“By Armand’s gazes toward you, it appears as if he still loves you.” Evangeline was glad her friend was finally free of the evil man who beat her and, by the overheard conversation between him and Hemming, had every intention of murdering her. The realm is better because of Ox’s death. Helen can finally live in peace and have a good life filled with love and joy.
“Armand told me, once things are made right at the castle, he wants to talk.” Helen grinned and brushed a stray hair away from her face. She had the glow of happiness, the first Evangeline had seen on her friend, since Evangeline had returned to Brighton. “What say we save our visit for another time? I overheard the commander say he wants to leave at first light. You’ll need your rest.” She stood and motioned for Evangeline to follow, lighting the way up the darkened stairway to a room at the top. “Surrounded by the king’s best men, you should be safe.”
“Do I need protecting?” Evangeline’s voice rose in alarm. “How is my father?”
“He’s fine. Armand stationed two of his men to protect Lord Brighton until that scoundrel Urso Hemming is caught.”
“Yes, the fake Earl of Evanwood. I had hoped that menace would be in custody or dead by now.” Evangeline would like to see him hanged for all of the grief he had caused.
“I have the wanted poster Ox used to blackmail him. The king put a hefty bounty on the blighter’s head.” She stopped at the end of the hall and opened the door. “Hemming is still on the run, but his hired thugs have been caught and hung by the Fox, according to the villagers. They sing the Fox’s praises for seeking revenge for the terror they’ve endured at those cutthroat’s hands and—” she leaned closer and lowered her voice—“for the murder of the beloved nun, Sister Margaret Mary. Her bloodied cloak was found in the forest.”
“The Fox?” Evangeline whispered. Her thoughts swirled with confusion. How was it possible? Had someone found the mask and used it to wreak revenge?
“You mean the Fox still exists?” Henry appeared behind them. “Rubbish. He would be well into his nineties. I’ve heard of that outlaw since I was a child. It couldn’t possibly be the same one.” He shifted a sleeping Sarah from one arm to the other arm and went inside the room. “Oh, this will do quite nicely.” He entered and paused. “There’s a fire in the hearth, a cradle for Sarah…and a sizable bed.”
“I also left clean clothes for her ladyship and the baby,” Helen said. “There’s goat milk in that pitcher on the table, ready for the wee one if she should awake hungry in the night. You will also find a bottle of wine and cheese there on the mantle for you.” She pushed the reluctant Evangeline into the room. “I’ll talk with ye tomorrow.” With that, she closed the door.
Henry settled the sleeping child into the cradle, which had been placed near the hearth for warmth. He turned to Evangeline.
“I trust that there will be no problem with us sharing this bed?” He stood with his back to the firelight, leaving his features shadowed, but she could feel his attention on her. “Unlike the ship’s bunk, it’s quite large enough to accommodate the both of us.”
“I…” She stammered then swallowed. “No problem at all.” Grabbing the long linen nightgown that lay folded and waiting at the foot of the bed, she slipped behind the dressing screen and put it on. Dread slowed her movements. She lingered over washing away the journey’s dust until she heard Henry get into bed. After the ablution, when her bare feet were cold and her body chilled to the bone, she could no longer put off the inevitable.
A quick check on her sleeping daughter, she walked to the empty side of the large bed. To her relief, the steady sound of breathing meant Henry was already asleep. She pulled back the covers and found a bed warmer filled with hot stones, which she removed and placed on the floor. The feather bed was delightfully warm, allowing her tense muscles to relax in spite of her husband’s presence. He mumbled something before the rhythm of his breathing continued. A deep repressed longing surfaced of being held in his arms as they slept. She ignored it and turned to her side, hugging the edge of the mattress farthest away from him.
Chapter 24
A tentative knock on the door awoke Henry with a start. The dream of having Evangeline in his arms became reality when he opened his eyes. She was pressed up against him, her back against his chest as she’d once liked to sleep. He drew in her scent and savored the moment. The silkiness of her hair covered his arm. He brushed it to one side, which revealed a nasty scar on her neck. It disappeared down her spine, no doubt the result of the fire that had trapped her and almost taken her life.
The evidence of her suffering sent fury surging through him. He would see that Millicent was marched to the gallows and hung as soon as possible.
“Lord Stanton. It is time we leave.” Another rap sounded against the door, this time loud enough to wake the baby.
Sarah whined. Evangeline stirred within his embrace. Henry reluctantly released his wife and slipped out of bed. He walked to the closed door and responded without opening it.
“Thank you, Commander. We’ll be down shortly.” What he wanted to do was rant at the man for disturbing them. What might have happened if… Henry mulled over the possibilities as he pulled on his clothes. He gazed at his wife and longed for the closeness they’d once shared.
Dawn’s rosy blush peeked through the window and highlighted Evangeline’s beauty as she stretched. She tugged the blanket higher when she saw him staring.
“It’s time to get ready.”
“I heard.” She yawned and stretched again.
“Da, da, da.” Sarah’s fussing grew more demanding. “Go!”
“I’ll take care of Sarah while you dress.” He forced himself to turn away when all he wanted was to climb back in bed and remind her how good they were together. Forcing his thoughts on the present, he focused on his daughter as Evangeline disappeared behind the changing screen in the corner of the room. The nightgown she’d worn was flung across the top. His mouth went dry and his heart thumped loudly against his chest. There had been a time when no gown was necessary. He swallowed the regret that rose like bile in his throat.
“Da, da, da.” Sarah reached up and tugged on his tunic, eager to be up and about. “Go.”
“Yes, sweet Sarah, we go.” He finished changing her, checked the pitcher and poured a cup of goat’s milk, which he offered to his daughter.
“No.” She fussed, turned her face and pushed it away. “Go.”
“Shall we go and find more of that delicious porridge?” He gathered her into his arms.
“I’m ready.” Evangeline walked out from behind the screen dressed in a simple dress of linen, her hair brushed until it shone and tied back. Even in a simple unadorned linen dress, a servant might wear, she had that regal air of royalty. “Shall we go?”
“Of course.” Henry followed her down the stairs. The odor of fried meat and fresh bread met them as they descended. His stomach growled.
The food was good, but the meal was hastened with an impatient commander hovering over them.
“My men are ready to take charge of the castle,” The commander said. “Captain Degraf sent two men there to guard from any trying to enter or leave. The villagers say the castle is free of those who besieged it and held Lord Brighton hostage, however I believe it would be better if I take my men ahead and make sure. You should wait and bring your family after we are assured it is safe.” His gaze met Henry’s.
“I agree, but…” Henry barely had the words out before Evangeline raised her voice.
“I refuse to be left behind while my father is in danger,” Evangeline stood and picked up Sarah. “If the gates are locked and there is any resistance, I know ways into the castle you do not, and I can minister aid to any who are injured.”
The commander frowned. “I cannot guarantee their safety, Lord Stanton.”
“I know. But she’s right. A secret passage into the castle would be a great advantage.” Henry hated the thought of putting his family in danger, but he knew once Evan
geline’s mind was set it would not be easily changed. Hopefully the rumors proved correct.
“I would be glad to care for your daughter while you deal with matters at the castle.” Helen hovered nearby. “I will protect her with my life.”
“You know that I’d trust you to keep her safe, but as long as Hemming is loose, I shall keep Sarah with me.” Evangeline smiled and gave her friend a quick hug.
“I understand.” Helen turned as a peasant appeared through the back door and motioned for her. “Please excuse me.” She disappeared outside shutting the door behind her.
“The commander insists we leave immediately.” Henry gathered Sarah into his arms and put a hand on Evangeline’s back to edge her toward the door.
Evangeline turned back to say good-bye, but there was no sign of Helen. Only something important would have kept her away. Since her return as Lady Evangeline, the wall of separation between royal and servant had once again risen between them. As Sister Margaret Mary she’d been privy to both realms. Now, she would be once again confined to her royal position. Determination rose inside like a battle cry. With God’s help, she would do what was necessary to again bridge the gap between the classes and keep her friendship close.
She’d heard the mumble of the soldiers, who feared meeting the notorious Fox along the road. Since she had no idea who now played the Fox, an uneasy feeling of imminent danger kept Evangeline on edge.
Chapter 25
The journey to the castle was hard and fast. Evangeline kept a tight hold on Sarah to keep her from being flung around by the hard-driven carriage over the rough road. The clanks and groans of the ugly conveyance gave her concern whether it would withstand the punishment.
She sat close to the window to watch the landscape rush past. No sign of strangers or hidden dangers in the most likely places, where she and her band of women had often hidden in wait for their victims. Where was their little gang? The thought of any one of those valiant women in danger was a great concern with a new Fox on the prowl.
In spite of dealing with her fussy daughter, the scene from the small carriage window spread joy, ousting the dread that clung to her like a stench she couldn’t escape. This was her first official appearance as Lady Evangeline since her reported death. How would she be received after she revealed her duplicity of posing as Sister Margaret Mary these last months? She shoved the guilt away. It had been necessary. Her father would be thrilled to declare her presence, which alone gave her enough reason to rejoice.
The carriage slowed. Here the trail descended steeply and wound its final path down to the castle.
Where were the farmers tending their flocks or peasants walking along the road? Warning prickles sparked down Evangeline’s neck. Hopefully, the king’s guards could handle any trouble that lay ahead.
“We’re almost home, sweetie.” She tried to console Sarah, whose frustration at being confined had reached her limit, resulting in a demanding squall.
The carriage stopped just before it reached the timbered bridge outside the castle gates, which were open and suspiciously unmanned.
The burning sparks grew more intense. She rubbed her neck but it did little to relieve the sensation. Danger lurked nearby.
“Stay here, driver, while my men check for trouble.” The commander issued more orders, and three soldiers, including Captain DeGraf, rode over the bridge that covered the moat and entered the bailey. Henry rode up beside the carriage and stopped, fully alert, sword in hand.
“Why would the gates be opened and unattended?” He swiveled in the saddle to check the surroundings.
“They shouldn’t.” She hugged a whining Sarah tight to her side. “There.” Pointing up to the nearest of the castle ramparts, she watched a woman frantically wave a red cloth of warning.
“Stop!” A multitude yelled and rushed toward them from the thick woods.
Without waiting for the commander’s orders, the driver whipped the frightened horses forward and drove the carriage within the castle’s courtyard as the horde of people hurried toward them. Henry and the king’s soldiers followed closely.
A shouted order and the castle gate lowered to the ground just as the first peasant rushed forward, waving a pitchfork and yelling. The roar of the crowd sounded more like a warning than a threat. She caught the words, “danger” and “trap”.
The soldiers dismounted. Two ran up the stone stairs to gain access to the ramparts that would give them the highest vantage. The remaining guards surrounded the carriage to protect the passengers as Evangeline stepped out, hugging Sarah tightly within her arms.
Henry propelled his family toward the castle entrance. A sentry standing nearby stepped forward and pulled the heavy door opened as they reached him.
“Lord Stanton, welcome.” The strange man in ill-fitting livery had shifty eyes and avoided Evangeline’s gaze. In deference? She didn’t think so, since she wore a servant’s dress. Her neck sparked with warning like hot embers bouncing against her skin.
“Henry…” She grasped her dagger and stepped closer to her husband.
The door slammed behind them. The guard and another man placed the heavy bar in place from the inside.
“We have men out there.” Henry raised his sword and stepped toward the guards. “Open this door immediately and let the commander inside.”
“Sorry, yur Lordship. We has our orders.” The man smirked and elbowed his companion.
“Whose orders?” Henry bellowed.
Fists pounded against the door, and swords rang against the oak.
“My orders, Love.” Millicent wore a regal gown trimmed with hundreds of polished silver beads that sparkled, reflecting the candle light as she walked toward them from the grand hall. A sickeningly sweet scent of lily of the valley intensified as she drew forward. Four guards, swords drawn, surrounded her.
“You!” Henry pointed his sword at Millicent as he stepped in front of Evangeline shielding her and Sarah.
“That’s right, Darling. I came as soon as I heard of your tragic loss.” She pulled an embroidered handkerchief from the sleeve and dabbed her eyes. With an undo amount of regal aplomb, she continued toward him, her hand extended.
“And what loss would that be?” Evangeline stepped out from behind Henry, Sarah on her hip.
“You!” All color leeched from Millicent’s face. She staggered back, bumping into one of her guards, who grabbed her to keep her from falling. Shoving his hands away as if they were dirty, she straightened. “You’re dead. I had you…”
“Murdered? Yet, here I am.” Evangeline felt Henry’s arm encircle her shoulders, uniting them. “Unlike the cutthroats you hired to kill me and my daughter.” Her voice lowered from the intensity of her anger. “Your henchmen have met face to face with their maker to pay for their murders, as you soon will.” Her husband’s embrace tightened to a restraining hold. He knew her too well.
“Guards, take Lady Millicent to the dungeon to await her trial.” Henry loosed Evangeline, while his sword remained pointed at the woman who had caused so much misery.
“I think not.” Fury laced every word. Millicent’s hands fisted at her side, her body shook with the intensity of her unstable emotional state.
Suddenly, a cold look of madness filled her eyes. She relaxed her stance, and a wicked smile lit her face. “Henry, be a love and come with me, away from that wretched woman and that—” she waved her handkerchief at Sarah. “—that abominable brat, or I shall have my guards run their very sharp blades through them both while you watch.” Her voice was chillingly calm. “You are to be my husband and no other. My father promised that the king will give me my rightful place in court as soon as you and I are wed.”
The door splintered open. Four of the king’s guards pushed through and dispatched the two men standing at the entrance.
“No!” Millicent turned and escaped up the stairway, followed by one of her guards. “Kill them all!”
The remaining hired assassins were no match for the king’s
guards. Captain DeGraf unlocked the door to the servant’s entrance. Those held captive poured out holding knives and cleavers. A shout of victory rose once they saw their enemy had been defeated.
An elderly servant, Gertrude, appeared with a kitchen knife in hand and dropped it when she saw Evangeline without her veil. Recognition lit her features. She rushed up and flung her arms around her and Sarah.
“I knew it. Sister Margaret Mary, indeed.” Her voice filled with tears of joy. “Here, let me take your wee one. You’ll have need of both hands free to protect your father from that witch.” She pulled Sarah into her ample arms and was surrounded by her fellow servants, ready to protect the child with their lives. “We’ll hide in the pantry until it’s safe to come out. Go.” She turned and escaped back through the passage leading to the kitchen.
Evangeline grabbed a sword from one of the downed henchmen and sprinted up the stairs after Henry, who had already disappeared in pursuit of Millicent and her guard.
The sounds of boots pounding against the oak floor, raised voices, then steel clashing against steel echoed in the halls before she turned the corner and raced toward her father’s chambers.
“God, please protect Henry.” There was no sight of him. As much as she wanted to help him defeat their enemy, he would want her to see to her father’s safety first.
The sounds receded as she turned down another corridor, drawing closer to her father’s quarters. Wafts of lily of the valley lingered along the way. She slid to a stop.
“Father?” The door to her father’s suite was open. Where were his guards? She hesitated lest she walk into a trap. Her fingers ached as they tightened around the hilt of the heavy sword. Muscles tense and ready to fight, she stepped inside the room. All appeared untouched, but the cloying scent of Millicent reeked throughout the space. Evangeline hurried through the drawing room to her father’s bed chamber.
The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline Page 20
