by Alexa Aston
“You wouldn’t,” she said. But in her heart, Cassiana knew he would do that—and much worse.
“After punishing young Justin, if you still don’t agree to wed the man of my choice, I could try and convince you again. Mayhap put down your precious horse? You seem to love the animal. I’d take a pike to it. Stab it again and again.” He brightened. “I know. I’ll blind the beast first. Then stab it before I burned the animal and served you horse stew. I’d make sure you ate every bite, Cassiana.”
Nausea roiled through her. She didn’t speak. She couldn’t listen to any more of his vile ideas.
Campion seemed to understand that she was defeated. He released his hold on her and then touched her chin with a finger, raising it until her gaze met his.
“You will wed, Cassiana. Today. I will negotiate with the three men I have in mind and then have the marriage contracts drawn up. For now, return to your room. Do not leave it under any circumstances. If you do, I’ll start with your horse and then the boy. Then Messina. And Hobart.”
She stumbled from the solar and then ran to her bedchamber. She started to latch the door and then thought no good could come of that.
What kind of man would speak the way Collin Campion did, threatening innocents?
In that moment, she realized her half-brother was mad.
*
Landon cut a piece of cheese from the round before him and handed the slice to Stephen.
“What do you say to Lord Landon?” prompted Barnard.
“Thank. You.” Stephen grinned and nibbled on the cheese. “Father. Can I go to the fire?”
“Aye, lad. Just be careful. Don’t touch it.”
“You have been very kind to my son,” Barnard said as he watched Stephen cross the room and sit next to the fire. “It almost makes it worse, knowing what I did to you.”
“Stephen is a kind young man,” Landon said. “Though simple, he is sweet and friendly. I think he would be good working with animals. Mayhap feeding them. Milking the goats.”
“He can learn,” Barnard said. “Whatever you wish him to do, Stephen will try very hard to please you, my lord. The same with me. I am grateful that you will give us a home.”
“You are doing me a favor, Barnard, by helping bring the truth to light. I think you will be happier at Briarwood than you were at Newfield.”
Barnard nodded. “I know I will, Lord Landon.”
Lady Druscilla came down the inn’s stairs. She wore a cotehardie of pale rose and a confident look.
Joining them, she said, “Are we ready to unite and see that Briarwood is returned to Lord Landon?”
“Aye, my lady,” Barnard said.
Landon inclined his head. “I cannot thank you enough for coming along, Lady Druscilla. Your presence as a witness will go a long way.”
The door to the tavern opened and Sheriff Bartholomew Howard entered. He glanced about and then came to where their group was seated.
“Are you ready?” he asked gruffly, his white, shaggy brows moving with a life of their own.
“Aye,” Landon responded, glad to have a court official with them as they challenged Lord Reynard and Collin Campion.
Landon had discovered as they’d traveled closer to Briarwood that Howard was the sheriff for this county and, as such, the king’s chief officer of law. Though the sheriff had the authority to summon a jury, which handled mundane issues such as trespassing and disorderly behavior, Howard also had the power to refer more serious matters to the royal court. Landon had met with him for over an hour the night before, laying out his case against Payne and Campion. It would be up to Howard whether or not he referred the case to the royal court or passed judgment himself. Either way, the sheriff assured Landon that he would sleep in his own bed at Briarwood as the Earl of Briargate by the time the sun fell again.
As Barnard collected their horses from the inn’s stables, Howard asked, “What happened with Tarquin Grosbeck? I know he was in service at Briarwood for several years.”
Landon frowned. “I won’t give you details regarding his treachery. I’ll only say that his lies and disloyalty caused Lady Cassiana to ban him from the estate. Why do you ask?”
The sheriff replied, “He showed up at this very inn, drunk and belligerent, bemoaning his fate. When those present had enough of his ranting and demanded he settle down or leave, Grosbeck picked a fight with the wrong man—a dockhand twice his size. Grosbeck kept coming at him and the dockhand killed him in self-defense. I ruled on the case and wanted to satisfy my curiosity.”
Howard’s words didn’t surprise him. Grosbeck was volatile. Knowing the knight was dead brought Landon some peace of mind.
They rode out from Stony Eastbridge, the fishing village to the east of Briarwood. Lady Druscilla had proven to be an excellent horsewoman. Barnard was an adequate rider, while Stephen had been enthusiastic during their entire journey north.
Landon caught sight of the castle and prayed that all was well, especially with Cassiana. As they turned off the main road and traveled along the one that led directly into the castle, he saw the gates opening. Several dozen riders poured through, all male. Signaling for his party to stop, Landon waited to see what group was leaving Briarwood and why they’d been present.
He picked out Lord Tormund near the front of the group, a nobleman with an estate twenty miles to the southwest of Briarwood. The baron had been present at Landon and Cassiana’s wedding. As Landon’s eyes skimmed over the approaching riders, he recognized many more who’d been invited to the wedding.
Lord Tormund motioned for his group to halt. Landon noticed that everyone averted his eyes, not daring to look in his direction.
“What’s going on, Lord Tormund?” he demanded.
The baron, who’d been quite friendly during his stay at Briarwood and played two games of chess with Landon, looked sheepish.
“We are the rejects, Sir Landon. Men summoned by the new Earl of Briargate as potential husbands for Lady Cassiana.”
“Campion’s already trying to marry her off?”
“Aye. There’s not a man present who didn’t like and respect you, my lord, but Campion made it clear that he would never allow you to wed his half-sister. He issued an invitation for all unwed noblemen throughout Northumberland to return to Briarwood and seek her hand. He’s narrowed down his choices to three men and will negotiate to let the highest bidder wed her today.”
“What?” Anger erupted from Landon. “He’s selling her?” He could only imagine the humiliation Cassiana must be feeling.
“He is.” Lord Tormund glanced to the sheriff. “Do you have some word from the king that will stop this, Howard?”
The sheriff smiled enigmatically and glanced to Landon, who replied by shouting out so the entire group could hear his words.
“I invite all of you to return with me to Briarwood as witnesses,” knowing they would spread the word of today’s events throughout Northumberland and beyond.
Landon spurred his horse and rode to the gates, which were about to close. Looking up to the gatekeeper, he greeted him by name and said, “The entire group is returning. Keep the gates open until every rider comes through.”
The gatekeeper grinned. “I hope you’re home for good, my lord.”
Riding through the outer bailey, Landon shouted for everyone present to head to the great hall. He rode past the training yard and bellowed at Sir Adam for the men to cease their exercises and come to the keep. By the time Landon arrived at the keep’s entrance, the inner bailey had begun to fill. He dismounted and helped Lady Druscilla to the ground.
“You have an impressive estate,” she commented. “No wonder Collin wanted it for himself.”
“Wait until you see my future wife,” he countered. “Then you’ll understand everything I do, I do for her.”
He escorted Lady Druscilla up the stone steps, Howard, Barnard, and Stephen following closely behind. They passed two men known to him and Landon invited them to turn around so they could witne
ss what would soon unfold. He figured them to be part of the trio who’d tried to win Cassiana.
Messina met him, a bewildered look on her face. “My lord, what are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to reclaim what is mine,” Landon told the faithful servant.
“Lord Collin just left the records room with Sir Garth Atwood. They have gone to the solar to negotiate the wedding contract between Sir Garth and Lady Cassiana. I’m to bring them food and drink.”
“Then do it, Messina. But not a word of my presence.”
She looked distraught. “Once the contract has been drawn up, Lady Cassiana will be legally bound to wed Sir Garth.”
“Not if the contract was completed under false circumstances,” Sheriff Howard interjected.
Messina nodded, beginning to understand. “I’ll tell Cook to send out ale to everyone coming into the great hall.” She hurried off.
“You’re certain about the contract?” Landon asked.
“If Collin Campion is not the Earl of Briargate, he has no say in the lady’s fate. Circumstances would revert to the king’s command—that you wed Lady Cassiana,” Howard assured him.
“Good.”
Landon funneled everyone into the great hall and climbed upon the dais. The room fell silent.
“In a few minutes, Sheriff Howard and I will speak to the man falsely calling himself the Earl of Briargate. I have brought witnesses to speak up in the manner. If you’ll be patient, we’ll begin soon.”
Landon returned to his party. “Now, we wait. The trap is ready to be sprung. We only need the mice to appear.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Cassiana opened the chest where she had hidden Landon’s clothes. She would need to instruct Messina to send its contents and Landon’s armor to Northmere. Nicholas and Katelyn would make sure Landon received his possessions.
She lifted the forest green gypon resting on top and buried her face in it, inhaling the wool’s scent. Memories of Landon flooded her. Tears welled in her eyes and she blinked them away. There was no sense in thinking about him anymore. Landon was lost to her. Everything was lost to her now—but in losing Briarwood, at least she saved her people. No harm would come to anyone because she would go through today’s nuptial mass with whatever groom Campion provided to be her husband.
Refolding the tunic, she bent to replace it in the trunk and saw a small bit of parchment. She traded the gypon for the parchment and opened it. It contained the official order from the king, proclaiming Landon de Blays the new Earl of Briargate, awarding him the earldom and lands associated with that title. She stared at the bold writing, wishing things could have been different. As she rolled it up again, the door behind her slammed open. Hastily, Cassiana slipped the parchment up her sleeve and closed the lid of the chest. Turning, she faced her half-brother and saw Garth Atwood accompanied him.
“What were you doing?” Campion demanded.
“I was looking through my trunk to find something to wear to my wedding.”
“Wear what you wore to the other one,” he ordered.
“Nay. I assume I’m to wed Sir Garth. If so, ’twould be a disservice to him to see me clothed in what I wore as I pledged myself to another man. If you’ll give me two days, Collin, I can finish sewing a new cotehardie, even better than the one before.”
“No delays,” Campion said firmly. He turned to his companion. “You don’t mind Cassiana wearing the same wedding gown?”
“Not at all, Lord Collin,” Sir Garth said easily. “She won’t be wearing it for long.” His smile turned her belly sour.
“Then if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to send for hot water so I may bathe before the ceremony.”
“You may forego that, as well,” Campion said. He nudged Sir Garth with his elbow. “In fact, I’ll have hot water sent up after you wed. You and your lady wife can enjoy bathing together.”
Atwood’s eyes lit up with the suggestion. He gave Cassiana a hungry look. Her cheeks flamed in embarrassment as both men laughed heartily.
“Come along, Sister,” Campion instructed. “Let’s go downstairs and to the chapel. I’ll send for the priest and we’ll conclude this business. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be on your way to your new home, your marriage consummated.”
Without warning, her half-brother stepped up and embraced her. In her ear, he whispered, “Gasp when his cock enters you. While he sleeps, cut your finger and dribble blood onto the bedclothes. He must think you a virgin.”
Campion pulled away and gave her a benign smile. In that moment, she made a choice. She would not let her people see her cowering. Instead, Cassiana raised her head high and walked proudly past both men and into the corridor. She made her way down the stairs, every step one that led her further away from the life she’d dreamed of with Landon. Reaching the bottom, she turned.
And saw Landon.
He stood in the doorway to the great hall. She froze, wanting to rush into his arms but knowing if she did, it would lead to trouble.
Collin Campion pushed past her and came to stand before Landon. Cassiana saw the waves of anger emanating from her half-brother as Landon stood confidently, his arms crossed over his chest, looking down upon the shorter man.
“What are you doing here?” Campion shouted. “I banished you from Briarwood.”
“I have come to speak with you and Lord Reynard.”
“I’ve already sent my uncle away. Guards!”
Several knights appeared behind Landon. He glanced at them and nodded. They moved as a group and surrounded Campion.
“What are you doing?” the earl cried, turning in a circle and seeing no means of escape.
“We are to escort you inside. Sheriff’s orders,” Sir Baldwin said as he took hold of Campion’s arm.
Her half-brother tried to throw the knight’s hand off but another soldier moved in. They latched on to the nobleman and dragged him into the great hall, followed by the remaining soldiers. Atwood raced after them, leaving Cassiana and Landon alone.
He closed the gap between them but did not touch her. “All will be well,” he promised. “Do you believe me?”
“Always,” she replied. Though she didn’t know what would unfold, she trusted him implicitly. For the first time since Collin Campion stopped her wedding, hope filled Cassiana.
“Come with me.”
Landon slipped her hand through his arm and led her inside. It startled her to find the room crammed with people. Not only were Briarwood’s soldiers and servants present but many of their tenants and, from the looks of it, every man who had come to woo her this past week. As they approached the dais, Cassiana saw the county sheriff sitting at the center of the table, along with a noblewoman she did not know and a man who looked vaguely familiar.
“Greetings, Sheriff Howard.”
“And good day to you, my lady,” he replied. “Come and join us. I think you’ll find the proceedings most interesting.”
He indicated a seat to his left. She took it and Landon sat in the one to the sheriff’s right. Collin Campion now stood before them. His jaw dropped as he seemed to recognize the others on the dais. Since he’d ceased struggling, the knights released him. Conversation in the great hall came to a halt.
Then Atwood rushed to the front of the room, pausing in front of the dais. “Sheriff Howard, I am Sir Garth Atwood, recently betrothed to Lady Cassiana. I fear what may occur today will be most upsetting to her. I ask your permission to remove her from these proceedings.”
He placed a sheaf of papers before the sheriff. “Here is our marriage contract.” Atwood stepped back.
Howard glared at the nobleman. “That contract is void.”
Atwood said firmly, “No, it was signed by all parties. I intend to leave with Lady Cassiana and wed her immediately.”
“Are you serious, Atwood?” Campion shouted.
Landon spoke up. “Sir Adam, have this man escorted from the great hall and removed from the grounds.”
The captai
n of the guard stepped forward. “With pleasure, my lord.” He signaled and two knights moved to obey.
Atwood backed away as the soldiers approached him. “But I have a contract,” he shouted.
Howard picked up the papers and tore them in two. “And I told you the document is invalid.”
He tossed the pieces to the floor as the knights took hold of Atwood and dragged him from the great hall.
Sheriff Howard rose. “Shall we try this again?” His gaze skimmed the room and he seated himself. Looking to Campion, the lawman said, “Let the prisoner make himself known to those present.”
“Prisoner?” scoffed Campion. He threw back his shoulders. “I am Collin Campion, eldest son of the deceased Lord Darwin Campion, and the current Earl of Briargate.”
“So you say,” Howard said succinctly and sat. He turned to Landon. “My lord?”
Landon came to his feet. “As those gathered know, I was awarded the earldom and the estate of Briarwood by King Edward the Third.”
Cassiana slipped the parchment from her sleeve and stood. “Here is the document that proves your words, my lord.”
Howard stuck out his hand and she handed it to him. He unrolled the paper and quickly read the contents before placing it on the table before him.
“I’m satisfied as to its authenticity,” he said. “I have seen the king’s hand many times. ’Tis his words and signature.”
“That means nothing,” Campion said angrily. “I am Lord Darwin’s last living son, from his first marriage to Lady Juetta Payne, my mother.”
Landon held a hand out and the woman next to him took it. He helped her to her feet and then sat.
“Sheriff Howard, I am Lady Druscilla Payne, wife of Lord Reynard Payne, the brother of Lady Juetta. While it’s true that Collin is Lord Darwin and Lady Juetta’s son, no marriage occurred between them. My husband drugged Lord Darwin so that Lady Juetta might lie with him. He left Newfield less than two weeks after their encounter and never returned. No one contacted the earl and so he never knew about this bastard son.”
