by Alexa Aston
She shrugged. “Frankly, I am glad you forbade us to wed.” Cassiana raised her cup of wine and took a long sip, knowing she had to choose her words carefully in order for Campion to believe her.
“You are?” Campion leaned forward. “I’m intrigued. Explain yourself.”
“Why would you be surprised? You were right in pointing out that Sir Landon came from nothing. In fact, after I read the king’s missive and agreed to the marriage, I discovered that his father was a traitor to the crown and executed for treason. I had strong doubts about wedding him. Blood usually tells, you know, but the king had commanded it. I am not one to negate what our king wishes.”
“Interesting.” Campion leaned back. “I didn’t know about de Blays’ past.”
“He is a cousin to the king. I’m sure King Edward will find Sir Landon another property and a different bride.” She took a sip of wine and motioned for more to be brought to her.
Campion studied her. “You seem . . . indifferent.”
“I’ll admit that Sir Landon was quite handsome,” she confided. “I knew I would have beautiful babes with him. He wasn’t suited to run a property, though, especially not one the size of Briarwood. He’s been a soldier his entire life and knows nothing about property management or how to care for our people.”
“And you do.”
Cassiana nodded. “I did help my father some once he became bedridden. Of course, I am merely a woman, my lord. You will find others can help you more than I can. Hobart is our steward and has been for many years. Sir Adam Crane is the captain of our guard. Men such as these will be able to guide you as you become familiar with the workings of Briarwood.”
“I see.” He pursed his lips. “May I ask how old you are?”
“Three and twenty.”
“Why weren’t you wed before now?” he asked curiously.
“When Mother died, I raised my five brothers. Then Father’s wounds from a battle with the Scots were so serious that I took to nursing him for several years. I spent most of my days in his sick room. As you know, he only recently passed. Tobyn had plans to betroth me once he returned from the wars in France.” Cassiana allowed her gaze to fall to her lap. “When he was killed in the fighting, I didn’t know what would happen to me. Or Briarwood.”
Campion placed an arm about her and pressed a kiss to her temple. She fought the urge to shrink away.
“I am here now, Cassiana. I will take care of you. And Briarwood.”
Chapter Twenty
Landon had only ridden a few minutes when a rider emerged from the woods to his right. He signaled Landon to stop. Warily, he approached and then recognized none other than Baldwin Gifford.
The knight glanced both ways and said, “I took the shortcut through the woods, hoping to intercept you, Lord Landon. Will you enter them with me? I don’t think we should be seen together.”
For a moment, Landon hesitated. Was this man here at Collin Campion’s bidding, trying to confirm where Landon rode? Though the knight had been loyal to him when he was Earl of Briargate, his loyalty would now lie with the new earl. Then he decided to give Sir Baldwin the benefit of the doubt. The soldier had stepped forward and offered proof to Cassiana of how Landon had tried to save Tobyn. That act alone had earned trust.
He nodded and steered his horse from the road. Baldwin followed and then dismounted once they could no longer see the road for the trees. Landon did the same.
“What was so urgent that you needed to speak to me in secret?” he asked.
“Our conversation definitely needed to be held privately. I know I am breaking my oath to the Campion family by even being here—but something troubled me enough that I believed I should seek you out.”
The knight looped his horse’s reins around a low lying branch. Landon followed suit and then faced Baldwin.
“I fostered with the Baron of Newfield. As did Lord Darwin. Darwin was two years older than I but we became close in our many years together at Newfield. He did not wed Juetta Payne. Of that, I’m certain.”
“Why do you say that? Collin Campion is the very image of Tobyn. For a moment, I thought both you and I were wrong or that Tobyn returned from the dead, so strong was the resemblance between the two.”
Baldwin raked a hand through his graying hair. “First, Darwin was betrothed and had been from the age of ten and two. A betrothal is legally binding so even if, by some chance, he did marry Lady Juetta? Their union would not have stood.”
“If what you say is true, that means Collin Campion is a bastard. Unable to inherit his father’s title and lands,” Landon concluded, feeling a glimmer of hope.
“Darwin thought he might have lain with the lady, though it was totally out of character for him. He was a most principled man.” Baldwin paused. “Let me explain. ’Tis a bit complicated.”
He seated himself on a fallen log. “We never saw Juetta Payne with the rest of her family. Her brothers and sister were always present. At mass. Dining in the great hall. But Lady Juetta remained a mystery. Sometimes, I caught a glimpse of her from a parapet as she looked down on us in the training yard but she never made an appearance.”
“Why not?”
Baldwin shrugged. “Rumors abounded. That she was disfigured. Crippled. Mad. No one knew for certain. Then during one May Day celebration, the last Darwin participated in before he left for Briarwood a week later, we all had too much to drink. Darwin disappeared in the merriment. I thought nothing of it until he didn’t return to the barracks. I lay awake, waiting for him, worrying as time passed.
“Just before dawn, he stumbled in, unsteady on his feet. I met him and led him back outside. Thrust his head in a trough of cold water to try and help him clear his head. Then I asked him where he’d been.”
The knight stared off, as if trying to remember the exact conversation. Finally, he said, “Darwin could always hold his drink, better than most. He told me he thought someone had tampered with his cup, though. His head and body seemed to separate. He left the festivities and passed out somewhere along the way back to the barracks. When he came to, he was lying in a bed. With a beautiful young woman. She was naked atop him and kissing him. He could only remember bits and pieces—but he did recall her whispering a name into his ear.
“Juetta.”
Landon’s mouth fell open. “She somehow . . . seduced him? This unseen woman?”
“Darwin’s memory of the night faded quickly as he came to his senses, much as when a dream vanishes in the light of day. He did recall Juetta saying something about how she longed for a child and hoped he gave her one.” Baldwin sighed. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Reynard Payne had something to do with the incident.”
“So, you believe this child is Collin Campion, and he’s Lord Darwin’s bastard.”
“I do, Lord Landon. That would make you the rightful earl. There’s more, though. Something’s off about the priest that came with them.”
“Father Barnard?”
“Aye. Father Bennett was the Newfield priest during all my time there. Said mass daily. Officiated at all weddings. I never heard of this Father Barnard, much less why he would be the one to have supposedly wed Darwin to Lady Juetta.” Baldwin scratched his chin. “Besides, there’s something familiar about him. As if I’ve seen him before.”
A plan began to form in Landon’s head. “Thank you for sharing what you knew from the past with me, Sir Baldwin.”
“I thought you would head south and to the king to petition him for Lady Cassiana’s hand despite Campion’s harsh words toward you. All of us at Briarwood are quite fond of her. We can see the great affection between the two of you.” The knight looked at him hopefully. “Mayhap, you could call at Newfield since it’s on your way. I don’t know if you could discover more than I’ve told you, but it’s worth a try to find proof that Collin Campion is not the legal heir.”
Landon clapped the soldier on the back. “I’ll head for Newfield now. Be careful. If you fostered there, Lord Reynard might recogniz
e you. If he or Campion thinks you might know something that could hurt their scheme to take Briarwood, you could be in danger.”
“I had no beard when I left Newfield and a head full of dark hair.” Baldwin smiled. “With my graying hair and beard, I’m sure I look much different from my younger self. Still, I will take your advice and ask to be relieved of my duties in the training yard. By not serving as Sir Adam’s second-in-command, I can blend in with the other soldiers at work.”
“You are an excellent soldier, Sir Baldwin. Why didn’t Lord Darwin ever make you his captain?”
“I told him not to,” confessed the knight. “When it came time to name a new captain of the guard, Darwin wanted me in the position. While I am an accomplished knight, I knew Sir Adam’s leadership skills would serve him better as our captain. I’m happy to step in when needed.”
“You have been a faithful servant to the Campions. I hope the next time we meet will be under better circumstances.”
Landon freed his reins and mounted his borrowed horse.
“Godspeed, Lord Landon,” called Sir Baldwin as Landon rode away with hope in his heart.
*
Cassiana dressed for the day and, as usual, went to mass. It pained her as she crossed the threshold to the chapel, knowing she’d stood there the day before with Landon by her side. They were supposed to speak their vows and then walk inside the chapel hand-in-hand for the rest of the nuptial mass. This morning, they should have awakened side-by-side, newly wed.
Instead, she entered alone, wondering how far Landon had traveled yesterday. The gossip had reached her regarding Campion demanding that Orion stay at Briarwood and how Nicholas Mandeville had offered Landon his own horse. Anger seethed at how petty her half-brother was. He acted in a confident manner but she believed he was filled with doubts regarding his abilities.
Cassiana didn’t bother listening to what Father Peter had to say. Her constant prayer, echoed over and over in her mind, appealed to the Virgin to make things right. To keep Landon safe on his journey to the king. To see the two of them wed. She didn’t care where they lived, as long as they could be together.
As Cassiana left mass, she noticed none of the Newfield arrivals had been present. She found Campion and his uncle already on the dais. The priest who’d accompanied them was missing.
Seating herself, she smiled sweetly and said, “I missed you at mass this morning, Collin.”
He shrugged. “I needed to see Father Barnard off.”
“He’s already left for Newfield?”
“Aye. He’s needed there. Briarwood already has its own priest.”
Cassiana looked to Reynard Payne. “And how long might you stay with us, my lord?”
“I’m not sure. I want to make sure Collin is settled in with his new duties before I depart.”
She didn’t need an experienced nobleman guiding Campion and decided to appeal to her half-brother’s vanity.
Touching his sleeve, she said, “Oh, Collin seems most intelligent, my lord. I know he will have no trouble making any decision. After all, Briarwood is now his. He should do as he pleases with it.”
A scowl flashed across Payne’s face. He lifted a cup of ale and downed it.
Her words had the effect she wanted, though. Campion turned to his uncle.
“Cassiana is right, Uncle. I am a grown man. You have raised me well. I can manage my new estate and people without your constant advice.”
Payne bristled at the rude remark. Cassiana saw he restrained from lashing out but it took a great effort to do so.
“You may leave today,” Campion suggested. “Please give Lady Druscilla my best.”
The nobleman stood abruptly. He bowed to them and left the dais.
“Your uncle seems upset,” she said. “I wonder why.”
Campion brushed her comment aside. “Uncle Reynard still thinks of me as a child. I am a grown man, though, with my own estate. One much larger than his. I fear he’s become jealous of all that I now possess.”
She patted his arm. “You don’t need anyone telling you what to do.”
“You’re right about that.” Campion tore off a piece of bread and chewed thoughtfully. “What did you say the steward’s name was?”
“Hobart. I can show you where the records room is once we finish breaking our fast.”
“Good. I have urgent correspondence for him to see to. It must be sent out today.”
Cassiana thought she’d already pushed him enough for now. She could always seek out Hobart and find what the correspondence regarded.
“After you finish speaking with Hobart, mayhap I could show you about your estate.”
He flashed her a smile. For a moment, her heart stopped. She could see pieces of Tobyn and her other brothers in this man. She mustn’t let that influence the way she thought of him, though. He was her enemy. One who’d parted her from Landon.
“I’d like that. I’ll meet you in the stables once I have spoken to the steward.”
“Then I’ll meet with Cook. Do you have any favorite dishes, Collin? I’m sure she would be happy to make them for you.”
He suggested several to her and they went their separate ways. Men always seemed to be placated by food in her experience. She and Cook arranged what to serve for the next several days and then Cassiana walked to the stables. She could tell others observed her but none were willing to meet her eyes. She supposed if they did, she would see the pity in theirs. It hadn’t been a secret how she and Landon felt about one another. He’d also won over the residents at Briarwood and she knew everyone at the estate must be sad for how the situation had turned out.
Cassiana asked for Tressa to be saddled, telling the groom that she and the earl would be riding together. When the stable hand appeared, he led both Tressa and Orion. She swallowed hard, thinking how magnificent Landon had looked atop the horse.
She waited until her half-brother appeared, a spring in his step.
“You seem very happy,” she noted.
“I am happy to be riding with my newfound sister on my property,” he replied as he helped her mount Tressa and then climbed upon Orion. “Lead the way, my lady.”
They walked their horses through the bailey. Cassiana named everyone they passed, from carpenters to blacksmiths to squires.
As they went by the training yard, she said, “Briarwood’s captain of the guard is Sir Adam Crane. He’s a Northumberland man and had Father’s confidence.”
“I’ll make my own judgment of him,” Campion said quickly.
Cassiana wanted to protest, thinking Sir Adam might be replaced, but thought better of it. Her half-brother’s moods seemed to change swiftly.
They cleared the castle’s gates and picked up the pace. She showed him the fields where their crops grew and took him to the mill, where they stopped and spoke with William. Afterward, they rode through the countryside, seeing livestock and where the horses were trained, and saw many of the cottages dotting the land.
“I call on our tenants at least once a week,” she shared.
“Whatever for?”
She hid her dismay. “To build a relationship with them. I see that their needs are being met. It’s important to know them and their families.”
Campion snorted. “They are the ones who should see that my needs are met.”
“As their liege lord, you are responsible for their protection,” Cassiana pointed out. “We are close to the Scottish border and the sea. The threat of invasion is always present.”
“Is there a nearby village?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Aye. Stony Eastbridge lies next to the sea and is only a couple of miles from us. Would you like to see it?”
“I would.”
Cassiana directed them east. The smell of salt and fish grew stronger as they neared the village. She told him a little about each shop and suggested they stop at the inn for something to eat and drink since they’d been out a good part of the day and had missed the midday meal.
/> The innkeeper himself brought them steaming bowls of fish stew and tall tankards of ale. She chatted with the man, asking about his wife and their newborn son, telling him she would look in on them in a few days.
“My wife will be pleased to see you, my lady,” the innkeeper proclaimed and excused himself.
“He should have been more deferential toward me,” Campion complained once the man left. “I am his superior. As an earl, he should have treated me with more respect.”
Once again, Cassiana kept silent. If she defended the innkeeper, it might cause trouble for the man—or for her.
They finished their stew and when it came time to pay, Campion simply walked out. Shocked, Cassiana dug into her purse and handed over a coin, receiving a grateful smile.
Outside, Campion helped her remount Tressa and then climbed on Orion.
“Are you going to pay him?” she asked, tired of remaining quiet.
“I may. He should consider the fact I even stopped at his establishment to be payment enough. If the Earl of Briargate eats there, so will others.”
“Father always paid in full,” Cassiana said. “He understood that working men needed every coin to survive.”
Campion’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not your father.”
“He was your father, too.”
“My uncle was father enough to me.” He paused, studying her so long that she grew uncomfortable with his gaze. “I will pay when and where I choose. You’re not to question me again, Cassiana. Do you understand?”
“Aye, Collin,” she said meekly.
They returned to Briarwood and left their horses at the stable. Campion said he wanted to visit the training yard and strode off in that direction. Cassiana asked a groom if Lord Reynard had departed and was told he’d left several hours ago. She found it interesting that a rift had already occurred between uncle and nephew and hoped without Lord Reynard guiding him that it would take Campion longer to take action. She was already worried about his temper and how it might affect the residents of Briarwood.
