just as red-faced with laughter as the next man.

  Strangely enough, Anne’s departure seemed to signal a relaxation amongst the castle’s residents. Though their conversations were muted, and they glanced suspiciously at the soldiers, they didn’t find their pallets quickly. It was as if without Anne, it was easier to forget the plight of Lady Elizabeth, trapped in her tower. Several people came and introduced themselves to John, and he encouraged their friendship. He needed to know as many people as he could, in hopes of earning their loyalty if he needed to rely on them to help rescue their lady.

  When John was alone again, Philip staggered back to him and sat down on the same bench, almost knocking both of them to the floor. John caught the table and held on, glaring at Philip, who looked apologetic.

  “Any ale left?” Philip asked, his words slightly slurred.

  John silently passed Philip his tankard.

  Across the hall, a game of Tables was growing boisterous, as two soldiers hunched over the game board, and more gathered around.

  In a soft voice, Philip said, “They’re all Bannaster’s men, at least the ones in here tonight.”

  “So ’tis true that Alderley’s soldiers were sent away. Are any left on the grounds?”

  “Not many.” Philip tipped his tankard back and drank, spilling some down his cheek to his neck. “Most were sent out into the forest to hunt for thieves. It seems the castle residents would have been more upset, but the attack on us showed them they really had a problem.”

  “So Bannaster wants them gone indefinitely.”

  “But he didn’t kill them,” Philip pointed out.

  “But they’re not here to do their duty.”

  “Four soldiers remained behind to take turns guarding the base of Lady Elizabeth’s tower.”

  John glanced at his friend incredulously. “Milburn allows Alderley soldiers to guard his captive?”

  “There is one Bannaster soldier and one Alderley soldier guarding the tower at all times.” Philip halted, and gave a bleary grin as two young maidens walked by. When they were far enough away, he continued. “It seems Lord Bannaster did not want to trust even his own men with his prize.”

  “And did you discover whom they allow to see Lady Elizabeth?”

  “Didn’t get to that,” Philip said, hiccuping. “Too many questions. And ’tis your assignment, isn’t it?”

  John smiled. “Aye, it is. I’ll start to walk the corridors to keep up my strength. Strangely enough, that tower will be my frequent destination.”

  “So I am finished with the soldiers?”

  “I think not. Who knows what you can discover.”

  Philip sighed. “When one is pretending to be drunk, yet still must appear to keep drinking…it is difficult.”

  “You are succeeding admirably.”

  “My thanks.” Philip pushed himself to his feet and went over to watch the Tables tournament.

  Anne eventually returned by the same door she’d left, and John knew that that was where he’d first start exploring on the morrow. She sat down near the hearth, looking tired and lonely. His first instinct was to go to her, but he knew that that would be too much pressure in one day. She had to think that he would not force her into revealing what she didn’t want to.

  He watched her covertly. Not many people spoke to her, which surprised him. Why wouldn’t people want to distract her from her worries? Or perhaps she spent so much time with Lady Elizabeth that she didn’t really know anyone else. Could his betrothed be so demanding? Anne’s solitude did not bode well for Lady Elizabeth’s disposition. When the cook finally came and sat down beside Anne, John relaxed.

  Elizabeth looked up with a smile as Adalia sat down beside her. She was glad for the company, for the distraction.

  “And how is our mistress tonight?” Adalia asked.

  Elizabeth sighed. “She is well. The tedium is beginning to annoy her, but I brought her some mending to do, so she is happy.”

  “Happy to mend? The girl who loves to talk?”

  Elizabeth shrugged. “She has no one but me to talk to.” She looked about, but with the Tables game distracting most of the residents, she and the cook were truly alone. “Anne and I came up with a plan,” she said softly.

  Adalia scooted closer on the bench. “What is it?”

  “I’m going to send a missive to the king and tell him what his cousin has been up to.”

  The cook gave her a doubtful look. “But Lord Bannaster will be in London before yer missive.”

  “But do you think he�
�ll tell the truth, that he’s kept a lady prisoner?”

  “I’m sure he’ll make it seem like he’s protectin’ ye.”

  “But we both know he’s protecting his own interests. I can tell the king that my betrothed is surely on his way by now—”

  “But ye don’t know that.”

  “It has to be true,” Elizabeth said stubbornly.

  “What if the king decides that ye’re causin’ too much trouble? Maybe ’twill be easy for him to give ye to his cousin. Then he’ll be able to trust the next earl to support him.”

  “But he has to hear my side,” Elizabeth whispered, her hands fisted. “How will he know if I don’t tell him? I have to take the risk. Otherwise, I’m just sitting here waiting.”

  “But who will take the missive, Anne?”

  “’Tis a dangerous journey for a man alone. I wouldn’t want to take a man away from his farm, or choose someone too visible, whose absence Milburn would notice.”

  “What about the miller’s son, Harold? And he’s even been to London before.”

  “Perfect! I’ll write it when I’m in the tower in the morning, and I’ll make sure to seal the wax with my father’s crest.”

  “Surely the ring is in your father’s private solar,” Adalia warned. “Milburn uses the room more than the steward’s chamber.”

  “I’ll keep watch on the chamber and wait for him to leave. It shouldn’t take me long.”

  “Anne, if ye feel ye must do this, I can send word to Harold that I need a shipment of grain from the mill.”

  “I’ll let you know when I need him.”

  There was a shout and sudden laughter, and the two women looked up to see a little boy running toward them, his face alight. A scullery maid was chasing him.

  “Mama!” the boy called to Adalia.

  Adalia surged to her feet. “Holy Mary, I told that girl to keep him away from the hall.”

  Elizabeth tried to shrink back, but it was too late—Joseph had seen her. He had but four years, and would not understand that he couldn’t shout her name to earn his hug.

  The boy began, “Lady—”

  “She’s not here, Joseph,” Adalia said, swinging the boy into the air and tickling him as he came back into her arms.

  He giggled and squirmed and threw himself backward until she caught him, a favorite pastime of theirs. Elizabeth watched fondly, her heart still pounding even as Adalia took her son back to the kitchens.

  Elizabeth risked a glance around the great hall. The soldiers were still preoccupied with their game, and more servants had gone to find their beds, or were already wrapping themselves in blankets to sleep in the great hall for the night.

  But Sir John was still awake, and he was watching her. How much had he seen—or heard? She knew she should look away, pretend a casualness she didn’t feel. But she couldn’t. His eyes, deep and blue, still showed her compassion and interest. She could not ignore him and hope for the best. With a sigh, she rose to her feet and crossed the hall to stand near him.

  “Sir John, I did not expect to find you still awake,” she said, trying to sound pleasant.

  He studied her face, but all he did was smile and say, “I was waiting for Philip, but he seems to be winning at Tables.”

  Elizabeth glanced at the group of soldiers, but she couldn’t see the clerk in the crowd. “It seems he might be a while.”

  Sir John nodded.

  “Would you like me to accompany you back to your bedchamber?”

  He didn’t even hesitate. “If it would not be an inconvenience for you.” He rose slowly to his feet, as if his bruises pained him.

  “Nay, I was about to find my pallet as well.”

  “Do you sleep in your mistress’s chamber?”

  “I am not permitted to,” she answered with regret.

  He frowned. “She is alone, then?”

  “Except when I bring her meals.”

  “It must be difficult for her.”

  She shrugged. “She is a strong woman.”

  “I am glad to hear that. I pray that things are resolved quickly.”

  “As do I, Sir John.”

  They walked in silence from the great hall and through the torchlit corridors. There was a comfort and strength in his presence. Since her father’s death, no man had made her feel safe.

  And no man had ever made her so aware of him. He exuded masculinity, raw and potent, making it hard to ignore him.

  She felt guilty, since she was sworn to another. But if eventually Sir John proved trustworthy, she might need his help. How could she reject him now, just because of her own fears? She had to trust herself to be able to keep temptation at bay. She would be the one to control this situation.

  As they neared his door, to her surprise he wheeled clumsily and blocked her path. She came up short, her face tilted up to him, her body just brushing his.

  And the awareness grew ever higher, surging from her breasts down to her loins with a heat that was startling and embarrassing and…tempting.

  The torch was behind him on the wall, leaving his face cast in shadows but for the gleam of his eyes and teeth. He wasn’t smiling, but his lips were parted, and she realized hers were, too.

  He was the one to take a step back, farther into the light, and she was grateful and disappointed at the same time. Why had she not seen the danger and moved first?

  “Anne, I am still not used to this crutch. Forgive me.”

  She could only nod as she licked her suddenly dry lips.

  And he watched her do it, his brows lowered, his gaze intense, sending a strange thrill through her body.

  “Know that if a soldier ever bothers you—or any man—come to me and I will protect you.”

  He sounded so sincere that she had to smile. “Will you strike him with your crutch?”

  He grinned. “It makes a good weapon.”

  They stood there for a few moments, trapped in this strange intimacy. How could she know him for but a day and be so drawn to him? She might need to use his assistance, but she did not deceive herself that that was all there was between them.

  Backing away, she murmured, “A good night to you, Sir John.”

  “Pleasant dreams, Anne.”

  She turned and walked swiftly away, knowing he watched her until she turned the corner.

  Chapter 7

  John’s sleep was restless and filled with dreams of darkness and warmth and the touch of a woman’s soft skin. When he awoke at dawn, he cursed himself for his weakness. He had to remember that he would be married soon enough, that he could have his wife whenever he wanted her in his bed.

  But he didn’t know Lady Elizabeth; Anne was the one he saw, the one he dreamed of, the one he followed like a sheep to his shepherd.

  He saw her at mass that morning, then breaking her fast, but he came no closer, determined not to frighten her into avoiding him. She smiled at him once, hesitantly, and that would have to be enough for now.

  The healer returned and pronounced Philip and he improving, though she said their facial bruises could frighten children. John received her approval to begin walking about more, and he took to the corridors in relief, while Philip went out to watch the knights and soldiers train. John needed to learn the layout of the castle, and he was certainly not used to sitting still.

  He lost his way more than once, and servants pointed him in the right direction. As luck would have it, just when he decided to explore the base of Lady Elizabeth’s tower, Milburn was there, conversing with the two guards. The steward gave John an arched brow of curiosity.

  John smiled and continued on past, speaking over his shoulder. “Just trying to get used to the crutch.”

  But at least now he knew where the tower was. It would be getting Lady Elizabeth out of the castle that would prove most difficult.

  When Elizabeth brought a tray up to the tower bedchamber, she found Anne munching on a piece of bread, reading a book.

  Anne looked up and smiled. “I don’t know how you d
id it, but I am so thankful!”

  Elizabeth frowned. “Did what? Bring you a meal?”

  “But you already sent me a meal. Who did you get to climb to the top of the tower? Tell me you didn’t risk it yourself!”

  Elizabeth set the tray on the table. Only then did she notice the unfamiliar basket. Inside were several more books, choice cheeses, dried fruit, and a stoppered bottle of wine. A parchment note read, “Patience.”

  “I’m practicing my patience,” Anne said almost defensively as she lifted the linen that covered the tray. “But how can I be patient when this smells so good?”

  “I didn’t send the basket,” Elizabeth said, her stomach clutching with anxiety. “How did it get here?”

  Wide-eyed, Anne said, “It was lowered by rope from the top of the tower. It wasn’t ordered by you?”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “You didn’t lean out and see who it was?”

  “I tried! Looking up made me dizzy, but I don’t think I saw anyone. Wouldn’t they have signed the note if they wanted me to know?”

  With a surge of terror, Elizabeth asked, “Do you feel well?” She put her hand on Anne’s forehead. “Do you feel hot or clammy? Is your stomach starting to cramp?”

  “Nay!” Anne cried, pushing Elizabeth away. Her face paled. “It cannot be—poisoned! I have been eating it for over an hour.”

  Elizabeth nodded, her breath coming too fast in relief. She closed her eyes. “Surely you would have been suffering by now. Thank the lord.”

  She heard Anne flop onto the bed.

  “What a fright!” Anne said with a groan. “And it was delicious food.”

  “I should have known you wouldn’t pass up a meal.”

  Anne threw a cushion at her. “I’ll share this second meal with you.”

  “I have no time to eat. There’s so much to do! But first, it seems we have someone who wants to help. Mayhap if the person does it again, you can pass up a note asking his identity.”

  Anne giggled. “I can’t tell you how startled I was to hear the basket clunk against the closed shutters. It happened when you were all at mass in the chapel.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Who else would want to help you? The castle residents know you’re masquerading as me.”