One Knight Only

by Julia Latham

  As they moved through the men, and the occasional cluster of women, everyone parted before them, looking, lingering. Anne was finding it easier to breathe. This was not so difficult. Then she spied Sir Robert, the young Bladesman who’d followed her from Lord Kelshall’s. How much did he know about their escape from the League’s house? Surely he was only here to ensure the completion of their mission.

  And then she saw Lord Alderley, her dear friend Elizabeth’s husband. He was making his way purposefully through the crowd, smiling politely at the women who tried to snare his attention, but continuing to move past. Anne was not worried about him straying from Elizabeth.

  She realized that he had a goal in mind. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that Philip was standing against a wall nearby, stiff with attention. Lord Alderley had seen him. Would that matter? Lord Alderley, a member of the League, had been the one to suggest her when the Bladesmen had needed a woman’s help.

  Before she could see if they spoke, Lord Bannaster pulled her deeper into the crowd. There was only one man left to find. Their mission was almost over.

  Then a man took her free hand and tugged; she was so surprised that she let go of Lord Bannaster.

  “Dance with me, mistress,” the man said.

  He spoke so close to her ear that she felt his warm, wine-soaked breath tickling her. Before she could protest, he had her in his arms, and was pulling her even farther away from Lord Bannaster. She glanced back and saw the viscount watch her with concern, and Lady Rosamond saying something to him, but at last they turned away. The mission was more important.

  And she was alone in a sea of men.

  Her dance partner was enthusiastic; he picked her up and turned her about, moving not quite in time with the music. Anne smiled at him as she stumbled along in his wake, but she was panicking at losing track of Lord Bannaster.

  And then she remembered Philip. Nothing truly bad would happen to her under his watchful eye.

  But if Philip interfered with a nobleman’s pleasure, what would happen to him?

  She could not allow him to think she was in trouble. When the dance ended, she curtsied dramatically, giving her dance partner an eyeful of her cleavage.

  “A good evening, my lord,” she said, moving away swiftly.

  “But wait! Have you chosen someone yet?”

  She only waggled her fingers at him and continued on. The hall was vast and crowded, but surely she would be able to find Lord Bannaster. But other men were taller. She walked as swiftly as possible, craning her neck past one man’s wide shoulders, darting beneath the outstretched arm of another as he spoke.

  A woman suddenly took her hand and pulled her close. Anne was overwhelmed by the strong scent of jasmine, but it could not quite mask the body odor beneath.

  “Dearie, you move too swiftly. How can you be caught?”

  “I don’t need to be caught,” Anne said, trying to remove her hand from the strong grip. “I am spoken for this night.”

  “Ah, lucky you,” said the woman, releasing her at last.

  Anne was not successful finding Lord Bannaster on her own. She turned about, hoping to ask for Philip’s assistance.

  “My dear, there you are!”

  Anne could have sagged with relief at the sound of Lady Rosamond’s voice. She and Lord Bannaster came upon her, and Anne gladly took the viscount’s other arm.

  “I need a lady’s privacy,” Lady Rosamond continued. “Might you accompany me?”

  “Of course,” Anne said, knowing that she must have already pointed out the last traitor. “But tell me we will hasten back. I am so enjoying myself!”

  The corridor was blessedly cool, and the sounds of merriment and music gradually faded behind them. Lord Bannaster picked up his pace until the women were almost running to keep up with him, but he must have felt the pressing need to return to the king.

  To her surprise, he led them back to the Painted Chamber. When he opened the door, Anne glanced over her shoulder and saw that Philip was close behind. He gave her a grim smile and she returned it with relief.

  “Wait here,” Lord Bannaster said. “I must make sure the king saw us leave.”

  And then he was gone. They stood rather helplessly in the middle of such elegant finery, beneath the watchful eyes of two soldiers who remained on guard beside the door. When the king did not immediately return, Lady Rosamond sighed and found a cushioned chair to flounce down upon.

  “Oh, these shoes do not fit me,” she murmured, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

  Anne perched on the chair next to her, and Philip took a seat across from them. And then they waited. Surely over an hour passed. Philip rested his head in his hands, and Anne leaned back to doze beside a sleeping Lady Rosamond. They had yet to remove their masks, in case someone unexpected arrived with the king.

  When the door opened, Anne shot to her feet at the same time as Philip. Lady Rosamond followed slowly, yawning into her hand.

  King Henry strode in, his fur-lined cloak streaming behind him. Several of his councillors, as well as Lord Bannaster, came with him.

  The king stopped and faced them, his expression set in firm, impassive lines. For some reason the nerves that had settled down within Anne’s stomach now flared back to life. Philip glanced at her, looking grim.

  The king lifted his chin. “The celebration is almost over. Lord Bannaster has given me the identities of the three traitors.”

  Anne waited, but he did not say their names. Perhaps it wasn’t their place to know.

  Philip asked, “Who are they?”

  The king looked away, suddenly tired. He motioned toward a table, and someone hurried to fetch him a goblet of wine.

  “You do not need to know their identities,” he finally said. “Only know that you have the gratitude of England.”

  “What will you do?” Philip demanded. “I speak freely, Your Majesty, but we have earned such a right, have we not?”

  Anne held her breath. Perhaps in the world of kings and noblemen and high intrigue, they were owed nothing, and Philip’s presumption might only earn him the king’s anger. Had not Philip once cared for the king’s good opinion? It did not seem so now.

  But the king took a deep breath before sighing. “You must understand that it is a time of deep unease in the kingdom. I was crowned less than a year ago, and there are those, uncertain in their support of me, who might see this rebellion as a cause to side with.”

  Anne did not understand. What was he saying?

  “Bramfield and his cohorts know that if I actively move against them, it could incite another civil war. It is why they so freely came to an event they must have known had been deliberately called for them.”

  “You will just…keep quiet about this information?” Lady Rosamond asked in disbelief.

  “Only for now,” King Henry said. “I will begin the investigation quietly, and when I have more proof to hold up to Parliament, I will move against these traitors.”

  “Until then, they are free,” Philip said sardonically.

  “They know they have been identified.” Lord Bannaster showed the anger that his royal cousin did not. “They will not be so foolish again.”

  “And I have already declared that none of the noblemen can retain an army any longer,” the king said. “That will now be the government’s domain. Lady Rosamond, you have made possible the futility of the traitors, and risked your life—and the lives of Mistress Anne and Sir Philip. The Crown will not forget.”

  Anne told herself that this could have beneficial results. Perhaps Philip would win the acclaim he’d long wanted, the status at court that a noble marriage would have brought him. But when she looked at him, he was frowning, his gaze far away.

  Suddenly, he said, “Your Majesty, might I ask a favor this night?”

  There were restless murmurs among the king’s councillors, but the king himself nodded. “Aye, Sir Philip. What is your request?”

  “That the ladies be allowed to remain
here tonight, safe within the palace.”

  Sir Edward, the Lord Steward, scoffed, “Think you that we would throw you out onto the streets at midnight?”

  “Philip—” Anne began.

  Philip shook his head. “I must leave. I have an errand to attend to, but I cannot rest if the women are not protected. And I’ll need to borrow a horse.”

  Lady Rosamond studied him thoughtfully but said nothing. Anne wanted to demand answers, but Philip had carefully chosen to speak before an audience. Had he wanted to forestall her curiosity?

  “Go, Sir Philip,” King Henry said. “My stables will be open to you.”

  “I hope to return by supper tomorrow, but until I do, please do not allow the women to leave.”

  “Philip!” Anne finally said in exasperation.

  He gave her a last look. “Stay here, Anne. Wait for me.”

  Anne was never so terrified as she tried to imagine what Philip had planned. But if there was one thing she’d learned in her quest to become a Bladeswoman, it was that she did not take waiting well.

  Was Philip planning to take on the traitors himself?

  She could not leave him to go alone, not when she knew that there was someone still at the palace who could help. When she and Lady Rosamond were finally alone in their bedchamber, Anne quickly changed back into the plain garments of a maid, covering her hair beneath a linen cap.

  “What are you doing?” Lady Rosamond asked with suspicion.

  “I have to go. Philip needs help.”

  “What do you think you can do alone?” Lady Rosamond demanded.

  “I will not be alone, I promise you.”

  Before the countess could try to persuade her, Anne left the chamber and ran back through the corridors. She had a good head for direction, and she well remembered the way to Westminster Hall. Luckily, the soldiers on guard outside the door thought nothing of letting a maid in. Half of the guests had already gone, which made spotting Lord Alderley, Philip’s friend, even easier.

  She approached him and waited subserviently as he spoke to another man. When at last he glanced at her over the man’s shoulder, she beseeched him with wide eyes.

  Lord Alderley excused himself and came to her. Looking around to make sure no one could overhear them, he murmured, “Anne, what is wrong? Where is Philip?”

  “Gone, my lord,” she whispered, “and I fear for him. The king knows the traitors, but cannot act immediately.”

  Lord Alderley closed his eyes, his face a grimace. “You think Philip went after them.”

  “He went alone! It is hard to believe that he would be so foolhardy, but I know not. We need to involve the League.”

  “Anne, you know I have only been invited to join, but not yet trained,” he said with obvious regret. “I don’t know how to contact them.”

  “I do. Another Bladesman was here this night. I will introduce you if I can find him.”

  With the hall emptying, and servants beginning to clean, it was easier to search for Sir Robert. In fact, he seemed to be watching her, for he was alone, and when their gazes met, he inclined his head.

  Then suddenly she remembered—there was a traitor within the League. Could Sir Robert be he?

  But surely, if he was, he could have killed her before now. And she just couldn’t believe it of him. Her instincts about people had always been strong.

  She led Lord Alderley to him, introduced the two Bladesmen, and explained her dilemma.

  Sir Robert spoke softly. “Bramfield, you say?”

  “He has a house between Westminster and London,” Lord Alderley said. “Would he go there?”

  “And would Philip follow him?” Anne asked. “It seems to be our only choice.”

  Sir Robert nodded. “I will accompany you, Alderley.”

  Anne chimed in. “And I will, too.”

  Lord Alderley frowned at her.

  Before he could speak, she said, “Do not say that this is too dangerous for a woman. I have been in constant danger for weeks now.”

  “And handled yourself well,” Sir Robert said with an admiring smile. “You could almost be a Bladesman yourself.”

  “A Bladeswoman,” she corrected. “But I’m no longer interested. Philip is all I can think about. Could we go, please?”

  Chapter 25

  P hilip rode swiftly through the London streets, now barren of traffic except for the occasional drunken fool or eager prostitute. Lanterns guided him, and the crest of the moon peered out from behind a scattering of clouds.

  For now, Anne and Lady Rosamond were safe. But how long could that last, with three traitors free of the consequences of their actions?

  When he neared the house used by the League, he dismounted at the end of the alley and left the horse tethered to a broken crate. Taking his time, Philip covered the area, looking for anything suspicious. But if Bramfield were still keeping watch, it was not obvious.

  And why should he? Philip thought bitterly. The king was not going to act.

  When at last he led his horse into the front courtyard, two men materialized out of the shadows on either side of the house. Philip did not hear the sound of swords being drawn, but he remained immobile.

  “I need to see Sir David,” he said softly. “I have just come from the king.”

  They pulled him forward, handling him roughly, but he was not surprised. He had taken Lady Rosamond out from under their protection.

  Inside, there was light in the front hall, and dark curtains covering the windows. The two men pulled Philip deeper into the house, into a withdrawing room crowded with several men.

  Walter, David, and Joseph were among them, as well as two others that Philip didn’t recognize.

  Walter rose to his feet. “You may leave us,” he said to the two guards, who withdrew and shut the door behind them.

  “We trusted you, Sir Philip,” Walter said coldly.

  “And I trusted you,” Philip shot back. “But you cared more about the king than the innocent women who had risked their very lives for this mission.”

  “And you could guard them better than we could?” Walter said with sarcasm.

  Philip looked at the two strangers. “I need you gentlemen to leave. I will not say more in front of you.”

  Walter said, “They will remain.”

  Philip stared hard at David, who sighed. “Walter, let it just be the four of us for now.”

  Walter glanced impassively at David, but at last he nodded, and the two men departed.

  “I did guard those women better than you could,” Philip finally said in a low, heated voice, “because even now they reside within Westminster Palace. Lady Rosamond identified the traitors for the king.”

  Joseph and David looked at each other in relief, but Walter continued to study Philip. “There is more,” Walter said.

  Philip nodded, his jaw clenched. “The king will not move against the traitors for fear he will lose control of all of the noblemen so soon after his coronation. He says he will investigate for more proof.”

  “It sounds like he’s being cautious,” Joseph said.

  Philip felt like he was going to explode. “Cautious? He is leaving Anne and Rosamond vulnerable.”

  “The League will see them safe.”

  “The League?” Philip said, looking at David in surprise. “You did not tell them?”

  “We were never alone,” David said, and then wryly added, “and they felt that I had not done enough to stop your escape.”

  Walter glanced at David with obvious disappointment. “You had information for us?”

  “Someone within the League is working with Bramfield and the traitors,” David said. “Lady Rosamond was sent a threatening letter while she was here.”

  “And the only person who could have known where she was is a Bladesman,” Philip added coldly. “Why else would I have taken the women from here?”

  Walter’s eyes seemed to burn with emotion, but only for a moment. Then he was his impassive self once again. “And
yet you came back here to us. Why?”

  “Because the three of you are all I have.” Philip tiredly ran a hand through his hair. “There is a rogue Bladesman out there, who knows that at least one traitor is aware of his identity. What do you think is going to happen?”

  Walter considered Philip. “He will attempt to protect himself by killing the traitors.”

  “I care nothing for the lives of Bramfield and his cohorts,” Philip said. “But if we can capture this Bladesman before he does something worse—”

  “You are correct, Sir Philip,” Walter interrupted. “I am glad you came to us.”

  Philip stared at him in surprise.

  “I owe you an apology,” Walter continued. “I promised to guard Anne, an innocent, at all costs, but I lost sight of this in my quest to aid the king. It was a misjudgment on my part that I deeply regret. The League has never been about politics, but about helping people who could not always help themselves. But I found myself behaving once again as a soldier.”

  David and Joseph seemed taken aback, but Philip only nodded. “I accept your apology, but I cannot speak for Anne. Yet…she understood your motives for leaving her more than I did.”

  “That was too generous of her,” Walter said.

  “I agree. Because for me, all I can think about is her safety. If there is corruption in the League, how can she have any kind of normal life?”

  “Bramfield has a house on the Strand,” Walter said, “rather than apartments at Westminster Palace.”

  “That will be convenient for the rogue Bladesman,”

  Philip said, turning to the door. “And since I already bribed the guard at the city gate to let me in, surely he’ll take more money to let me out again. Come.”

  Anne rode pillion behind Lord Alderley, holding on tightly to his waist as he rode his horse beside Sir Robert beneath a full moon. The Strand led toward the city walls, but they did not have to worry about getting past the closed gates. Bramfield had what was almost a palace on the Thames. They left their horses near the street and crept close to the walls surrounding his property.