by Alexa Aston
Michael led Tempest from his stall. “Then let us ride, my lady.” He lifted her into the saddle and handed up the lantern to her. He didn’t know if the moonlight would be sufficient enough to light their way.
The empty bailey seemed foreign to him. He’d never seen it lacking in activity. They cantered through it and arrived at the gate.
“Open. I wish to pass,” he called up to the gatekeeper.
After a moment of hesitation, the man did as asked. Michael figured the gatekeeper knew how close the current earl was to death. That being the case, he wouldn’t wish to alienate the new earl by asking him pesky questions about where he rode off to in the wee hours.
They rode without conversation. Michael concentrated on the road before them, hoping to keep Tempest from stepping into any holes. The two-hour ride took closer to three to complete, due to the care he took. He would have the advantage of the sun rising and lighting his path on the final hour of his way back. He hoped to return to Sandbourne by the time morning mass began.
They arrived at the walls of the convent. He climbed from Tempest’s back and reached for Albreda. She might be small in stature, but she had a heart of steel. Michael admired her commitment to the path she had determined was the right one for her.
But he felt he must ask again before he left her behind, if only to soothe his conscience. “My lady, I need your reassurance a final time. Is this truly what you wish?”
She took his hand and pressed a fervent kiss onto it. “I will not change my mind, my lord. I am where I have always been meant to be.”
Michael saw how she glowed in happiness and knew she’d made the right choice. He turned and rang the bell at the gate.
Some minutes later, the thick wooden door that was surrounded by stone opened. He explained to the elderly nun before them why they were there and that he wished to speak to the abbess before he left Lady Albreda in the convent’s care. The nun motioned for them to follow her. Once they reached the doors to the nunnery itself, Michael hobbled Tempest and told him to be a good horse. The nun offered to take the horse to the water trough as they conducted their business so the animal would be ready for the ride back, and Michael agreed.
It surprised him to see nuns already dressed and filing through the corridors at this early hour. The bells chimed three, and he supposed they headed to prayers. He wondered when they might sleep.
The old nun returned after a few minutes and escorted them to her abbess. Michael allowed Lady Albreda to state her case, which she did with eloquence.
He spoke up and told the abbess that he would see that the bridal price, which would be returned to his family with the voided contract, be sent to the convent. That would, no doubt, be a welcome addition to the convent’s coffers and guarantee Albreda a place for life.
Michael thanked the abbess and turned to wish his former betrothed goodbye.
She surprised him by kissing both his cheeks and then expressed her gratitude, once more, for his help in her great escape.
“God will look upon you with favor, Sir Michael.”
At that moment, he believed her words with all his heart. Only yesterday, he had met this woman and was to marry her today. Now, thanks to her calling, she generously stepped aside to unite with Christ Almighty as one of His brides.
Which left Michael free to marry the bride of his choice. It was an unspoken prayer that had filled Michael’s mind and heart since his father had revealed the news of his betrothal. One that had never left his lips because he knew how hopeless the request was.
Yet now? He had faith that God wanted him to care for Elysande. To make her his wedded wife. To raise children that would love and be loved.
“I’ll never forget you, my lady,” Michael swore. “You have a generous heart and will do God’s work for many years to come. Of this, I am certain.”
A genuine smile lit Lady Albreda’s face. “Thank you, my lord.”
He left the two women, his footsteps light, and returned to the courtyard where Tempest awaited him. Faint light tickled the dark line of the horizon. His ride home would pass much more quickly.
Two hours later, Michael rode through the gates of Sandbourne, the same gatekeeper granting him access. He returned his horse to the stables and gave Tempest a thorough rubdown before returning to his chamber and doffing his clothes. He washed from the basin and put on a clean gypon and cotehardie, as well as pants that did not have the dirt of the road upon them. He left his travel-stained clothes in a heap by his bed—and went downstairs to face Lord Lambdin.
Mass had already started as Michael slipped into the chapel. As he listened to the Latin passages, he glanced about the chapel. This would have been his wedding day. He would have taken his vows and entered this very place a married man.
It occurred to him that he didn’t have to send the missive he’d written to Elysande, the one where he revealed they couldn’t marry because he’d been promised to another woman. He would leave mass and slice the parchment into pieces before burning it. Then he would stay until his father was no more and he became the Earl of Sandbourne. Michael’s first action would be to return to Kinwick and learn if Lord Geoffrey had heard from the king. Michael prayed that the king would’ve sent word that he looked favorably upon the request. If that was the case, Michael would marry Elysande as soon as possible.
He doubted she would prefer returning to Hopeston for the ceremony since she hadn’t grown up there. They could come to Sandbourne, but he thought it best to wed at Kinwick. Lady Merryn would be thrilled with that idea. Michael could escort Lady Mary to her childhood home and also bring Lady Avelyn along for the ceremony and feast.
Then he could return to Sandbourne with his bride by his side and live as blissfully as he saw Geoffrey and Merryn do every day. They looked to be more in love as time passed. He hoped the same would be true for Elysande and him.
Michael left the chapel as mass ended and went to the great hall to break his fast. He was famished after his long ride. He saw Lord Lambdin enter and steeled himself for their conversation.
The nobleman approached the dais where he sat. “I haven’t seen my daughter this morning. Have you?” he asked candidly, his eyes searching the room as he spoke.
“I have, my lord. There are certain matters which we must discuss regarding Lady Albreda.” Michael paused. “Will you accompany me to the solar? I must speak to you and my father together.” He rose and stepped down from the dais.
Lambdin’s eyes narrowed. “Say what you have to say, Sir Michael. Here and now.”
Michael owed the man that much. “Lady Albreda and I will not wed at noon today.”
The nobleman’s eyes widened. “What? Where is she? What the Devil have you done with my sweet girl?”
“Your daughter chose to break the betrothal contract, as was her legal right.”
“Break it? Break it? Surely, you jest, Sir Michael.”
“No, my lord, I do not. ’Twas what Lady Albreda wanted and I agreed to abide by her wishes. She didn’t want to marry on earth, Lord Lambdin. Instead, she has chosen to become a Bride of Christ and left Sandbourne.”
“God’s teeth! I knew it! I knew she would find a way.” He glared at Michael. “And it seems as if you’ve helped her in this nonsense. Where is she hiding? I will see her returned at once. This ceremony takes place today, regardless of her wishes,” Lambdin said angrily. “Albreda is a foolish woman to attempt to flee this marriage. I would have thought you would have exercised better judgment, my lord, and not indulged her in this fantasy.”
Michael stood his ground. “She is far away, my lord. Out of your reach. Lady Albreda has gone to live a quiet life at a nunnery a few hours from here.”
“Impossible. She had no way to get there.” Then understanding dawned in the nobleman’s eyes. “You. You delivered her there, didn’t you?”
“Aye, my lord. After much serious conversation, she convinced me she would never be happy or fulfilled as my wife. Because of that, I escorted
her to her chosen destination.”
Lord Lambdin’s temper exploded. “How could you have done such a foolhardy thing? To sneak out in the middle of the night with my sweet child and ride in secret to some nunnery? I won’t accept it, I tell you. I demand that you take me to her. Now! The two of you will be married without delay.”
Michael shook his head. “She has been offered sanctuary by its abbess. ’Twould be impossible to force her to leave the convent.”
The nobleman’s face turned bright red. “I won’t pay for her to be there. She needs to wed. She needs to be my good girl. I know what’s best for her. I cannot let her go and ruin her life.”
“Lady Albreda told me she has a calling to Christ. That her mother understood this.”
At the mention of Albreda’s mother, all the air seemed to go out of Lord Lambdin. “She’s the only thing I have left of my sainted first wife.”
“And she’s happy now,” Michael said gently. “Your daughter has a strength of mind coupled with a strength of character. I have never met a woman who knew such purpose and was willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary in order to live her life the way she believed it should be lived.”
Michael placed a hand on the nobleman’s shoulder. “You should be happy for Lady Albreda, my lord. It is her desire to give herself over to the Christ. If you could have seen the look of joy on her face and witnessed how content she was in her new surroundings, you would know she had made the only choice possible.” He paused. “The lady told me you have three more daughters at home that you should concentrate on now.”
Lambdin sighed. “She truly seemed happy?”
“Aye, my lord. She seemed a different person altogether.”
The nobleman’s natural color slowly returned. “I lost her mother many years ago. I just wanted Albreda cared for, as I cared for her dear mother.” His eyes met Michael’s. “I suppose you’ve done me a favor, my lord. I couldn’t see what she truly needed. I was blinded by my vision for her. I should be grateful to you.”
Lambdin paused and gave him a hopeful look. “I don’t suppose you would consider wedding another one of my daughters? That way the bridal price wouldn’t have to be returned.”
“Nay, my lord. I have other plans for choosing a wife.”
The nobleman nodded. “Then I will see that the monies are returned to you.”
“To my father, actually. I supposed I must go and break the news to him now. Will you accompany me to the solar?”
Lambdin nodded, though Michael saw the reluctance on the older man’s face.
Suddenly, Houdart came rushing up, out of breath. “My lord? ’Tis your father. Hurry.”
Michael ran through the great hall and up the stairs. He raced down the long corridor and entered the solar, crossing to his father’s bedchamber.
As he entered, he heard the gasps as his father strained to breathe. Michael sat on the bed and took his father’s hand in his, the first time either had touched one another.
“Come to see me . . . die?” the earl rasped.
“Aye,” Michael said. “And to let you know that I won’t be marrying Lady Albreda, nor any of Lord Lambdin’s daughters.”
“You would defy me?” his father spit out. “Refuse to honor . . . the betrothal contract?”
Michael smiled. “I would. All my life, you have been a man full of malice. You took delight in treating me harshly and heaped your cruelty and abuse on my mother. You never cared for anyone—not even yourself.” He released the earl’s hand and stood.
“I plan to live my life in exactly the opposite manner of yours. I will wed the woman I love and cherish her each and every day of our lives together. Not only will I honor and respect her, but I will lavish love upon every son and daughter that we make together. My children will never suffer from a lack of attention or love. They will thrive and mature and do great things, all with the support of their parents.”
Michael paused. “And their grandmother,” he added, watching his father startle at the mention of her. “If it’s the last thing I do, I will go to the ends of the earth and find Mother and bring her back to Sandbourne. Once she’s danced upon your grave, I will treasure each day that I have with her and watch in happiness as she showers love upon her grandchildren. And no one, at any time, will ever utter your name.”
It surprised him when the corners of his father’s mouth turned up in a smile.
“I see, despite everything, that you have become a man, Michael. A strong man. One who believes in and lives by a code of honor. Well done, my son. Well done.”
Before Michael could reply, his father’s head fell to one side.
He would breathe no more.
Michael reached for the pink stone in his pocket. He could now bring his mother home.
Chapter 20
Michael’s mind wandered as the priest droned on. He didn’t need to hear how righteous a man his father had been or any other lies uttered.
He thought back to Lord Lambdin’s departure yesterday. The nobleman had been eager to get home to his wife and other daughters and hadn’t wanted to stay for the funeral mass of a man he barely knew. Michael encouraged him to take care on his journey home. The men had parted with no grudge between them. In fact, Michael believed he could count Lord Lambdin as an ally if not a trusted friend if the need ever arose.
The mass finally ended. Workers and tenants alike filed past him, some nodding, others pausing to offer words of comfort. He knew so few of them and determined that would change. Taking Elysande to each cottage that rested on Sandbourne land and introducing his new countess as he grew familiar with his people would be a priority in the weeks ahead. He wanted Sandbourne to be an estate that thrived, but he also wanted to come to understand and know those under his protection.
Michael found himself alone except for the priest as the last of the crowd exited the chapel. He hadn’t given the priest any instructions as to where to bury the body and he knew the man of God waited awaited them.
“Bury him where you see fit, Father. I know there’s plenty of room set aside for family. I have business to attend to.” He wouldn’t accompany the body to the gravesite. His father was gone from this earth. Michael would put the bastard out of his mind and never think about him again.
For now, he had two missions to accomplish as the new earl. The first included wedding Elysande. The second would be to locate his mother. He hoped he would find her alive and willing to return to Sandbourne after so many years in a convent.
As he turned to walk toward the chapel doors, he spied Houdart hovering in the doorway and strode over to meet the steward.
“My lord, a messenger has arrived. From Kinwick. He says ’tis most urgent. He wishes to speak to you at once.”
“Take me to him.”
The two men returned to the keep. Michael saw Hammond standing in the hallway as they entered and went to greet his friend. As he stepped closer, the grim look upon the knight’s face gave him cause for alarm.
“What’s wrong?” Michael asked.
Hammond took him by the arm and led him to a corner. “I have no missive for you, my lord. The matter was urgent and Lord Geoffrey trusted me to deliver his message since he didn’t want to waste time putting pen to paper.” He looked about. “Your wife. Is she present? My message is not for her ears.”
The words took him aback. “How do you know about her? Not that I’m married. I was betrothed and didn’t know it. I should’ve been wed yesterday, but my bride-to-be broke our contract and left Sandbourne.”
His friend’s eyes widened. “Lord Geoffrey received a missive from the king denying his request for you to wed his niece. It said you were already betrothed and that your father would soon pass. His advisers told him you would marry your intended and become earl.”
“I’ve just come from my father’s funeral mass, but I’m free now to wed the woman I choose. I’d like nothing more than to return to Kinwick with you and claim Elysande as my bride.”
Hammond shook his head. “That’s the very news I bring, my lord. Lady Elysande has vanished from Kinwick.”
“Vanished?” A cold hand tightened about Michael’s heart.
“Aye. Lord Geoffrey thought you would be wed by now, but he knew of your tender feelings for the lady. He wanted you to know that something foul took place and that he would see her restored to her family.”
Michael gripped Hammond’s arm. “When did this happen?” His eyes narrowed. “’Twas it Ingram’s men again?”
His friend nodded. “We think so. She disappeared the day before yesterday. I rode as quickly as I could to deliver the news to you.”
He pushed Hammond back with both hands as the anger erupted from him. “I told you to watch over her. I trusted you to look after her. You failed me.”
Hammond’s face flushed dully with guilt. “Aye. You’re right, my lord. But no one even knew that she’d left the keep. I would have followed her and guarded her well had I known she stepped outside the castle’s walls.”
Michael reined in his temper. No good would come by blaming his friend. “How was she discovered missing?”
“She didn’t appear for the evening meal and could not be located. I found a jar of blackberries sitting on top of the fence at the pasture where Hera and her foal played. We believe she was taken from that spot.”
“Has Lord Geoffrey sent out search parties for her?” he demanded.
“Aye. The master himself led one up the main road north and sent a second northeast along secondary roads. I volunteered to bring you the news.”
“Then I ask for you to ride with me and my men, Hammond. We’ll head north and join in the search. Lady Elysande must be returned.”
He spied Houdart. Michael summoned him over, instructing him to bring the captain of the guard to him at once. He then ordered Cook to prepare bags of food for the men to take on their journey.