by Alexa Aston
Now that the third day had dawned, Lady Elysande had to finalize her choices since Tristan planned to leave for Leventhorpe in the morning. Because of that, she had called in Nan for her advice. Tristan had learned from Drew Stollars that while Nan had never fostered anywhere, she had spent several months at a time at Sandbourne with her cousin over a smattering of years, in order to glean knowledge about horses. Because of that, Nan’s opinion was one Lady Elysande valued.
He trailed the two women at a distance, Drew by his side. Today, Tristan had finally given up the cane since his leg felt strong. Depending upon the crutch had grown tiresome.
“That is the only one I disagree with, Elysande,” he overheard Nan say and she explained to her cousin why the mare was a poor choice to send to Leventhorpe.
“I understand your reasoning. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that myself. Come, we need to find a replacement. I’ve promised Lord Tristan five horses and five horses he shall have.”
They left the stall they stood in front of and turned the corner. Tristan looked at Drew, who shrugged.
“Nan knows more about horses than you can imagine,” the squire said. “Lord Geoffrey always counts on her advice. She learned much from the countess over the years.”
“How is it to foster with Lord Geoffrey? I ask because Lady Nan is such an unusual woman.”
Drew smiled broadly. “No one is finer than Lord Geoffrey de Montfort. And Lady Merryn,” he added. “I feel blessed to have been with them for all of these years. My father died weeks before I left to foster at Kinwick. I’m a good bit younger than my two brothers. I fear I turned somewhat surly and craved attention. Lord Geoffrey set me straight and on the right path to becoming a good knight and a better man.”
“You and Lady Nan have grown up together then,” Tristan noted.
“Aye, my lord. We couldn’t stand the sight of each other for months after I arrived. I was always teasing her and causing mischief, hoping she’d be blamed for it. But we came through that and are as close as a brother and sister could be. Probably closer, now that I think about it. A sister wouldn’t have spent nearly as much time with me. Nan and I learned weaponry together. Served as sparring partners. We rode and hunted and fished, along with Hal and Edward. Those are her brothers. Oftentimes, I didn’t go home for the summer break. My oldest brother assumed the title upon my father’s death. He found it easier to leave me at Kinwick. The earl and countess have always treated me as family. I can’t say enough good about them.”
“Didn’t you find it unusual that their daughter spent all her time pursuing activities meant for boys?”
Drew nodded. “At first, I did. But Nan’s parents are supportive of their children. They allowed Nan to follow her heart.” He chuckled. “And her heart liked to swing a sword and fire arrows.” His face grew serious. “I would trust Nan with my life, my lord. More than I would any man.”
“I am pleased that you will accompany her to Thorpe Castle and then to her brother’s estate.”
“Lord Geoffrey charged me with keeping his daughter safe. I plan to do that,” Drew swore.
They came in sight of the women, chattering animatedly in front of a stall.
“They’ll still be at it for some time,” the squire said. “I think I’ll head back to the training yard.” He bowed and left Tristan.
Tristan decided it was time to visit his horse since he carried a treat for him. The poor animal hadn’t even had a name when they’d arrived at Sandbourne. Tristan hadn’t cared enough to give him one before. It was one of the ways he had changed since he’d been here. He’d learned to care about those around him, including his mount.
He greeted the black. “How are you today, Skybourne?” Pulling an apple from his pocket, he held it up to the horse, who leaned over and snatched it from his palm.
Tristan laughed, something that hadn’t come easily to him but which seemed natural here at Sandbourne. He worried about returning to Thorpe Castle, wondering what Nan would think of it and those who resided within its walls. Would he revert back to the man he’d become after tragedy struck—or try to be more like the one emerging now?
Continuing on, he came to Nightfoot’s stall and gave that horse a pat. Nan had told him she named the horse thanks to the one black foot the animal possessed.
“I hope you will enjoy our trip to Leventhorpe,” he said aloud, marveling that he conversed with a horse. At times, he barely recognized himself.
Voices drifted his way. Tristan saw the two women coming toward him.
“Have you made your final decision, Lady Elysande?” he asked when the pair reached where he stood.
“I have. I hope you will be pleased, my lord,” she replied.
Tristan followed them from the stables as they headed toward the keep. As they reached it, a loud noise sounded. He knew a group of horses approached. Within moments, riders arrived inside the inner bailey. Nan squealed with delight and ran toward them.
An imposing man, his dark hair tinged with gray at his temples, leapt from his horse and swept her into his arms, swinging her around. He put her down and kissed her soundly.
“What are you doing here, Father?”
He gave her an incredulous look. “You don’t think I would let you ride off to an estate of a man I have never met, did you?” Geoffrey de Montfort roared. He glanced around, his eyes settling on Tristan’s form.
Releasing the hold on his daughter, he strode to Tristan and thrust out a hand. “I am Geoffrey de Montfort, Earl of Kinwick.”
Tristan took the offered hand. Before he could speak, Lord Geoffrey said so softly that no one else could hear, “I better get the right answers from you, Lord Tristan, else you won’t be going anywhere—with or without my daughter.”
He replied smoothly, “Lady Nan is certainly your daughter, my lord. She threatened to cut off my balls if I ever touched her.”
As Geoffrey de Montfort shook Tristan’s hand, a satisfied smile crossed the nobleman’s lips. “That’s my girl,” he said, his pride obvious.
Chapter 10
Lady Elysande escorted them to the solar and poured wine. “I will leave you so that you may get to know one another.” She smiled brightly and closed the door behind her.
Geoffrey de Montfort turned to his daughter. “Nan, why don’t you find Drewett and have him join us?”
“Of course, Father.” She excused herself and left the room.
Tristan now faced Lord Geoffrey, knowing the nobleman had made sure they were alone.
“What would you like to know about me, my lord?” he asked.
“Everything. Where your estate lies. Why you are here. Why you wish Nan to accompany you to your home.” He leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms.
Tristan explained to him where the Leventhorpe lands stood in Essex and of his interest in adding to his stables, thinking to breed horses.
“You certainly came to the right place. Elysande and Michael have spent years building their stock. You can’t find a better horse than those born at Sandbourne. But what of your lands, Lord Tristan? Your people? I know the peasants’ rebellion severely affected that area several years ago. My eldest son, Ancel, helped put down the revolt.”
Tristan steeled himself but decided to answer honestly.
“Aye, my lord, many estates were touched by the uprising. Because of that, I am slowly rebuilding at Thorpe Castle. Parts of the keep were damaged. Our stables were lit on fire and all the horses lost. Many Leventhorpe tenants abandoned the land and marched upon London. It is a slow process, not only the physical reconstruction but restoring confidence. Seeking the right men as soldiers and finding tenants that can be trusted. Now that I am the earl, I haven’t wanted to rush into anything.”
The nobleman appraised him. “Good for you. ’Tis smart to take your time and build something to last. That includes your people. How are you fixed for soldiers?”
“I have a small group that I have handpicked. I need a good deal more.” Tristan pau
sed. “That leads me to address something with you that I have given considerable thought to.”
Lord Geoffrey nodded encouragingly for him to continue.
“I know that Lord Michael served under you at Kinwick. I have asked him a thousand and one questions about how he runs Sandbourne. He tells me everything he knows, he learned at your feet. I have also been most impressed with Drewett Stollars. He is the kind of man I need to bolster Leventhorpe. If you do not offer him a position in your garrison once he becomes a knight, I would be eager to take him on as one of my knights, knowing the training he’s received under you.”
“Hmm.” Lord Geoffrey steepled his fingers as he thought a moment. “I had assumed Drew would stay at Kinwick, but the opportunity you could afford him at Thorpe Castle would speed his growth as a knight and put his leadership skills to better use. Unless, of course, his brother wants him to return home. Family must always come first.” He paused. “Somehow I doubt Drew’s brother will request him to come home, though.”
The earl lowered his hands. “I will notify you when the time comes for Drew’s Oath of Knighthood Ceremony. You are most welcome to attend. At that point, you may extend an offer for Drew to join your garrison. I can advise him on the opportunities afforded him there but I will also let him know he is welcome to remain in service at Kinwick.”
“Fair enough,” Tristan agreed.
The door opened and Nan and Drewett entered, followed by Lord Michael, who looked happier than Tristan had ever seen him. The two noblemen greeted one another heartily. Tristan could see the affection and respect between them.
“You only brought yourself?” Lord Michael asked. “What good is a visit from you without including Merryn? She is your better half, you know.” The earl chuckled.
“My fair Merryn had other things to do,” Lord Geoffrey said. He looked to Nan. “But she sends you her love.”
“Mother would have been quite proud of me,” Nan said and then frowned. “Unfortunately, one of my arrows pierced Lord Tristan’s leg.” She brightened. “But I used all the skills I learned from her in order to nurse him back to good health. He ran only a slight fever the first day and no sign of infection has appeared.”
Lord Geoffrey’s brows shot up. “Was your aim off so much? ’Tis very unlike you.”
“Nay,” Tristan said before Nan continued. “It was my fault. I am the one who got in Lady Nan’s way—while she was trying to kill a wild boar. The boar received the better end of the deal,” he added.
“And you still wish for Nan to accompany you to Thorpe Castle?”
“Aye, my lord. Lady Nan is a gifted archer and instructor, something my men could use. She also knows quite a bit about horses and can help Sir David with the ones I purchase, as well.”
The door swung open and Lady Elysande entered, her arm about a handsome young man.
“Tucker!” Nan cried and embraced her cousin as David Devereux also stepped into the solar.
Tristan introduced himself to the boy and the group talked for several minutes until it came out that David and Nan would be leaving in the morning for Leventhorpe.
“I want to go along,” Tucker said eagerly. “It sounds like a grand adventure.”
“You just got home, Tucker,” Lady Elysande chided. “Besides, with David gone, I can use your help in the stables.”
Tristan saw the noblewoman’s word was final, as Tucker did not appeal for a different decision from his father. He marveled again at the men in this family and how they treated women as their equals. He glanced to Nan, deep in conversation with David.
Did Tristan look upon Nan as an equal? In many ways, she had proved to be his superior. He wondered what it would be like to be wed to such a remarkable woman then pushed the thought aside. Nan de Montfort deserved a man who would love her. Tristan had no love in his heart.
But desire? He had that in abundance for the raven-haired beauty.
*
Nan went to the stables after mass to check on the foals that had been born during her stay at Sandbourne before their party left for Thorpe Castle. She would miss all the newborns but looked forward to seeing Tristan’s home before traveling on to Bexley. Only Ancel had come to Hal and Elinor’s wedding last month since Margery had been ill. Nan hoped her sister-in-law would be feeling better once she and Drew arrived. She knew from her mother that oftentimes the first few months after conceiving a babe made a woman sick and sluggish.
She greeted a passing stable boy who said, “If you’re looking for Lord Tristan, my lady, he’s down there,” and pointed.
Curiosity filled her. They would ride out soon and she wondered if everything was all right with his horse. She passed Skybourne’s stall and saw the horse inside it—but no Tristan. Continuing on, she found him leaning into Ginger’s stall, his voice low as he spoke to the mare. Nan suppressed a smile.
Who would have thought Tristan Therolde would be telling a pair of horses goodbye?
Yet he did so now, speaking to both Ginger and Argo, her budding foal. A wistful feeling ran through her. Nan had tamped down the attraction she felt for the nobleman, knowing he was not meant for her. Tugging at her heartstrings in this way only made it harder for her to continue to push aside her growing fondness for him.
He looked up, a sheepish grin on his face.
“I see you have caught me in the act,” he said. “I am saying my farewells to all the mares and their offspring, especially the ones that I helped in foaling.”
“I think it’s nice of you to do so, my lord. I’m here for the very same reason.” She paused. “Would you like company?”
“Aye.”
They strolled through the stables, seeing the designated horses before returning to the keep. Nan had already packed the little she would bring on the journey, just an extra pair of pants and a different gypon and one cotehardie and smock. She’d rolled them up and stuffed them in her satchel, which she would attach to her saddle horn. Elysande had promised to send her trunk directly to Bexley since her stay there would prove much longer.
Reaching the great hall, she said, “I’m going to eat something quickly. I will meet you outside soon. I know David and Drew will be gathering up the horses we are taking with us.”
“I’ve told Toby and Stephen to help with that,” Tristan said.
They parted ways and she ate some bread and sipped ale while Elysande gave her last minute instructions over the care of the horses that would accompany them to Essex.
“You know, Elysande, all these horses will be perfectly fine. David will be there. Drew and I can assist him. Both Sir Stephen and Sir Toby are most capable knights.” She squeezed her cousin’s hand. “You worry too much.”
“And you don’t worry enough,” Elysande quickly retorted.
Nan rose, wondering for the first time if Elysande had an inkling of what had passed between her and Tristan. “It’s time.” She glanced to where her father and Michael sat on Elysande’s other side. Both men stood in unison. Her father embraced her, dropping a soft kiss on the top of her head.
“Write to us when you arrive at Thorpe Castle and again before you leave,” he told her. “If not, your mother will be frantic.”
“And also when I arrive at Bexley,” she said. “I believe Margery may be with child again. You know how she gets very ill early on and can’t stop retching.”
Geoffrey shook his head. “Let’s keep that from Merryn for now or she’ll be off to Bexley to care for her.” He grinned. “I need a little time alone with my wife now that Edward and Rosalyne have left Kinwick and Hal and Elinor are settling in after their wedding, but we will both come for you in a few months. By then, I hope Margery will be able to keep her meals down.”
Geoffrey kissed her again. “Be safe, Nan. Stick by Drew. Do your best for Lord Tristan’s men and enjoy your time with Ancel and Margery.”
They walked to the stables together. David and Drew had the selected horses ready.
“Are you sure you don’t wish for any of
my men to accompany you, Lord Tristan?” asked Michael. “I can easily summon Sir Martin and Sir Ralph and they could be ready to ride with you. Just say the word.”
“Nay,” Tristan said. “Six of us should be able to watch out for five horses. We’re only two days away from retrieving my sister and less than two after that to Leventhorpe lands.”
Elysande pressed sacks of food upon each rider. “Cook has made some things for you to eat while on the road.”
Nan allowed Drew to help her onto Nightfoot before he mounted his own horse. She waved to Elysande, Michael, and Tucker and blew a kiss to her father, then they spurred their horses on and rode away from Sandbourne.
The countryside they passed had turned a deep green as June bloomed throughout the landscape. Nightfoot enjoyed the long ride that first day and was still frisky the next morning. Fortunately, she knew her horse well and could control his high spirits.
They stopped mid-afternoon in order to water and rest the horses and drew from the food the Sandbourne cook had sent.
As they sat facing each other in a circle, Nan asked Tristan, “How long until we reach where your sister fosters?”
He used his baselard to cut a slice of cheese. “We should be at Shercastle in another three hours or so.”
“What is your sister’s name?” David asked, tearing a piece of crust from some bread.
“Gillian,” replied Tristan. “She has fostered with the baron and baroness for many years. Lady Magdalen is quite fond of Gillian and has threatened not to give her back to me.”
“Would it be possible for her to remain at Shercastle?” Nan asked. “Do they have a son she might wed?”
“They have two sons but both are spoken for. One is already wed and one is supposed to marry this summer.”
“Is your sister betrothed?” Nan was curious since she knew Tristan himself wasn’t and remembered he had spoken of his obligation to see his sister wed.
