by Alexa Aston
It dawned on him what she meant. “So she was with child before she wed her first husband?” Ancel asked.
“Aye. I knew nothing of this until moments before I fled. Mother gave me an amethyst ring and a pearl necklace that she had kept hidden from Lord Joseph. He was a gambler and lost everything. He killed himself and left Mother and me in disgrace.”
Ancel stroked her back. “Did she tell you your father’s name?”
“Nay,” He heard the disappointment in her voice. “Only that my real father wanted me to have a silver pendant inlaid with garnets when I came of age. I slipped the necklace on and pocketed the other jewels. Mother told me she wished she had time to tell me more but Sarah insisted I leave then.” Margery paused. “If I had stayed, I would have learned the truth—but I would have lost my life.”
“So you have no clue how, other than this necklace, to identify your father?”
“Nay.”
“For your sake, I hope Thurstan doesn’t return. If he does, I will make sure the king insists that we wed. But I promise you, sweetheart, I will do whatever I can to help you discover the identity of your father and reunite the two of you.”
“You would do that for me?”
He chuckled. “I think I would do anything for you, my lady.”
Margery kissed him with enthusiasm. It was all the invitation Ancel needed. They kissed for what seemed like hours, till his lips were sore and he knew hers must be, as well.
“Enough of this. We need to make our way back,” he told her.
“I am the expert of navigating this place in the dark. I shall lead you this time,” she boldly proclaimed.
Ancel took pride in her determination as she brought him back to their original starting point. They emerged into the solar.
Before he sealed the doorway, Margery said, “I’d like to place my ring and necklace inside the passage for safekeeping. They came from my mother and she received them from her father, the Earl of Waudum, before her first marriage.” She removed a piece of cloth from her pocket and handed to him. “They are wrapped inside this handkerchief.”
“Would you like me to place them inside the chest?”
A look of distaste crossed her face. “Nay. That belonged to Lord Umfrey. I don’t want them to mix with anything of his.”
Ancel took the wrapped jewels and placed them several paces past the wooden chest.
Emerging from the half-door, he replaced the stone in the wall and stood, happy to be able to stretch to his full height.
Noticing the delicate silver chain against her throat, he asked, “May I see the pendant from your father?”
Margery pulled the necklace from where it fell in the valley between her breasts and lifted it for him to inspect.
Ancel studied the intricate design, a generous amount of garnets scattered throughout.
“I think I have seen this pattern somewhere before,” he shared. “I can’t recall where at the moment.”
Excitement filled her features. “Mayhap if you do, it will lead us to my real father.”
Chapter 11
Ancel spent the next morning with the soldiers in the training yard, putting them through various exercises in order to evaluate their skills. It was an exceptional group of men—disciplined, talented, and dependable.
Will motioned him over. Ancel had assigned the squire to keep near Margery, so it concerned him that the young man had left her side and was outside, far from the manor house. He handed the sword he’d used to demonstrate a move to a soldier and hurried over.
“My lord, Lady Margery said to tell you there’s a group of serfs that have gathered in the great hall.”
Ancel took off running toward the keep before Will finished his sentence.
“Wait, my lord!” cried Will, chasing after him. “They’re a peaceful group.”
He stopped in his tracks, forcing himself to take a deep breath. The thought of Margery surrounded by an angry mob had frightened him beyond measure. It revealed just how deeply his new feelings ran for the petite beauty.
Will caught up to him, breathing hard. “They heard you put the call out. For workers. For the harvest.” The squire swallowed and gulped more air. “Lady Margery wanted you to speak to them. That’s all. Everything is fine otherwise, my lord.”
“Thank you, Will. I’ll see them now. You can return to the training yard for a while.”
The young man broke out into a huge grin and hurried away, eager to join in with the other two squires helping the knights.
Ancel had chosen Will to stay close to Margery today since he trusted the squire. Though she had Sarah and Agatha with her to begin righting the keep, he felt more comfortable knowing that Will shadowed her. Will had grumpily agreed to the task, though Ancel had overheard the lad complaining to a fellow squire about having to play wet nurse to the women inside the keep.
He found Margery awaiting him at the door leading into the keep’s entrance. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.
“Will said you had need of me.” He gazed into her brown eyes, the amber rimming them catching the light of the summer sun.
She gave him a warm smile. “They’ve been turning up all morning. Some are tenants from Highfield. Others are from places nearby. I thought it best if you addressed them as a group and decided who should stay or go.”
“Do you recognize any from the attack on Highfield? Any of your own people who turned traitor?”
Margery shook her head. “It’s possible a few participated. But now that the king’s army ended the rebellion at Billericay, I believe all they want is to be able to work the land in peace in order to feed their families.”
“Let’s go speak to them.” Ancel opened the door for her and they entered the great hall.
Glancing around, he guessed probably sixty or seventy people gathered in the large room. A third were mature men and another third were young men, while the rest were women and young children. It was likely that some of the women had lost husbands in the uprising and the younger men their fathers.
He escorted Margery to the dais and seated her while he climbed upon it and remained standing to survey the crowd.
“I am Sir Ancel de Montfort, a member of the royal guard and here at the king’s command. I have King Richard’s full authority and have been charged to secure Highfield and protect the inhabitants both here and in Essex from any lingering problems caused by the recent uprising.”
Pausing, he let his words sink in. Ancel wanted them to understand exactly who he was and why he was here.
“The rebellion is over and done. Highfield’s crops need harvesting. New livestock will be purchased and need tending. If you have come to work hard on the land and provide for your families, then I am happy to have you here.”
A general murmur and nodding of heads pleased him.
“I want to speak to everyone present. Lady Margery will introduce me to you if you are known to her and that way I will know if you are a previous tenant or choose to be a new one. The lady will also help in assigning plots of land and cottages for you and your families to live in. Those who are selected to remain at Highfield will be expected to attend mass each morning in the chapel and break their fast in the great hall afterward.
“For now, pull the trestle tables from the walls and be seated. We will come around and talk with you.”
Ancel reached out a hand and helped Margery rise. They descended from the platform as the peasants began rearranging the trestle tables and benches and seating themselves.
“Over there,” Margery said. “Do you see the tall man with the reddish beard?”
Ancel nodded. “What about him?”
“He’s Giles Downer. He lost his wife in childbirth last month. ‘Twas their first. I know he’s an excellent worker and knowledgeable about farming and animals. He would be someone you could place in charge because he has the respect of the others.”
“I smell bread has been baked. Have Maud put some of it out with tankards o
f ale for the group. I’ll talk to this Giles Downer first.”
Downer impressed Ancel with his demeanor and knowledge, so Ancel placed the man in charge of the rest of the workers. Downer seemed to know most everyone in the room, even the people Margery didn’t know. The three of them circulated among the tables and spoke to everyone present. After two hours, they had their labor force and the workers had cottages assigned to them. Immediately, Downer divided those present into various teams and sent everyone out into the fields.
“No need to wait till tomorrow, my lord, when you can put idle hands to work today. ‘Tis only noon. We’ve all afternoon in which to work, then the people can settle in to where they will live once the light fades.”
It impressed Ancel that Giles already had a firm hand on the situation. Ancel told him, “You will receive double that of the other tenants, Giles. If you put anyone into a leadership position and you feel they are owed more, let me know. Or our steward. I plan to hire one in the next day or so.”
“Aye, my lord.” Downer paused. “These are good people, despite what happened here. I don’t think you have a need to worry.”
“I have confidence in you,” Ancel said, “but there will be a strong military presence at Highfield in the foreseeable future.”
The soldiers streamed in for the noon meal as Downer left. Between the meat Bartram’s group provided and the bread Maud and Margery had baked that morning, the men seemed satisfied. Now that the harvest would be taken care of and the defenses had been brought back to a desired level, Ancel decided he could make a quick trip to Billericay for what they hadn’t been able to purchase at Kirkby.
He turned to Margery, whom he shared a trencher with. The corner of her mouth had a small spot of grease from the meat. Ancel refrained from reaching out and wiping it away with his thumb.
Or licking it with his tongue.
No woman had ever stirred such deep physical need within him. Margery might be small in size but one look from her could fell him.
“I’m leaving for Billericay,” he told her. “Although I would like to take you with me, I want to ride hard and fast and finish the business at hand. I know you want to continue making the candles with Sarah and Agatha since we’ve been in short supply.”
Ancel saw she tamped down her disappointment. “You remember everything from my list, my lord? The things we still lack?”
“I do. Bedclothes, spices, materials for clothes. Needles and threads. More chickens and sheep. Wine. Parchment and ink. Farm implements. A steward.”
She laughed and his heart melted at the sound of hearing her happiness. “Well, the wine isn’t necessary but it would be much appreciated. You have an excellent memory, my lord.”
“I’ll make a return trip to Billericay when I have more time to see about horses. Or mayhap even go into London for them. Would you like to accompany me there?”
Her eyes lit up. “To London? Of course! Who wouldn’t want to see London?”
This time, Ancel laughed. “You thought Kirkby was large and you haven’t even seen Billericay yet. London will probably overwhelm you.”
“I don’t care,” she proclaimed. “I would love to see it. With you.” She smiled shyly.
“Then plan on it. I will even take you to see the king again.”
A frown creased her brow. “I have nothing to wear to meet the king.”
“But you already have met him,” he reminded her.
“And I looked like a fright. Nay, I would not embarrass you, my lord. I can wait for you somewhere if you need to speak with him.”
Ancel planned on bringing back material worthy to clothe Margery. She had been neglected far too long. If Billericay didn’t have what he sought, he would send Will to London to find something to suit her.
He lowered his voice. “You always look lovely,” he said. “I wish I could not just tell you that but show you. Mayhap when I return tonight we can find some time to be alone.”
A blush tinged her cheeks. “I would like that, Ancel,” she said quietly.
Standing, he offered her his hand and helped her rise. “Then I’m off. Stick with candle making and nothing more physical than that.”
Margery snorted. “I’m not some delicate creature, you know. I wager that I have as much stamina as you do, my lord.”
A thought of her naked in his arms, their bodies slick with sweat from an entire night of love play heated his loins. He would show her what stamina was—and enjoy every moment of it.
*
Ancel pushed Storm along the road to Billericay. The warhorse enjoyed being unleashed and they arrived quickly. Ancel found a place to stable the horse for a few hours and then made the rounds of the town, purchasing items needed inside the keep first, from candlestick holders to bedclothes to linen bath sheets. He’d made an extra trip to Lord Umfrey’s oak chest and had ample coin for the goods. He bought extra flour, as well, knowing how quickly bread seemed to be gobbled up by hungry soldiers. Rounds of cheese came next and then spices. He stocked up on some vegetables since peasants had overrun Margery’s garden. She would salvage what she could and replant what she needed. Ancel arranged for carts to deliver the merchandise since those from Highfield had been stolen. He already had Matthew Cheyne and his son working on wheels. Cheyne had known of a carpenter in Billericay that might be willing to relocate to Highfield. Ancel sought the man out and hired him on the spot. Soon, Highfield would have carts again and the new carpenter could help in building new furniture to replace what had been looted or ruined.
Buying rugs baffled him and the selection seemed small. He decided this was something Margery could help him with when they journeyed to London. He also decided to put off choosing stores of wine for now. He did purchase a few casks to tide Highfield over. London would certainly have a better selection.
It was odd how he didn’t miss the city at all, nor did he miss his duties in the royal guard. At heart, Ancel knew he enjoyed country life more than that at the Palace of Westminster. Since coming to Highfield, he did many of the things his own father performed at Kinwick. Ancel wondered once more if Thurstan Vivers would show up. If he didn’t, Ancel hoped the king would make good on his word and award Highfield to him. Ancel would love to bring the estate back to a point where it thrived.
With Margery by his side.
Discovering a place to buy chickens, he bought every single bird with the promise of more to be delivered to Highfield by the end of the week. Margery would be pleased to have hens and their eggs. The merchant also guaranteed to have fifty sheep brought to the estate.
Bells began to chime from a nearby church. Ancel counted five and knew he wouldn’t be able to conduct all of his business in the time left. Hiring a steward was too important to be rushed so he decided to wait on finding one for now. Instead, he made a final stop to look at material for new clothing for Margery.
Ancel looked at the different fabrics and colors, trying to picture what Alys wore since she was close in age to Margery.
“May I help you, my lord?”
He turned and saw a thin woman of two score. “I could definitely use your help.” Ancel explained that he needed cloth for a noblewoman who had lost everything she owned.
The woman sighed. “Stupid, bloody rebellion. At least your lady did not lose her life as others did. Come, I can recommend what she needs to replace. And what about combs? Soaps?”
“I am at your disposal, madam.”
Ancel wound up buying several bolts of material for Margery. It appalled him how she’d been forced to dress by Umfrey Vivers. He wanted her clothing to reflect her position. He limited what he bought because he knew the variety would be greater in London. In fact, he’d already decided when he sent Will with a missive to the king that he’d give the squire coin to select some fine materials to bring back to Highfield.
“Is the lady handy with a needle?”
“I suppose so. She’s mentioned making her own clothes.” He thought a moment. “Do you know of an
available seamstress that might be willing to come to Highfield for a time?”
“My daughter is ten and seven, my lord. She is as fine a seamstress as can be found in Essex. Let me fetch her.”
Soon, Ancel had been introduced to Christine Morley, the woman’s daughter.
“I’d be happy to come to Highfield, my lord. At a large estate, there’s always sewing to be done. If the baroness is pleased with my work, I would consider staying.”
“The baroness recently passed,” he told the girl. “You would work for Lady Margery, her daughter.” He didn’t want to reveal that Margery might be the next baroness. Though not superstitious, Ancel wanted to wait to hear from the king before he said anything about whether he would be the new baron or not.
“Do you know a carpenter named Harry Bacon?” Ancel asked.
“Aye,” Christine said. “He made a table and chairs for us three or four years ago.”
“He is to be Highfield’s new carpenter and will travel there in the morning with his tools. I’m sure there would be room in his cart for you and your things. Would you like me to arrange that?”
Christine readily agreed. Ancel doubled back and firmed up with Harry to bring the seamstress and bolts of material with him when he left for Highfield the next day.
Satisfied with all he’d accomplished, Ancel walked back through the town to retrieve Storm. He would return to Billericay in a day or two to find a steward. As he crossed an alley, he heard a whimper. Always on the alert to danger, Ancel pulled his sword and proceeded cautiously. The whine came again near a pile of garbage.
Then he caught sight of a floppy ear as a puppy poked its head out and looked up at Ancel with a pitiful expression. The dog wriggled around but didn’t come forward when he called to it. Ancel leaned down and found the animal’s hind legs were trapped under a barrel. He lifted it and the puppy crawled away.
Toward Ancel.
He plopped on Ancel’s boot, exhausted, his eyes closed as he rested his head.
“Poor thing. You must have been struggling a long time to get out from under that barrel.”
