Sophia shared a long look with her sister then gave her a smile. “We will do this together, Ilisa. Already we’ve survived so much.” She gave her sister a hug, holding her tight, memories of when they were young flitting through her mind. Time passed so quickly. “I love you,” she said past the lump in her throat.
“I love you, as well.” Ilisa drew back to look into her eyes. “Together then?”
“Aye. Together.” Sophia hugged her once more, wishing she’d had a little more time with the prioress to discuss the other knight on her mind. She wasn’t ready to share her feelings for him with her sister.
~*~
Garrick, Braden, and Chanse walked to the Priory of St. Mary on Coldwater just north of the city. Though Garrick had visited it before with Sophia, he hadn’t seen anything more than the gardens. This morn, he hoped to see the rest of the nunnery as well as speak with the prioress.
“Are you certain this visit will be worth our time?” Braden asked.
“The prioress could be a wealth of information,” Chanse offered.
“Or she could be squarely on our side. After all, the king made camp near here while he laid siege to Berwick,” Braden argued.
“Then she won’t mind speaking to us for a time, will she?” Garrick countered. “She may know more than anyone has given her credit for.” His task was to gather as much information as possible so speaking with the prioress was a logical step. Especially since they’d had little luck uncovering anything of interest thus far.
Something needed to change, but he had no idea what. He hadn’t realized how difficult this mission would be. Or perhaps he didn’t have the necessary skills for it since his second sight had been of no use. Without that, he had nothing more than the natural reasoning of any ordinary man. He swallowed hard at the thought, for that was not good enough. Not for a de Bremont. And not for the people of Berwick.
“What if she leans toward the Scots side?” Braden asked.
“She’ll tell us nothing, and we’ll be on our way. I don’t think we have much to lose.” He didn’t care to share how concerned he was with his lack of results thus far. Not until he had no other choice.
He turned his attention to the layout of the nunnery—anything to shift his thoughts from possible failure at his first real quest.
The cloister consisted of a small chapel at the east end, the chapter house, a refectory, kitchen, a small stable, and a church, which dominated the other buildings.
“This is of significant size for a prioress and twenty-one sisters,” Chanse said as he studied the area.
“They probably have a few servants as well to help them care for it,” Braden added.
They’d chosen to walk from the city this morn so as to draw less attention. Though the way three sisters in their black habits who stood outside the gate paused to stare, Garrick wasn’t certain they’d accomplished their mission.
Chanse gave a little wave to one of them whose face flushed. She immediately turned and hurried inside, probably to announce their arrival.
They continued through the open gate of the cloister and paused in the courtyard.
“I can’t say as I’m familiar with nunneries. I’m not certain where we’ll find her.” Garrick looked around for someone who might aid them.
A sister approached to greet them and offered to show them to the chapter house. She bid them to wait while she informed the prioress of their arrival.
Garrick heard female voices, one of which he recognized. Though he knew he’d see Sophia later when they met with the wool merchant, he was pleased when she walked into view. He decided against pondering the reason his heartbeat quickened at the sight of her.
Sophia stopped short. “Oh. Sir Garrick.” She almost looked guilty as she stared at him.
Her sister, whom he recognized from his previous visit, halted as well. Her gaze took in him and his cousins briefly before she looked away, seeming uncomfortable in their presence.
“Good morn,” he greeted them.
The pleasure on Sophia’s face touched something inside him. Might she be as pleased to see him as he was to see her?
Prioress Matilda entered the room as well. “Isn’t this a lovely surprise.” She smiled at Garrick and his cousins. “To what do I owe this honor?”
After introductions were made, Garrick said, “We came to offer some wool to the nunnery if you have need of it.” That was the only valid excuse he could think of for being here.
“Donations are always welcome. Many thanks to you.” The prioress glanced between him and Sophia, her brow raised.
Could she so easily tell he was attracted to Sophia? He hoped he wasn’t that obvious but when it came to Sophia, he wasn’t certain of anything.
“Forgive me, but I am going to check on the mare that’s lame,” Ilisa murmured. She avoided looking at him or his cousins and seemed most eager to leave their presence by the way she shifted uneasily.
“Braden might be of assistance,” Garrick offered. When Braden frowned at him as though he’d lost his mind, Garrick raised a brow in return. Surely befriending Sophia’s sister wasn’t asking much. “He has a way with animals.”
Braden cleared his throat and glanced at Ilisa. “I would be pleased to take a look if you like.” His face turned red with his offer.
“Very well.” Ilisa looked anything but pleased. She turned and left without another word.
Braden bid the prioress and Sophia good day then hurried out to catch Ilisa.
“I’ll see if I can lend my assistance as well,” Chanse said then departed. Whether he followed his brother to keep an eye on him or to assist in charming Ilisa, Garrick wasn’t certain.
“I must be going as well,” Sophia said.
“If you’d wait a few moments, I’ll accompany you back to Berwick.” At her nod, he turned to the prioress. “May I have a moment of your time?”
“I’ll wait for you in the garden,” Sophia said with a hesitant glance at the prioress before she departed.
“Join me,” Prioress Matilda bid him then led the way toward a small, sparsely furnished room where she took a seat behind her desk.
He followed her and sat in the chair to which she gestured. Though uncertain if talking to her was wise, he had nothing to lose.
“I understand you’re here to trade wool?” She folded her hands on the desk, watching him with a polite smile.
They visited for a short time, allowing Garrick to gather an impression of the prioress. She seemed an intelligent, forthright person who held a high regard for the city as well as for Sophia. That carried weight in his eyes. Did he dare ask the questions to which he needed answers? Yet not asking would gain him nothing.
“I have heard alarming rumors,” he began. “I wonder if you had heard them as well.”
“Oh?” She didn’t appear overly surprised at his words.
“Some speak of an uprising. One that might restore Scotland’s power.”
“How interesting that an English knight heard such a rumor.” Her gaze held a wisdom that few did. “Is this the sort of thing discussed in taverns these days?”
He only gave a polite smile, waiting to see if she’d share what she knew, for he was now convinced she knew something.
“What else have you learned in the short time you’ve been here?” she asked.
“That the people of Berwick should not be made to suffer any more.”
The light in her blue eyes told him he’d struck a chord. “On that, we agree.”
“Whether trouble brews from an Englishman or a Scotsman makes no difference. It should be stopped.”
“That’s an interesting claim for a man such as you.”
“I am here temporarily, but perhaps that lends me some objectivity. The residents of this city, such as Lady Sophia and her family, deserve peace.”
“They do indeed. Yet I’m not certain that’s possible.”
Garrick nodded, appreciating her honesty. “That is my fear as well. What action could be
taken to save lives is another matter.”
“Forgive me for expressing any doubts as to your abilities, but I’m not certain one knight can solve the issues that plague Scotland.”
“I am not here to solve Scotland’s problems. I only feel compelled to aid Berwick. Regardless of who is causing unrest, I would like to see it halted.”
The prioress studied him for a long moment then sat forward. “I am an excellent judge of character, and you strike me as a man of honor. Are you?”
“I am indeed.”
“And are you willing to hold what I say in confidence?”
“You have my word.”
Still she hesitated, studying him further as though weighing his merits before finally asking, “Have you heard of the Guardians of Scotland?”
“Nay.”
“I’m certain you can guess their purpose.”
“To see Scotland remain under Scottish rule?” At her nod, he asked, “Who are they?”
“You could guess that as well.”
“Would William Fraser be involved?” He’d heard of the man’s political prowess as well as his trip to France to gain an alliance. Rumor told that he had yet to return to Scotland.
“Along with James Stewart. There are more, some part of the Guardians while others have formed their own factions. A few are determined to rid this country of those who don’t agree with them. Don’t underestimate their determination.” She eased back in her chair again, tucking her hands inside the wide sleeves of her black habit. “While I believe it would be best for Scotland to be ruled by a Scottish king, my more immediate concern lies with this city and its people.”
“On that we agree. Who in Berwick supports the Guardians?”
She shook her head. “Difficult to say at this point.”
“Not Sir Gilbert,” Garrick suggested.
“As unlikely as that might be, Sir Gilbert’s motivations are complicated.”
“Similar to his relationship with the Douglas family—Sophia in particular.”
“You have learned much in the short time you’ve been in our city,” she said with a nod of approval. “The Douglas family has become easy to blame for those who are unhappy here.”
“I’ve seen that for myself. The comments Sophia endures on a daily basis are disturbing.”
“Words can be endured. Actions would be more difficult.”
“What are you suggesting?” he asked, hoping she’d trust him enough to tell him if she knew anything.
“I only know from past experience that unhappy people tend to lash out at an easy target. With Sophia’s brother, William, gone and Alec so young...” She shook her head. “I suppose I’m asking you to watch over Sophia and Ilisa both while you’re here.”
“We will do what we can.”
“That is all I can ask.” She rose, signaling their meeting had come to an end. “I hope your time here is successful.”
“My thanks. If you hear anything more, please let me know.”
“I will.”
Garrick left the prioress and went into the courtyard in search of Sophia, his thoughts tumbling as he walked.
The Guardians of Scotland had a difficult path ahead of them. Though Garrick wasn’t in disagreement of their goal of Scottish rule, he could easily guess more innocent lives would be lost in the process. Such things happened in times of war.
The Guardians didn’t immediately concern him. From what little he knew of them, he was certain men such as William Fraser and James Stewart would proceed with caution. It was the other more radical groups who caused him worry. Who were they and what might they do to reach their goal?
Unfortunately, as the prioress had pointed out, Sophia and her family were an easy target. He no longer believed they were causing any problems but someone might choose to hurt them to send a message to others. How strange that he’d gone from suspecting the Douglas family to protecting them in such a short amount of time.
But it was no easier to do one than the other, not without rousing Sophia’s suspicions. The days to come would require that he tread carefully. What that meant was not clear, not when his reasoning was affected by his growing attraction for the lady.
CHAPTER NINE
Sophia tugged her cloak tighter as she and Garrick walked along the road to Berwick. Threatening clouds rolled in, and the wind took on a distinct chill. Garrick’s cousins had remained at the nunnery with Ilisa to assist with the lame horse for a little longer.
Ilisa had seemed quite impressed at Braden’s manner with the nunnery’s animals, including the injured mare. That was saying something as little impressed her any longer, especially if it involved men. Still, her interest had soon waned despite Braden and Chanse’s attempt to charm her.
“You’re very quiet this morn,” Sophia said as they neared the city gate.
Garrick smiled at her, the effortlessness of it surprising her. He gave it so easily. “My apologies, my lady. I suppose I have much on my mind.”
She nodded but said nothing, trying not to take offense that he chose not to impart those thoughts with her. Though they were still strangers, she’d hoped they’d grown closer. She wasn’t certain how to define their relationship. Acquaintance seemed too distant considering the kiss they’d shared. Friends perhaps?
“Sophia?” His deep voice was so quiet, she glanced up to make certain he’d actually said her name. “Have you ever considered leaving Berwick?”
She hesitated, debating whether to tell the truth. With a sigh, she relented. She could hardly expect him to confide anything in her if she wasn’t willing to do the same. “Aye. Especially since the siege. But I have responsibilities here. Besides, where would I go? Berwick is my home, for better or worse. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.”
“Did the prioress say something to you?”
“About what?”
“Me.” She hated to think anyone was feeling sorry for her, even the prioress. “Or my family.”
“Only that she realized how difficult life was for you with your older brother imprisoned.”
She shook her head. “Perhaps, but not compared to many. William may be locked away in some English holding, as is his son, but my family is still alive. Not everyone can say that.”
“I know I am overstepping my bounds, but at the very least I like to think we have become friends.”
She almost smiled that he had come to the same conclusion as she. Instead she nodded, uncertain where he was going with his comment.
“I worry about you.”
Before she could think of how to reply, they reached the gate. The guard greeted her and waved them both through. As soon as they passed the entrance, Garrick took her elbow and guided her down a side street toward the deserted rear of a shop.
He glanced around as though to make certain they were alone. Even though she saw no one about, he leaned close to whisper in her ear. “You must take great care.”
“Why?” Concern filled her at the urgency in his voice, at the intensity of his blue eyes. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing. You already know of the unrest in the city. I’ve heard whispers of it at the tavern and in the market square.”
“Aye, but surely plots involving how to keep Scotland under Scottish rule don’t involve me.”
“That is only one of the plans floating about. The other includes references to your family.”
She closed her eyes, suddenly so tired of the worry that was her constant companion. After a brief moment, she opened them, determined to find the strength that had carried her through these past two years. “Nothing has changed since my brother was taken. No new events have occurred.”
“Not here perhaps.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those rumors of trouble have reached the king’s ears. That means they hold merit. And they’re coming from more than one source.”
“How is it that you know what the King of England has heard?” Why would this knight who claimed t
o be here only to sell wool know such things? Was she allowing her growing attraction for this man to lower her defenses? She nearly shook her head. Of course she was. The true question was whether it was a mistake.
“I am only sharing what I’ve learned with the hope that it aids you,” he said. “From the little I’ve seen and heard since my arrival, it seems as if feelings are intensifying. Your presence here makes you an easy target—someone to blame for past events. I fear for your safety when things are so unsettled.” The warmth of his palm cupped her cheek. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
The sincerity of his tone and his expression reassured her that he had her best interest at heart. She couldn’t help but lean into his hand, into the comfort he offered. His large form sheltered her from the wind and gave her the feeling of safety. Of security. While she knew it was fleeting, she still appreciated it.
When she looked up at him, she saw the change in his eyes. The blue sea color darkened then his gaze dropped to her lips.
Aye, she thought. Please kiss me again.
As though he’d heard her plea, he leaned closer and claimed her mouth. Heat poured through her. She rose on her toes to return the kiss, eager to give as much pleasure as she received.
In this moment, it no longer mattered that this man was an English knight. He was only a man to her. Albeit an attractive, kind, strong one, who worried for her safety and bought ribbons for his mother. The fleeting feeling rushing through her was so unfamiliar, she almost didn’t recognize it.
Joy.
How long had it been since she’d experienced such a sensation?
Though she knew it could not last, she latched onto it all the same, reveling in the wonder of it. After all that had happened, didn’t she have a right to experience a little happiness, however briefly?
Her thoughts fled when his mouth shifted over hers and his tongue demanded entrance. Surprise had her parting her lips, allowing his tongue to swirl against hers. The invasion created a matching swirl in her middle. She felt unbalanced and reached up to place her hands on Garrick’s chest. The solid strength of him made her eager to explore. She moved her hands up to the breadth of those shoulders that seemed wide enough to easily carry any burden.
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