The Borderland Legacy

by Samantha Holt

  “James is a clever man, if a little bound by chivalry at times. He will come to realize what is right in front of him before long.”

  “I really have no wish—”

  “Then you had better tell him that.” Lucy sank into the shadows and Ellise gasped as James approached. She glanced back around but Lucy was gone and James was upon her.

  Chausses low around his hips, her mouth grew arid as he wiped his face with his shirt and pulled it on. The movement gave her an instant to appreciate the lines of his stomach and the sprinkling of golden hair leading into the waistband of his chausses. His shirt stuck to him and he left the collar wide open. Ellise leaned against the stone for support.

  “Is all well, Captain?” she forced herself to ask brightly.

  “Aye, well enough. How goes it, Ellise?”

  “Well, sir.”

  His scowl deepened at her formality. The words stuck on her tongue but she needed the distance they provided.

  “Has aught happened to upset you?” he asked.

  “Nay, why would you say that?”

  His green gaze pierced her. Sometimes it seemed as if he saw all the way into her soul. Did he know of her connection to Edmund? The Earl certainly made no declaration of it. He’d claimed Arias as his and she trusted he wouldn’t want any person discovering their shared past. For that, she was grateful. She did not need anyone getting in the way of her plans, but it still galled her to think of him playing at being her son’s father.

  “You seemed… shaken yesterday. I saw you leaving the chapel shortly after the Earl’s arrival. I do believe he was praying. Did you encounter him?”

  She swallowed. Should she lie? “I… I did. But we did not converse. I left him to his prayers. Why do you ask, James? Have… have you some concerns about him?”

  He appeared to consider her words for a moment. “Aye. The Earl is known for his ruthlessness. If he has upset you in some way, you must tell me.”

  Ellise shook her head and offered him a small smile. “I am capable of looking after myself. But, nay, he has not upset me.”

  “Good. For if he had…”

  A placating hand to his arm, the heat of his skin through the linen seared her palm and stole her breath. Somehow she managed to find her voice. “Do not fear. I am not easily upset.”

  His lips twisted into a wry smile. “Aye. You would do well to allow a man to do his duty sometimes, Ellise. ‘Tis most frustrating when you do not accept aid.” He glanced at her hand. “Is it healing?”

  She blinked and stared at her hand. She’d forgotten all about the slowly mending cut. No doubt it would leave a jagged scar but it did not bother her. Edmund’s visit and James’ presence seemed to steal all thought from her. It was exhausting being so caught up in two men’s lives. Not that she should be so fascinated with James.

  “Aye, ‘tis healing well.”

  “Good,” he said again.

  Ellise plucked at the linen bandage, twisting a loose strand with her finger. Had she really once made love to this magnificent man? She reached out, unthinkingly, and paused, her hand not far from his collar bone where a bruise marred it.

  “Do you… do you have need of some yarrow root?”

  “Nay.”

  She clenched her hand at her side. “Good.”

  “Well, I—”

  “I must go and, uh…” She lifted her basket of herbs.

  “Aye, indeed. Well, good day to you, Ellise.” He dipped his head formally.

  “Good day,” she murmured.

  James hesitated and she sensed he wanted to say something but mayhap he changed his mind as he offered her another awkward nod before spinning on his heel toward the armory.

  Watching his powerful strides and the movement of his hips, she released a sigh. Que Dios me ayude. This attraction was torture. The sooner she left Thornewall the better. She only hoped she had enough coin saved by the time the babes arrived. Once Lucy was settled with them, there would be nothing keeping her.

  Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she turned and made her way to the kitchens. The heat from the ovens hit her as she stepped down the stone stairs, the aroma of pastries thick in the air.

  The cook grumbled and sent her an annoyed look as he prepared some fish, making the large table in the middle of the kitchens shake with every thump of his knife. Ellise rolled her eyes. He hated having someone else taking up his cooking space.

  Ellise dumped her basket on the table and began unloading the herbs. Winnie sat on a stool in one corner, picking at a bread roll. From her flushed cheeks, it was clearly too hot for her in the kitchen.

  “Winnie, what are you doing in here?”

  “I’m trying to avoid Lord Dominic. He’s in a foul mood again.”

  Ellise laughed. “Already?”

  “Milady insisted she accompany him and the Earl on their tour of Thornewall. And he has returned in a terrible mood, though Lord only knows why! Lucy is as healthy as ever.”

  “Aye, she carries the babes well. Not all women are as blessed. Lord Dominic worries for her ‘tis all. She is fortunate. Not many men would care so much for their wife’s welfare.”

  “My sister’s husband had her out planting the fields when she was carrying her fifth babe. Ye see why I never married?” She waved her bread around, sending crumbs flying. “Men are fools.”

  “You do not mean that, Winnie. I know as well as you, that you love Lord Dominic as a son. As soon as these babes are born, you will be doting on him again.”

  Winnie humphed. “We’ll see.” She flung the bread into a basket with a grimace. “What of you?”

  “What of me?” Ellise began binding the rosemary, ready to be hung.

  “Will ye marry?”

  Ellise tensed but tried to keep her face relaxed. “Nay, I think not.”

  “But ye are a pretty lass. Surely ye will. That Earl is interested in ye. Milady said as much.”

  Her stomach gave a twist and she made a show of concentrating on the herbs. “I have no interest in the Earl.”

  “But he is rich and handsome. Do ye not think him handsome?”

  “Handsome is well enough but we both know there are many men with beautiful faces and ugly souls.”

  “Ye sound as if ye speak from experience and ye are surely too young to be so bitter. If ye have no interest in the Earl, then mayhap ‘tis because ye have found a better man?”

  Ellise faced Winnie and narrowed her eyes. What was the woman getting at? Did she know of her and James? Winnie’s face betrayed nothing, only wide-eyed innocence. The maid was far too shrewd for her liking.

  “I have found no one, Winnie,” she insisted. “And I will not marry. I have no wealth or accomplishments and I have no need of a husband.”

  The maid shook her head. “Well, the Earl is wealthy enough for both of ye. I hear he is hoping to expand his influence with the help of Lord Dominic and he is looking for a stepmother for his young son. A boy needs a mother.”

  Pausing, Ellise dropped the herbs on the table and nodded slowly. “Aye, you are right.” She swept a shaky hand across her forehead. “Pray excuse me, I have come over too hot all of a sudden.”

  Without waiting for a response, she fumbled her way out of the kitchen and made for the tower leading to her chamber. Winnie could not know, but her words stung her regardless. A boy did need a mother. Her boy did need his mother. And, Dios mio, did she wish she could be there for him.

  ~***~

  A bundle of yellow silk caught James’ eye as he directed the horse down the embankment and he paused, heart jolting.

  Ellise.

  Arms wrapped about her legs, she sat halfway down the slope, away from the bustle of the castle. Staring absently into the distance, she didn’t even notice when James dismounted, chucked the reins of his horse into the hands of a passing watchman and strode over. He had barely seen her the past few days. He had been busy ensuring all was running smoothly while they had an important guest and Ellise’s duties kept h
er occupied. It was a blessing, really. He did not know how to behave around her. Around any woman, really, but especially Ellise. However, that did not stop him from wanting to speak with her. And from wanting more… With a scowl, he shoved that thought aside.

  She only glanced up as his shadow cast over her, lips turning upward gently. She peered behind him at his waiting mount. “Where do you travel to, Captain?”

  “I am to travel to Harrowsbridge.” Her brow creased. “My home,” he clarified. Had he not told her of his lands? But then he had told her little. The lass was too perceptive already. It didn’t stop him from wanting to tell her all. To unburden himself of every worry, no matter how small. What was it about Ellise that did that to him? Normally women were for pleasure, not talking. But while he knew well of the pleasure they could share, he found he wanted to speak with her too.

  “Is the journey dangerous?”

  “Nay.”

  Both brows rose as she gave him a disbelieving look.

  “A little. But Dominic put an end to our nearest reiver threat and the open landscape of the moors discourages outlaws. I’ll take only the safest of paths.” Why was he reassuring her? It mattered little to Ellise if anything happened to him. Her circumstances would not be affected. Though he hoped she might at least miss him.

  The concern remained in her eyes as she patted the grass next to her. “Will you not take a moment with me before you go?”

  He glanced back at the waiting soldier and then to Ellise. Those big brown eyes sucked at him until his knees fairly buckled beneath him. If he remembered rightly, the lad holding his horse had been scrapping the day before. The lad could wait.

  Easing to the ground, his chainmail rattled and he already felt the heat of the sun building underneath the heavy metal. But precautions had to be taken, though he’d made the journey home many times.

  “Should you not be staying whilst we have Lord Wighthurst as a guest?”

  James couldn’t resist a wry smile. Was she—the woman who told him he took them too seriously—lecturing him on his duties? “I will be gone but a few days. I am doubtful the Earl will care much if I am absent.

  She rested her chin on a knee and plucked absently at the grass. James studied her profile, her strong nose, and lush lips. The memory of that mouth touching his pierced through him and sent desire straight to his groin. Something about her seemed vulnerable today. Her wan smile or the way she curled up on herself made him want to wrap his arms around her and shield her from the world. When had he ever seen the vibrant, self-assured Ellise look vulnerable?

  Never. Even when she’d hurt herself, she had retained her stubborn strength. So what was it that caused such a change? The woman was a mystery. How he wished to unravel her secrets. He smirked. Much good it would do him.

  “Is all well, Ellise?”

  “Aye, of course.”

  “There is naught wrong?”

  She met his gaze, lips twisting as she considered him. “Will you be careful?”

  “Do you fear for me?”

  “A little,” she admitted and her honesty warmed his heart. “Lucy was telling me of her encounter with the reivers this morn.”

  “Aye, and did she also tell you how we defeated them?”

  “Aye, she did.”

  “So you see there is little to fear.”

  Ellise nodded but worry still lingered in her expression. He shouldn’t like it but he did. Was this what it was like, having a wife to worry about you? No one had ever been anxious for his wellbeing before. Even his father had shown no concern when he’d sent him off to fight. All that concerned him was that he do him proud and come back a man.

  She continued to twine long strands of grass between her fingers and he watched for a moment, aware he needed to begin his journey very soon so he would not have to travel after dusk. Uncurling his fingers, he reached over gingerly and enfolded her hand in his. She gasped and a sensation of budding heat seared up his arm.

  “Do you doubt my sword arm?” he teased, desperate to take her out of melancholy.

  This elicited a tentative smile and she reached over with her other hand and gave the arm in question a little squeeze. “This one? Nay, I could never doubt it. Is your business very urgent?” she asked as he glanced over his shoulder at the waiting lad.

  “Nay, not that urgent. I have some accounts to see to and I must speak with my steward. I likely have naught more than a few neighborly disputes to attend to. I have not been home for a while, so I must do my duty and ensure all is well.”

  “You do not seem happy to return home.”

  He shrugged. “I do what has to be done, but I take little pleasure in being there.”

  “Why?”

  Teeth grinding, he studied Ellise and speculated yet again what it was about her than gave him such a loose tongue. Her forthrightness certainly drew words from his lips that no others had ever heard. Should he tell of his father? Of a man who pushed him to be the soldier he was today? Even now he strove to be the best captain and warrior a man could be, but sometimes he wondered if his father would have ever taken pride in him. Probably not. James was never strong enough, bold enough, powerful enough for him. If his father had been alive on his return from war, he likely would have been met with disapproval.

  “I dislike leaving Thornewall,” he answered simply.

  “And your duties?”

  “Aye.” He frowned.

  “The walls will not crumble without you. And I am sure you have duties that need seeing to at Harrowsbridge.”

  “I have a good steward.” In truth, the thought of the empty manor house, of shadowing his father’s footsteps made him shudder. He intended to spend as little time there as possible and return to where he felt most at home. Anxious to cease the conversation before she probed further, he squeezed her fingers. “What of you, Ellise? Will you not tell me what saddens you? Is it that you have no lands to call your own?”

  “You cannot shoulder everyone’s troubles, James. There are some things that cannot be solved with the swing of a sword or stern words.”

  “I have yet to come across such a problem.” Heaving a sigh, he nodded. Whatever the trouble was, she would not share it. Too used to relying on herself probably. He gave her fingers one last squeeze before releasing them and coming to his feet. “Good day, Ellise.”

  “And you. Travel well and Godspeed.”

  With a sharp dip of head, he turned.

  James paused briefly, debating whether to confront her again or not. With a shake of his head, he strode over to the horse and took the reins. Swiftly mounting, he stole one last look at her before starting his journey. What was the lass about? Never had he seen her so melancholy. Hopefully when he returned she would be back to her vivacious self. Seeing her downhearted twisted at his gut, and he knew it would plague him for the few days he was to be away. That sensation of unease was back upon him and he prayed his duties would not take him long.

  ~***~

  Handing the reins to his stable hand, James took a moment to cast his gaze over the manor house. It had been several months since he had visited Harrowsbridge but all looked in order. He found little need to return home, being less than a day’s ride away. His steward kept him apprised of any problems by messenger and his men-at-arms were loyal and well trained.

  The two story building sat at one end of the small settlement, its white walls in good condition. He nodded with satisfaction, noting it would not need a whitewash for a while yet. He adjusted his armor and took the outer steps two at a time.

  John, his steward, greeted him with a warm smile. The man had been with their family since James was a lad and was one of the few men he looked up to. With a steady manner and a sharp mind, he balanced his responsibilities with ease, leaving James free to worry about his duties at Thornewall.

  “Good day to you, sir. How goes it?”

  “Aye, well, well.” James pressed past him, keen to be rid of his armor. The hall smelled pleasant, scented wit
h herbs, and sunlight lit the small room, streaming in through the rear windows, but a heavy sense of dread sat in his chest. He detested coming home. “Is all well, John?”

  “Aye, very well. Only a few disputes of late and we are making quick work of the haymaking. Our harvest will prove to be fruitful this year, I think.”

  James nodded with satisfaction and eyed the short, bald-headed man for a moment. He always struck him as owlish in appearance with a round face and slightly sunken eyes. The complete opposite of himself and certainly not a warrior, yet John had always garnered his father’s respect. How was it John commanded such respect but in spite of all his efforts to be everything his father had wished of him, he had never received so much as the smallest of acknowledgements?

  With a grateful sigh, he undid his padded armor and discarded it over the back of the chair at the end of the long hall table. Then he unclasped the hood of his hauberk and abandoned that on the chair too, the heavy mail landing with a clunk.

  “‘Tis too hot for chainmail,” he muttered as he removed his chainmail and studied his sodden shirt.

  “Shall I have a bath brought up for you?”

  “Aye, if you will. A cool one.”

  “Is all well at Thornewall?”

  James’ lips quirked at John’s eager expression. “Aye.”

  “And the Lady?”

  “She is very well.”

  John’s smile expanded. “That is good news indeed. Let us pray Thornewall has healthy sons before long.”

  Despondency washed over him as he cast his gaze around the room. Aside from two servants and John, the large manor house remained empty, unlived in. Since the death of his mother and father, the place had become an empty shell. While they were thankful their lord was to have babes, James knew well that his villeins hoped the same for him. And as yet, he saw little chance of that happening.

  “Well, I shall have your bath sent up, sir. There are some missives in your office that arrived but a few days ago. I saw no sense in sending them on to you, knowing of your impending arrival.”

  “My thanks, John. I will see to them shortly and take a tour of the village after my ablutions.”