He frowned, less than pleased that he and Matthew had already drawn such attention. Then again, if Lord Stanwick was up to no good, he would be suspicious of everyone passing through Ermine. “Did he ask anything specifically?”
“He wants to know why you’re really here. And if I fail to provide him with something of interest, either the ale tasters will find fault with my ale or my sister will be mistreated at the keep. Possibly by Wymark himself.”
“I’m sorry my presence has created so many problems for you.” Hugh hated to think that someone suffered because of his actions.
“He’s increasingly become a problem since my husband died. This is just one more step down that path. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” She scowled, heaved a sigh and turned back to face him. “I fear Wymark and…others are using my alehouse for a purpose other than drinking.”
“Such as?”
“Many travelers pass through, but often they meet with Wymark. To pass messages perhaps? I’m not certain. But they act suspicious and with Wymark involved, I have to wonder what they’re up to.”
“Exactly what we’d like to know as well.” He released her hand to draw her back against him so she would be more comfortable. And closer. ’Twas his turn to confide in her. “A friend and I have been following a baron called Lord Tegmont for some time.” She nodded, making him wonder if she’d had the displeasure of meeting him. “We discovered he’d become embroiled with other lords unhappy with King Henry for granting favors to foreigners. So unhappy, they planned a revolt.”
She turned her head to look at him warily. “You’re speaking of treason.”
“Indeed I am.”
By the lack of surprise in her expression, he guessed she’d already realized what Stanwick plotted.
“In order for their plan to succeed, they need more lords to join them. What better way to convince others to side with them than demonstrate the terrible circumstances that happen to those loyal to the king?”
She frowned. “Such as?”
“Hard to be loyal if you’re dead.”
“They’ve murdered other barons?” Her eyes went wide with shock.
Hugh shook his head. “Not yet. We foiled their first plot but surely another is in the works. Tegmont is now dead, and I have to wonder if they worry his death was due to his involvement with them. If so, they’ll be even more cautious, which will make them more difficult to defeat.”
“I can hardly believe it. Do they truly think their lives are so terrible under King Henry that they’re willing to resort to murder?”
“Their pride is at stake as well. In some cases, perhaps their livelihood. The king has acted unfairly in more than one instance by granting favors to his Poitevin relatives rather than to English barons. While many agree this should not be tolerated, ’tis how they go about it that remains in question.”
“So they seek drastic measures to make their point.”
“Aye.”
“What do you intend to do about it?”
Hugh shook his head. This was where his mission became unclear, and that did not please him in the least. “For the moment, we’d settle for interrupting their communication. If we could make them realize others are aware of their plans, they might halt their plotting.”
“I don’t think they use only one method to pass information. While I’ve seen messages exchanged in the alehouse, it hasn’t been frequent enough to carry out an elaborate murder plot.”
Hugh had to agree. “From what you’ve told me, Wymark seems to be at the center of the transfer of information.”
“You must be very careful around him.” Liza shook her head. “He is suspicious of everyone and as I told you, he already asks questions about you. He’s dangerous.”
“I will have to think on the matter.” This was exactly the kind of situation that made Hugh nervous. His preference would be to do away with the steward simply because of his threats to Liza. But that would bring Lord Stanwick’s wrath which would jeopardize their whole mission. He needed a clever plan but nothing came to mind.
They sat in companionable silence as Hugh pondered options. A breeze lifted a strand of hair from Liza’s braid, sending it dancing along her cheek. With it came the sweet scent of her, bringing his thoughts back to his present companion.
He reached out to tuck the soft strand behind her ear. “What of you, Liza. Do you intend to remain here?”
“What choice do I have? I cannot leave my sister, and my alehouse is here.”
He didn’t think she’d want to hear what he had to say, but it had to be said. “I’m not certain you’re safe here any longer. From what you’ve told me, Wymark grows bolder. If he truly acts for Lord Stanwick, you will find no assistance there.”
Her eyes widened, making him wonder if she hadn’t realized the risk she took by staying.
“Do you think Wymark would truly harm my sister?”
“You know him better than I. Would he?”
Her head tipped back against Hugh as though in defeat. “Of course he would. Who am I trying to fool?”
“When is the last time you saw her?”
“Over a fortnight ago. Wymark has refused to let us communicate since then.”
Hugh wrapped his arm around her. “I think we need to find a way to make certain your sister is well. Perhaps she no longer wishes to serve Lord Stanwick.”
“But how? I’ve tried.”
“Allow me to determine a plan. With luck, it will help you and me as well.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “I truly appreciate your help.”
“I’m pleased to aid you.” He took the liberty of placing both arms around her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.
She leaned her head back to look at him. Was it his imagination, or did those big brown eyes now hold a hint of trust in them? More than anything, he wanted to kiss her, to feel those full lips beneath his. But he feared that would wipe away the trust he’d gained.
All he could think to do was allow her to see his desire. He dropped his gaze to her lips as he held the curve of her waist. “You are beautiful, Liza.” He took her hand and placed it on his chest. “My heart speeds when I hold you like this.”
“Mine does as well.” She took his hand and placed it over her racing heart.
Her gesture pleased him to no end, but that wasn’t all he felt. The swell of her breast teased him, and it took all his willpower not to caress her. Desire filled him sharp and sweet. He moved his fingers lower, watching as her eyes darkened with passion. How could he possibly hold back? “Liza.”
She stretched up to offer him her lips, giving him the answer he sought.
With a groan, he kissed her, alternately nibbling and tasting. His hand cupped the fullness of her breast. “You feel so good,” he murmured. “You taste like apple. You smell like sunshine and berries.” He nuzzled her neck to better enjoy her fragrance.
She reclaimed his mouth, her tongue searching out his. He pulled her into his lap, wanting to feel her body on his. It didn’t take long for him to realize he’d made a mistake. The feel of her bottom on his groin had him heavy with desire. She shifted to wrap her arms around him and he groaned.
“Christ, Liza.” He eased back, hoping to find the will to stop. “I want you so badly I ache.”
She studied him, a look of wonder on her face. “Truly?”
He raised a brow, surprised she couldn’t tell. He shifted her bottom over his swollen manhood to prove his words.
“Oh.” Hesitation came over her expression. “I didn’t meant to cause you discomfort.”
Hugh laughed and pulled her closer. “I can only hope I’m causing you a bit of discomfort as well. If not, I’m obviously out of practice.”
“I’ve never felt quite like this before.”
Her softly spoken words surprised him. After all, she’d been married. “What do you mean?”
“I didn’t realize—” She glanced down as though embarrassed. “That is to say, I di
dn’t think I could feel…desire.”
Hugh had the urge to punch her husband. Good thing the man was dead. “I would show you more than desire if you’ll let me.” He ran his hands along her curves, wondering if she would trust him enough to allow him to pleasure her.
She closed her eyes and tipped her head back as though reveling in the feel of his hands on her body.
A giggle interrupted them as someone walked along the path through the trees behind them. Hugh nearly groaned at the reminder that they weren’t alone. This spot was not as secluded as he would’ve liked.
Liza waited until the people passed then kissed him, her tongue swirling with his until his head swirled as well. “I will consider your offer,” she said. “I need to think upon it. This is not something I would do lightly.”
Hugh captured her hand and kissed it. “Nor would I treat such a gift lightly. But the decision is yours.” He set her to the side and rose, then offered her his hand. “Let us see if Wymark wanders through the market so you can point him out to me. It would help my efforts if I knew what he looked like.”
He lifted her basket, and they went to the edge of the trees and studied the area, but Liza didn’t see him. As they searched, Matthew approached.
“Good day to you, Liza.” The young knight appeared to be quite pleased with himself.
“Was your mission a success?” Hugh asked.
“Aye, but in a different way than I’d expected.” Matthew glanced at Liza as though hesitant to say more in her presence.
“Liza and I have come to an agreement of sorts,” Hugh told him. “Speak freely.”
“Well then, Ingrede told me Stanwick is having her father make extra weapons, more than what his garrison could possibly need.”
Liza’s eyes grew wide. “I had no idea.”
“She also told me the tinker is in town and it would be worth our time to speak with him.”
“Jacob usually comes to the alehouse when he’s here,” Liza offered.
A tinker repaired brass items and traveled from town to town. Hugh was certain anyone in that position would be well informed as he had the chance to speak with many villagers.
“Ingrede says he had a disagreement with the steward.”
Hugh smiled. The day continued to get better and better. “Mayhap he can assist us as well.”
Chapter Five
Liza worked in the alehouse that evening, watching the entrance, hoping Hugh would make an appearance. Each time the door opened, her body tensed. She shook her head at her girlish nerves. Yet how could she not anticipate his arrival after he’d told her how much he wanted her? Heat shimmered through her at the idea of lying with him, of the pleasure he might show her, of the way her heart squeezed when she thought of him.
Did she dare trust him?
Unable to answer the question quite yet, she attempted to focus on her work. As she studied the customers to see who needed more food and drink, she couldn’t help but wonder if any of them knew what Lord Stanwick was about.
Had she simply ignored rumors or turned her back on what she’d seen with her own eyes?
Nay. She’d been more worried about keeping the doors of her alehouse open than watching for trouble. While she’d sensed Lord Stanwick was up to something, how could she possibly have realized exactly what?
Treason. Even thinking the word had the hair on the back of her neck rising.
When she thought back over the past few months, she could pick out evenings when men had come to her tavern and spoken with each other in hushed tones, acting suspicious of anyone approaching their table, the serving maids included.
But what could she have done differently when she’d seen such behavior? Nothing. Her priority had been the welfare of herself and her sister. Not that she’d done very well with that simple task. Now she had even more reason to worry over Melissande’s safety.
Awareness prickled down her spine. She turned to find the big handsome knight in the doorway, sending butterflies loose in her stomach. The heated look in his eyes made her nervous and, aye, a little curious as well.
He gave a nearly imperceptible nod as he and Matthew took their seats at their usual table. Well aware Wymark had eyes in her alehouse, she allowed Elsie to serve the men and went about her duties until at last she had a chance to pass by their table.
“Do you deliver ale to the keep?” Hugh asked, his voice low.
“Sometimes, though they often fetch it themselves. Why?”
“Allow us to deliver it for you. That would give Matthew and me a chance to gain entrance since from what the blacksmith told us, our request to buy horses will most likely be denied.”
She frowned as she considered the details. “I don’t think you’d get farther than the kitchen.”
“That might be all we need to find your sister.”
In that moment, Liza’s heart melted a little. “You’d bother to see how my sister fares when you have more important worries on your mind?”
Hugh looked puzzled at her question. “You are concerned about her, are you not?” At her nod, he said, “Then we will see if all is well. Mayhap she can offer information that would aid our mission. When will the ale be ready to deliver?”
Elsie hurried into the brew room the next morn, her brow furrowed with worry. “Liza, I’ve heard terrible news.”
Liza set down the wooden paddle with which she’d been stirring the ale and wiped her hands on her apron. “What is it?”
“’Tis Melissande.”
Liza’s heart stopped. She grabbed Elsie’s hands. “What?”
“Wymark threw her in the dungeon.”
“Why?” A sinking feeling weighted Liza’s chest, making it difficult to breathe.
“I’m not certain. I overheard Tollie, who works in the kitchen, tell the potter’s wife.”
“What could she have possible done to deserve such treatment?”
Elsie swallowed and glanced away.
“Tell me, Elsie. What is it?” Liza tugged on the serving maid’s hands.
“Tollie said she lingered in places she shouldn’t have and heard things no one in their right mind should’ve listened to.”
Liza closed her eyes and released the maid’s hands. “She overheard Lord Stanwick speaking, didn’t she?”
Elsie nodded. “Tollie said Wymark caught her.”
Despair filled Liza followed quickly by anger at her sister’s carelessness. This was the very thing that had worried her from the moment Melissande had started serving at the keep. Now what could be done? How could she possibly free her sister from the dungeon? That was an impossible task.
“What will you do?” Elsie asked.
“I don’t know.” Damn Wymark! Time and again, the men in her life had betrayed her. Her father, her husband, even Stanwick and Wymark. Then she stopped herself. There was one man who seemed to be trustworthy, who had yet to break his word.
Hugh.
As though her thoughts had conjured him, the knight opened the door, blocking the sunlight.
“Good day, Liza. Elsie.” His smile faded as he looked at Liza. “What’s happened?”
“Wymark put my sister in the dungeon.”
“Damnation.” He moved to stand before her as Elsie eased back. “Why?”
“She overheard something the lord said that she shouldn’t have and Wymark caught her.”
“Christ.” He turned away. The tiny spark of hope she’d held that he might help fell. Then he spun back. “I will fetch Matthew, and we’ll determine a way to have her released.”
Her eyes filled with tears at his offer.
“What is it?” he asked, placing his arm around her shoulder.
“You’d help me?”
“Of course.” He brushed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “We can’t leave her there, now can we?”
His logical statement made her smile. “Nay. That we cannot.”
“Then I’ll find Matthew and we’ll decide the best way to manage this.”
He shook his head. “At times, a mission must change course. This is one of those times. I’ll be back anon.” He released her with a smile and left.
Liza stood there staring at the door, unable to believe it.
“Now that’s a good man,” Elsie said.
“Indeed he is.” Liza couldn’t agree more.
Hugh, Matthew and Liza gathered around the table in the brew room a short while later. Liza had food before them and a flagon of ale.
“The way I see it, we have three obstacles in our path,” Hugh said. “The first is gaining entrance to the keep. The second is making our way to the dungeon.”
“And the third is leaving with my sister,” Liza finished.
“Exactly.” Hugh gave her a nod of approval. “Let us consider one at a time.”
Hugh wondered if the doubt he felt showed on his face. The more he thought on the matter, the less likely it seemed they’d be successful. His first instinct was to use brute force. He knew how to wield his axe for the greatest benefit. How to thrust and parry, how to cleave a man’s head in two.
This mission would be much different. To accomplish this without raising alarm seemed impossible. Yet the look of hope on Liza’s face allowed him no choice but to try. Somehow, this woman had worked her way under his skin. The thought of disappointing her made him feel less of a man.
Plus there was the chance that her sister had heard something that would aid his cause. A servant could not serve as a witness against a lord, but she could hopefully provide them with details of Stanwick’s intent. That was a hell of a lot more than he had right now.
“We know Stanwick has several important guests arriving on the morrow because Wymark ordered extra ale from Liza.” Hugh looked in askance at her and she nodded.
“Which means they’ll be holding a feast at the keep,” Matthew said. “That should provide a nice distraction for both the servants and the lord.”
“Aye,” Hugh agreed. “They’ll be busy with preparations and serving.”
“Wymark might send someone to fetch it.” The doubt in Liza’s tone matched his own.
Vengeance 01.5 - A Knight's Kiss Page 4