The Overlord's Bride

by Margaret Moore

  “Yes.”

  “Who would do such a thing?”

  “Montross.”

  She stared at him in horrified wonder. “Montross! But he is a knight.”

  “A dishonorable one.”

  Raymond reached into his belt and pulled out the silver coin. “I found this and that is one reason I suspect Montross.”

  “A coin?”

  “A silver coin.”

  “Many men carry silver coins, even outlaws.”

  He nodded in acknowledgment and continued. “There were the hoof prints of only one horse coming to and from Montross’s land.”

  “But it could have been one of his tenants or soldiers, or one of those mercenaries he hired. Surely one of them would be much more likely to be a murderer.”

  “I know, but I also know Montross. He could do something like this, if he thought it necessary.”

  “Necessary? Why would raping and killing one of our servants be necessary?”

  “Did you trust Rual?”

  She frowned. “Why, yes, I saw no reason not to.”

  He looked at the coin he twisted in his hand. “Perhaps that was a mistake.”

  “You think she was in league with Montross?” Elizabeth demanded as the possible significance of the coin hit her like a blast of hot air from an oven. “You think that coin was part of a payment? What could she possibly have told him?”

  Raymond rubbed his weary eyes and began to count the items on his fingers. “The number of weapons we have. When and where my men will be. The contents of our storerooms. How many bowmen I have, or horses or foot soldiers.” He stopped and regarded her with grim intensity. “A hundred things an enemy would find useful.”

  The baby within Elizabeth shifted and she placed her hand on her rounded stomach. “I still find it difficult to believe.”

  “I do not, perhaps because I have more experience with dishonor.”

  Her heart ached to hear him refer to his past. “Women’s especially,” she agreed. “Raymond, while you have good reason to think as you do, could it not have been an outlaw?”

  “Of course, or one of Montross’s men who saw an opportunity and took it.”

  “Would that not be a more likely explanation, considering that poor Rual was raped?”

  “Yes, or else that was intended to deflect suspicion from Montross.”

  “But if she was his spy, why would he kill her, and why now?”

  “Perhaps she was demanding too much money for her information, and he thought he had paid her enough.”

  “We shall look in her quarters and see if we find evidence of other payments,” Elizabeth said. She watched him as he studied the coin in his hand. “You can think of another reason, can’t you?”

  He raised his solemn eyes to look at her, and new fear threaded down her back. “Perhaps she had outlived her usefulness to him. It could be that he believes he knows all he needs to know to move against us.

  “God save us, Elizabeth,” he muttered, raking his hand through his hair, “I have been too complacent. I should have known better than to think that realizing the earl was aware of his activity would stop Montross.”

  “Raymond,” she said, taking his hand in hers, “Montross couldn’t simply attack us without just cause, or the earl and even the king himself would call that treason. Even if a servant rebels against his master, it is called treason.”

  Raymond sighed heavily. “I am quite sure Montross will have a good explanation at the ready. Likely he will accuse me of plotting against the earl, or the king.”

  “Which is utterly ridiculous!”

  Her husband’s lips twisted into a sardonic smile. “If Montross does plan to attack, we can be sure he has some kind of evidence at hand, or else he will find another way to deflect any serious consequence. Or it may be enough for him that I will be dead.”

  “Don’t say such things!” Elizabeth cried, horrified by that thought. “If he attacks us, he will be the one suffering consequences, provided he even survives,” she finished staunchly.

  Raymond smiled and cupped her chin in his powerful fingers. “Ah, my love, I only wish it could be so simple as combat between him and me. Sadly, I fear it will not be.”

  As he kissed her gently, Elizabeth felt a small ache and put her hand on her side.

  “What is it? Is it the baby?”

  “A little pain, nothing serious.”

  “Are you certain?”

  “As certain as you are about Montross. What are we going to do? We must do something, Raymond.”

  “Yes. We must bury Rual.”

  Elizabeth leaned heavily on Raymond’s arm while Father Daniel said the words over Rual’s grave in the village graveyard after the noon meal. It was a simple ceremony, with a few heartfelt words of blessing to lay her to rest.

  Gathered around were other servants from Donhallow, and the sound of sniffing and soft weeping filled the air. Elizabeth was surprised to see such grief, for she had never thought the quiet, aloof Rual particularly well-liked. Yet was there any woman who could not find it in her heart to weep with sympathy at such an end?

  Even though Elizabeth had found a purse full of more silver coins in a secret compartment of Rual’s chest that was strong evidence of betrayal, she could still mourn for the way she went to God. She also thanked God that Genevieve had possessed a similar chest, with a similar compartment; otherwise, Elizabeth might never have found the purse.

  The sound of horses’ hooves and jingling harness interrupted the priest’s quiet blessing, drawing the attention of all gathered there.

  Elizabeth held even tighter to Raymond’s arm as Fane Montross, accompanied by a guard of twenty rough-looking, well-armed men, rode toward the graveyard.

  “My lord, my lady,” he said, bowing from the back of his horse, “I hear you have had some trouble on your land.”

  Raymond didn’t answer at once. Instead he escorted Elizabeth to the priest. “Stay with him,” he commanded.

  He was again as he had been that first day—just as cold, just as distant. “Raymond—”

  “Do as I say,” he commanded before he turned to face Montross.

  She didn’t want to remain with Father Daniel, yet she was heavily pregnant. What could she do but watch her husband walk toward Montross and his men?

  “I heard about your maidservant,” Montross said. “A terrible business. Since we are neighbors, I have come to offer my help.”

  “More gossip flying on the wind?” Raymond inquired.

  “Is it not true?”

  Raymond didn’t answer.

  “So it is, and I have come here to offer any assistance I can render.”

  “We don’t want anything from you.”

  “No? You already know who did it?” he inquired. “You have them in custody?”

  Raymond crossed his arms.

  “God’s wounds, Raymond, there could be a marauding band of brigands hereabouts. If you do not have them in custody, where are they?”

  Again her husband said nothing.

  “Or do you intend to allow them to continue murdering people? Hardly the actions of a responsible overlord. The earl will not be impressed.”

  In the face of Montross’s mocking words and her husband’s lack of response, Elizabeth could no longer remain silent. She pushed herself away from the priest and went toward them as fast as she could. “We have an excellent idea who did this.”

  “Elizabeth,” Raymond warned in a low growl.

  “My lady, how delightful to speak with you again.” Montross’s gaze raked her swollen body. “I can see why your husband does not care to leave your side. I must agree with the earl that being with child makes a woman even more beautiful. It is no wonder your husband is neglecting his duty to his tenants and the earl to linger in his castle with you.”

  “My husband knows his duties well enough, just as he knows who killed Rual.”

  “Really? If he is so certain, why does he not have him in the dungeon of Donhall
ow? Has the clever fellow escaped? Or could it be that you don’t have enough evidence to take him into custody? Oh, what a pity if that is the case.”

  “We will,” she declared.

  “Your husband doesn’t seem to think so.”

  Elizabeth glanced at her grave and silent husband, but she could not read the expression in his eyes any more than she could read his mind. “We will. Soon,” she vowed.

  “Poor Raymond is struck dumb,” Montross remarked. “Tell me, my old friend, is there another reason you do not speak? A fear of what I might do in retaliation if you make serious and unprovable accusations, perhaps? Concern for your pretty pregnant wife who you hold so very, very dear—more dear than my poor, beautiful sister, eh?”

  Elizabeth glanced sharply at Raymond. Was that so? Is that why he stood so still and silent—fear for her safety?

  Two strong emotions vied within her at that moment: pride that he cared so much for her, and horror that his affection weakened him in this man’s eyes.

  “Please, Raymond, take me inside, away from this person. I have no more desire to be in his company.”

  “Yes, Raymond,” Montross mocked. “Take her away, and yourself, too.”

  “Until another time, Montross,” Raymond replied, his voice as hard and cold as iron in winter. “And get off my land.”

  Montross’s triumphant, taunting laughter followed them as they proceeded to the castle, followed by the priest and those who had been at the burial.

  “We must speak of this, my lord,” Elizabeth said as they passed through the gate.

  Raymond stared straight ahead. “No.”

  “I’m sorry if I disobeyed you, but I could not bear to hear him say those things without being called to account.”

  “It was not your place to do so. I told you, we need evidence before we can accuse him.”

  “But to let him think he is getting away with a terrible crime—!”

  “To let him ramble on as he will without replying so that he knows we cannot be goaded into hasty action.”

  Elizabeth halted. “Oh, dear God in heaven, I never thought of that.”

  “I thought not.” He looked at her, and she saw the concern in his eyes. “I should not walk so fast.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Raymond, I’m sorry!”

  He took her arm and steered her toward the stables. “I have a hearty dislike of discussing such matters in the courtyard,” he reminded her.

  As they went inside the stables, one look from her husband sent the grooms and stable boys scurrying out.

  “I must know, is it as he says, Raymond? Are you loath to upbraid him for fear of what he will do?”

  Raymond’s brow furrowed. “I am not a coward, Elizabeth.” He put his hands gently on Elizabeth’s slim shoulders and regarded her steadily. And then he smiled. “Fane Montross has never been able to abide silence. I knew it would annoy him.”

  Her eyes widened, while he grew serious. “Elizabeth, that fool came here today to taunt me into action by threatening you, believing that my love for you and our child has made me weak. At one time, when I was just beginning to realize how much I cared for you, I feared that it would, too. Yet when he came here today and made his threats, I realized how wrong I was to think that, and so is he. My love for you does not make me weak. It makes me strong—and more determined than ever to protect those I love. Fane Montross has made a very grave error by threatening you, Elizabeth. There is nothing worse that he could have done, for I will fight for you and our child to my last breath.”

  “Oh, Raymond,” she said, a quaver in her voice as she looked into his eyes, “I don’t want you to die for me.”

  “I promise you, my love,” he said, caressing her cheek, “that I shall do my best to avoid it.” He smiled tenderly. “Now I am going to address my men. It is time those who may have to fight with me knew all. Will you come with me, or would you rather rest?”

  “I would like to go with you.”

  He smiled at her, pride and love shining in his dark eyes. “Come then, my lady, who once falsely assured me she could keep quiet.”

  When they reached the hall, they saw that many of the soldiers were there, talking nervously, along with the servants.

  They all fell silent when they realized their lord and his lady had arrived, and a few began to head for the doors, either to the courtyard or the kitchen.

  “Stay,” Raymond commanded. The people exchanged wary glances, but did as they were told.

  He led Elizabeth to a chair, where she gratefully sat, then faced the people. He took a deep breath, and spoke, the words strong, if hoarse. “You have heard what happened to Rual. Unfortunately, I have reason to suspect that Rual was not in the woods for the reason she gave to my wife, or rather, for that and something else besides. It is my belief, bolstered by what Lady Kirkheathe discovered among Rual’s possessions, that she has been a spy among us.”

  A gasp went through the crowd, followed by mutters of disbelief and dismay.

  They fell silent when Raymond raised his hand. “I also think I know who is behind it—Montross. If he did not do the actual deed, I believe he is nevertheless responsible for her death.

  “But I have no proof. Until I do, I cannot bring a charge against him, and we are all in danger. I believe this man will stop at nothing to have his revenge on me for killing his sister, and for that I ask your forgiveness.”

  The people’s eyes widened in stunned disbelief.

  “Allicia’s death was an accident. She attacked me and when I threw her from me, she struck her head and died.

  “Even though I acted with provocation against one person trying to kill me, I have put you and all my people at risk because Montross will have his revenge.” He raised his hand to his throat. “Whatever provocation Montross feels, he has no justification for murder in return.

  “Yet I must have proof,” Raymond continued, his voice stronger. “There will be more patrols, and when you men return, tell me of anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant it might seem. If you find any stranger on the land, or one of Montross’s men, you will capture them and bring them back here unharmed to be questioned. There must be no questionable confessions elicited by torture.

  “Likewise, you will not go onto Montross’s land, not even in chase. We must be faultless, or God only knows what Montross will say.

  “Sadly, I fear there may be more trouble ahead, so warn your families. They should be prepared to seek sanctuary in the castle at short notice.”

  “Just as long as that rat gets his just deserts!” someone called out.

  “Down with Montross!” shouted another.

  “Up with Kirkheathe!”

  “God bless the Lady Elizabeth!” one of the soldiers cried, and the others took up the cry.

  “Yes,” Raymond said as he turned to her. “God bless my Lady Elizabeth.”

  She smiled as he came toward her. “I believe I know why you were so quiet when I first met you,” she said softly, her words not carrying far in the din. “You were saving your voice for all you had to say today.”

  He gently tugged her to her feet, then took her in his arms for a passionate kiss, which made the people cheer even more.

  “Raymond,” she panted when he stopped. “In front of all these people! Indeed, my lord, I don’t know what’s come over you.”

  “It’s love, Elizabeth. Love has come over me. My love for you has freed me and yes, loosened my tongue.” He gave her a small, mischievous smile. “Or perhaps I only wanted them to know how pleased I am with my wife.”

  She returned his smile, which would be the last they would share for a long time.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Four days later, Elizabeth glanced uneasily at Raymond as they ate the noon meal in the crowded hall. He looked exhausted, and she was reminded that he was not a young man. He was a seasoned warrior, and one with gray hair on his head and in the stubble on his cheeks.

  Cadmus lay beside him, seemingly too t
ired even to beg for food. Several villagers and tenants had already sought sanctuary, and they sat among weary soldiers recently back from patrolling with Raymond.

  Strangers had been seen in the wood near the border between Donhallow and Montross’s estate. Montross’s mercenaries, they appeared to be, but unfortunately none had been captured, so they had only their own opinion about who they were, as well as why they were there.

  Raymond caught Elizabeth looking at him.

  “You must rest,” she said, lightly resting her hand on his knee beneath the table, “or you will fall ill.”

  “I am more concerned for you,” he replied. “I thought the baby would be born by now.”

  “They come when they come, although I will be happy when it is over. I am almost convinced that the waiting is worse than the labor could be.”

  “I would feel better if the midwife from Chesney were here.”

  “She will be soon. She warned you she might be delayed tending to one of the earl’s relatives. If she does not arrive in time, there is always the village midwife. She expects only one more baby soon, and when that child arrives, she can come to Donhallow until my time.”

  “I pray those babes arrive quickly, then.”

  “I don’t know what I dread more, that Montross will attack, or that he won’t.”

  A young soldier ran into the hall. “My lord!” He hurried toward them. “Smoke, my lord. Heavy. Rising from one of the farms.”

  Raymond was on his feet in an instant. So was Cadmus, quivering with excitement.

  Raymond looked down at his wife. “I believe our wait for Montross to act is over.”

  Gripping the arms of her chair, Elizabeth heaved herself up. “Take care, my lord, my love.”

  “I will. Stay,” he ordered Cadmus, then he looked at her. “I will feel better if he is here with you, in addition to Barden and my best men. Cadmus will protect you as well as any soldier.”

  She nodded, and he kissed her on her cheek before marching from the hall, followed by his men.

  When he was gone, she splayed her hands on the table and let her breath out slowly as the pain passed.