England's Greatest Knights: A Medieval Romance Collection

by Kathryn Le Veque

  He was a true friend, indeed.

  *

  William received a missive a year and a half later, a roll of vellum sealed up in a well-worn leather pouch, that had originally been delivered to Guerdley Cross and St. John had forwarded to him at the de Neville seat of Warwick Castle. He had been taking his morning meal when a soldier had delivered it and, with curiosity, he had opened the pouch only to discover that the contents were from Avalyn. Holding it up in the light, he read the entire thing with great interest.

  He grinned at the part describing the birth of big, healthy, and loud baby William Tygor de Neville-Aubrey in Dresden, in the earldom of Saxony. Everyone was healthy and happy, and Brogan had become a knight in the service of the House of Hesse, Earls of Saxony, as his father had been before him. He was finally where he belonged, as they all were, including baby William who was, in reality, an English baron who had inherited the Aubrey estates.

  Both William and Avalyn, as well as Brogan, William suspected at this point, knew that the child was not Charles’. But it didn’t matter. It would keep the Aubrey estates in the Aubrey name, and the baby would grow up with the advantages and wealth that Brogan could have never provided for him. It was a secret between the three of them, something not even Barton knew, but William wondered, upon the return of young William Aubrey to Guerdley Cross, if someone needed to let Barton in on the secret should the boy look like his real father. It was an interesting prospect to consider for the future.

  Avalyn ended her missive with the words Schritte der herrlichkeit. William had to find someone who spoke Germanic to have the words translated. Steps of Glory, he was told. He didn’t really know what she meant by it, but he suspected.

  She’s finally found her happiness, after all.

  Bonus Chapters: The original ending of FOR LOVE AND HONOR

  This is the original ending starting at Chapter Sixteen. It is left to the reader to decide which ending you like better. Enjoy!

  *

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  “The physics knew he had a bad heart. He did not want anyone to tell you.”

  Exhausted, cold and sickened, Avalyn sat in the solar in the pale gray of the coming dawn, listening to Barton’s soft explanations. The weddings guests were still about, having not been told of the groom’s death. For the moment, those that knew were still in shock. Especially Avalyn.

  “Then you knew, too?” she looked at Barton, her voice soft and weary. “So this was nothing surprising, then?”

  Barton drew in a long, slow breath. “It is not surprising. Shocking, aye. The man is only thirty three years old. But he knew his heart was bad. Why do you think he was so eager to marry? He wanted to at least have a wife to leave his estates and titles to, and hopefully any children.” Barton’s gaze fixed on her, guardedly. “Is there… a possibility of children, my lady?”

  Avalyn didn’t dare look at William, standing in the shadows just inside the doorway. She could feel his gaze upon her, questioning, sympathetic. So Barton must not know of Charles impotency, she thought. Had he known, he would not have asked such a question. She lowered her head, staring at the smoking embers in the massive hearth. She was so very tired of lies and deception, but one more was necessary for all their sakes.

  “Aye,” she murmured. “There is a possibility.”

  Barton took a deep, cleansing breath as he nodded his head. It was clear that the man was struggling with his grief. The events of the past few hours had been disheartening and startling. He was still having difficulty believing it, no matter how he pretended otherwise.

  “God be praised,” he said softly. His gaze lingered on Avalyn’s pale face, now illuminated by the early dawn’s light. “You are the lady of Guerdley Cross, sole commander of her armies. I am sworn to obey you to the death. What is the first order you would have me carry out, Lady Aubrey?”

  Avalyn tore her eyes away from the dying embers of the hearth, focusing on the handsome blond knight with whom she had shared a strange relationship. He’d set her straight on a good many things when her moral compass seemed to be spinning out of control; Brogan would do as she wished, William would bow to her commands, but Barton had been given the advantage of being moderately objective. No matter what had happened between them, she had grown to trust the man. She respected him a great deal.

  She rose stiffly from her chair, moving to the fading fire and throwing a lump of peat on it. William moved forward to take the duty from her, gently but firmly shoving her away.

  “Lady Aubrey does not stoke her own fire,” he said, a twinkle in his tired eyes. “Answer Sir Barton. What would be your first command to us?”

  She could only grin at him, wearily, before looking back to Barton. She pulled her heavy brocade cloak, the one Charles had given her, more tightly around her chilled shoulders.

  “It would seem our first order of business would be to bury my husband,” she said, softly but with a commanding tone that William was familiar with. “Where is the Aubrey family crypt?”

  “In the cathedral in St. Helens,” Barton told her. “I shall send someone immediately to summon the priest.”

  Avalyn nodded, trying to sort out her muddled thoughts. “The guests must be told, including my uncle,” she looked at William as she made the statement, something unsettling in that idea. “This marriage was of his making, after all. He will want to know.”

  William was crouched beside the fire, meeting her gaze, reading her thoughts. He knew de Neville better than anyone and knew exactly what a wealthy widowed niece would mean to him.

  “You have Guerdley Cross and a great deal of wealth now, my lady,” William stood up with the poker in his hand. “I mean no slander against your uncle, as you well know, but he will insist on marrying you off immediately. You are more valuable to him now than ever.”

  More burdens added to Avalyn’s weary mind. Something ominous and sickening was settling over her. She sought out her chair again, sinking heavily. There was hesitance writing all over her face. “I do not wish to marry again anytime soon,” she murmured. “But you are correct, William. The moment he is told of Charles’ death, he will be planning my next husband.”

  Barton’s expression was one of concern mixed with duty. “He would do this, my lady? Would he give no respect to your mourning?”

  She nodded strongly. “Without hesitation. And you, Sir Barton, would have a new lord, perhaps one you would not be so fond of. It would be completely out of my hands.”

  Barton didn’t particularly like that thought; his gaze moved between Avalyn and William. “Then what are you suggesting?” he asked.

  William’s gaze never left Avalyn’s face. “Wait until he leaves for Warwick,” William spoke to her as if she was the only person in the room. “Do not tell him now. Go up to your chamber and stay there until he has left. We will bury Lord Aubrey after he is gone and perhaps send him a missive in a few months when everything has settled down.”

  “Or perhaps not send him one at all,” Avalyn fired back softly. She clutched at the cloak as if it could protect her from her uncle’s evil reaches and cunning manipulation. “Let him think what he will. Let him think that Charles is alive and well. And when he should eventually find out, perhaps… perhaps by that time I will have already married someone of my own choosing, a man that I am familiar with who possesses moral character and a noble background.”

  Barton’s expression was now stamped with uncertainty. “What about the other guests? What about the soldiers?” he looked at them as if they were bordering on insanity. “If we tell them that Lord Aubrey has passed, the word will get back to de Neville. If we do not tell them, eventually, they will deduce that something is wrong. We cannot keep Lord Aubrey’s death hidden forever.”

  “Nay, not forever,” Avalyn looked at him. “But for the time being. Are you so eager to have a new liege, Barton?”

  St. John lifted an eyebrow. “It does not matter what I want, but what is right.”

  “And is it wron
g for us to keep this news from my uncle? Considering all the man is and all you know him to be, what do you think he will do?” When Barton didn’t answer fast enough, she continued. “I shall tell you what he will do; he will find a new husband for me within a few weeks at most. Guerdley Cross will cease to be an Aubrey holding and will be passed over to a rich baron or earl, or even a French mercenary. You know that my uncle has dealings with those men, too. Slimy creatures with foul habits and even fouler ethics. If that is the case and I am forced to marry someone else, then any child Charles and I might have will not inherit Guerdley Cross and the Aubrey name will cease to exist. In fact, any child born as a result of my marriage to Charles will more than likely be sent away to foster, probably never to be heard from again. Have no doubt that this could very well be the case given the greater implications of my uncle’s dealings and the wealth of this holding. Is this something you would wish to see?”

  It was a passionate speech. By the time she was finished, Barton was gazing at her intently. His big arms were crossed, his blue eyes serious. After a moment, he slowly shook his head.

  “Nay, my lady,” he said slowly. “It is not.”

  It was Avalyn’s turn to cock an eyebrow. “Then you must trust me that it is best if no one knows of Charles’ passing but those of us in this room.”

  Barton drew in a long, contemplative death. He looked at William, reading his expression, before turning back to Avalyn. “If that is your command, Lady Aubrey,” he said quietly. “I will obey it.”

  Avalyn stared at the man a moment before rising to her feet. She made her way over to him, laying a soft hand on his big arm. Her golden eyes were sincere. “I know you do not like this, Barton,” she said softly. “I know you are a man of truth and honor. But your world has always been one of following orders and upholding the knightly code. I come from a world where men would manipulate God himself in order to have their ways known. My uncle is such a man. Surely you know that.”

  He met her gaze. “I do,” he said quietly. “And I do not disagree with your command. I said that I would obey it.”

  “I know you will. But I want you to understand why. It is for Charles’ sake as well as mine. My uncle will erase the Aubrey name from this earth if he finds out I am a widow in control of Guerdley Cross. Everything Charles held dear will belong to another. I would like to hold that off if I can.”

  Barton just looked at her, trying to figure out if her motives were self-serving or if she was truly being self-sacrificing. Perhaps it was a little of both. He could not blame her. “And I shall help you, my lady.”

  She patted his arm gently. “Thank you,” she said softly. “Now, where did you put Charles’ body?”

  “I left him in the chamber, my lady,” he replied. “Where would you like me to move him?”

  She moved away from Barton, back towards the fire that was now starting to blaze. “Is there another place to keep him? Somewhere secure until we can arrange a secret burial?”

  Barton thought a moment. “There are several places I can think of off-hand,” he replied. “Perhaps it is best to wait until dark before moving him, however.”

  “Agreed,” she said. “I would now have you ride to St. Helen and tell the priest what has happened. Swear the man to silence in exchange for a large donation. Tell him we will have to bury him in the utmost secrecy and make arrangements for that time and place.”

  “Aye, my lady,” Barton was already moving for the door. “Anything else?”

  She shook her head. “Not that I can think of. Go about your business.”

  Barton was gone, leaving Avalyn and William alone in the solar. William just stood there, staring at her delicate profile. He took a timid step towards her. “Are you all right, Avalyn?” he asked softly.

  She looked over at him, her eyes growing moist. “I am fine,” she whispered. “He never touched me.”

  William’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “He never touched me,” she repeated quietly. “We talked a long while. Then… then he never got the chance. It was over before it began.”

  “But you told…?”

  “I know what I told him. I had to. William, Charles told me that he was physically incapable of performing as a man. He said that he had been that way for years. He was terrified that I was going to tell my uncle and that Uncle Richard would have the marriage annulled. So to tell Barton a slight untruth… it saves Charles’ manhood to the world. Perhaps this child was conceived for a reason and perhaps everything happened as it did for the greater good. This child will be born an Aubrey and will know all of the wealth and benefits that Brogan could never provide.”

  William understood a great deal. “How noble of you, my lady,” he said with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “You never cease to amaze me.”

  She smiled weakly, her features pale in the growing light of the room. She moved to the lancet windows, gazing at the awakening bailey beyond. The sky was amazingly clear, none of the fog that was so usual. It was going to be a lovely day.

  “William,” she said softly. “Will you do something for me?”

  “Anything, my lady.”

  A soft breeze caught her chestnut hair, lifting soft tendrils around her face. “I want you to go to London and find Brogan.”

  The smile faded from his face. “Why, Avalyn?” his demanded quietly. “You cannot possibly be thinking to bring the man back here to marry him.”

  She turned to look at him. “Nay,” she said, her expression laced with sorrow. “To marry him would only bring unimaginable chaos to our lives. I understand that now. We were simply not meant to be together. But I will never stop loving him, William. I want you to go to London to see if he is all right. I just want to make sure.”

  “He is a grown man,” William was on the verge of snapping at her. “I am sure that he is fine.”

  “Please, William?” she moved towards him, her eyes beseeching him. “Please go and make sure. And if you happen to speak with him, tell him… tell him that I am well and that the marriage happened. But do not tell him about the child. No matter what, you must not. Is that clear?”

  William couldn’t help it; he rolled his eyes at her. “What purpose will this serve? Let the man heal. Seeing me again will only remind him of what he lost.”

  Her eyes filled with tears, spilling over onto her pale cheeks. “The night we met he was planning on killing himself,” she whispered. “Did you know that? His wife had died, his son had died, and he was so stricken with grief that he could no longer stand the pain. I’m terrified he might try to do the same thing again. I could not live with myself if that happened.”

  William softened, though only slightly. “It is not your fault if he does. You cannot take responsibility for d’Aurilliac’s actions.”

  “But I do not want to contribute to a man’s death,” she was beginning to cry. “Can you not understand my concern, William? Surely you understand what it means to love someone and care about what becomes of them?”

  His blue eyes riveted to her as if her questions startled him. He stared at her a long time, the agitation evaporating from his manner. He finally wiped a hand over his face wearily.

  “I understand,” he muttered, with more emotion than he should have. “I have watched you nearly destroy your life over love of this man and I was unable to prevent it. I’ve watched you go through Hell simply to be near him and cursed myself for enabling such things to happen. Aye, I understand what it means to love someone, for I have loved you as long as I can remember.”

  Avalyn looked at him, her eyes wide with his admission. Now it was her turn to be startled. She’d always known his feelings for her but had never thought to hear him utter those fateful words.

  “Oh… William,” she whispered. “I do not know what to say.”

  He lifted his eyebrows in resignation. “You will say nothing,” he said evenly. “But you will remember, when the time is right, that I am of good moral character and of noble background.”


  Her wide eyes took on the most astonished twinkle; he could see it. “But you’re a knight,” she said simply.

  He crossed his big arms. “My second cousin is the Earl of Leamington and my mother was the only child of the House of Hyssington, hereditary lords of Evesham. When my grandfather dies, I shall inherit the lands and title. My noble lineage dates back further than yours, my lady.”

  “Are you suggesting that….?”

  He cut her off. “I am suggesting that when I return from London, you and I are going to sit down and have a nice, long discussion.”

  She wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. “Are we going to negotiate a contract?”

  His jaw ticked and he uncrossed his arms. “I am finished watching you make a fool of yourself,” he growled. “When I return from London, I am going to do all of the talking and you are going to do all of the agreeing. Is that clear?”

  She began to realize that he was deadly serious. “I cannot believe my ears,” she said softly. “It is too soon to speak of such things. I’m surprised you would broach such a subject considering the events of the past few days.”

  “Now is the perfect time. I can’t spend all my life watching you jump from one husband to the other. And I’ll not hear another word of argument from you or I will take you over my knee as I should have done back in London when this whole mess started.”

  “But.…”

  “Not another word, Avalyn.”

  She looked at him with surprise; it was the first time William had ever talked to her in such a manner. It was strong and authoritative. She began to think of the man she had known so long, his unwavering devotion and uncanny wisdom. He had sacrificed more for her than he probably should have and his continuing loyalty to her was the one thing in this world she could always count on. Aye, she had always counted on him. William had always been there for her when no one else had been.