by Alexa Aston
Hal told her of how Edward found Rosalyne while on a secret mission to Canterbury for the king and how she was a painter who had created not only triptychs for churches but completed portraits of King Richard and Queen Anne. Elinor could tell Hal had great admiration for Rosalyne de Montfort and the children she’d borne his brother.
“What of your other sisters?” she asked, eager to hear about them.
“Nan is a year younger than Edward. She followed the two of us around and demanded to do anything we did. She can be most stubborn, so it was easier to let her attempt whatever we did, be it swimming in the lake or riding a horse. I remember the day she begged to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow.” He chuckled. “I thought the task would be beyond her but she stuck with it, taking in everything I taught her. And now she’s a finer bowman than any man at Kinwick.”
“Truly? I have seen bows before. They are large and unwieldy.”
“She had one specially crafted. ’Tis light in weight but her aim is true. In fact, Nan is now at Sandbourne with my cousin Elysande and her husband, Michael, teaching their soldiers everything she knows about archery.”
Hal stroked her arm absently. Elinor relished the contact.
“As for the last of my sisters? Nan found Jessimond.”
His words confused her. “Found her where?”
“In the forest.”
“Was she lost?” asked Elinor.
“Nay. Abandoned. Nan roamed our family estate and knows it better than anyone, other than my father. She and Father came across a tiny babe in the woods and brought her home.” Hal smiled. “My mother likes nothing better than to hold a babe in her arms. Though she and Father did everything they could to locate Jessimond’s parents, they never did. So Jess became the youngest de Montfort.”
“But you call her sister, even though she is not your flesh and blood?”
Hal gave her a look as if she’d gone mad. “Of course. I would die protecting Jessimond, as I would any family member. She’s as much a de Montfort as I am. We all love her.” He cupped her cheek. “’Twill be the same with you, love. My parents already call you their daughter. Everyone will shower you with love and believe me, my family is large and loves one another with a passion. In fact, you may feel smothered by all their affection and attention.”
Elinor couldn’t comprehend such a thing but she believed Hal wouldn’t exaggerate. She only wished she could experience such an all-encompassing love from his large family. What joy all these de Montforts must take in one another.
He kissed her brow and released her from his embrace and then climbed out of bed. “We should dress. Lord Hardwin’s men have been sent to look for you. I need to bring you back to Winterbourne so they know you are safe. From there, we will travel to Kinwick.”
Hal began pulling on his clothes. Elinor followed suit. She had lost the opportunity to leave when he awakened. She would need to be ready when the time came to do so again. She must cover her tracks well and vanish without a trace.
They tidied the bed and left the hunting lodge. A horse awaited them outside. Hal ran his hand affectionately along its neck.
“This was a gift to me from Michael and Elysande since I had lost my own.”
Hurt flashed in his eyes and then it was gone in an instant, so fast that if Elinor had not been looking at him, she might have missed it. He mounted the steed and lifted her up in front of him, enfolding her in his arms. She was glad to have his protection. Having never been on a horse before, she tried her best to calm her nerves and trust in Hal.
As they crossed the clearing and entered the woods, she asked, “What happened to your horse, Hal? Did you lose it before I met you? Is that why you were on foot?”
His body tensed next to hers. “My horse was taken from me. My armor. My weapons. I suffered humiliation and was full of despair when I came to you.”
As Hal guided the horse slowly through the dense forest, he told her of his service in the king’s royal guard and the battle where he lost everything, even handing over his precious sword. His tone remained neutral but Elinor knew him well enough to understand how devastated he’d been.
If the king regained power, she supposed he would want loyal men surrounding him. That would include Hal returning to court, along with his bride. Elinor couldn’t imagine living in the royal palace with hundreds of the nobility. She would have nothing in common with any of the women and she’d feel trapped within the walls. It was another reason they should never marry.
She placed her hand over his, rubbing her thumb against it, wanting to ease his troubles. How could she abandon him when he had lost so much already? Mayhap, she could stay with him a bit longer. Try to bring some happiness into his life before she left.
He pulled her even closer into him, nuzzling her neck. A frisson of pleasure trickled through her at the gesture. Her body already wanted him again.
“You are still a knight, Hal,” she reassured him. “You did your duty to the king. Your honor is intact.”
“My father says the same. Mayhap one day, I will believe him.”
They rode the rest of the way to Winterbourne in silence. Elinor savored being in the arms of the man she loved. Once they left the forest, Hal urged his horse on. They galloped the rest of the way until they rode through the gates and arrived at the keep. She saw Lord Hardwin and his wife standing beside Merryn and a tall, broad-shouldered man with bits of gray at the temples of his dark hair. He must be Hal’s father for their resemblance was startling. Seeing him, Elinor knew what Hal would look like in the years to come.
Hal dismounted and swept her from the horse. Merryn immediately pulled her into a tight embrace.
“We were so worried about you, Elinor.”
She gave in to the hug, her eyes closed, wishing Merryn could truly be the loving mother she never had.
Then she found herself in Geoffrey de Montfort’s arms. Though a large man, he treated her gently and made Elinor feel as safe as his son did.
“I am Geoffrey,” he told her. “Hal’s father.” His eyes searched hers. “We know some of your story, Elinor, and how difficult your life has been. Know that you are now with your family and safe. You will never lack for anything again,” he said fiercely. “Nothing.”
Elinor felt the waves of love and protection coming from him. It moved her to tears. She blinked them back.
He released her. “I also hear that you are a fine falconer. My man, Joseph, is getting on up in years. Mayhap, you would consider eventually replacing him?” he asked hopefully.
How she wished she could. Become the Kinwick falconer. Marry into this loving family. Have children of her own.
Elinor felt like a traitor as she said, “I would be interested in meeting with Joseph and seeing his raptors.”
“All in good time,” Lord Hardwin interjected. “Would you like to come in and have something to eat and drink?”
Hal spoke up. “We have another two hours or so of daylight. I would rather take Elinor home, my lord.”
“An excellent idea,” Geoffrey seconded. He grasped Lord Hardwin’s elbows. “You and Johamma take care. We will see you soon.”
“For the wedding?” Lady Johamma asked, a twinkle in her eyes.
“The sooner, the better,” Hal replied. “I am not known for my patience.” He tossed a heated look Elinor’s way.
“We will send word to everyone in the morning,” Merryn said. “I hope within two weeks all will have arrived so they can witness the ceremony.”
Hal returned Elinor to the saddle and swung up behind her. “Two weeks until we are husband and wife,” he whispered in her ear.
As they rode away from Winterbourne, Elinor wondered how far away she could be two weeks from now.
Chapter 23
Elinor awoke to her third morning at Kinwick. She hadn’t been alone the entire time since they’d arrived. Her head told her she must find a way to vanish so that Hal could not track her but her heart wished to stay in the middle of everything.
She promised herself today she would find a way to leave. How and where remained a mystery so she would keep her eyes peeled.
The previous two days she’d kept busy with Merryn and Jessimond. They’d shown her their herb garden and the room where they ground and stored the herbs. Merryn offered to teach Elinor about the ones she used in healing others, both at the castle and on the estate. She had accompanied them to the rolling meadow to gather flowers and herbs. A carpet of green grass announced spring’s arrival and they had collected enough to fill the six baskets they’d taken with them. Elinor loved the view of the castle from the meadow, towering against the blue sky as white clouds rolled by.
Merryn had also taken her throughout the keep, showing her every room from the larder to the solar. Now that Edward and Rosalyne and their two children had left for Shallowheart, Merryn suggested that she and Hal use the chambers they had vacated.
“You will have ample room and find privacy in them,” she had told Elinor. “Being newly wed, you will appreciate having somewhere to go that can be your own space to share time alone.”
“Were Geoffrey’s parents still alive when you came to live at Kinwick?” she asked. “Or did you immediately use the solar?”
A shadow flickered across Merryn’s face. “His parents were the earl and countess when Geoffrey and I wed. We were given a large chamber of our own.” Merryn paused. “I might as well share this with you, Elinor. It’s not a secret but it is not something we speak of often.”
The noblewoman took her arm. “Come to the solar with me.”
Once there, Merryn poured wine for them and they sat in two large, comfortable chairs.
“Geoffrey and I wed but did not live together as man and wife for some time,” Merryn began. “The details are not important. Know only that Geoffrey was taken by an enemy the day after our wedding and held hostage. When he returned after several years, we both had changed in many ways. I had given birth to Alys and Ancel during his absence. Geoffrey’s father had died. I had run Kinwick on my own with some help from Raynor Le Roux, Geoffrey’s cousin and close friend. You will meet him and Beatrice soon.”
She paused, sipping her wine. “It took time for us to learn to accept who we had become, apart from each other. But once we did, we have treasured each day together and loved one another well. It’s also why we insisted that our children would never face lengthy betrothals with people they did not even know. Geoffrey and I found love again and held on to it. We have nurtured it, much as you would tend a garden.” Merryn smiled. “You might even say we have given our love the time and patience that you put in with your falcons. My point is that we have fashioned love as the center of our family. We want each of our children to find love for themselves so that they might experience the joy that we know every day together.”
Merryn reached over and squeezed Elinor’s knee. “We are so pleased that Hal has found you.”
Elinor sensed her cheeks heating from guilt, knowing she wouldn’t remain at Kinwick much longer.
Merryn’s soft laughter filled the room. “No need to blush, my dear. I’ve seen Hal sneaking into your room at night. There’s nothing wrong with sharing passion with your mate. Besides, you will be wed soon. Hopefully, you will be blessed with children sooner than later. Hal has been a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews and he will make a fine father.”
Elinor pushed aside the covers and the remembered conversation from her mind. Hal had already left her bed a few hours ago. He had joined her both nights, loving her thoroughly before leaving to allow both of them to get some much needed rest.
A knock sounded at the door. “Come,” she called.
Jessimond entered the room. The girl would be ten and two soon and looked nothing like either adopted parent. Both Geoffrey and Merryn were quite tall, while Jessimond would never come close to their height. Geoffrey possessed the same dark hair that Hal did, while Merryn had chestnut hair and sapphire blue eyes, much like Hal’s. Their youngest child sported thick, golden-blond hair that cascaded in waves and she had the most unusual eyes Elinor had ever seen, a deep violet in color. Where her parents were genial, Jessimond was reserved without being shy.
Despite the physical differences, Jessimond was treated as kindly as Hal by her parents and everyone they’d come across at Kinwick. It was obvious both her family and all the servants harbored a deep affection for the girl. Elinor wished she could tell Jessimond how lucky she was to have been embraced by this family.
“Do you need help getting ready for mass?” asked Jessimond eagerly.
“I would like that.”
Elinor allowed the young girl to brush out her hair and braid it for her. She slipped on a chemise and cotehardie that Merryn had brought her. They had belonged to Nan before she outgrew them. Elinor had worn the feminine clothes to mass and to dine in each day out of respect for her hosts but had slipped into her own clothes at other times.
Jessimond took her hand and escorted her to the Kinwick chapel, where Hal joined them. Elinor had actually enjoyed the ritual of mass the past two days. While coming and going, she had also met several people, men and women who tended the fields of the estate or worked as servants throughout the castle grounds. What surprised her most was how friendly and happy everyone seemed. She had never experienced that at Whitley, even when she was a child. She knew it was because of Geoffrey and Merryn. They cared for their people as much as they did their own family members.
Once mass ended, they returned to the keep. Elinor joined Geoffrey and Merryn on the dais.
Geoffrey gave her a friendly smile. “Merryn has monopolized your time the past two days but I would like to take you with me today. I think it’s time you met Joseph and his raptors.”
Excitement grew within her since she hadn’t been around any falcons for weeks. Elinor tried to tamp it down, knowing she would never stay long enough to work with the Kinwick birds.
“Thank you. I would enjoy seeing them.”
“We can go together after we break our fast. I’ll return you in time for the noon meal and then I believe Hal wants to take you about the estate.”
Hal slipped his hand into hers under the table. “I’ll show you our land today. Once we are wed, we can visit each of the cottages so you can get to know all the workers on the estate. Mother said you have shown an interest in herbs. I know she would appreciate you accompanying her when she visits the tenants and sees to their needs.”
Elinor found it hard to swallow the bread she chewed. Everyone at Kinwick was so kind. The de Montforts had opened their arms to her and wrapped her in love. She forced down the bread and her growing bitterness with a bit of ale. She was glad she would not be around to see their disappointment after she fled.
Geoffrey escorted her from the great hall once they completed the small meal.
“We could ride but Hal tells me that you haven’t had the opportunity to learn how to do so. I know that is something he wants to teach you. Although you are always welcome to ride with him, it’s a useful skill to have in the country. We’ll find you a gentle horse that has a tough mouth and have you riding by the time you’re Elinor de Montfort.”
Elinor de Montfort . . .
They left the keep and descended the long staircase that led down to the inner bailey.
“We can reach Joseph’s cottage by foot. If you tire, let me know and we can stop and rest.”
“I am feeling strong again, my lord, after getting such good meals in me. Your cook certainly has a way with food.”
Geoffrey laughed. “The old king stopped here on summer progress a few times over the years. He was so taken with Cook’s tarts that he threatened to steal her from me. I kept a watchful eye to insure that she remained at Kinwick.”
“I can see why. The apple ones she baked for last night’s meal are the most delicious things I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
“You must tell her that, Elinor,” he urged. As they walked on, he said, “I know you grew up isolated from others, with only
Jasper to interact with you. I have found it is important to always let others know how much you appreciate and care for them, whether they are your servants or workers or blood kin. That includes taking time to recognize what they have done, no matter how small. Most of the nobility take something as simple as an apple tart for granted but I believe in letting Cook know how her efforts are valued. It brings her joy knowing she did her job well and will cause her to strive to do even better in the future.”
“I can tell Kinwick is a happy place. I am sure ’tis because of that thoughtfulness which is shared.”
“We hope you will be happy here. Merryn and I can see how happy you have made Hal. I will warn you, though, that the first wave of relatives will hit today. You may be overwhelmed by them but they all have your best interest—and Hal’s—at heart.”
As they continued on the way, he told her some about his niece, Elysande, and her husband, Michael, a former knight of his, who would arrive sometime today, along with Nan. Geoffrey suggested that Elysande might help her select a horse to ride since she was so knowledgeable about them. His other niece, Avelyn, and her husband, Kenric, would arrive by the noon meal tomorrow, as would Geoffrey’s cousin, Raynor, and his wife, Beatrice.
“After that, Alys and Kit are supposed to be here in another two days’ time, the same as Ancel and Margery, followed by my sister, Mary, and her husband. Last will be my son, Edward, and his wife, Rosalyne, who recently left Kinwick to live at Shallowheart, their new home. They are still settling into their responsibilities as its baron and baroness but will appear in plenty of time to see you and Hal wed. And of course, Hardie and Johamma will come from Winterbourne.”
“There are so many names to remember. I hope I will not be too confused.” Elinor doubted she would meet any of these relatives because she planned to get away from Kinwick before they began to arrive.
“Merryn’s brother and wife live at Wellbury, the estate adjoining ours. Hugh and Milla will probably visit over the next several days, as well. Hopefully, you can learn each couple when they arrive. Be glad they are not all descending upon us at the same time,” he teased.