Julie pushed back her chair and rose. “I'm going up to Eleanor."
He nodded. “Mayhap afterward you will speak freely with me.” He was too intelligent not to suspect she wasn't telling the whole story.
"We'll see."
The door to Eleanor's chamber was closed, so Julie tapped on it. At first, there was no answer, then a faint voice asked, “Who is it?"
"Ah—Julianne.” Just in time, she remembered who she was supposed to be.
"Oh.” A hesitation. Then, “Come in."
Eleanor sat by the fire stitching a small linen shirt. She wore a yellow silk gown under a brown velvet surcoat and, though she looked very beautiful, her dark eyes were sad. Julie sat down and watched the other woman's needle dip in and out of the fine cloth. After several minutes of silence, Julie said, “Eleanor, please talk to me."
With a sigh, Eleanor laid the shirt aside and raised her gaze to Julie's. “What would you have me say?"
"Begin with what happened today outside the chapel."
Eleanor shrugged, but her fingers nervously pleated the fabric of her gown. “Nothing."
Julie knew she was lying. “I think that guard frightened you."
Eleanor tried to look puzzled. “What guard?"
"The one wearing your husband's colors and leaning on the chapel wall. The one who overheard you call Miles a monster. Are you afraid he'll tell your husband what you said?"
Eleanor bit her lower lip. “I am sure Miles has ordered him to spy on me. There is no other reason for him to follow me about. However, I need no protecting in my brother's keep."
"I thought so.” Julie leaned forward and grasped Eleanor's hands in hers. “We should tell Nicholas. He'll send those men back to Norville Keep."
"Oh, no!” Eleanor gasped, her amber eyes widening. “That will make my husband and brother hate each other more than they do now. And Miles will never let me come here again if he thinks I told Nicholas about...” She faltered.
Julie thought a moment. “What if you just stayed here and didn't go back to your own keep?” That should keep both Eleanor and the boys at a safe distance from her abusive husband.
Tears welled up in Eleanor's eyes. “Then Miles would surely come against my brother. There would be war and I would be responsible."
Julie rose and laid a hand on Eleanor's shoulder. “Nonsense. Miles would be responsible, not you. Now dry your eyes and give me permission to speak to Nicholas about this."
Eleanor pulled a kerchief from her sleeve and blotted away the tears. “Oh, Julianne, I do appreciate your offer, and I know my brother would do the right thing as always. But I fear many lives might be lost over this. Especially should he learn how Miles treats..."
Eleanor's unfinished sentence set off warning bells in Julie's mind. “Is there more you're not telling me? Does Miles beat you? Does he beat the boys?"
When the other woman didn't answer, Julie seized her shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “Tell me. Does he?"
"A—a little."
"A little or a lot, either is too much.” Julie drew her mouth tight with disgust. How could Miles mistreat Eleanor, a lovely, sweet-natured woman? Silly question. Women were chattel in this time, regarded as possessions, existing only to serve males. If Julie were to live here permanently—God forbid—much would change. “Let me tell Nicholas about this. Then we'll decide what must be done."
Eleanor sniffed and wiped her nose. “I am sure my brother will know the right thing to do. He is never wrong."
"Ha! He is often wrong,” Julie blurted without thinking.
Shocked, Eleanor protested, “Oh, no. Men are always right."
"Is what Miles does to you always right?"
Eleanor blushed and lowered her eyes. “No, of course not. But Nicholas is different. He is a good man and knows what is best."
"We'll see about that,” Julie muttered under her breath.
She left Eleanor and went below. Nicholas was nowhere in sight, but sometimes he worked on his accounts after dinner. She found him in the small room he used for an office, bent over a scroll of parchment, adding a column of figures.
Julie went in without knocking and stopped in front of his table. He glanced up and arched an eyebrow. “You wish to speak of Eleanor, Julianne?"
She nodded. “Yes, but not here. She glanced around. Beyond the door, shadows lingered in the windowless corridor. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a movement, but when she stepped back to look, the corridor was empty.
"Then let us go to our chamber. Is that private enough?"
"Yes.” She was reluctant to be alone with him, not trusting her own emotions where he was concerned, but this conversation was not one for others to overhear.
He rose and walked around the table. Taking her hand, he led the way through the great hall and up the winding stairs to their bedchamber.
He closed the door, then moved to stand in front of her, his hands gently grasping her shoulders as he gazed downward into her eyes. “So Julie. What did Eleanor have to say?"
At first his nearness blocked rational thought from her mind. Her attraction to him had grown so strong, she had a hard time hiding it. She sensed he felt it too, but his knightly honor forbade him from acting on his desires. His lips began to lower. Or maybe not.
She forced herself to step back. “Let's sit down.” She indicated the stools by the fire. He folded himself onto one of them and Julie took the other. She still hesitated, not knowing quite how to begin this unpleasant topic.
In a quiet voice, Nicholas said, “Just tell me, Julie. I cannot help if you remain silent."
"I know.” She took several deep breaths. “You probably have figured out Eleanor has some serious problems. Are you aware Miles’ men are spying on her?"
He grimaced. “On my sister and on everything which goes on in my castle."
That rekindled her anger. “And you tolerate this...invasion of your privacy?"
"Sometimes the enemy you see is preferable to the one you cannot.” He grinned. “No surprises.” His smile disappeared quickly to be replaced by a frown. “So—what happened?"
"Today, when Eleanor and I were walking near the chapel, she realized she'd said something indiscreet about Miles, and one of his guards had overheard her."
"What did she say?"
"That Miles was a monster. And just now, she told me he'd beaten her.” She waited for his reaction.
Julie's words jarred Nicholas to the core. That Miles had done such a thing to Nicholas's sister immediately placed the man beyond mercy. Death, at least a swift one, was far too good for his brother-in-law. Nicholas began to devise appropriate tortures. “I will kill him."
Julie glared at him. “Stop it. You'll do no such thing. How would King Henry react if you killed one of his barons?"
"When he learns my reason, he will commend my action,” Nicholas growled. “You do not understand this century."
"Maybe not. You live in this time and I don't."
It was fortunate for Miles he had gone to London and would not return for another fortnight. He would live a little longer. However, it was unfortunate for Nicholas, since while Miles was there, he would hire more mercenary knights and men-at-arms for his keep's army, making him more difficult to kill.
He took a deep breath. “Go on,” he said, hoping Eleanor had some other complaint he could more easily resolve. “What else did she say?"
"She finally admitted Miles has beaten the little boys."
Suddenly, he remembered that nearly a year from now, his sister would tell him the same thing she had just confessed to Julie.
Julie nodded. “Eleanor was right. He is a monster."
"If ever I thought to show the man compassion, that alone would prevent me.” He paced back and forth across the stone floor, too agitated to stand still. “Beating little children!"
"So, what can we do?"
"We,” he growled. “We?"
"Of course we. I'll help you. I thought I was here to do
that."
He shook his head. “This is not a woman's matter."
"That's where you're wrong, Nicholas.” Her violet eyes shot daggers at him.
"I realize things are different in your time, Julie, but you must try to conform to mine.” He remembered some of the programs he had seen on Nick's TV. Women kicking men in the jaw with their feet, crawling through dense forests, jumping from those marvelous flying machines. He had observed no end of wonders, so what Julie said was probably true. She could help him. But how, given the current status of females? She would blow her cover, as they had said on one police show he had watched.
Apparently she read his mind. “I will find a way, Nicholas."
He stopped pacing, took her hand and drew her up to face him. The fresh, sweet smell of her body filled his nostrils and desire hit him like a fist to the gut. As if his hands had a life of their own, they reached to cup her face as his lips sought hers. While his mind tried to remember his vows, his heart and body argued they wanted something quite different. He would be loving both women at the same time, and that would absolve him—temporarily. When Julie's soft mouth offered no resistance, he abandoned his scruples altogether and deepened the kiss.
Her arms wound around his neck while she twined her tongue with his, her body arching against him. Time screeched to a stop and his problems faded away with Julie in his arms. Holding Julie was all he desired right now. His hands slid down her back until they reached her rounded bottom, something he had been thinking about for days. He pulled her softness against that part of him that ached for her touch. Never had he experienced such a longing to make a woman his. But he had done that before, the first time he made love to Julianne. And he had vowed then to be faithful to her forever. This might be her body, but the woman he kissed just now was definitely not Julianne.
That stopped him. Julianne was already his. Julie was not. After which one did he pant like a dog in heat? The answer shamed him.
Gently disengaging her arms, he stepped back. “I am sorry, my lady. I have not the right to use you thusly.” Julie's mouth dropped open as he moved past her, yanked open the door, and strode out. With his back against the closed door, he sighed. He had averted a very real danger, he thought ruefully, as he stomped down the stairs. How long would his honor hold his desire in abeyance? Not long enough, he feared.
The sound of horses and men milling about in the lower bailey woke Julie from a sound sleep. As had been his practice during the last two weeks, Nicholas had long since departed and his side of the bed was cold and empty. She buried her face in his pillow where his head had lain, inhaling his familiar scent of leather, soap and just plain male. She wished he would stop rising before she awakened and rushing off, not to be seen again until dinner. Although it was obvious he wanted her, he hadn't touched her since the day they'd discussed Miles’ treatment of Eleanor.
It was so unfair to have finally found her knight in shining armor only to discover he wasn't really hers. She pounded the pillow with her fist. “Damn! Damn! Damn!"
Well, she wouldn't humiliate herself and beg him to make love to her. In fact, the next time he tried one of his little kiss and run bits, she'd play a lot harder to get. She'd be the one pulling back, stalking off.
The noises outside intensified. Mystified, she slid from the bed and hurried to the window. Their room was high enough in one of the castle's turrets so she could see over the wall separating the two baileys. In the lower one, grooms led horses off to the stables. Strange men-at-arms strolled slowly toward the barracks above the stables, laughing and jesting as they went. Two figures separated themselves from the others and walked through the gateway and across the upper bailey to the central keep. Nicholas and Miles were trailed by several knights Julie didn't recognize. They seemed deep in conversation with one another. As they passed from sight, Julie hurried to dress. She wouldn't miss the showdown between these two for anything.
She chose an emerald green velvet gown, knowing the color complimented her fairness. Gwyneth arrived and dressed her hair to Julie's constant admonitions to hurry.
"Have you something special to do this morning, Lady Julianne?” Gwyneth asked, piling Julie's hair high on her head and securing it with pins and a lightweight, pale green veil.
"Not exactly. But there's always so much to do around here.” And that was the truth as far as it went. Many things she'd taken for granted in her own time were either non-existent, or the result of much hard work.
With a smile, she left Gwyneth to tidy the room and ran lightly down the stairs to the great hall. Nicholas and Miles stood talking behind the lord's table. Nicholas's scowl told her the conversation was not to his liking. Eleanor hovered in the background, her anxious expression confirming Julie's suspicions.
As she arrived, Nicholas was saying, “So, all you bought in London were many wagon loads of supplies?"
Miles nodded, but his mouth twisted in a nasty smile. “As I said, I needed many things."
"And you purchased no, shall we say luxuries?” Nicholas's own lips curved grimly.
Miles looked smug. “Ah, that will be my secret for now. Your see, it is a surprise for you, my friend."
Nicholas arched an eyebrow and gave his brother-in-law an arrogant stare. “I have never been fond of surprises.” But he didn't bother asking what Miles had purchased since he already knew all too well what surprise Miles intended.
After seating Julie, Nicholas turned his attention to his sister, pretending to ignore Miles’ black scowl. “My dear Eleanor, you are looking lovely today."
Eleanor straightened her back and gave a stiff little smile. “Thank you, Nicholas."
Lady Beatrix motioned to Maude to bring the food to break their fast. Nicholas helped Eleanor with her chair, then sat in his high-backed master's chair in the center of the long table.
"Aren't you going to confront him about the way he treats Eleanor?” Julie whispered in Nicholas's ear as soon as he was seated beside her.
"Aye, but not yet. Just thinking about my plans for that blackguard makes my gut rumble in anticipation,” he murmured.
"And what is that?” Would he challenge Miles to a fight to the death? She shivered. What a ghastly thought. She would never want Nicholas to risk his life like that.
"It has to do with death, remember?” Nicholas's smile wasn't a pleasant one.
Before she could comment, Maude sidled up next to Nicholas and, as usual, rubbed her hip against his shoulder as she set down a pitcher of ale.
He gave her an impatient shove. “Be off with you, wench. Go elsewhere to peddle your wares."
Julie, who had just begun to frown at the voluptuous serving maid, turned her scowl on Nicholas. “Don't push her like that. She could fall and hurt herself."
This time Nicholas really grinned. “What think you all that padding on her backside is for?” He laughed at his own joke and poured them each cups of ale.
Julie shook her head. No matter the century, men had a juvenile sense of humor.
She took a bite of bread and cheese. She'd have to substitute something with fewer carbs and less fat before long or her own hips would take on unpleasant proportions.
Then Julie noticed the man who had frightened Eleanor whispering in his master's ear.
Eleanor shrank away as Miles turned to her and roared, “Call me a monster, will you?” He raised his hand to cuff her.
Before it reached its target, Nicholas sprang up and caught Miles’ wrist. “Learn to control your vile temper,” Nicholas snarled. “You will not strike my sister under any circumstance.” He yanked Miles’ arm down. “Or you will answer to me."
Miles wrenched his arm from Nicholas's grasp. “I think soon you will answer to me,” he muttered, rubbing his wrist. Julie watched Nicholas's eyes narrow, fists clench and unclench. Clearly, he wanted to let them fly.
"Is that a threat?” Nicholas's voice had grown so hard, Julie scarcely recognized it. This was the warrior lord, ready to defend his home and people.
Although his back was to her, she saw the controlled tension ripple the muscles beneath his tunic. Under no circumstances would she want to face this man in battle. If Miles did, he was a fool.
Miles shrugged. “You may interpret it any way you wish."
"Then you are my enemy, not my friend. I want you out of my keep within the hour."
Eleanor gasped. “Nicholas, I beg you..."
"You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish, Sister. However, I will no longer extend my hospitality to your husband."
Miles grabbed Eleanor's arm and yanked her to her feet. “You will accompany me, my lady. Go and get my sons. We leave within the hour."
"Nay!” Eleanor tried to pull away, but Miles tightened his grip until she cried out, then gave her a push in the direction of the stairs.
"Do something!” Julie hissed at Nicholas as Eleanor walked across the room, head high.
His expression was implacable. “She is his. I can do nothing to stop him claiming her."
Outraged, Julie suggested, “How about planting your fist in his face?"
A muscle twitched in his clenched jaw. “Would that I could take her from him. But the law states otherwise. I chastise myself for giving her to him in the first place."
"I suppose she's part of his chattel."
His brows drew together in a fierce scowl. “Aye."
Julie sprang from her chair. “Well, if you won't do something about it, I will. Before Nicholas could stop her, she yanked his sword from its scabbard and darted at Miles.
"Eleanor was right to call you monster, for so you are,” she shouted, waving the heavy sword none-too-skillfully in front of her.
Fortunately for Miles, Nicholas took two long steps and wrapped his arms around her.
"Nay, Julianne. Let me do it my way."
She strained to break his tight grasp. How she wanted to take a swing at Miles, maybe slash a disfiguring cut across that smirk.
The Amethyst Amulets Page 15