“Forced?”
“I’d already wed another when my father forced me to marry Lord Devlin. I went along with it for fear of his retribution.”
“Did you not tell him you were married?”
“Nay, Sire, I had to marry Lord Devlin to escape my father.”
“I shall call you Julie. Now come, sit with me.” John patted the chair beside his. “I don’t want formalities between us. Your lady may go sit.” John pointed to a chair by a wall.
“All’s well, Tess. You can leave me.” Julianna sat next to him, suddenly feeling unafraid.
“Now, tell me what transpired betwixt you and your father.”
“Sire, he’s not my father, and had no right to make the betrothal. I’ve known the truth, but was afeard to face my true father. I don’t believe he knows of my existence.”
“Byron is not your father? Julie, know you what this means?” The king slapped his knee.
“Nay, Sire, what?”
“The properties he holds were entailed to you upon Joanna’s death. Somehow she had her father proclaim you heir. She was a clever woman. They shall be removed from his care posthaste.”
“I didn’t know about that. I don’t want properties. I want to return to …” Her voice trailed off, not wanting to sound dissonant.
“What, child?”
“I’m sorry I married without your permission, Sire, but I care for my husband. He’s a laird, and I’m expecting his baby. I wanted to face you alone, you see, I, ah … there’s more.”
“You married a laird? You’re to have a babe? Excellent, I couldn’t be prouder than if you were mine own. Now about the property—”
She dared to interrupt, “But ye see, I am your own. You are my t-true father.”
“’Tis impossible that I’m your father.”
“B-but my mother left letters, which conveyed her relation with you when you hid at her father’s manor. She wrote that she met you and had a friendship. She all but implied that you were my father.” She glanced to see his expression.
John’s eyes lowered. “I’m taken aback. We did have a friendship and I loved her. I was her good friend, but she loved another. They had a liaison before she married. Gerard wanted to marry her, but he was betrothed to another. I recall him being upset that he couldn’t break it lest he lose his inheritance.”
“She said she didn’t want to trouble ye, and that you had enough to take care of, what with getting your kingdom back.”
“Oh, dear, if only I had known. It was Gerard she loved. I wonder why she implied it was I whom she was with?”
“You’re not my father?” She was relieved at hearing that.
“Nay, Gerard Acton of Surrey was. He would have been proud to be your father—because he cared much for your mother. He worshipped her.”
“Would have?”
“He died in the Albegensian crusade, and was a good man. Now that I look at ye, you do have his looks. Your mother was so in love with him, and it did my heart good to see them together. When they were forced to wed others, I knew it wasn’t meant to be. I should tell you all.” The king cleared his throat and took her hand. “My father, King Henry, had a mistress … Lady Muriel, your grandmother. Lady Muriel, on her deathbed, told your mother that she was Henry’s child. None of my brothers knew about Joanna because your mother didn’t want anyone to know. We kept it secret. Joanna was my sister.”
“You’re my uncle?” she asked astounded.
“It made me feel special that only I knew of her existence. My brother’s didn’t deserve her, the lechers.”
“Did my grandfather resent my mother for being a … bastard?”
“Oh nay, Rowland knew Muriel wouldn’t deny my father. He was happy about your mother’s birth. He knew she was Henry’s child, yet it didn’t matter. Rowland and Muriel didn’t have any other children besides Joanna. When Muriel died, Rowland remarried, and sired Mathilda. She and Joanna were close.”
“My grandfather must have been a noble man, not to hold it against her.”
“He was honorable. Rowland loved Muriel. My father would have been wrathful had she negated him—Rowland knew that.”
Julianna saddened. Now she’d never know her true father. “Sire, about my mother … ” She took a deep breath. “I believe Lord Bentley killed her.”
“Have you proof? I’ve always suspected he might have.”
“I don’t have proof, but she was frightened coming to your wedding. She felt he would harm her, maybe even kill her. She told me to escape him, to hide.”
“That’s no reason to believe he killed her,” he said.
“She was killed in your castle, in her own room—a room which only he had access to. I don’t recall that night because I was rather young.”
“He wasn’t in the room. Bentley said that you were frightened of the storm. I recall it like it was yesterday. My own page saw him outside your chamber.”
“Sire, he never came during storms, only my mother would console me.” Julianna sat forward in her chair. “He has never been caring. I’ve been fortunate to have been away at a convent. When I was home, he punished me. I didn’t understand why, until I found Mama’s letters.”
“May I read them?” the king asked.
“As you please. I’ll have the chancellor bring them to you.”
“I want you to call me uncle. I’ll introduce you to my wife, Isabella.”
“I’ve always been afeard to face ye. My mother thought you would take Lord Bentley’s side since he gave you service. When you threatened the KirkConnells, I …”
“Julie, forgive me, I didn’t send the knights. I thought to use intimidation to get you to come because I wanted to see how Joanna’s daughter fared. You’ve no need to fear me. I truly did love your mother. She stuck by me during difficult times.” John sat forward, placing his palms on his knees. “Now about Byron, he gave service many times, and I oft thought it was generous, since he wasn’t sought to. I believe he tried to appease me in hopes that if he was ever found out, I’d be more lenient.”
“Will you?”
King John frowned. “If he killed Joanna, he’ll not get leniency. I’ll read your mother’s letters and decide.”
“He believes I married Lord Devlin, and that I’ll return to him. He told me that he would see me back with him. I got the feeling that he would harm Lord Devlin.”
“Everything is coming to light. I will deal with Byron. As to your husband, what of him?”
Julianna’s eyes lowered. “I doubt he’ll come. I don’t believe he cares for me and I … I did leave him a missive.”
“Where was he when you left?”
“Off making war with the McFies, confronting your knights, and trying to find my father. I don’t believe Colin will come. Might I stay until I figure out where I shall go?”
“I would love to spend time with you. Don’t be too sure that he won’t come. I know if I married you, I’d follow. Your Scotsman will show eventually.” John grinned. “We must decide what to do with your lands. Your grandfather was a noble baron. Will your husband be wanting to stay in England?”
“Oh, nay, Sire, he wouldn’t. I would gladly give up the lands if only he would …”
“You’d give up your mother’s fortune? You must love him greatly to abdicate your inheritance.”
“I’d give up everything for him. I’m sorry if that displeases you.”
John smiled. “I find your loyalty to your husband admirable. Who is this man who has won your heart?”
“Laird Colin MacKinnon,” Julianna replied.
“You’ve done well, Julie.”
She smiled shyly, then grasped his sleeve. “I’m concerned about Laila.”
“Who is Laila?”
“My mother had another daughter. Bentley sent her somewhere and I must find her. I believe she may be in danger.” Julianna saw Hubert signal the king.
“I will have Hubert send men to inquire her whereabouts. We’ll find her.”
“What happened? What is your fate?”
“I’m not Lord Bentley’s daughter, my father was Gerard Action, but he died. I’m the king’s niece, and my mother was his sister. I believe Lord Bentley murdered my mother and the king promised to look into it.”
“You’re the king’s niece? Laird MacKinnon will be shocked,” Tess said with wide-eyes.
“Colin won’t come, so he will never find out. If you wish to leave, you can do so. I’m no longer in danger.”
“Nay, Julianna, I must stay with ye. You’re not going to tell Colin about the bairn, are you?”
“He won’t care, I tell you. I will send him a letter. Will you take it to him?”
“A letter? I tell ye, Julianna, that he will care and he will come … eventually.”
Julianna sobbed into her pillow. Her heart tore at her friend’s words, she knew Colin wasn’t about to come to England for her.
“Nay, he never wanted to marry me in the first pace. Colin told me he didn’t intend on marrying. You see, he didn’t want a wife.”
*****
Julianna strolled the garden walkway with King John, admiring the sculptured statues. She’d been there for a week, and was happy to spend time with him. His responsibilities extended beyond London, and he talked about decisions he’d made. He told her he would send her father to the Tower, there to endure, as soon as they located him. She learned that Lord Bentley had left the castle the day of Julianna’s meeting with the king. She didn’t know how she felt about him being placed in the Tower, but she was cheerful knowing he’d not bother her.
The king’s men hadn’t found Lord Devlin and were dispatched again to search the woods, where Julianna directed.
John gazed upon her face. “Joanna has given me a niece to be proud of. You have lived a life of torment for all of Byron’s deeds. I’ve cleared my afternoons so we can spend time together. There is much I want to tell you about your mother.”
“I thank you, Sire, but I’ve decided to return to Aunt Mathilda’s holding. I need to be settled for my baby’s sake.”
“You’re not going to await your husband?”
“He will not come. When you receive word of Laila’s whereabouts, you’ll let me know?”
“Who knows where Byron sent her? We shall keep looking. I’ll have an escort take ye to your aunt’s. I want your safety, now that Byron is on the loose.”
“I’d like that. I’m going to ready for the journey.”
“Promise me, you’ll come if I summon you. I don’t want to wait for months like this time.”
“I shall come, but I will be unable to travel for a long while.”
Who would have thought he would be kind? Of course, she only had to deal with him as her uncle, and she knew he didn’t deal well with those who sought him on business matters. Julianna went to her chamber, and found Tess sitting in a chair by the fire.
“Tess, we’re leaving on the morrow, and will travel to my aunt’s.”
“What about Laird MacKinnon? What if he comes?”
“I’ll not think of him now. I must get ready.”
“I think you’re making a big mistake.”
Julianna tried not to think about Colin as she prepared to leave. After a light fare, enjoying her uncle’s company, she retired to her chamber and went to bed early. She’d have to travel early and needed rest. Her sleep became restless, and she felt someone touch her face. When she awoke, she didn’t find anyone there.
She rubbed her eyes and looked about the darkened room. Taking her robe, she rose and found herself walking the corridor. Memories of that awful night came to her. The gilded-framed portraits still stared at her, but she wouldn’t be afraid. There was no storm this night to scare her. She stopped at a door, and felt small looking at it. Turning the handle, she pushed it open. The room was empty.
Crossing the sitting area, she made her way to the archway where she’d stood so many years before. A flash of a memory of where she’d last seen her mother came to her. She blinked, envisioning her mother beside the hearth. An eerie feeling washed over her, and the hairs on her arms prickled. She curled on the bed, and thought of her mama.
“Mama, I’m sorry I couldn’t help ye. I know he killed you. How you must have suffered.”
“She did suffer.”
Julianna opened her eyes to find Bentley standing by the bedside. He grabbed her arms, and she tried to pull away. “You killed her?”
“I killed her for being lying bitch,” he said, throwing his leg over her lower body.
“She was my mother,” Julianna cried.
“She deserved it. The harlot had an affair, and ye were the result. I felt pleasure in killing her.”
“Please, I’ve done nothing to you.”
“You both thwarted my plans. All I wanted was the lands. You didn’t do as I wanted, and for that you’ll pay.”
“I don’t want the lands, I swear.” Julianna felt around her dressing gown for her dagger, but for once she didn’t have it. Now, she would pay with her life for not keeping her promise to Sara.
“Too late for regrets.” He pulled out a dagger of his own with his right hand, and held it above her. Byron pushed the blade toward her chest, but she struggled against him.
He leaned over her, and her legs positioned between his knees. She shoved her knee at his groin. His dagger hit her left arm when he fell forward. Julianna cried out at the pain, but shoved him off her and ran. She didn’t get far when he knocked her down, pulling her body back. Fear made her scream mute. He forced her back to the bed. Looking beyond him, she saw a candelabra rise behind him, and it struck his head.
He yelled, and a thin stream of blood ran down the side of his face. Byron bent to tie her hands, when a portrait hanging on the wall, suddenly fell and knocked him backward.
Julianna pulled the loosely tied belt from her hands. She went to Lord Bentley and kicked him as hard as she could. Then she ran like hell. She pulled the door open wide, and saw him run to the window. She ran swiftly until she reached the top of the stairs, and screamed for help. Guardsmen came running from all directions. She told them Bentley had tried to kill her.
Chapter Forty-One
Colin stood in King John’s throne room. Never in his life, had he thought he’d be in the King of England’s presence. Alas, he was about to meet the man himself. He hoped the king would let him see Jules. It had taken him forever to get there. After awaiting Steven and his allies, he was delayed by harsh weather, and his men had taken ill. Colin wouldn’t leave until he at least spoke to her. She would be angry by now, and he didn’t know what he’d say.
A door opened. Colin paced the gleaming floor. He couldn’t let the king see him so tense, and tried to relax his stance. The king entered, his footpads barely making a sound. He looked formidable wearing rich clothing, but if they went hand-to-hand combat, Colin could easily take him.
Colin stood alone, braced his legs, waiting.
“You’re Colin MacKinnon?”
King John eyed him, making him sweat because of his scrutiny.
“Aye, Your Highness, Laird Colin MacKinnon.”
“Before we get to business, should you not pay homage?”
Colin swallowed, then cursed under his breath, bugair! He knew he’d have to do this, but his gut still tightened. He didn’t want to pay homage to a king that caused his people much grief, but there was no other way he’d be allowed to see Jules.
He knelt on his knee, placing his hand over his heart. “I pledge before all men, my loyalty to you, King John.”
The king smiled. Colin’s gut coiled.
“Now that we have that formality completed, what business do you have?”
“My wife is at court, and
I wish to see her,” Colin said evenly.
“What took ye so long? I’ve been waiting patiently for you to come.”
Had Colin heard accurately? “Aye, Sire, I was delayed.”
“You are rather tardy. Mayhap too late? I don’t believe she wishes to see ye.”
“I’m her husband. Surely you have no wish to keep her from me.”
The king frowned sternly. “She doesn’t believe you care for her, and doesn’t feel loved.”
“I do care for her, a great deal as a matter of a fact. I need to reassure her that her clan needs her.”
“I know you need her, son, and you will need to convince her of that.”
“I will as soon as I see her. Where is she?”
“She has many properties left to her by her mother. You’ll rest before I tell you where she went. You won’t kill yourself riding hell-bent to her. I cannot have that.” The king called Hubert forward. “Have the Scot taken to a chamber.”
Colin was shown to a room, and soon after, he went to the gate to let his brothers know what happened. He returned to his chamber, and lay on the bed. His body tensed, but he did need rest. He fell asleep envisioning her smile—the smile she’d worn at their wedding.
The next morning, pacing on the extravagant carpet under his feet, he waited anxiously for the king’s summons. He opened his door and saw a page standing against the wall.
“You there, tell the Chancellor I want to see him now.”
The page ran off, and Colin slammed the door. He was getting more agitated by the minute, but another hour passed before Hubert finally came. He told Colin the king had business to attend to, and would call for him later.
“I’ll be with my men.”
Outside the castle gates, Colin sat with his brothers for the remainder of the day. Night came, and still the king hadn’t called him. He spent another night in the castle. This night wasn’t as comforting as the last. He dreamt that he couldn’t find her, awoke from the dream, and didn’t sleep the remainder of the night. When morning came, he became more turbulent. He wanted to rip the damn door off its hinges, find the blasted king, and demand to know where his wife was. He opened the door to do just that, bumping into Hubert.
Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Page 27