"Ellen..."
"Stephen, Scot's Honor is all I have left of David. I will not part with the colt.” Ellen looked up at her father's best friend. “Will you help me?"
"Lady Ellen, you know how I feel about deception, but I know what will happen to the colt if either King John or Nicholas gets control of him. While John is the lesser of two evils ... If you can devise a plan, then yes, I will help you."
Ellen impetuously flung her arms about Stephen’ neck. “Thank you, Stephen."
Realizing what she had just done, from the embarrassed look on Stephen’ face, Ellen backed away quickly. She glanced down at her hands, her fingers entwined before her. Her lack of decorum, for just a moment, left an awkward silence between them. Ellen suddenly realized Stephen’ source of embarrassment. She no longer was the young girl he had taught to track and hunt. She was a young woman, a widow—the grown daughter of his closest friend. For the last few years, Stephen was always there when she needed someone to talk to. Why should things change now? Because our situations have changed. I have to remember my place as the duke's daughter, especially when others might be about. I will not have others gossip about me, or Papa's best friend. For the sake of propriety, I must be more careful.
She looked up at Stephen, and found him staring after the mare and colt as they trotted about the meadow. “We have little time to work out some sort of plan. I think Papa may be able to help."
"Do not worry, we will come up with something,” he added, not looking at her.
Ellen regretted her impulsive action of a moment ago, causing Stephen's sudden coolness toward her. She turned her gaze to the colt, watching it kick up its heels as it romped about the meadow. “I will keep you safe, if I have to send you to Scotland to do so."
A short time later, Ellen searched about the castle for her father, only to discover he'd gone off to London and wouldn't return until the next day. Margaret smiled when Ellen stamped her foot in frustration, like a small child with a temper tantrum. “Perhaps some needlework will take your mind off whatever troubles you,” the older woman suggested. Ellen sighed and reluctantly allowed her aunt to lead the way to the solar.
The two women took their places and settled their embroidery on their laps. Ellen concentrated on threading a needle and paid little heed to the gossip going on, until she heard Nicholas’ name mentioned. She looked up at the girl who spoke. She was about the same age as Ellen. “What did you say about Nicholas?"
The girl's face turned bright pink, but Ellen continued to stare, hoping to intimidate her. Ellen stood and stepped before the girl. “What were you saying about Lord Nicholas?” The other women held their breaths, waiting to see what would happen next.
"All I said was, I felt most honored that Lord Nicholas sought me out last evening. I was most flattered by his attention.” The girl's voice was barely a whisper.
"Speak up,” Ellen demanded. “You told your tale a moment ago, and seemed proud of yourself."
The girl repeated her words, a look of uncertainty in her eyes as she glanced up at Ellen.
"You should have no fear of me, my lady. You words confirm what I have suspected for some time. For a man who wishes devoutly for this marriage to take place, he shows a callous attitude toward his intended bride."
"But you have never shown any interest in this union. Why would you care what he does before vows are said?” the girl countered.
"What he does before the wedding will not change afterward. He will never be faithful to one woman. He does not have it in him to honor any vows he makes."
"Forgive me, my lady,” Jane, in awe of the noblewomen gathered in the room, almost forgot herself and quickly curtsied to her mistress. She whispered a message to Ellen, curtsied again and darted out of the room.
"Please excuse me, there is a matter I must tend to.” Ellen's curtsy to the other ladies was not as quick as Jane's had been, but it hinted at urgency. Ellen strolled from the solar, fighting the impulse to run off, as the maid had done. As she closed the door behind her, she was aware of the curious whispers, and their eyes staring at her back. Let them wonder, she thought gleefully. Something more for them to speculate on and gossip about.
Ellen hurried to the small chamber her father had been assigned. She paused a moment in the doorway, allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness. The only light came from a fat, smoking candle on the small table where Hugh was busy composing a letter. She crept into the room. “Papa...” Ellen stopped when her father held up one hand, signaling her to wait until he was finished. Hugh looked tired, and Ellen hated to bring her problem to him, but there was no one else she trusted. She watched her father sign his name to the parchment before him, then sprinkle sand on his signature to dry the ink.
"We have been here too long, but we can not return to Ravencliff without the king's permission, which he has denied, yet again. I am sending off some instructions for winter preparations. I would not be surprised to learn that Nicholas has had a hand in this.” Hugh sighed, then added, “After following the court about these last few weeks, I would be more than happy to take my family and return to Ravencliff.” He looked up at his eldest daughter and his frown disappeared. “Was there something you wished to ask me, Ellen?"
Ellen fidgeted a moment, suddenly having second thoughts about her plan. “Papa, I need your help with something.” She rushed over to her father and knelt by his side. She studied his blue-gray eyes, and thought how tired he looked. “King John has hinted he would like Scot's Honor given to him, but I can not do it."
"Scot's Honor?” Hugh looked confused.
"Yes. The son of Stargazer and Thunderbolt. The king has hinted at interest in the colt, but I can not give up what belongs to David."
"David is gone, Ellen—"
"No, Papa, David is no more dead than is my brother. Aunt Margaret told me once, I would know in my heart if they were truly gone, and my heart says they are not."
"What do you ask of me?"
"Will you send Stargazer and Scot's Honor to Alex Ross? They will be safe there, and well cared for. I would rather send them off and never see them again, then have one of two men treat them miserably.” Ellen saw the doubt in her father's eyes. “Papa, when did King John or Nicholas ever care about good horses, or anything else for that matter? They only care about increasing their possessions."
"I fear I must agree with you, but what would you have me do?"
"Send them to Ravencliff with your messenger, then on to Scotland. Please, Papa."
Hugh sat back in his chair and sighed. He seemed to be thinking over Ellen's words, considering her plea. “All right. I was going to send Geoffrey with the message, but it might be better if Stephen went instead. I am sure he would be more than pleased to return home ahead of us."
"I am sure he would. Papa, this will not put you in an uncomfortable position with King John? Despite taking the horses to a place out of John's and Nicholas’ reaches, I would not want to do anything to hurt you."
"You are a kind, considerate daughter. Do not worry about me. I can deal with the situation. Why do you not send Stephen to me and we will settle this problem for you."
"Thank you, Papa.” Ellen jumped up and rushed to the chamber door, but stopped short. Running back to her father, she hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Papa."
Hugh shook his head and chuckled, as his daughter bounded out the door, in search of Stephen.
* * * *
The next morning, Ellen grabbed two apples and strolled out of the castle courtyard to the meadow beyond. No one was about. Her heart sank at the absence of Stargazer and her colt, but she felt a measure of satisfaction, knowing her horses would find a good home with David's father.
Ellen was suddenly overcome with anxiety as horsemen rode through the meadow, led by the king. Did he know of her scheme to send the horses away, out of his reach? Please do not punish Papa for what I have done. Ellen's heart beat furiously, waiting for the tirade that was sure to come.
John pulled on his mount's reins, bringing the animal to an abrupt stop. He dismounted and approached Ellen. A signal from him sent the hunters on their way back to the castle. Ellen despised the knowing looks in their eyes, aware of the gossip that would shortly fly about the great hall. In the open like this, she knew her reputation could be torn to shreds if the king so chose. She dropped into a deep curtsy and bowed her head.
"You have led me a merry chase, my lady,” John scolded as he took her arm and helped her to rise.
"Your Highness?” Ellen wondered what she had done to earn the gentle reprimand, besides having the horses disappear.
"I mention interest in the colt, and now I find it is gone?” John held his mount's reins and casually strolled toward the castle, with Ellen by his side.
Ellen did not think her heart could beat any faster. She took a deep breath and willed it to slow down so she could think. “Colt, your majesty? I have no colt that could be of interest to you. I have no colt at all."
"Where did you send it off to?"
"Your Majesty, I have no colt, anymore than I had a marriage.” Ellen's voice was soft, and held an innocent tone about it. She prayed John would never notice how much she shook.
"Touche, my lady.” John stopped and faced Ellen. “It is rare I meet anyone who dares defy me in so subtle a manner. You amuse me, Lady Ellen. Perhaps I should cancel the contracts for your upcoming marriage and keep you in London for a time."
Ellen's breath quickened. From the pot to the fire. How could she get out of this one? She did not care for the king's veiled suggestion. Neither choice facing her was to her liking. “And what of Lord Nicholas?"
"What of him? I could as easily find him another bride. There are many ladies in the court who have hinted at an interest in the earl. I thought you did not want this marriage?"
"I do not, but the king has commanded and I am expected to obey. I would not see my family shamed because I refused to do as Your Highness has ordered."
John looked thoughtful. “The contracts will stand. I owe a great deal to the Earl of Fair Haven and this is how he preferred repayment.” He sighed as he glanced over Ellen's face and slender figure. “I do believe the earl has the better part of the agreement."
Ellen shivered at the lascivious look from the king. She was relieved to be considered unavailable for any possible liaison with the man. Marriage to Nicholas might be the lesser of two evils. At least she could shut herself away from him. Ellen continued to walk with the king, happy to have the conversation turn to light topics. Let the courtiers think what they would. Once she was gone, they would find someone else to gossip about. Ellen was only concerned with going home and never having to see the English court again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Weeks passed quickly, as did the seasons. King John moved the court three times, visiting the castles of dukes and earls and sending them in a frenzy as to how to feed and entertain the royal guest and his entourage. Ellen sympathized with the lords, and was grateful her father's castle was far enough away from London to avoid an unexpected visit from the royal family.
King John stunned the duke and his family when he expressed his desire to see the castles on the English side of the Scottish border, publicly announcing his plans to go to Ravencliff. All Ellen's sympathy focused on her father and Margaret, for they would be chiefly responsible for housing, feeding and entertaining this great crowd, as well as provide the wedding feast. John was being very conniving in ordering everyone to Ravencliff. The royal coffers would not be responsible for a single farthing for the holiday festivities. Ellen seethed inside. Not only was she being forced into a marriage she did not want, but her father would be held responsible for all expenses. A crowd of this great size could very well leave Ravencliff wanting. The Ravencliff household would be fortunate to get through the rest of the winter, when everyone was gone.
Ellen ignored the looks of ‘better you than one of us’ from the other members of the nobility. They were being spared the expense of hosting the royal entourage, which would surely have beggared them. It didn't matter that Ravencliff would be facing double the usual expense. Ellen could hardly wait for the holidays to pass, to be rid of this mob. She put on a cheerful face for the benefit of her father and aunt, and went about her duties. She stood in the great hall, where the hearth fire burned brightly, but failed to send its heat into the far corners of the room. A figure stood beside her, and she glanced up, a twinkle in her eye. “Mayhap,” she said softly, “I should go back to my first lesson of chopping firewood. Heaven knows we will need a goodly supply."
Stephen sputtered as he tried to keep his laughter under control. Ellen's remark was one he did not expect, but he preferred not to be put in the situation of having to explain to anyone the source of his mirth. “The king might think again about this marriage, if he knew you chopped wood."
Ellen's eyes grew large as she considered his words. “Do you think Nicholas might reconsider if he knew his bride were no better than a village woodcutter?"
"Unfortunately, not. I think he would more likely lock you in some tower room."
The two remained silent for a few moments while they warmed their hands before the hearth. Ellen wrestled with an idea she had had the last day or so. For weeks, she remained surrounded by well meaning, but annoying people. She wanted to break away from them for a few hours, to regain a level of peace she had not known in months. “Stephen,” she said slyly, “would you be a good friend and saddle two horses while I change my clothing?"
"You can not leave when the king is here."
"I can and I will. You know better than anyone else how closely I have been watched. I need a few hours away from everyone.” She hesitated and looked up at her father's best friend. “I want to go into Scotland, to see the place where David and Gordon were supposed to have died."
"Ellen, there is nothing to be gained by doing this. You will be opening wounds that have not had enough time to heal. Do not put yourself into this situation."
"With or without you, Stephen, I will find it. I do prefer it be with you."
Stephen sighed resignedly. “As you wish, my lady. Be sure you let someone know you will be gone for a while."
"I will tell Kitty, so no one will worry about my absence. Thank you,” she whispered and hurried away. She did not see Stephen shake his head, or slowly walk out of the great hall. She understood his reluctance, but this was something she needed to do for herself.
All these past months, the anger of being ignored by her husband and the further humiliation of being sent home, had died very slowly. Ellen was only beginning to see David's side of the matter. She understood now, why he had sent her home, but she still could not forgive him for doing so. She could only hope, that by making this short journey, she could bring herself a measure of peace. She felt a need for closure, a need to forgive herself for her harsh parting words. For peace of mind, she needed to accept that, despite hope to the contrary, he was never coming back to her. Her heart continued to believe there was still slim hope that David and Gordon were still alive. Could she ever stop her heart and mind from warring with each other?
Ellen's patience was quickly wearing thin as they crossed the border and rode into Scotland. The tension within Ravencliff's walls slipped away for a time, only to be replaced by the need to find out what had happened to David and Gordon.
"Ellen, too much time has passed to find out anything more. I spoke at length with Alex, when I brought the horses to him. There was nothing to hint at Gordon's and David's deaths being anything more than dying in battle. Why would you think otherwise?” Stephen did not understand Ellen's determination to see the battle sight.
"If they did die in that battle, there was something wrong about it, but you know I truly do not believe either of them is dead.” Ellen sat straighter in her saddle. “If we hurry, we might still have some daylight left to look around.” With no carts to haul, the pair made quick time. Ellen quickly followed St
ephen's lead when he slowed his approach to the woods within sight of the island castle, then quickly dismounted. The trees and shrubs were bare. She held on to her mare's reins and stepped onto the narrow path meandering between the trees. Was this where they fought their last battle? “Are you sure this is where David and Gordon were last seen that day?” She pushed branches aside and moved deeper into the wood, along the path. A darkening gray sky peeked through the bare branches.
"Alex showed me this spot when I brought Stargazer and Scot's Honor to him. Said several men saw David and Gordon riding this way, and disappear into the wood. They never came out again."
"How could anyone have defended themselves in such a small space?” she asked as she pushed more branches aside, then cautiously stepped into a clearing. “There is barely enough space to move about, never mind wield a weapon."
"I have no idea, but I do know we do not want to be caught here after dark. Perhaps we might ask to spend the night with Clan Ross."
Ellen shuddered at the thought, recalling what life was like for her when she lived there with David. But Stephen was right, it would be dark shortly, too late to head back to Ravencliff. “All right,” she sighed. “We will pay Alex Ross a visit—but only for the night. We will be on our way at first light. Then we can be back at Ravencliff by noonday."
They backed out of the clearing, when Ellen stepped on something and nearly fell. She was about to kick the object out of her way, when its dirty yellow color caught her attention. She stooped down to examine the item and gasped when she realized what it was. Her hand trembled as she picked it up, and her breath caught in her throat. A dull yellow gleam showed through, despite the grimy cover. She gently brushed off the dirt, and held her breath. It could not be. Ellen rubbed her sleeve against the stone in the hilt and fought back tears that threatening to fall. Now was not a good time to break down weeping. A single ruby shone dully. “Stephen, this is David's."
"Are you sure?” Stephen glanced over her shoulder at the soil-caked dirk lying across her palm.
To Every Love, There is a Season Page 18
