Still grinning, Robert pressed his heels to Argyle's side and urged his mount down the hill.
~ ~ ~
Isobel heard shouts from the courtyard and stopped her scrubbing to listen, wondering at the reason for the sudden racket. She straightened, pushing her hands into the small of her back with a soft groan. Her back ached almost as much as her head.
Mary all but fell through the doorway to the great hall, fidgeting on her feet, eyes wide.
“M' lady, come an' see. Quick! His lordship's returned!”
The maid's words sent a prickle of apprehension across Isobel's skin. She didn't know whether to be relieved or fearful.
She was, she decided, fearful. Fearful for her future. She swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat.
“Nay, I'll likely get into trouble, Mary. You know how Felix is. I still have to finish here.”
Mary blew an exasperated breath, walked over, grabbed Isobel's arm and tugged her toward the doorway.
“Aye, I know how 'e is. An' so will the master soon enough. Now come. Come an' welcome 'im 'ome.”
Her heart racing, Isobel allowed Mary to lead her outside. A hum of excitement filled the air in Glendennan's bailey. People had gathered around the main gate, watching the two figures on horseback draw near.
The buzz of conversation grew louder as the riders approached. Bernard strode alongside Lord Montgomery's horse, talking and laughing. When they entered Glendennan's bailey, the crowd erupted into a cheer.
Isobel stayed silent, assessing Robert Montgomery at some length. He looked genuinely happy. He also looked utterly exhausted. Her outward inspection told her little else. She wished she could see beyond his flesh to whatever lay in his heart. This dark, handsome lord held her future in his hands. She wondered how lenient – or not – he might be. The thought of prison sent a familiar chill down her spine.
Surrounded by the surging crowd, Robert pulled his horse to a halt. Isobel watched as his eyes scanned the many faces, acknowledging them all with nods and smiles. When his gaze met Isobel's, however, a small frown creased his brow before he looked away again. Isobel tensed. Lord above, why had he frowned at her like that? Did he already know of Simon's death and the unpaid debt? Fear knotted her stomach. Forcing her trembling legs to move, Isobel turned and made her way back indoors.
~ ~ ~
Although weary beyond words, Robert took great pleasure from the welcome of his serfs. Nearly all the faces were known to him. Indeed, most he had known all his life. Nor did he fail to notice three or four babes – obviously born while he had been away – cradled in the arms of their mothers.
One face in the crowd, though, had puzzled him – that of a servant girl – a pale little lass with startling red hair. Her anxious expression had snared his attention. He had, he knew, seen her before, but couldn't think of her name. She'd been the only one in the crowd who had not borne him a smile, and he wondered why.
Unsettled by the constant press of the people around him, Argyle tossed his head and flattened his ears. Robert muttered some calming words, dismounted, and handed the reins to Lucas, who already had his feet on Glendennan's soil.
“Give the horses over to one of the stable lads.” Robert patted Lucas's shoulder. “You're excused from all duties for the next two days.”
Lucas smiled in weary appreciation. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Welcome home, my lord.”
Robert turned to see Felix at his side. “My thanks, Steward. It's good to be back.”
“I thank God you're returned safe to these walls. You'll find your demesne to be in good stead and well kept.”
Robert nodded. “I've no doubt. We'll discuss Glendennan's affairs tomorrow. Right now, I need a bath and some hot food. A tankard of decent ale wouldn't go amiss, either.”
“Aye, my lord. I'll speak to Edith right away. Do you wish a welcome celebration this night?”
Everyone grew quiet, awaiting the answer. Robert sighed inwardly, noting the anticipation on everyone's faces. In truth, all he wanted was to bathe, eat and sleep, but he didn't have the heart to disappoint his people. Besides, he had an important announcement to make,
“Aye,” he said, forcing a smile. “Tell the kitchen to prepare a feast. All are welcome.”
~ ~ ~
Isobel leaned against the wall of the passageway and pushed a damp copper curl from her face. The heat from the kitchen fires had been intense all evening. Desperate for air, she'd managed to slip away unnoticed. She pressed her forehead to the cool stone and took in a slow breath, battling a brutal wave of fatigue that had her limbs trembling. Nausea rippled through her empty stomach and she let out a soft moan.
Fearful of drawing Robert Montgomery's attention, Isobel had stayed out of sight and worked in the kitchen all day while the banquet was being prepared and served. Thankfully, no one bothered her, perhaps because of the excitement about the lord's betrothal to a Baron's daughter. The cheers from that announcement had carried through to the kitchen. For the time being, at least, Simon's death and the debt to Glendennan had been forgotten.
By everyone but Isobel.
Even now, the celebratory noise from the great hall reached her ears. Other than those who stood guard over the castle walls, all at Glendennan were celebrating. Isobel had neither the appetite nor the heart for it.
She straightened and a sudden wave of dizziness consumed her, sickening her to the core. It felt like the walls were moving.
“Christ help me,” she whispered, and closed her eyes.
“M' lady?”
Startled, Isobel spun toward the voice, recognizing it as Mary's only a moment before the swirling darkness enveloped her.
As she sank into oblivion, she thought she heard a scream.
When consciousness returned it brought panic with it. Isobel snatched at the shadows and tried to lift her head. What...? Where am I? Hit by another surge of dizziness, she groaned.
“Nay, be still,” said a man's voice. “Don't try to sit up. I have you.”
A strong arm circled her shoulders and Isobel lay back against it with relief. The face hovering above hers was but a blur and, although familiar, she couldn't quite place the voice. She blinked and rubbed a hand over her eyes, trying to focus, embarrassed at being found so helpless and vulnerable.
“Prepare Lady Isobel's chamber, quickly. Make sure the fire is lit.”
“But, my lord,” Edith said, “she no longer 'as–”
“Do as I say,” the voice snarled. “Now! You go with her, Mary.”
My...lord? Isobel's heart clenched. Oh, dear God, please tell me I haven't interrupted the master's return celebration. Please tell me I have not done that.
“Lord Montgomery,” she whispered. “Pl...please forgive me. I didn't mean to be any trouble. I beg your pardon.”
“I don't believe this,” he muttered, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Isobel gasped and closed her eyes again, fighting the nausea threatening her stomach.
“Please, my lord, I beg of you, set me down and return to your guests.” She wriggled against him. “I'll be alright momentarily.”
“I think not,” he replied, his hold on her tightening. “Be still.”
He carried Isobel up the stairs with remarkable ease. Although he held her gently, his arms felt like steel. Another wave of nausea washed over her and she shuddered, gritting her teeth, determined not to be sick. Things were already bad enough.
“Almost done,” said Edith, scuttling out of the way.
“I'm so sorry, my lord.” Isobel dared to look at him. “I don't know what came over me, I'm sure.”
A muscle clenched in his jaw as he glanced down at her. Seeing only anger in his expression, she flinched inwardly. From somewhere behind her, she heard the telltale spark of tinder.
“I do not require an apology, my lady,” he replied, lifting his gaze. “Have you finished here?”
“Aye,” Edith said. “The bed was made up anyhow. The fire might take a bit t
o –”
“Then you may go.” He settled Isobel on the bed, studying her with a grim expression for a moment before stepping back. “Mary, I would speak with you outside.”
The door closed and muffled voices drifted in from the hallway. Merciful heaven, Lord Montgomery sounded so angry. Weak and dispirited, Isobel and turned her head into the pillow and wept.
~ ~ ~
.“What, in God's name, has been going on?” Robert looked toward Isobel's door and, fighting anger, paused to draw breath. Something about the deathly-pale girl lying helpless in his arms had struck deep into his soul. That, and the fear he'd seen on her face – fear of him, no less. “Why is Lady Isobel doing a servant's work?”
Fingers fiddling with her apron, Mary sniffed, her eyes awash with tears. “'Twas Master Felix, my lord. After Sir Simon died, Felix gave my lady a choice to work 'ere at Glendennan 'an pay off what was owed, or go to prison. O' course, my lady chose to work. So Felix 'as driven 'er without mercy since her husband's demise. She 'asn't stopped a day, my lord. Not even on the Sabbath. 'Tis beyond exhausted, she is. An' she never complained, not once, but every night I 'ears 'er cryin' to 'erself. Poor wee lass. Breaks me 'eart.”
“Prison?” Robert ran a hand through his hair, hoping he'd misheard. “My steward actually threatened the lady with prison?”
“Debtor's prison, aye. She's been so scared of 'im, an' of you as well. But I tol' her not to be scared of you. I tol' her you were a kindly lord. She's a good soul. Never 'ave I known a sweeter lady. S'made me ill to see her suffer so.”
“That explains it,” Robert muttered, all at once remembering the little red-haired maid in the crowd. Now he understood why the girl had looked so familiar. He also understood why she hadn't been happy to see him.
By all the saints, what was De Lisle thinking?
Mary's sniffling grew louder. Robert placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “That's enough, lass. Go and tend to your lady. Arrange for a hot bath when she awakens and make sure she has something to eat. Tell her not to fear. I'll speak with her in the morning if she feels well enough. You did the right thing to fetch me.”
“Aye, m' lord. Thank you.” Mary scrubbed the tears from her eyes. “I'm right glad you're back. Right glad. Oh, an' many congratulations on your betrothal.”
Chapter 4
So much for sleep. Robert sat in his office until the small hours, chatting to Bernard about the war with the French, his betrothal and, eventually, Felix's treatment of Isobel.
“I can't fathom it,” he said. “Why would he think I'd condone such action? The poor little lass. You should have stepped in, Bernard.”
Bernard gave a grim smile. “Oh, believe me, I wanted to, but Felix kept threatening to bring in the bailiff, and I'd have been powerless to do anything if he had. I told Isobel you'd not allow his treatment of her to continue once you got back. I told Felix too, but he wouldn't listen. He didn't even give her time to mourn her husband, for Christ's sake.”
Robert blew out a weary breath. “I'll deal with him in the morning. He was well into his cups tonight. Beyond drunk.”
“Will you keep him at Glendennan?”
Robert frowned. “Not sure. I'm too damn tired right now to make any clear decisions.”
“Well, if you want my penny's worth, I say chuck the bastard out. He almost killed her.”
“I know. There was a moment, when I first saw her lying on the floor, that I thought she'd died. Christ, I swear the lass weighs no more than a chicken. And she actually apologized for disturbing me.”
“She's scared of you, Rob. Felix led her to believe you'd be sending her off to prison when you got back. ”
“I'll speak to her tomorrow and put her mind at rest. She has nothing more to fear. Speaking of rest, I need some.” He sucked in a deep breath. “Despite all this mess, it's good to be home, Bernard. Very good.”
~ ~ ~
The knock on the office door, early next morning, was a hesitant thing. Robert set his quill aside, rose to his feet, and settled his hand on the hilt of his dagger. He guessed who stood on the other side of the threshold and barked a stern response.
“Enter.”
The door creaked open and Felix De Lisle sidled into the office. A small man, he barely came up to Robert's shoulders. His skin looked a little green, and his eyes, bloodshot and puffy, didn't seem to be focusing too well. He held Robert's gaze for a mere moment before looking down at the floor.
“De Lisle.” Robert cracked the name like a whip, gratified to see the man flinch. “I'll get straight to the point. I was interrupted during the feast last night. Are you aware?”
“Aye, my lord.” Felix fidgeted on his feet. “I heard.”
“And what did you hear, exactly?”
Felix's feet shifted again. “That the Lady Isobel was unwell, my lord.”
Robert's lip curled. “Unwell? The Devil take you, Steward. The lady was near dead from exhaustion. I understand that you can explain her sorry state. Is that so?”
Felix raised his head. “I did what I thought best for Glendennan, my lord. 'Tis a good amount of money she owes the estate and –”
“She? Watch your mouth. You speak of a lady, not one of your town whores. You had no right to treat her as you did. The debt was owed by her husband, not by– ”
“The law states the debt became hers upon his death,” Felix said, defiance flaring in his eyes.
Robert tensed and took a step forward. “You dare to interrupt me?”
Felix flushed and took a step back. “Nay. I mean...I beg your pardon, my lord. 'Tis only that I wanted to protect Glendennan's interests.”
“By bullying a defenceless woman? Your misplaced protection almost killed her. It's as well I returned when I did, or the lady would have been resting in the ground with her husband before the end of winter.”
Felix blinked. “But she seemed very willing to work. I never heard her complain, so I thought – ”
“You threatened her with prison, for Christ's sake! Worse, you threatened her with my wrath, which you had no right to do. She didn't dare complain. Be thankful the lady still lives. If she'd died, you'd be the one facing imprisonment. As it is, I'm banishing you from Glendennan. From what I've heard, there are plenty of folks here who'll applaud that decision. No doubt Lady Isobel is one of them.”
All colour dropped from Felix's face and his hands came together in a pleading knot. “Oh, nay, please, my lord, don't throw me out. Give me another chance. I'm truly sorry. I should have known better than to treat the lady thus. I'll...I'll do anything to make amends. Please, I beg you.”
Robert's eyes narrowed. He felt a good measure of satisfaction seeing De Lisle squirm. He also cursed the little voice in his ear, which demanded he give the man another chance. He lowered his voice. “How does it feel to be threatened, De Lisle? How does it feel to face an uncertain future?”
“It feels...” Felix shoulders slumped. “It feels...most unpleasant, my lord. Please don't throw me out. I beg you. I've nowhere else to go. I'm all alone in this world.” The man's voice had risen to a child-like whine and for some reason, Robert had a sudden urge to laugh.
Instead, he bent, gritted his teeth and spat out his response. “One more chance, then, but you're relieved of your duties as steward. You'll help Edith with the cleaning, starting with the garderobes. And if I hear a single word of complaint about your behaviour, I'll toss your pathetic hide in the dungeon. Or worse. Understood? Now get out.”
~ ~ ~
Isobel had surely gone to Heaven. She felt so warm, so comfortable. Softness cradled her limbs as she listened to the soothing sound of logs crackling in the hearth. The air she breathed was mildly scented with the aromas of sweet herbs and freshly baked bread. Aye, it was surely Heaven.
Then a familiar voice whispered in her ear.
“M' lady,” it said, “'tis almost noon. I've brought you some food. Can you eat somethin'?”
Isobel opened her e
yes and squinted in the twilight of the shuttered chamber. As the words and the realization of who spoke them sank in, calm turned to panic and she struggled to sit up.
“Almost noon? Oh, Mary. Why didn't you wake me? What...what am I doing here? Felix will be furious. I don't...” A chill ran across her skin as her memory returned in a rush. “Oh, dear God. Lord Montgomery. He sounded so angry. What have I done?”
“Hush, now, m'lady. You've naught to fear.” Mary put her hands on Isobel's shoulders and pushed her back against the pillow. “You just stay right there. Lord Montgomery tol' me to tend to you. And as for Felix... pah! That pig's arse is wanderin' around Glendennan this morning with 'is tail tucked well between 'is legs. An' the master wishes to speak to you, but only if you feel up to it.”
“I don't... you mean he's not...?” Isobel's frantic heart slowed a little. “Lord Montgomery isn't angry with me?”
The maid's eyes softened. She reached over and lifted a wisp of hair from Isobel's brow. “Nay, my lady, of course not. His lordship is fair vexed with Felix, though, for treatin' you so unkindly. I told you 'e would be. But e's not vexed with you. Not at all. Now, eat somethin'. You need to get yer strength back.”
Mary went to the fireplace and stoked up the dying embers, forcing the last few flames to spring back to life before she threw a fresh log on the fire.
“There now. I'll be back in a bit, m'lady, with a surprise for you.” She gave Isobel a mysterious smile as she headed out of the door. “Please try to eat somethin' while I'm gone.”
Isobel stared at the closed door for a few minutes, her mind toying with what Mary had said. Could it be true? Were all her fears for naught?
Her stomach growled. With relish, she helped herself to the warm bread and soft cheese on the tray, leaving nary a crumb behind. Sated, yet still weary, she lay back against the pillows, still feeling a pinch of apprehension despite what Mary had told her. Moments later, the door opened just enough for Mary to peek in.
Beyond Reason Page 2