SeductivePersuasion

by Frances Stockton

  “Milord, come quick,” Sir Brandon Mathews summoned from behind him, bringing Garrick back to the matter at hand.

  He quickened his steps and approached Brandon and the messenger he thought had already left Danford.

  “What is the meaning of your delay, Hayden?” Garrick demanded of his messenger. “You should have been heading for London by now.”

  “I was, milord,” Hayden said. The young man’s subtle shift toward Brandon reminded Garrick to hold his temper. “I have not defied you. My small troop had reached the forest when I spotted another man riding toward us. He is a messenger from the King, milord, and I thought it best to await your reply.”

  “Where is this man?”

  “Right over here,” Brandon replied, pointing to a short, well-dressed man.

  “Come,” Garrick urged the King’s servant and waited for him to approach. “What is your name?”

  “Wadsworth.”

  “You came alone?” Garrick asked.

  “Only for a short distance, milord,” Wadsworth said. “It was important that I reach you as quickly as I could. The others should arrive by morn.”

  “Give me your message,” Garrick said.

  As he accepted Henry’s missive, it occurred to him that he’d become more patient since wedding Aisley. He hadn’t snarled at the King’s messenger and he hadn’t frightened a servant since they’d come out of seclusion. Feeling a bit calmer while thinking of his wife, he broke the King’s seal and read.

  “Bloody hell,” he cursed.

  Aisley’s scent drew his head about and he saw her in the courtyard. She’d been walking, but she suddenly tossed a small bag to a servant and ran toward him.

  “Garrick, what’s happened?” she asked.

  “Remain calm,” Garrick soothed.

  “Tell me,” she demanded, clenching her fists.

  “I’ve received a message from Henry saying that a group of women claiming to be from Wolcott were found in the woods between Colton’s estate and the village of Welford.”

  Garrick watched Aisley brace her spine. “What were they doing there?” she asked.

  He stifled a roar with a sigh. “They have confessed to crafting a spell to ward off a pack of wolves hunting in the woods. A few people in Wolcott have been bitten and they claimed my brother was worried enough to have them chased from his land. Soon after, several of Baron Welford’s hounds were killed and Colton felt responsible, so he later sent the women to craft a spell of protection over Welford. Unfortunately, long before this incident with the wolves and witches, Welford and Wolcott have been adversaries and it seems that this is all a ruse created by Baron Welford. I find that strange. Baron Welford has little interaction with his people or land. He’s a recluse.”

  “Oh, nay, tell me neither Colton nor Jillian have been accused of such ugliness!”

  Needing to calm her, Garrick brought Aisley to him. “I wish I could tell you all is right in Wolcott, little one. I cannot. Upon a priest’s insistence, Wolcott’s abbot went to speak privately with Colton regarding the matter. The abbot grew alarmed and called for the Church to conduct an investigation of Baron and Baroness Wolcott.”

  Not wishing to speak the rest aloud, he turned his face toward Aisley’s ear. The abbot found Colton and Jillian together, biting as we would be when mating.

  What does that mean?

  My brother and his mate are being accused of giving witchcraft and wolves free reign in Wolcott because they are evil. It is believed that they are responsible for summoning the wolves by behaving like animals. I am needed in London, where they have been taken for trial. They could be tried for heresy.

  Aloud, Aisley gasped. “What should we do, Garrick? Let me come with you to London.”

  “You will remain in Danford while I see to my brother.”

  “What if the message is in error? Or if this is some ruse Zotikos created to seek his revenge against us?”

  “Whether it’s a ruse or not, I must act upon the missive. Henry would not summon me without merit,” Garrick answered, wishing the message was false. He recognized the King’s seal as authentic.

  “This is terrible,” Aisley breathed out and he tried to comfort her by squeezing her shoulders. “I’m so frightened for them.”

  “As am I, little one. Let us not increase our worries more than necessary.”

  “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “Nay,” he said.

  “Why do you lie to me, Garrick?”

  Wishing to protect her, he snagged a lock of her red hair. Fascinated, he watched as the red, tawny and brown hues sifted through his fingers. “I love you, Aisley. I’m trying to ease your worry.”

  “Then tell me everything. If you don’t, I vow I shall follow after you and learn of it on my own.”

  “You’ll do nothing of the kind!” Garrick saw her wince and realized he’d pulled her hair. Loosening his grip, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, my love. I cannot leave if I think you might be so foolish as to follow. Remain here where I know you are safe.”

  “I shall if you tell me what else was in the missive.”

  With his free hand, he smoothed his chin. Again, fearing others might misconstrue his answer, he looked into Aisley’s eyes. Abbot Billings was not alone when he came upon Colton and Jillian. Wolcott’s new physician went with him. It was Jerold who found them biting and mating like animals and he’s been summoned to London as well.

  “Do you think Jerold is still angry with us?” Aisley asked.

  “I think his pride was wounded when I insisted he consult with you daily and apologize to Andrew and his wife for his reaction to her pregnancy.”

  “His ill feelings toward us could affect your brother,” Aisley said. “If that’s true, then I’m responsible. I should have remained silent about my concerns and dealt with Jerold privately.”

  “Do not think that way.” Garrick touched his hand to her jaw and smoothed his thumb across her freckled cheek. “You were right to speak to me of your misgivings.”

  “I never meant for Jerold to leave Danford.”

  “Jerold made the decision to join Colton in Wolcott. It is my hope he will speak on behalf of my brother, not against him.”

  “It shall be mine as well,” she said, falling silent for a moment.

  When she looked ready to speak, he tightened his fingers on her jaw a fraction and silenced her. “Aisley, do not think or ask if you can come with me. I want you in Danford where I know you’re safe.”

  “Can’t I do something to assist? I already feel helpless.”

  “Watching over the manor in my absence is of great importance.”

  “The staff can tend the manor without me for awhile. I could, hmm—” Unconcerned with being watched, Garrick silenced his mate with a kiss.

  As they parted, he whispered, “You are the keeper of my heart, Aisley Forrester, I have faith in your ability to watch over Angelica and keep Danford working as it should.”

  “Then I shall do all I can to help you.” Her agreement given, Garrick hugged her tight.

  “Lord Danford, I do not wish to disturb you.” Brandon spoke from their left. “The men are assembled. We should leave at once.”

  Including Aisley in the conversation, Garrick said, “Have you selected the guards you wish to take with you to Somerton?”

  “Aye, they are ready.”

  “Very good, Sir Brandon, you may take your men and depart,” Garrick instructed. Sir Brandon bowed, acknowledging Aisley as he did so, and marched toward his palfrey.

  “Promise that you will tell Jillian and Colton my prayers will be with them?”

  Aware that she visited the chapel regularly, Garrick held her for as long as he dared. “Your prayers will be welcomed, as will mine. Regardless of what Jerold and an abbot may believe, we know Colton and his wife are dutiful to the Church. The truth of that will be told.”

  “I shall go to the chapel and pray for all of you,” Aisley insisted, attempting a smile, whic
h lightened Garrick’s heart. “Please be careful, Garrick.”

  “I have much to return for, little one. I shall do what I must and come to you as soon as I can,” he said.

  Aisley lifted to the tips of her toes and kissed him quick. “Go, before I beg you to stay.”

  With one last deep, thorough kiss, Garrick drew in his mate’s taste and savored it for as long as he dared before a horse whinnied, reminding him that he needed to leave.

  “I love you,” he said.

  She whispered the same. Hesitant as he turned away, he caught sight of Valiant holding the reins of his horse.

  Garrick walked toward them and a resulting chill had him fastening his cloak more securely. He didn’t want to leave Aisley, but he could not let his brother face a trial or the machinations of Zotikos. Each footstep toward the destrier warned his worry was justified.

  “Are you certain I shouldn’t join you, milord?” Valiant asked. “I’ve learned much since my arrival.”

  “You have, Valiant. It is my wish that you protect my wife and daughter. I trust you to guard them well.”

  “I will,” the boy promised, pulling back.

  Garrick climbed into the saddle, reining the destrier about to face Aisley. Bravery and love shone from her big brown eyes. “I will miss you, Lady Danford, stay safe,” he said, loud enough that any could hear and know his sincerity.

  “You, as well,” she returned, holding herself tall and proud as he spurred his horse toward the dozen men who would accompany him to London.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Aisley watched Garrick until he was out of sight. As much she wished he’d return, she knew his brother needed him. She had to trust that her husband would take care of Colton and return when he was able. In the meantime there was work to be done before she could retire for the rest of the evening.

  “Aisley, is there anything you need?” Valiant asked.

  “Nay, Valiant. I’ll be all right.” Straightening her shoulders, she faced the squire. “Do you know what the King’s summons was about?”

  “A bit of it,” he said.

  “So you know Colton and Jillian have been accused of allowing witchcraft in Wolcott and summoning wolves to prey upon Welford? The missive claims that wolves have been attacking people in the town neighboring Wolcott.”

  “Bloody hell, I knew of the witchcraft, not the rest.”

  “Now is not the time to curse. We must be vigilant and pray that the Lord will protect them.”

  “It is the Church leaders who will make Lord Danford’s brother and sister-by-the-law stand trial. If I could speak on their behalf or send for my father, I would.”

  “Is it possible to send word to Sir Lucien?”

  “Nay, it is not.” Valiant’s shoulders lowered, an unusual gesture for such a strong young man. “My father and mother left sennights ago. It is likely they’ve just arrived at home.”

  “They live that far from England?” she asked.

  Valiant nodded, frowning as he said, “It is a shame that Englishmen seek to explain death and war by blaming wolves and ancient practices that they don’t understand. That is why they fear witchcraft and tales of werewolves.”

  “They fear wolves because they can kill a man if they want to. I was attacked by a pack of them, Valiant. They’d have killed me if Garrick and your father hadn’t come.”

  “For that, I’m grateful. You’ve been nothing but kind to me since I arrived and I will honor Lord Danford by guarding you. Whatever you ask, I will do.”

  “It is my intention to fight evil with prayer. I’ll go to the chapel. While I’m there, send the staff back to their duties or beds. It is long before sunrise. I suspect the morrow will prove difficult.”

  “As you bid, milady,” Valiant agreed.

  Aisley watched momentarily as the squire walked away. Taking courage in her decision to seek the manor’s chapel, she hustled to find solace. As she walked, she heard Valiant issuing orders and was relieved that no one questioned them. Danford would remain safe, regardless of Garrick’s absence, and that gave Aisley some peace of mind.

  At times it seemed incredible to know that not very long ago few really knew the Earl of Danford or believed him to be an honorable man. Much had changed since they’d wed. He had promised his tenants that he would remain in Danford for longer periods of time, leaving only when required by the King or to aid his friends and family. He overcame the fears and doubts of the villagers by permitting Aisley to continue her healing, often aiding her in collecting herbs and making potions. He’d even delivered cough medicine to the Jones’ whenever it was necessary. Aye, he was no longer feared. He was seen as a fair and just lord.

  Lost in memory, Aisley ducked inside the arched doorway of the chapel and felt a sense of calm. This was where she’d married Garrick. Where she’d found her place and purpose, which was to love and support the Earl of Danford and protect the secrets of Abcynian kind.

  It was quiet as she walked down the aisle, she realized, looking anxiously about. The priest was either sleeping or tending other duties, so she made her way to the front and knelt to the floor.

  As her prayers lifted heavenward, she thought she heard shouts in the distance. Since her conversion, her hearing had grown more sensitive, and on a clear day, she could hear the villagers and farmers working their trades. At first, it had been difficult to decipher the muffled voices and drown out the tillers, hammers and the sounds of everyday life in a village, but right now she believed the shouts spoke of trouble for the villagers.

  Feeling a sense of urgency, she stood and ran from the chapel. Outside, the manor had returned to normalcy. Valiant was speaking to a guardsman and she hurried toward him.

  “You may go,” Aisley told the guard. The man inclined his head and moved away. “Valiant, I hear shouts from the village.”

  Valiant instinctively turned his face toward the village and scented the air. “We should take some men and check on the village.”

  “That is what I’d hoped you’d say.”

  Together, she and Valiant called for assistance. As it was customary for the lady of the manor to defend her husband’s estate during his absence, three guards rushed to follow her commands. Soon, palfreys were saddled for her and Valiant and the guards flanked them as they headed for the village.

  At the common, Aisley wasn’t surprised to find many villagers rushing from their dwellings. Andrew knelt on the ground, holding a stranger in his arms.

  “Andrew, what happened?” Aisley called out, vaulting from her horse’s back and rushing to her longtime friend.

  “This man came from the woods not long ago and cried for help. His head is bleeding.”

  Aisley dropped to her knees beside Andrew and inspected the stranger’s condition. His head was covered in dried and crusted blood, some still damp as it rained down his face. The man’s eyes were open, but the uneven size of his pupils alarmed her. His mouth opened and closed, as if he was trying to speak.

  “How did you know to come, milady?” Andrew asked before Aisley could touch the stranger’s head. “I was about to send someone for you.”

  “It matters not. Valiant, will you help us?”

  Valiant was there in an instant and lifted the man into his arms, unassisted.

  “Isn’t he heavy?” Andrew questioned as Valiant strolled away. “He’s wearing plate armor.”

  “Not so much, he’s missing his helm,” Valiant responded. “Armor is not as heavy as you’d think.”

  “The man is rather large.”

  “Andrew, Valiant is strong enough. Worry not.”

  Quickly, Aisley led the way to her cottage and opened the door for Valiant. He’d lowered the man into a cot and straightened. Before proceeding to the cot, she had the forethought to locate two candles and lit each, placing them near the bed.

  “What can I do?” Valiant asked.

  “You can assist in washing his face. Cool water might help.”

  “I’m at your service, mi
lady.”

  “You’re gracious, Valiant, but you needn’t speak to me so. The same for you, Andrew,” she bid, knowing he had entered the cottage. “While I prepare what I need, remove his armor.”

  Andrew and Valiant moved to do as she asked, leaving Aisley time to rummage through her supplies. Before trying any specific treatment, she wanted to check the man’s injury and see what should be done. On that thought, she set pieces of cloth aside and found a bucket.

  “I’ll return with some water shortly,” she told the men and headed outside.

  The common remained crowded with villagers, but she did not slow to speak to any in particular. Howard Jones stepped forward from the crowd and assisted her once she reached the well. He’d offered to carry the bucket for her, but she declined and thanked him for his aid.

  When she’d returned to the cottage, Valiant and Andrew had removed most of the knight’s armor. As she neared the cot with supplies in hand, she found one of the men had covered the stranger to his elbows.

  “How is he?” she asked, studying the knight’s face. She’d little doubt as to the man’s rank. His armor suggested a man of some stature and significance. Her inclination was to think that the man was a knight-errant.

  “He’s trying to speak, milady. He may respond to the sound of your voice.”

  “Lord Danford,” the stranger uttered.

  Aisley soothed his brow with one hand, motioning for Valiant to wet the strips of cloth with the other. “Aye, you’re in Danford. Can you tell us your name?”

  “Witlock…James…Witlock.”

  “Good, you can understand us,” Aisley praised, trying to encourage James to remain alert. “Are you knighted?” she asked while pressing a cloth to his brow and wiping away the blood and sweat.

  “Aye,” he said. “I serve His Majesty.”

  Aisley frowned and soothed his brow. “Sir James, I am Lady Danford, what happened to you?”

  “I was to deliver a message to Lord Danford, but was waylaid by bandits and taken to Fernley.”

  “You’ve come from Fernley?”

  James nodded ever so gingerly. “I was there for five days. I left as soon as I was able.”