by Aston, Alexa
“Very well,” Lady Madeleine said in mock resignation. “Lady Faylinn, would you care to accompany me to my bedchamber? I have a few cotehardies that I’d like to send with you. They are too small for me now but they will help accommodate your growing waistline over the next few months.”
“Thank you. That is most generous of you, my lady,” Faylinn replied.
The countess set Cynric on his feet and took his hand. “Come along, Cynric. Lyssa, you, too, so you can watch over your brother for a few minutes.”
As they left the great hall, Lord Garrett went and spoke to a table filled with soldiers. They all rose and left at the same time. Drake assumed they would be part of the escort party that had been mentioned.
The earl returned to his seat. “You are worried about additional soldiers that Sabelina might have sent.”
“I am.”
Drake explained how they had skirted villages for a few days until they came to a fork in the road.
“We went in a southeasterly direction in order to journey to Sussex. If Lady Sabelina sent men after us, that would have been the point they would have continued east. Still, we used assumed names for most of the rest of our travels.”
“That was wise of you,” Lord Garrett said. “What is your concern now?”
“We left Mallowbourne on the spur of the moment. You saw how little we brought with us. Because of our haste, I know Lady Faylinn did not bring any missives from Sir Ashby with her. If her stepdaughter searched the solar and found them, she is clever enough to realize that the baroness never would have gone to Lord Ashland in Essex. She would make her way to her favorite brother, Sir Ashby, at Newbury Manor. I cannot be certain this occurred but I have worried about this for some time. I’ve kept it to myself, though. What I would ask of you now, my lord, is that you arrange to have Lady Faylinn stay at Stanbury until her babe comes. Your castle walls are steep and much more secure than a manor house would be.”
“I agree. On the slim chance that soldiers would be sent to Sussex for the baroness, she would be more secure here.” He smiled wryly. “Of course, telling a woman she cannot see her beloved brother after years apart is not something I’m willing to take on. My own wife is as strong-willed as any woman who walks this earth and I see that same core of steel also resides in Lady Faylinn.”
“She is a remarkable woman,” Drake agreed. “Mayhap we could take her to Newbury today for a brief visit and then allow her to return here.”
“I think that a very good idea, Sir Drake.” Lord Garrett studied him a moment. “How long have you been in love with Lady Faylinn?”
The earl’s words were like a punch to Drake’s gut. “What?”
“You heard me.”
Drake winced. “Is it that obvious?”
“No. I am a great observer of people, though. Madeleine and I spoke of it last night before we retired.”
“I’ll admit that we’ve kissed,” he said. “But I never looked upon her than anything other than my liege lord’s wife while Lord Amaury was alive.” He sighed. “I have spent much time with her lately, though, and I find her to be intelligent and kind. Until her babe arrives, nothing can be settled between us.”
The earl nodded sagely. “If she has a son, she would be committed to returning to Mallowbourne in order to raise the new Baron of Gaynesford there. Edward would certainly send a representative whom he trusts to supervise the boy—and wed his mother.”
“You understand our dilemma. Because of my actions in helping Faylinn to flee, I would not be welcomed back into the fold at Mallowbourne, either.”
“What if she births a daughter?” Lord Garrett mused. “She would be able to remain with Ash. He would find a place for you, I’m sure of it.”
Drake shook his head, not wishing to reveal what weighed on his heart with this obviously wealthy nobleman.
“I’d rather put aside all thoughts of the future for now. Seeing Faylinn safe is my chief concern.”
“I noticed you wore no armor when you arrived.”
“We left on the spur of the moment. There was no way I could claim my armor and sneak Faylinn from the estate.” He patted his side. “I’ve had my sword and two blades in my boots.” He chuckled. “Or I did. I gave one to Faylinn and trained her how to use it. She caught on quickly.”
Drake refrained from sharing with the earl that Faylinn had to put those lessons to good use—and that she’d taken the life of the thief who assaulted her. He doubted she would ever reveal what had happened that night in the woods to anyone.
“Let’s go to the armory then. I’m sure we can find something for you to wear.”
The earl rose and Drake followed him from the great hall.
*
Faylinn accompanied Lady Madeleine up the stairs, taking the noblewoman’s elbow and helping guide her along.
“I’m sorry my pace is so slow,” the countess apologized. “It was the same when I had Cynric. At about six months, I suddenly became larger than a barrel and waddled instead of walked.”
“Are you hoping for a son or daughter?” she asked.
“Either would satisfy me, as long as the babe is healthy. Lyssa is terribly excited. Although she loves Cynric fiercely, she confided in me that she hopes, this time, it’s a girl since she’s longed for a sister for many years.”
“She seems quite bright. Ashby always wrote of clever things Lyssa said or did.”
“He has helped to raise her. She misses him terribly. That’s why I think this new babe will be good for her and help occupy some of her time.”
They reached the solar and went into the bedchamber. Lady Madeleine sank into a chair with a heavy sigh.
The countess pointed. “Open that trunk. It should have what you need.”
Faylinn did so and lifted out a beautiful cotehardie of deep blue.
“Oh, my. This is lovely.”
“Fold it and place it beside me. See what’s next.”
She brought out the next garment and Lady Madeleine shook her head. “No, that won’t do. Set it aside.”
They went through the entire trunk and, at the end, Faylinn had six new cotehardies of varying sizes.
“I cannot thank you enough, my lady. I will take good care of them and return them to you.”
“You don’t think you will need them again?” Lady Madeleine said, her eyes twinkling. “I have seen how you look at Sir Drake. Do you love him?”
Faylinn became flustered. “I . . . don’t know what . . . you mean,” she sputtered.
The countess gave her a womanly look that said she knew all. “Sir Drake is a very attractive man. He is obviously loyal to you and full of courage to help you flee Mallowbourne, knowing he did not have permission to leave the estate.”
“He is brave—and the most honorable man I’ve ever met,” Faylinn said. “I remained loyal to my husband throughout our entire marriage but spending so many long hours with Sir Drake has been incredible. He helped me heal. He recognized the danger I faced. He spirited me away from it and has remained by my side during this long journey.”
“Will you send him to the king?”
“Yes. He has asked that I write a missive, detailing my stepdaughter’s vicious lies and explaining that I suspect she has gone mad. He said he would deliver it once he sees me safely to Newbury Manor.”
“What of after that?” Lady Madeleine asked. “Will you wed?”
“It’s not so simple.” She rubbed her belly protectively. “If I bear a son, I will continue to live at Mallowbourne. Surely, Edward will send his own man to wed me and manage the estate until my son comes of age. If that’s the case, there is no hope for Drake and me. Having a daughter would allow me to remain with Ashby and Marielle. I am hoping my brother, being newly in love himself, would find Drake a position and allow us to marry.”
“Then that is what I will pray for the Virgin to do,” the noblewoman said with confidence. “Come, it is time for you to leave. Let me find a satchel in which to place your new clothing
.”
They folded each garment and slipped it inside the case and then both women went downstairs and out the doors of the keep. Faylinn saw a group of eight men assembled, all in armor, waiting for her, as well as Drake and Lord Garrett. The earl came to his wife and offered her a tender kiss goodbye as Faylinn handed Drake the additional satchel. He tied it to Starlight and set her atop the steed and then a groom helped him to mount since he, too, now wore armor.
“I feel I have an entire army protecting me,” she told him.
“Lord Garrett and I agreed that we must get you safely to your brother,” he said. “He had suggested you ride a mount of your own but I reminded him of the babe. I believe it would be dangerous for you to ride astride and endanger the child. If we came upon any of the soldiers Sabelina sent after us, it would also be easier to protect you if we rode together.”
Before Faylinn could reply, Drake’s lips grazed her ear. “And I must admit, I rather enjoy the feel of you in my arms.” His arm tightened slightly, pulling her closer to him.
She glowed from his words. “I will feel safer riding with you,” she told him.
The earl waved to his wife and then urged his horse on. Two others followed and then Drake fell in behind them, the other riders closing in after, so that Faylinn was surrounded. They left Stanbury and Drake told her that he had reminded the nobleman they needed to keep a slower pace, due to Faylinn’s condition.
“We’ll still reach Newbury Manor before darkness falls,” he promised.
Lord Garrett thoughtfully stopped several times so that Faylinn could stretch her legs. One of those times, the men opened handkerchiefs provided by Stanbury’s cook and they all ate.
As Drake had said, they reached Ashby’s estate about an hour before the sun set. It was surrounded by lush, green land, the rich green of England in the spring. As they reached the manor house, the door opened and Ashby came out, accompanied by a beautiful woman with a mane of auburn hair and a sunny smile.
“Garrett! What are you doing here?” her brother asked and then froze in his tracks. “Faylinn? Faylinn!”
Ashby ran toward her and pulled her from the saddle, swinging her around and covering her face in kisses.
“You came!” he said, excitement in his voice. “I had no idea. I received your missive that said you couldn’t come because of the babe.”
He set her on her feet and shouted, “Marielle!”
His wife hurried toward them. Smiling, she said in accented English, “Greetings, Faylinn. I am your sister-in-law, Marielle.”
“And the love of my life,” her brother proclaimed.
The two women embraced and Faylinn said, “I’m delighted to meet the woman who finally tamed my brother.”
Marielle’s violet eyes sparkled. “Oh, I want to hear all about him when he was a boy. A very bad boy, I think.”
She laughed. “There were flashes of good but, yes, the two of us got into trouble with alarming regularity.”
“I would say half of the time it was trouble of your making, Sister,” Ashby said and then turned to Garrett. “You’ll stay the night?”
“If you’ll have us.”
“You are always welcomed at Newbury Manor. You know that. Have your men stable their horses and come inside to the hall. We will sit for the evening meal in an hour.”
Lord Garrett said, “I’ll take Ebony to the stables. He’s been a handful lately. I will join you soon.”
“Come to the solar then, Garrett,” Marielle said.
Ashby led both Faylinn and his wife into the manor house and she exclaimed how wonderful it was.
“Marielle has made it a true home,” her brother said, pride evident in his voice.
“Excuse me for a few minutes,” Marielle said. “I want to let Cook know that we have several extra guests for our evening meal.”
Faylinn watched as Ashby’s eyes followed his wife as she left them. In that moment, she saw just how much in love her brother was with the Frenchwoman and realized that she couldn’t put their safety at risk. She would stay the night and then leave in the morning.
To where, she hadn’t a clue.
Chapter Twenty-One
Faylinn entered the inviting solar, seeing several touches that warmed and brightened the room. She wandered about, complimenting Ashby on his home and the land she’d seen surrounding it.
“It’s been a true blessing, having a home of my own. I would not have wed Marielle otherwise.”
“But you love her, Ashby. It’s obvious with every look you give one another.”
Marielle joined them and they took seats near the fireplace. Ashby took his wife’s hand and threaded his fingers through hers. The sweet gesture told Faylinn she was doing the right thing in leaving them in peace.
“Obviously you stopped in at Stanbury on your way here,” Ashby said. “What did you think of it?”
“It’s a magnificent property and Lord Garrett and Lady Madeleine are gracious hosts.”
“I adore Madeleine,” Marielle said. “Next to my husband, she is my favorite person in the world. Of course, she is half-French. That could have something to do with it.”
“Did you leave your guard behind at Stanbury?” Ashby asked. “I recognized most of the men as Garrett’s soldiers.”
“I only had a single knight escort me,” Faylinn said. “Sir Drake Harcourt. He is the most skilled knight at Mallowbourne, capable of fighting equally well with either left or right hand.”
Her brother’s brow furrowed. “Why would you only have one soldier accompany you, Faylinn?”
At that moment, a knock sounded and the door swung open. Lord Garrett had returned, bringing Drake with him. It surprised her but, then again, the earl was a thoughtful, considerate man. He probably realized she was more comfortable having Drake nearby.
“This is Sir Drake, the knight I spoke of,” Faylinn said.
Ashby rose and shook hands with Drake and asked, “Why would my sister have but a single man bring her all this way?”
Drake looked to her. “Would you care to answer that, my lady?”
“Please. Sit,” she asked. When they had done so, Faylinn said, “I have much to tell you. Sir Drake will help me explain the situation. It is one of life—and death.”
She recounted her discovery that she was with child and her husband’s death, followed by the attempt on her life by her stepdaughter.
“I am stunned,” admitted Ashby. “You’ve written to me over the years how you’ve tried to bond with Sabelina and how resistant she was to any friendly overture from you. But to try to murder you and your child?” He shook his head in disbelief.
“It is much worse,” she said.
Faylinn explained how Sabelina had written a missive to the king, describing both her father and stepmother’s deaths and that she offered herself as bride to the next Baron of Gaynesford. How she had proclaimed Mallowbourne was hers and she’d never give it up.
“She is mad,” Marielle declared.
“We think so,” Faylinn said. “I pretended the fall had caused my memory to be faulty so she would not know that I remembered her pushing me down the stairs. Then she tried to poison my babe. If not for Sir Drake, I would have lost my child.”
She turned to him and nodded and he took up the tale, explaining how he’d smelled and then tasted the pennyroyal in Faylinn’s wine and prevented her from drinking it.
“Sir Drake’s mother was a healer of some note and taught him much about herbs,” Faylinn added.
“Once I discovered the pennyroyal had been slipped into the baroness’ wine, I knew that she would never be safe at Mallowbourne. Lady Sabelina had already begun spreading rumors of her stepmother’s state of mind. How she grieved so much for her late husband that she tried to kill herself by throwing herself down the stairs. How she planned to jump from the tallest parapet to end her life.”
“That’s outrageous!” Ashby exclaimed.
“We did not know how many people would believe Lady Sabe
lina’s stories, much less if any servants or soldiers might be loyal to her and try to harm the baroness in order to please Lady Sabelina.” Drake sighed. “And then there was the matter of the child itself. She accused Lady Faylinn of being unfaithful to Lord Amaury, declaring that I had fathered her babe. Though I have strictly adhered to my knightly code, Lady Sabelina’s word as a noblewoman—and her twisted lies regarding Lady Faylinn—left us little choice but to flee Mallowbourne.”
Admiration shone in Ashby’s eyes. “I cannot thank you enough for protecting my sister as you have, Sir Drake.” He turned to Faylinn. “You must write to the king and expose your stepdaughter’s deceit.”
“Sir Drake has said he will take a missive from me to the king regarding the matter,” Faylinn replied.
“I think it will take more than that,” her brother said. “I will go with him. As your brother, I can attest to your truth.”
Drake said, “Lord Garrett and I believe Lady Faylinn should return to Stanbury. We don’t know if Lady Sabelina sent soldiers to retrieve the baroness. She led her stepdaughter to believe she was journeying to Lord Ashland in Essex. My fear is Lady Sabelina may have found your missives to your sister. If so, she would send additional troops here.”
“Your manor house hasn’t the resources or defenses that Stanbury does,” the earl continued. “My walls are practically impenetrable.” He looked to her. “I recommend that you allow us to take you to Stanbury. You may keep Madeleine company since I plan to go with Ash and Sir Drake to the royal court. I know King Edward and my words, along with your missive and their testimony, will carry much weight and convince the king of the wrong that has been done to you. It’s one thing for a messenger with a missive to be pushed aside and quite another when a loyal earl requests to see his king on a matter of grave importance.”
Faylinn realized the wisdom of Lord Garrett’s words and nodded.
“Then I want Marielle to go to Stanbury, as well,” Ashby declared, taking his wife’s hands in his. “If Lady Sabelina’s soldiers arrive, I want no confrontations between you and them.”