“M’lady rides like a man,” Robert remarked, and stared at her bared ankles. “’Tis not proper.”
Maggie stiffened at the chastisement. “’Tis completely acceptable in my country,” she lied. Geez, I hope that doesn’t come back to haunt Lady Norreys, she mentally apologized. “How would you like to ride sidesaddle, m’lord? ‘Tis most uncomfortable for any distance.” She was getting the hang of this formal speech and prayed she would find all the right answers until she was reunited with Nick again.
He looked as though he were pondering her answer. Finally, he proclaimed in a voice to be overheard by his men, “’Tis the latest fashion in France. Very well, I am most pleased.”
Maggie was so relieved that she couldn’t even smile. For once she was thrilled that Robert was pleased. Now, how to get back to Greville Manor and Nick? Somehow they would make their life together. Even though fates had conspired against her, she knew she and Nick were meant to be joined. Together they could face anything.
She had to believe that now.
They entered the nearly destitute village and Maggie felt like she was part of a band of outlaws as people scattered in all directions. Their faces were full of fear as the group on horses rode among them. She saw women dressed in thin dirty clothes with children huddling about their knees in rags. Men were hurrying to shops to get out of the way when one of Robert’s men quickly slipped off his horse and grabbed a man by the arm only to throw him against a wooden wall.
It happened so quickly, Maggie could only stop her own horse and stare as Robert dismounted slowly, almost casually, and walked up to the terrified man.
“I should like to introduce my betrothed, the Lady Norreys of Rycote, soon to be known to all as, Lady Margaret of Amesbury, thy new dominion.”
A few of the village men bowed.
“I value her greatly,” he announced for all to hear. “And someone, or some parties, took it upon themselves to cause my lady much distress. I demand any man who knows of such mutinous deeds or can identify the perpetrators of these crimes to come forward.”
No one moved.
“I will not ask again,” he yelled, walking toward the man who was still being held against the wall. “You, man… What might thee know of this? Verily, there must be a peasant or two amongst you who has bargained for grain or other provisions with jewels, or clothing only a lady of nobility would wear?”
Not one mouth uttered a sound.
“N… no, m’lord,” the captive man finally stammered. “I’ve not seen such a one.”
Robert quickly put a dagger to the man’s throat. “You had best not be deceiving—”
“Robert…” Maggie called out faintly, her own heart beating wildly within her breast. “Please, don’t do this. You have no proof anyone from this village was involved.”
Robert didn’t move an inch, neither did anyone else.
“I… I feel faint,” she called out, realizing it was the truth. “May we please return to the manor?” She couldn’t believe what was happening, and it was all her fault!
Robert sheathed his dagger at his waist. He glanced over his shoulder to her once and then announced to the villagers, “Let all be well advised, I value what is mine. Should I apprehend whoever is involved, I swear they shall be dealt with in accordance with their heinous crimes. It would serve as an example to stretch some necks around here for such an affront upon a noble.”
“Robert,” she said in a faint voice. “Please, may we leave?”
He nodded to his man and the villager was released. Maggie watched as Robert mounted. His lead crony and right-hand man, simply known as Montague, addressed all.
“Let it be known Robert of Amesbury is not pleased.”
He turned his horse and together they rode slowly out of the village. Maggie caught the gaze of a small girl, covered in tattered clothing, her face smudged with dirt and dark circles under her eyes. Something in Maggie cracked and split open at the sight of so much suffering. Impulsively, she untied the small drawstring pouch Elthea had given her and tossed it to the child. The sound of coins could be heard when it landed in the dirt.
“My gift to the village,” Maggie said, and looked Robert right in the eye. “I do not want my first appearance to be remembered as fearful.”
He didn’t say anything, yet she could see he wasn’t pleased, that she might have undermined his authority. Maggie didn’t care. As soon as possible, she was leaving this place with Nick and getting as far away from the dangerous Lord Robert of Amesbury. She was in this adventure now, and planned to ride it all the way through.
She could do it, and she wasn’t alone. She had found the other half of her soul. Together they would make magic happen and find some kind of future together. They had to, for now she believed they’d been brought together to complete something.
Maggie and the uninvited entourage were coming back along the path near the spot where she and Nick had shared their “reconnection moment.” She almost groaned aloud with the ache in her breast for the memories that were still dancing through her whole body.
What was it Nick said back in the fern grove? We shall leave an impression on the universe, my beloved, and the stars will shout bravo… or something like that. Her heart knew it was something divine, even if she couldn’t remember it verbatim.
Elthea had said when twin souls unite, it is to accomplish their life mission and nothing can stop them from it. She glanced to her side at the rigid form of the man. Not even Robert held that power.
No one spoke on the return trip, and Maggie was grateful for the silence. Somehow she had to come up with a new escape plan. Would Elthea go against her son even further? Would she help them? She had to believe they would find a way.
She remembered the last time she had come to Greville Manor, and Nick had said it was to be her new home. Now the thought filled her with dread. Soon the real Lady Margaret was going to show up, and now Maggie had gotten her into trouble.
Evan and two other servants ran out of the large home as the horses crossed the wooden bridge and Maggie could see Elthea standing in her rose garden. Robert’s mother was clasping her hands together at her stomach, as though it might keep them from shaking.
She allowed Robert to help her dismount. He held her waist longer than necessary and Maggie managed a weak smile as she stepped back. “Thank you for coming to my aid today, m’lord.”
“I suggest, Lady Margaret, in the future, should thou desire to travel beyond the gates of Greville, my men and I shall accompany thee.”
She curtsied and lowered her eyes. “Yes, m’lord.” She would say anything to pacify him now. “I find I am exceedingly tired from this adventure and ask that I may be excused to my chamber.”
“It is well, Lady Margaret, for I have decided that on the morrow, we shall discuss the terms of our betrothal, so all matters may be consistent between us. Thy continental manners may seem charming to most, but take heed, I am a man who adheres to the old ways. Should thee ride, pray do so as befits a lady of standing from Amesbury.”
She was acutely aware of the men dismounting and staring at her. Last night they had toasted her arrival and today they witnessed her disgrace.
“Yes, m’lord,” she stated meekly. Now was not the time to let pride override good judgment… and seeing Nick again was her immediate priority.
“Good day, Lady Margaret.” He left her curtsying, never offering his hand to rise.
Elthea rushed forward as the horses were led away and wrapped her arm around Maggie’s shoulders. “Oh, child,” she whispered, “how I have worried since Nicholas returned.”
Her public humiliation over, Maggie rose and looked at the woman’s expression of concern. “Is Nick all right? Where is he?” she asked, as they began walking back to the house.
“He rests in his chamber, yet I must say his dark mood could challenge Robert’s. Come, we must retire and expedite our plans, for it would not do for you to be at Greville when the terms of the betrothal ar
e discussed. I fear they would unmask you for certain, dear Maggie.”
“So do I,” Maggie muttered, as they entered the home and quickly made their way to Elthea’s chamber. They passed servants who seemed to know about Robert’s black mood and averted their gazes. It appeared word of her humiliation had spread quickly. Elthea pushed the door open.
“In my chamber, you are safe… for the moment. Come in, dear Maggie. Rest. I know I must.”
Maggie fell into the nearest chair and stared at the fresh logs in the fireplace. “I don’t know how I just got through that,” she sighed.
Elthea walked to a low chest where there was a tray set for drinks. “’Tis a woman’s innate balance, child. Thy wits were about thee… applaud thyself for that, as I applaud thee. Consequently, there are greater issues we must discuss.” She set the tray down on the table in front of the cold fire.
“I have to see Nick,” Maggie stated, and looked up to the older women. Poor Elthea seemed to have aged with worry.
“You cannot be seen with Nicholas again. His life already lies in danger for Robert’s wrath. I know my son. Presently, he is verily displeased with thee, and should he come to know another meeting has taken place, his father’s vengeful nature will surely possess him.” The countess poured them each a cup of honey ale. “It is not my intention to cast judgment on him, but it is certain, Robert is plotting even as we speak. I’ve witnessed his retribution in the past.” She took a great swallow from her cup. “We must, in some way, arrange for Nicholas to leave before the next dawn.”
“He can’t leave without me!” Maggie sat up straight and clutched Elthea’s hand. “I just found him. I won’t lose him now.”
Elthea sat down in the chair next to Maggie. She looked weary, and closed her eyes, pausing a long moment. “And he feels likewise, Maggie.” She sat up and looked knowingly at Maggie. “So, it has come to pass. The recognition and acknowledgment of each other. I was hoping this would happen far from this manor.”
“It happened in the woods, when we tried to find the maze,” Maggie said, releasing Elthea’s hand and sitting back. “Everything suddenly made perfect sense. I traveled back in time for us to be together and I’m not going to settle for anything less. He is my twin soul, just as you described, Elthea. I know this.”
“I feared as much last night. ’Tis why I sent thee both away. It can no longer be hidden. Once discovered, the light of twin souls will not be extinguished. It burns hotter and brighter than any fire.” The countess looked down to the hearth.
It sounded like good news. So why did she look so sad?
Elthea inhaled deeply. “Robert fears his betrothed is unfaithful, and worse, in love with his enemy.” She shook her head, as though weary of the drama. “I will have to calm his fears, for in all good conscience, I cannot allow my cousin to enter into a marriage under these conditions. She has had her share of sorrow in her life and deserves this not.”
She was right. Ever since she arrived, Maggie knew every turn of event she had been a part of and every encounter she’d made, had changed the future. Not only hers, but changed for others… for although she and Nick had finally aligned with each other, the true Lady Margaret had an entirely new dynamic in her contract with Lord Amesbury. Maggie nodded. “I’m afraid I may have made it even worse, and you should know this… when I was in the village and saw how poor those people were, I gave them the coins you gave me, Elthea. Robert was not pleased, and I’m so sorry… but I couldn’t help it.”
Elthea smiled sadly. “I might use that information to my advantage in convincing Robert of the Lady Margaret’s pure heart.” She turned and walked toward the door. “So much discord… and I must conduct this drama to its end.” She sighed. “Remain here, child. I must see to my son.”
“What about Nick? I don’t want him to worry about me.” Maggie stood up.
“I sent Evan to inform him thou art safe, having returned.” She lifted the door latch.
“Elthea… ?” Maggie pleaded. “Tell him thank you for riding back to Greville. I know what that cost him.”
“Had he not done so, it just might have cost him his life,” the woman said, nodding in agreement that it would have been certain. “Prithee, caution, Maggie. At once, for more than a happenstance is afoot.”
The countess was nearly out the door, when Maggie heard a weary mother’s voice, “Creating heaven on earth is no easy task! Makes one ponder why one agreed to this mission.” The door latched behind her.
Maggie stared at the closed door for some time before sitting back down. She wished Elthea luck, then wrung her hands together in frustration. Nick was somewhere within reach and she had to remain alone and wait for Elthea’s directives. And what did Elthea mean about creating heaven on earth? The fern grove in the woods. Wow. To live the rest of her life, feeling just as she did in those exquisite moments, would certainly be heaven on earth for her. Could that have been her mission? The reason she’d traveled back in time? Was she to meet Nick and discover that anywhere can be heaven if you’re open to love? It was more than her mind could handle, and she mentally called out to Nick, to let him know that she was waiting.
She vowed, she would wait forever.
Hours seemed to have passed and still she received no word. Earlier, the servant, Gwen, was sent to Elthea’s chamber to escort Maggie back to her room. She knew better than to ask the young girl anything about Nick. She couldn’t endanger anyone else by the wrath of Robert. Not a word was spoken during her relocation.
Maggie sat on the sill of her window, which looked over the beautiful rose garden. She was hoping she might see Nick or Elthea. Once, one of Robert’s cronies, the one who had cornered the villager, was walking with another man and glanced up. She knew he had seen her and although Maggie pulled back, she still heard the men’s laughter.
Some people just got off on being mean. It gave them the illusion of power, she thought sadly, and pitied Lady Margaret. Perhaps Her Ladyship would be able to handle it better, but Maggie also knew if she, herself, had to fake it much longer, she would probably be killed just for her big mouth. It felt as though she had exhausted every ounce of willpower to remain silent when she watched Robert push his weight around. She tried. She couldn’t hold back the judgment anymore. He was an ass.
Elthea was right last night. The misuse of power was really historic. This was a time when control was omnipotent and anyone who threatened that was eliminated. Human rights were not even considered. These were rough times. Actually, she realized, not much had changed over the centuries. One still did what one had to do to survive. No wonder Elthea was a… what did she call it? A humanist? Was mat Elthea’s mission here, to hold the energy of balance, of sanity, for those who came in contact with her?
She was always led to believe the past was much simpler, but now Maggie realized no age is uncomplicated in its time. Nick and Elthea were navigating through a sea of souls lost in their own fears.
Yeah, lost in fear. She’d been there, and recognizing it put her on the other side of that concept… clearly. Damn. It really takes a lot of courage to walk this journey of life. She could credit herself for being a lot stronger than she had thought before.
Have faith the bridge is there, Maggie… and courage to walk across it. Nick’s voice from the morning in the grove echoed in her head. She had crossed the chasm.
When she had faced her biggest fear, just trusted the way was there and took those first steps, she crossed that bridge with ease and discovered the strength in herself. Now she had to continue to trust that the way would be shown, as long as she remained calm, watched, and listened for signposts along the way. Nick was skilled at making her see things much more clearly. The man did have a way with words. And his English delivery didn’t bother her anymore. In fact, she now thought it made him even more romantic.
She stood and stretched as she watched the picturesque setting sun in a sky that could only be painted by angels. Streams of white, that appeared dryly brushed ov
er shades of purple and light tones of blue were all illuminated in iridescent orange and pink. As the room darkened, Maggie walked to the edge of her bed. The myriad thoughts shooting through her brain made her feel like her mind was about to overload. What she would give for an aspirin, yet she was thankful for the sunset portrait.
She considered lying down. Getting lost in thoughts of Nick was a lot more appealing than a headache. Once she was reunited with him, she would share all these new insights spinning in her head. A big part of her felt like when she was little… the electricity of being alive was running through her again now. It was a refreshing energy. She smiled. Nick would understand that.
Within moments a knock sounded on her door and Maggie jumped in reaction. Elthea said to be prepared for anything, she thought as she raced across the room. Pulling the heavy door, she saw Evan holding a tray of food. Disappointment descended upon her, as she forced a small smile and opened the door completely.
“Your supper, m’lady. The countess requested it be delivered to thy chamber.”
“Thank you,” she said, as the man entered and placed the food on the small table in front of the darkened fireplace.
He dutifully stooped to light the fresh logs. Maggie watched in silence, wondering if she dared ask the man a question. Finally, when tiny flames were licking the wood, she cleared her voice and found her courage.
“Has Countess Elthea given you any instructions for me?”
“Aye, m’lady,” he softly answered as he rose and turned toward her.
It was the first time she had ever really looked closely at him. He was tall and thin, with wisps of gray hair around a benevolent face. Maggie thought he must have been very handsome when he was young. His devotion to his work and Elthea was something she had to admire. This was a man with dignity, and he had her respect.
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