“I will not go back there. He will marry me to a man thrice my age.” Tears filled her eyes.
Royce groaned. Why did women do that? He could not stand to see a woman cry. That was one of the things he loved about Brithwin—she never used tears to control him. Truth was, he had never seen her weep.
A sniffle brought him back to the problem at hand. “You are welcome to stay here as long as you like.”
“’Tis depressing here by myself. Everywhere I look are memories.” Her eyes grew wide with excitement. “I could go with you. Your wife and I are sure to have much in common. ‘Twould be a blessing to have a friend.”
Maybe this was an answer to his problem. If Brithwin stayed occupied with Clarice, perhaps his absence from her would go unnoticed. For Brithwin’s protection, he had resolved to put distance between them.
Brithwin would be a good influence on Clarice, the way she always put others before herself. It was a good match, if the chit didn’t drive Brithwin mad. Women’s ways were a mystery to him. “We leave by dawn’s light. We will not dally, and if you are not ready, we will leave without you.”
“I will be ready and waiting.” She squeezed his arm and danced away.
†††
Lyndle scanned the silent village as he wove his way to the small cottage. Flickering lights shone in a few tenants’ windows, the ones fortunate enough to have the means for candles and torches. Slinking inside the dark hut, he discovered Edmond already there.
“What do you want?” he hissed.
Edmond grinned, a sliver of moonlight casting a cold gleam on his face. “Now, now, let’s not be too impatient.”
Lyndle narrowed his eyes. “Get on with it.”
Edmond pointed to a chair. “Sit. We have much to go over.”
“Don’t be giving me orders.” He didn’t move toward the chair. “Remember who outranks whom.”
Edmond snickered. “That may change. I have had plenty of time to think about this, and ’tis the perfect time to make my move. I have designs on Rosen Craig and I need your help. As you know, it should have been mine to begin with.”
“Nay, I will not help you.” Lyndle’s lips curled in a sneer. “The king will not allow you to be lord of that demesne.”
“I will persuade him.” Edmond leaned back in the chair and gazed at him. “You, however, have no choice in the matter. I would hate to have to share your ugly secret.”
Lyndle glared at Edmond.
“I wouldn’t want it ever to be said I am unfair.” Edmond raised his brows. “To make this tempting for you, I will see to it you acquire Hawkwood and the lovely Brithwin. I had hoped to see her dead, but there is no need as long as Royce believes she is.”
Lyndle gave Edmond a scathing look. “What makes you think I would want her?”
“Don’t act so high and mighty. I know you have had designs on her for, what, two years now? It is amazing what a bird will sing with a little torture.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“What plans do you have for Lord Rosen Craig?”
Edmond met his eyes. “His name is Royce! He doesn’t deserve his title, and he will have to go the way of his family.”
Lyndle’s eyes narrowed under Edmond’s scrutiny. “What do you want from me?”
“I need access to Brithwin so I can steal her from Hawkwood.” Edmond picked at the dirt under his nails.
Lyndle hesitated. “There is a way, but we would need to bring someone else into this.”
“I will not risk this getting back to Royce.”
“Her name is Clarice.” Lyndle lowered himself into the chair. “She traveled to Hawkwood with Royce. Everyone knows she has designs on him. Except for maybe Royce.” And Clarice at times. The woman seemed to be losing her mind, thinking Royce was Bryce.
Leaning forward, Edmond rested his arms on his legs and clasped his hands together. “Why would she help me kill Royce?”
Lyndle rolled his eyes. “You could not tell her that. But if she believes she is getting his wife out of the way, Clarice would do whatever you ask.”
Edmond snorted. “How do I speak with her?”
“I think you will remember Clarice. You could not take your eyes off her the night you told Royce’s family of his unfortunate demise.”
A smile crept across his face. “Ah, the fair wench betrothed to Bryce.”
He nodded. “That is the one. You could send a message to her giving her a little of the information. If she thinks she stands to gain, she will come.”
“When this is through, there will be much I can offer her.”
Lyndle rose. “Do not muddle this, Edmond. I go along with you because I choose to. Royce may not have proof of your guilt—yet—but he already believes you guilty of his family’s murders. If you cross me, I will suddenly remember things and confirm his suspicions.” He strode to the door, opened it, and left.
He could feel Edmond’s eyes on him as he crept out into the darkness and disappeared. He would let the fool believe he went along with things, as long as they were to his benefit. When they no longer were—Edmond was expendable.
†††
Brithwin sat in her garden, gathering herbs. The clopping of hooves grabbed her attention, and she looked up to see Royce ride into the bailey. She dropped the herbs from her hands and rushed out to the courtyard, her heart singing. He was home! Royce scanned the bailey and his eyes stopped on her. A smile spread over his face and he jumped from his horse. She flew into his arms and they wrapped around her like a warm blanket protecting her from the winter’s cold. She laid her head on his chest—and his body became rigid. He stepped back.
Brithwin glanced past him. A woman sitting on a palfrey kept her gaze on Royce. Even with the scowl on her face, she was beautiful. Brithwin looked down at her gown and its usual state of disarray. She forced an uncertain smile to her lips. “’Tis good to have you home, husband.”
The joy and relief in his eyes vanished, and she looked into the eyes of a man still fighting his demons. “’Tis good to be home. I have someone I wish you to meet.” He walked to the beautiful woman, still sitting on her horse, and lifted her down. She smiled brightly, and he returned the smile. “Lady Rosen Craig, this is Clarice Coble. She was Bryce’s betrothed.”
Jealousy ripped through Brithwin. She suddenly felt like she needed to protect what was hers. This was Bryce’s betrothed? She certainly wasn’t looking at Royce like she grieved the loss of his brother. It was silly to feel like this, but the woman did not look at him as if he were family, at least not that kind of family.
They greeted each other as two she-wolves would—staking their claim. Royce excused himself, leaving the two. Brithwin narrowed her brows and lifted her chin as she turned from Clarice to call a servant. “Show Miss Coble to the guest room in the west wing.” She turned back to Clarice. “I am sure you would like to clean up before the evening meal.” Brithwin spun on her heel and headed to her own room to do the same.
Bryce’s betrothed had ridden a horse all day and looked better than she did. Brithwin sent Elspeth for fresh water as she chose one of her nicer gowns. The joy that had filled her with Royce’s return churned to something dark that she didn’t like. She would take extra time to look nice for her husband.
A clamor of voices came from the great hall as she hurried through the corridor—the meal had started. Midway down the steps, Brithwin caught sight of Royce speaking to Clarice, who sat next to him at table. She stopped. He lowered his head in an intimate way, for Clarice’s ears only. Clarice’s hand covered his and she tilted her head and smiled. Brithwin bristled at the familiarity between the two. She glided the rest of the way down and feigned a smile.
“I am sorry I am late, dearling. I took longer than I thought,” she said with contrived cheerfulness.
Royce jerked his hand back and rose. He reached for his goblet. “We were just speaking of you.” He waited for her to take her seat.
“Hmm.” She would not give Clarice the satisfact
ion of thinking she was the least bit curious.
“What have you been doing in my absence? It looks as though you have been busy around here. Everything is in fine order,” he said as he retook his seat.
“Nothing exciting.” She took a bite of cheese.
Thomas cleared his throat, and all heads turned to him. “Milady, I have kept my part of the bargain, now you must keep yours.”
She glowered at him. “’Tis nothing, Thomas. Leave be.” She did not want to give Royce this news in front of her.
Thomas’s brows shot up. “Why do you not let Lord Rosen Craig make that decision?”
“Yes, why not let me?” Royce cocked a brow.
Brithwin shot an irritated look at Royce.
Clarice leaned into Royce. “It is something she obviously wishes to keep from you.”
That was enough. Brithwin had lived a secluded life in many ways, but she understood a threat when she saw it as Clarice leaned into Royce. She would not allow the woman to get away with suggesting she had done anything wrong.
Brithwin lifted her chin. “I assume Thomas did tell you Montfort took his leave of here. I hate to say escape because you never said he was a prisoner.”
Royce nodded. “Yes, he informed me.”
She smiled and tilted her head to the side. “It would seem he desired my company.”
Thomas choked. “Don’t make light of this, milady. The man came to either harm you or kidnap you. And while you slept.”
Brithwin shrugged. “I suppose. Thor once again saved me. ’Tis hard to say what would have happened had he not been sleeping next to my bed.”
Royce threw back his wooden chair. Placing his hands on the table, he leaned forward, eyeing Thomas. “Why did you not tell me this when we arrived?”
“Because I asked him not to.” Brithwin’s words came out a little more forceful than she’d wished. The great hall quieted and all eyes turned to watch the commotion on the dais.
Thomas appeared unconcerned with the stares. “I will speak for myself, milady.” Turning to Royce, he rose from his chair. “I have protected milady since the day she came from her mother’s womb. Think you that I would ever do anything to jeopardize her? I would die for her. She asked me to allow her to tell her husband, and I granted the request. I have served her for near one score years, and I will not lightly turn away one of her requests if it is reasonable. Had you learned of this a few hours ago, ’twould change nothing.”
Royce closed his eyes and drew in several breaths. “It is not you I am angry with. I knew the man was not to be trusted and should have taken stronger precautions.”
Clarice interrupted, drawing the men’s attention. “See, everything turned out fine.”
“Nay.” Royce turned to Brithwin. “It is not over. I have put you in harm’s way just by our association as husband and wife.” His gaze pleaded with her. “I am sorry, Brithwin. You do not deserve this.”
Brithwin’s heart skipped a beat. The sorrow in those beautiful golden brown eyes was for her. She was still the woman he cared for. She smiled and felt the joy return all the way to her toes. “’Tis fine, my lord, for I know you will keep me safe.”
Pride covered his face when the words left her lips. But it faded and what replaced it she could not name but knew she did not like, for with the look came determination.
“You are not to leave Hawkwood without me, my lady.” She jumped at Royce’s sharp tone. “Until Montfort and Edmond are apprehended, you are not safe.”
Clarice popped her head up. “Who is Edmond?”
Royce tapped his eating knife on the table. “A man who would go to great lengths to do me harm.”
“Well, it is good I have come! We will become best of friends, you and I, my lady.”
Royce’s eyes lit up. “That is kind of you, Clarice. I am sure you two will get along well. You were almost sisters by marriage.”
“I doubt Clarice wants to stay here locked inside. She was just being kind.” Brithwin forced a smile and glanced at Clarice.
“Not at all. I have never had the company of a sister or someone my age. So, you see, I am a little selfish.”
Royce’s gaze bounced from Brithwin to Clarice. “Then it is settled. You will stay here as long as you like.”
Brithwin chewed her bottom lip as Clarice looked at her smugly. He had just played into Clarice’s hand. Royce had given this woman an open invitation. Was he blind to her purpose? That purpose, Brithwin was certain, had nothing to do with being her friend.
Chapter 24
Brithwin paced her room. Clarice’s visit wore on her. They would never be friends. “How can a man be so blind? ’Tis obvious she has her designs on him.”
Elspeth looked up from her embroidery. “Mayhap he is just being kind.”
She paused as Elspeth pulled another stitch. “Nay, he is blind. I can see it in his eyes.”
Elspeth chuckled.
Brithwin crossed her arms and scowled. “What do you find so humorous?”
“Nothing. I was just . . . oh, never mind.”
“He ignores me in favor of her.” She ran her hands down the front of her gown.
“Get his attention.” Elspeth took another stitch. She poked herself and yelped then stuck her finger in her mouth.
“That is a good idea.” Brithwin walked to the window, placed her hands on the frame, and peered out. “It has been a sennight since her arrival, and she has stolen every moment she could with him. He comes to his chamber long after I have retired and rises before I wake. I do not even get that time with him! I must do something to turn the tide.”
Aye, she would not sit by idle, waiting to discover her fate. She would fight for her husband. God had given him to her. She would not allow another woman to steal him. An inspiration came to mind and with it a grin. She pivoted around.
Elspeth popped her head up. “I see you have thought of something. What do you intend to do?”
She spun around and spoke with glee in her voice. “I will tell him I am with child!”
“Oh! A baby! ’Tis wonderful news.” Elspeth squealed and launched herself from her chair then paused. “’Tis true, is it not?”
Brithwin stopped and snatched hold of the chair back to steady herself. “Of course, ’tis true. I would not lie to him.”
“Why did you not tell me?” Hurt filled Elspeth’s voice.
“I wanted to be sure, after the last rumors flew around here.”
Elspeth blushed. “I will not say a word to anyone until you tell me I can.”
“Thank you.” Brithwin let go of the chair and swung around to sit in it. “Now, help me make a plan.”
†††
Brithwin set her basket on the small table in their solar and sighed. They had put the plan in motion. She paused to send up a prayer all would go as hoped.
“Do you think he will come before he eats?” Elspeth gazed at her intently.
She lifted the cloth off the basket. “If you have done as I asked, he will be here. Help me finish putting the food out.”
“I told Lucas to tell Philip to tell milord he was needed in his solar, and I told him to be sure it was before the dinner hour.” Elspeth giggled. “I hope he can keep it straight. Just thinking about it confuses me.”
“He is a smart boy. He will say it precisely as you told him to.” Brithwin placed the cups on the table and sighed. “I wish we could lock the door from the outside so when Royce enters he cannot escape before I have a chance to tell him.”
Elspeth pulled out the bread and cheese and laid it in the center of the table. “Do you wish me to wait in your chamber should you need something?”
“Nay, go and enjoy your meal. I will be fine.” As Elspeth closed the door, Brithwin called out to her. “Do say a prayer for me.”
A few minutes later, shoes clunked on the stairs. Waiting for the door to open, Brithwin’s heart pounded.
Royce pushed the door open and stepped in. His gaze swept the room, settling on her.
“I was told I was needed here. You who need me?”
“’Aye. I have not seen you unaccompanied since your return, and I wished for time alone with my husband.” She waved her hand before the food in a simple gesture. “I have had our food brought to our solar to allow us time by ourselves.”
Royce’s hesitation drew out, leaving an uncomfortable silence.
“That was thoughtful of you. However, do you not think it would be rude if we fail to show for the evening meal?”
“Oh, aye, very rude indeed!” She grinned. “That is why I asked Thomas to make our excuses.”
“I see.” He slowly walked to the table.
“Sit and we can eat and talk in private.”
They took their seats and Brithwin chattered, trying to draw Royce out. His lack of response to her attempts at light conversation weighed heavily on her fleeting certainty that this was a good idea.
She pushed her trencher away and took in a deep breath before plunging in. “I miss the time we had together before you left for Rosen Craig. You have changed . . . distanced yourself from me. Have I done something wrong?”
Royce tapped his eating utensil lightly on the table. “Nay, you have not. People are out there who will harm you because of me, as you have already discovered. Next time, we may not be so lucky.”
“There was no luck involved.” Reaching across the table, Brithwin clasped his hands. “God protected me and kept me safe. Nothing will happen to me He does not allow. You have to trust Him.”
Royce drew his hands back and shook his head. “I know this is what you believe, but what if the punishment for my sins hurts you?”
“Your sins have already been paid for. Christ paid for them when He died on the cross. God is not punishing you for them.” She straightened and slid her hands onto her lap, missing the warmth of his skin. “Aye, there are consequences to our sins, but the punishment is paid. You need only accept forgiveness. I wish I could make you see.”
“You do not know how much I desire to believe that, my lady.” Royce unfolded himself from the chair and lingered a moment as if undecided what he would say. “I have enjoyed this eve with you. However, I must get down and speak with Jarren.”
Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change Book 1) Page 22