Feisty Heroines Romance Collection of Shorts

by D. F. Jones

  “Ah. The one whose father once attended John? I did hear that tale. His land borders this?”

  “He’s the one.”

  “Umh,” Martin grunted. “It’s obvious he doesn’t know much about the king. The lad had no chance.”

  Hugh didn’t bother to answer. He and Martin had fought enough battles alongside rulers and hopeful rulers to understand that to a man, no sovereign wanted a vassal with too much power. Joining a pair of large neighboring demesnes into one massive domain made its lord too influential. Perhaps even influential enough to challenge a ruler.

  The two men pushed onward until the blue-gray of evening began to descend.

  “We may have to stop for the night,” Hugh admitted at last, but he didn’t like the necessity. He shifted in the saddle, gripped with an urge to push on.

  “Night’s not far off,” Martin agreed, cutting a glance Hugh’s way. “Be easy, my friend. From what I’ve seen, the lady can handle herself right well.”

  Hugh swiped a hand across his face. He didn’t want to worry about the blasted female. But spirit and determination were faint defenses against wild animals. Or armed enemies. “You may have the right of it. But some things even a strong will can’t fight.”

  He halted at a dense thicket and tilted his head. “Do you hear that?

  Martin stilled then nodded.

  Voices—along with the thud and crunch of movement were just beyond the clot of bushes.

  Chapter 7

  Annis was weary. Randal pushed on through one thicket, then another, toward the spot he insisted concealed a hut. They could shelter there for the night, he assured her. No one would find them.

  Finally, she made out a small building tucked among the trees. At last. She dismounted and when Orin offered to take her horse, she gratefully handed over the reins.

  Inside, cobwebs and excessive dust marked the floor and rough furnishings. She shuddered and turned when Randal entered. “I would like to leave at first light. We’ll be missed soon, and I fear someone will come after us.”

  Randal tossed a handful of kindling into the small, dirty fireplace then pulled flint from his pack. “Don’t worry about being followed. Where we will go, no one will think to search.”

  Annis had been pacing the packed earth floor when his words and his tone stopped her. “Randal?”

  “Annis?” he said in a mocking voice. He didn’t look up from lighting a fire.

  “What do you mean?”

  He straightened and brushed his hands. “You don’t wish to marry Sir Hugert, do you?”

  “Of course not.” She clasped and unclasped her hands. “I don’t know. I haven’t met him. I simply…it’s so soon after Papa’s death.”

  She sucked in a breath, then slowly exhaled. “Why now? Surely a fortnight or so to think isn’t too much to ask.”

  Randal came to her side. “I hate to see you forced this way. I’ve always favored you, Annis. We’ve been friends since childhood. Why not marry me? We could be comfortable together.”

  Marry Randal? Her heart thudded in her ears. She couldn’t! The thought had entered her mind, but she’d rejected it. She caught her lower lip between her teeth. Perhaps she should reconsider.

  Suddenly, he grabbed her and kissed her. She shuddered and shoved him away, fighting the urge to retch. “Don’t. That’s disgusting.”

  He shot her a look that could only be called wounded. “My kiss was disgusting?”

  “Randal, you’re like a brother. It was like kissing my brother. I’m fond of you, but you’re family.”

  Stalking the few steps back to the fire, he laughed. Annis couldn’t believe her cousin, whose friendship she’d treasured for years, was behaving like a stranger. Dread tingled through her veins as she searched for a way to turn the conversation.

  “Your mother will be worried if we don’t arrive in good time,” she said. “Let’s forget what has passed here and rest so we can get an early start.”

  “Mother doesn’t know I’m here.” He turned to smirk at her.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I came directly from London. Before the king made his choice for Roxley. I didn’t know who he would name, I only knew it wouldn’t be me. He rejected my request to wed you, to join Roxley and Dunner.”

  Guilt, then sympathy flooded Annis at his rueful words. “Oh, Randal, I’m so sorry you were disappointed. But we can’t wed. It would be like—”

  “Marrying your brother, yes. You’ve made that perfectly clear.” Bitterness had returned to his voice. “You’ll have to adjust. Once we marry, I’ll have a claim to Roxley, and Sir Hugert can’t deny that.”

  “But the king—”

  “The king hasn’t accepted facts yet, but he soon will have more troubles to account for than one lone holding. The barons are not pleased with his behavior and they are gathering strength.”

  “Why are you so intent? Dunner controls more land than Roxley. With your father gone, it’s all yours. Don’t you remember how his days were always filled with duties? You have responsibilities there. You couldn’t handle both places.”

  He swung around to confront her. “Don’t tell me what I am and am not capable of. I had enough of that when I served with King John. No matter how I tried to prove myself, he never gave me the responsibility I deserved. It was always his damned mercenaries he chose to trust.”

  At the pain in his voice, Annis longed to comfort him. But this new side of Randal made her reluctant. “I’m sorry for your disappointment, but that can’t excuse making war on Roxley. Consider what it would mean. People will be hurt, even killed. Think of your men from Dunner. Don’t endanger their lives for your revenge. I can’t let you do such a thing.”

  This entire conversation seemed unreal. But it wasn’t, and she had to do something. She bolted for the door and dashed outside.

  Thank heavens her mare had not been unsaddled. Annis raced to the mount and jerked the reins free from their loosely tied knot. Somehow she managed to grab the pommel and pull herself up until her foot caught the stirrup. Clinging to the animal’s mane and the thin leather straps wrapped around her fist, she managed to right herself.

  Randal shouted curses and she judged from their volume that he’d not yet mounted. Holding her breath, she guided her mare through the underbrush in the direction they’d come.

  She hoped she chose the correct direction. Mother Mary, show me the way. The prayer echoed in her mind as the horse followed the nearly invisible path, ploughing through undergrowth. Then, without warning, Annis surged free of the twigs and branches and leaves slapping her.

  The horse broke onto the trail—and nearly collided with two other mounts.

  Chapter 8

  “What in Hades?” Hugh pulled his horse to the side to avoid the oncoming rider.

  He glared at the figure in the saddle—it was her. Thank God, she appeared unhurt. The startled horse reared, but Lady Annis hung on. The lady could ride.

  He snatched the bridle the moment the animal’s front hooves hit the ground. Then he snaked out his arm, grabbed her around the waist, and lifted. Before her bottom hit the saddle in front of him, she landed a blow to his shoulder and one to his chin.

  “Umpf. Stop that, woman, I’m trying to rescue you.”

  She reared back, arms rigid, both hands flat against his chest. “Let me go.” The words stopped when she looked into his face.

  “It’s you.” She relaxed her arms, her shoulders losing their stiffness. Then, as if realizing the import of his being there, she added, “I suppose he sent you to bring me back.”

  “I came,” Hugh answered, “because you were riding into danger. You needed help.”

  “I managed to rescue myself,” she began, only to stop when Sir Randal charged into the open, riding without a saddle.

  He pulled his mount to a halt, then fought to regain control as it pranced and circled.

  Finally, he calmed the animal and faced Hugh.

  “You are not needed here
,” Hugh said. “I recall the name Sir Randal of Dunner now. You were a petitioner for Roxley Castle. I regret you were disappointed. But a fine soldier like yourself should realize King John would not look kindly on merging two great holdings. Look you, if you were a ruler, how would you feel if neighboring estates become one large, powerful domain? Knowing barons in this part of the land held grievances against you?”

  Sir Randal answered tightlipped, “The king knows I’m loyal. He should trust me.”

  Hugh preferred fighting to talking, but he made a final effort. “Would you trust one man who possessed such power, given what John’s experienced with his family?”

  “Cousin, he has the right of it.” Lady Annis reached out a hand. “Can’t we forget this day, be friends again? Dunner Castle is rich, the tenants devoted to your family. Someday you will find the right lady to wed, one who will honor you as you deserve.”

  Satan’s toenails. A right and generous speech his lady had made. And she was his lady. Smart and wise in the ways of people. He nodded proudly.

  “Come back to Roxley for the night,” she said. “We’ll travel to Dunner tomorrow.”

  Hugh cleared his throat. “My lady, I must insist you remain at Roxley. As you have heard, the king doesn’t appreciate being disobeyed.”

  He shot a glare at Sir Randal. The other knight straightened, lifted a hand. Even in the dimness, Hugh knew he’d been recognized. He gave a quick shake of his head.

  Sir Randal inclined his. “He is right, Annis, you’d be well advised to make peace with Sir Hugert. If you obey him, I’m certain he will treat you with respect. I have never heard that he abuses women.”

  Hugh gave a soft snort at the remark, but Lady Annis’s muscles hardened at the words. Best Hugh step in to avoid more contention.

  “You’re welcome to rest overnight at the castle.” The words sounded friendly, but his expression discouraged agreement.

  “No, no,” Randal rushed out. “Olin and I will remain here, then set out for home early in the morn. I’ll tell Mother you are well, Annis, and that you send regards.”

  He shifted his eyes to Hugh. “If you follow this trail back and turn left at the road, you’ll find Roxley much closer than you thought.” With that, he disappeared into the trees.

  The three sat quietly for a few moments before Lady Annis said, “If you will return me to my horse, we can start back.”

  Reluctantly, Hugh set her in her saddle but kept the reins in his hand. He instantly missed the warm softness of her body. She was quite a lady. Beautiful. But independent. Well, then, he liked spirit in women, didn’t he? She’d managed the castle in her father’s illness. He could learn much from her.

  “I know this marriage is not what you wanted, my lady, but I can vow Sir Hugert will do his best to respect you. And value your advice.”

  Martin coughed in that irritatingly amused way of his. He was right. Hugh should identify himself before they returned to the castle, and she discovered it on her own.

  Chapter 9

  The knight’s words gave Annis pause. Sir Hugert would respect her? Invite her advice? The other knight coughed, then turned to lead the way toward the road. In the near darkness, hundreds of stars winked, a glittering blanket across the sky. A slice of moon hovered above the horizon.

  This day had been an enormous trial, and she wasn’t sure how it would end. She was returning to face the new lord who would assume control of her home and, it seemed inevitable, become her husband. If the king ordered it, what choice did she really have? Annis only prayed the fearsome mercenary would prove agreeable enough that they could live in some manner of peace. She doubted love fit in her future.

  “What can you tell me about him?” she asked the knight behind her.

  “Sir Hugert? I may be partial, but I believe him to be a capable warrior, a firm captain, fair to his men. Women find him irresistible.”

  Women. Mother Mary, she hadn’t considered that. “Does he employ a leman?”

  She meant to sound indifferent, but her voice quivered, blast it.

  The knight in the lead actually chuckled.

  “No, no,” the one behind her hastened to say. “He’s vowed to remain faithful to his wife.”

  Annis considered that statement, a sense of satisfaction settling over her. “What do you know of his background, Sir…” She paused. She didn’t know what to call her escort. How foolish—all their sparring, and he’d managed to avoid introducing himself.

  “Do you know,” she said, “I have spoken with you on many occasions today, yet I do not know your name.”

  “You may call me…Sir Hugh.”

  Sir Hugh? How odd his name sounded so close to that of his captain’s. Annis maneuvered across a dip as they turned onto the wider road. Once they settled in to the final stretch of the journey, Sir Hugh caught up to ride alongside her. She glanced at him.

  In the bright silver of starlight, she made out his high, broad brow, strong nose, and firm chin. A day’s growth of beard darkened his cheeks, giving him a rather fierce look. He rode straight and tall, easy in the saddle, moving gracefully with the motion of his horse. His shoulders loomed broad, and she recalled the hardness of his chest when he held her securely after plucking her from the horse. He looked—commanding, confident. A leader.

  Realization hit her like an icy blast of winter wind, and her breath froze in her throat.

  Dear God, it was him—Sir Hugert—Sir Hugh! The familiar ringing sounded in her ears. He had tricked her, lied to her, made a fool of her!

  “Not intentionally,” he said.

  Oh, no. She’d spoken aloud. Anger and humiliation warred in her mind. Anger won. She stopped her horse.

  “How could you have behaved in such a way? You intentionally withheld your name to mislead me. Had you told me who you were immediately, all of this could have been avoided. I will leave tomorrow. I refuse to consider wedding you.” She signaled the horse to turn, but the contrary animal simply sidestepped. Before she could regain control, Sir Hugh had grabbed the bridle.

  “Let go.” Her voice was low, angry…hurt.

  “No,” the blasted man replied. “You will listen. Each time I tried to tell you, something diverted your attention. From the first step we took into the bailey, you’ve resisted my being there, refused to listen to explanations, denied the king’s writ.”

  “From the first, you hid your identity—”

  “Not my fault, you immediately decided I was a vagrant messenger, sent by a negligent knight.”

  “You could have…” Annis paused, recalling their first meeting. She’d assumed that very thing. Then Randal arrived. And later. Later, she’d been so intent on leaving, she’d not considered him at all, except in passing.

  A blur at her side made her turn. He’d dismounted to stalk toward her. Before she realized his intent, he lifted her to the ground and rested his large, warm hands on her waist. She looked at him warily, but he merely smiled. Then he stepped back and bowed. Bowed! What is he doing?

  “Lady Annis, I am Sir Hugert de Ville, sent by the king to take up residence at Roxley Castle now that your father has died and you are alone. The king has sent you a message, asking you to choose—wed me or travel to court as his ward. He instructed me to say you will have a choice of many potential husbands from among his followers.”

  Annis observed him in wonder. This polite, well-spoken knight was a far cry from the rough and dirty man of this morn. She nodded graciously. “My thanks, Sir Hugert.”

  “Hugh. In England, I’m known as Hugh.”

  “Sir Hugh.” She clasped her hands—tightly—and strove for a polite response. “I expected King John to appoint a new lord, but not this quickly. You must understand, I’m in mourning. I…I would like some time to make my decision.”

  “You shall have it, my lady. But the night grows cool. We should return to the castle.”

  He set her back on her horse and mounted his own. Only then did Annis realize the other knight had stop
ped to watch. With a grin and a jerk of his head, he turned to lead the way again.

  They traveled in silence while Annis considered her position. She could insist on visiting her aunt. But she’d met Sir Hugert—Hugh—and found him reasonable—inclined to find odd things humorous, but reasonable. Perchance leaving now wouldn’t be good, when much depended on how the people accepted him. She really ought to be present to show him the way of things here.

  As the new lord, he seemed capable and knowledgeable about handling other men. The confrontation with Randal might have gone terribly wrong if Sir Hugh possessed a different manner. Her father had possessed a similar talent for dealing with others.

  He’d apologized for misleading her. Really, it had been as much her fault as his. She’d allowed panic to overcome her better judgement. That behavior wasn’t like her. And—surprisingly—he’d admitted there was much he needed to learn about the running of the castle.

  Perchance she might remain at Roxley for a few days, a sennight perhaps. Then she would make her decision.

  She threw him a glance to find him looking at her. He smiled. A rather nice smile. A strong, handsome face. He’d shown kindness. And who knew what kind of man she’d find at court? Perhaps she’d stay here for a few days, at least.

  Chapter 10

  Three months later

  Hugh darted from behind the kitchen door and dragged Annis into his arms, his lips finding hers. Warm, willing woman snuggled to his chest. He dotted kisses across her eyes, then along her neck.

  She shivered.

  He chuckled.

  “Tomorrow,” he murmured.

  “Ummm. The ceremony can’t come soon enough,” she whispered. “I still find it hard to believe you’re the same gruff, rude man who challenged me that first day. I’m very happy.”

  “I’ll do my best to see you remain so. Have I thanked you yet for consenting to marry me?”

  “Not since morn,” she teased. “You realize I’m wedding you to avoid the inconvenience of a long journey to court.”