by D. F. Jones
"It's not my way to cause distress to others."
"Of that, I'm pleased."
"If you want to leave your uncle, why don't you marry?"
"I could never leave the children behind, and my uncle won't let them go." She wasn't ready to share with him the other reason she never married.
I'm too afraid to be bound to an unkind man.
They turned the corner and her steps slowed at the beginning of a white-washed picket fence. She couldn't believe how easy he was to talk to–as if she'd known him forever.
"Here is Mistress Pike's home. I'll only be a moment." She reached for the bag and strode to the door.
Chapter 6
Miles sat on a chair in front of the blazing hearth and sipped his ale as he stared into the dancing, orange-hued flames. He couldn't get Grace out of his head.
Beautiful, Grace.
When they returned from their walk, they talked for hours while they watched Jacob work. She told him about her childhood, her sewing, and the children. He spoke about being a knight and his life at Rosemont. The one topic they stayed away from was her uncle.
Footsteps sounded on the back stairs. He glanced over his shoulder at the second-floor entrance to the common room.
Marcus stood in the doorway as he placed his cloak on a peg. "Waiting for me?"
"I figured you'd show up. Want a drink?"
"Sure." Marcus joined him.
Miles handed his friend a cup. "Cheers."
Marcus tipped his head back and swallowed a big gulp. "Ahh! That tastes good. Much better than the sweet stuff my brother serves."
"Did you have a good day with the Earl of Warwick?"
"It's nice being around family. What about you? Did the woman and her brother show?"
"They did. Jacob asked for forgiveness and then worked extra hard chopping and stacking the wood. He didn't want to leave, but his sister dragged him out of here. Grace seemed worried about the time and said they needed to get home."
"I know that look. What's bothering you?"
"They're being mistreated by their uncle. Jacob let slip that he stole my coin pouch so they could run away." Miles took another sip.
"You've always had a soft spot for those in need."
"As do you. I seem to remember you going out of your way to make Lady Katherine comfortable when our friend, Richard, acted like an idiot after they first married."
"Aye, I'm guilty myself."
"There's something about Grace. I can't stop thinking about her. She has the most beautiful, bright violet eyes. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy her company. I'm hoping to see her again."
Marcus slapped Miles on his shoulder. "My friend, you have it bad."
Chapter 7
"Sir Miles, wake up," a male voice pleaded.
Miles opened his eyes to Mr. Tanner standing in the doorway with an oil lamp casting a shadowy glow across his bedchamber.
"Miss Grace is downstairs, outside the leather shop. Her little brother's hurt. She's asking to see you."
He rose from the bed and glanced out the window. It was the dead of night. "Wake Marcus."
Mr. Tanner lit the bedside lamp before leaving the room. Miles quickly donned his clothes and then rushed down to the lantern-lit leather shop. The front door stood open. Grace hovered over a small wooden cart.
"What has happened?"
She glanced at him. Her eyes were moist with unshed tears.
Miles stepped forward and opened his arms. She buried her face in his chest. Warm tears seeped through his shirt. He wrapped his arms around her back and squeezed. His chest tightened. He didn't like seeing her so distraught.
Jacob lay curled in a ball in the cart, a cloak covered his body. His face was red and swollen. A young girl stood on the other side; her cheeks were splotchy from recent tears.
"My uncle. He did this. His meal was late. Jacob tried to stop him from hurting me. When my uncle fell asleep, we left. I didn't know where else to go." Grace's voice hitched.
"Come inside." Miles ushered her and her sister into the shop. He returned and scooped up Jacob.
The young boy moaned.
He cradled the boy's limp body. "You're safe now."
Jacob whispered, "I couldn't let him hit her anymore."
"You did the right thing," he said in a low voice.
Marcus met them at the bottom of the stairs. "Give me the boy. I'll take him to your bedchamber."
Miles handed Jacob over. As they followed behind, he placed a possessive arm around Grace's waist. Her body trembled under his touch as he escorted her up the steps.
Marcus laid the lad on the feather mattress.
Mr. Tanner arrived. "My wife will be up directly."
The room grew small as everyone gathered around the bed. Marcus, who had more experience with healing and often treated their fellow knights after altercations, gently examined the boy.
Jacob let out a whimper now and then.
When finished, Marcus addressed Grace. "He'll be sore for a while. No broken bones. I have some medicines I can give him to ease the pain. The boy will mend."
Grace let out her breath and held Jacob's hand. "I've been using cold cloths for the swelling on his face."
Mistress Tanner bustled in with a bowl of water and set it on the nightstand with a stack of cloths. She stroked Grace's arm. "That was the right thing to do. I'm sure the cold gives him relief. I'll sit with him and keep applying them. Don't you worry. He'll be fine in no time. My daughter is setting up the room next door for you and your sister. Feel free to use it when you need to rest."
"I thank you for your kindness," Grace said.
Miles took her by the arm and pulled her away. The newly forming bruise on the side of her face and her fat lip hadn't escaped his notice. Just the sight made him beyond angry, but he tapped down his fury for her sake.
"We need to talk." He wetted a cloth and gestured toward the door.
She motioned for her sister to stay.
Chapter 8
Grace let Miles guide her to the big hearth in the common room.
He rested a cool cloth against her cheek. "Hold it there."
She gazed into his eyes. Her hand touched his during the exchange, and a wave of warmth flooded her body.
He turned, placed a log on the coals, and stoked the embers. The flames rose with a crackle and pop. She stepped closer to the roaring fire. The heat worked its magic, and her aching body relaxed.
Her uncle's beatings were getting more barbaric. Tonight, he used his fists and only stopped when he realized he was punching Jacob and not her.
Her little brother had been her saving grace, but with a price. It only took a few blows to render him motionless. The last couple of hours had been nerve-wracking as the three of them waited for her uncle to finish his drink and fall asleep so they could escape.
She stared at the dancing flames. A weight lifted from her shoulders. So far, they had gotten away unscathed, except for a few bruises. Her brother would recover.
And I'm here with Miles.
She glanced at the knight. There was something about the man that slowed her spinning world. A calm settled around her and her body stopped shaking.
"Sit and tell me what happened." He gestured to the cushioned chair.
A balled-up knot rested in her stomach as she sat on the edge of the seat. She eyed the damp cloth clutched in her lap. "Dinner wasn't prepared when my uncle arrived home. He was in a foul mood and was looking for a fight. When he gets like that, we all know what's coming."
Grace looked up and stared into Miles's beautiful, compassionate eyes. He gazed at her as if he could see into her soul. She steeled herself against any emotional upset she might display and swallowed a lump of bile. "He likes to use a long stick or leather strap. Mostly on the arms, legs, or back, where the marks are less likely to be seen. My uncle doesn't want anyone to know what a monster he is." She shuddered.
Miles placed his hand over hers. The caring gesture mel
ted her heart and helped her find her strength.
"He wasn't always so violent. When my aunt was alive, he kept his anger under control. After her death, he began to target me, setting me up to fail so he could berate and beat me. He resented me for living when his wife hadn't. His rage has escalated. He has become very controlling and is starting to take it out on the children. We can't go back there."
"Of course, you can't." He patted her hand.
"If you agree to let us borrow a horse and some provisions, the children and I could flee London. Eventually, when we're safe, I could trade my needlework for coins and pay you back."
"You're not going anywhere alone. I'm coming with you. We'll leave before daybreak. Jacob has no broken bones. He's sore but should be able to tolerate riding with me. Can you ride?"
"My father taught me," she said dumbfounded.
"I'm sure Mr. Tanner will sell me one of his mounts. You and your sister can ride together. It's a two-day journey to Rosemont Castle, my home. As I mentioned, I live under the protection of my friend Richard Weston, the Earl of Rosemont. I know he would welcome you."
She couldn't believe her ears. He wanted to take her and the children away from London.
Away from my uncle.
Her throat tightened. "Why? Why would you help us? You don't know us."
"I come from a band of knights who believe in championing those in need. I know enough about you to want to get you away from a dire situation and give you a fresh start."
"I never expected to meet anyone like you."
"I'm just a simple knight with the means to help you, that's all."
"I thank you for your offer, but I won't be able to accept it." She placed the cold cloth on her swollen bottom lip. "My uncle won't stop looking for us. He has enough money to hire men. Dangerous men. I don't feel right involving you in such a way."
"I'm a knight. I've dealt with dangerous men before."
Grace shook her head. She knew he was brave but couldn't ask him to risk his life for her and the children. If he lent them a horse and maybe some coins, she could manage alone.
He gave her an unwavering look. "We have a few things in our favor. Your uncle doesn't know you are gone. Once he realizes it, he will have to gather men. That will take time. Then he'll have to figure out what road we took out of London. He has no idea you have help. He'll waste time looking around town before he ventures out."
Grace didn't like it. She asked too much of him. Her mind warred with itself. Part of her wanted to take him up on his proposal, while the other wanted to leave on her own to protect the good knight from her unstable uncle.
Either way would be dangerous.
Chapter 9
Miles didn't give Grace a choice.
A few hours later, before dawn, she was on the back of a horse with Anna. Jacob sat in front of Miles, who supported her brother in his arms.
Marcus had wanted to join them, but Miles had insisted he stay in London to fulfill his obligations to his family. The Tanners packed them a sack of food and water pouches. Grace had thanked all of them for their kindness.
When daylight broke, they were already on the other side of the Thames River, via London Bridge. Miles had padded the toll fee in hopes that the toll taker would not tell her uncle they passed by.
She regretted not taking the pain medicines Marcus had offered before she left. Her body ached from her recent beating, but the discomfort reminded her to stay watchful. Jacob seemed comfortable enough leaning against Miles's chest, groggy from the numbing herb extracts.
Every step away from London caused her unease to build. She should be happy and excited to be leaving her miserable life behind, but an ominous foreboding hung like a cloud over her head. Her uncle would search for them. She had no doubt. What would happen if he found them, she didn't know.
Powerless, all she could do was look over her shoulder every few minutes and pray her uncle chose a different road to follow. Each time they crossed paths with other travelers, she and Anna hid their faces behind the hoods of their cloaks. Her uncle had plenty of coins to pay for information, and desperate travelers would be easy targets for news of their whereabouts.
The pace was fast, but the hours dragged. When Jacob felt better, he cajoled Miles into telling him stories about Rosemont and his life as a knight. Miles was a wonderful storyteller and for a little while, she dropped her guard, ever so slightly.
Each time she glanced at Miles, the sight of him took her breath away. He appeared so noble as he sat tall in the saddle. His tunic, embossed with the Earl of Rosemont's coat of arms insignia, covered his small-linked chain mail. His broadsword hung off one hip and a long dagger off the other, emitting a clear image of his strength and power. He had a strikingly handsome face with prominent cheekbones. Just gazing at him and listening to his deep virile voice caused a stir in her belly. One she had never experienced before.
Close to sunset, they left the well-worn road and stopped by a stream to water and rest the horses. Miles helped them from their mounts.
"Darkness is coming fast, and we still have over a half a day's ride. There's a town up ahead. We could get a room for the night. It would offer you and the children some comfort."
"What's the name of the town?" she asked.
"Rye."
"We can't go there. My uncle knows the sheriff. He'll have sent word. It's not safe there." She wrung her hands. "We don't need a room. The woods will suit us fine."
I have to tell him the truth.
The moment she'd dreaded was upon her. She should have said something sooner. Would he forgive her?
Chapter 10
Miles quirked his brow at Grace's refusal of a comfortable room. And why would a sheriff fifty miles away know her uncle?
While watering the horses, she nervously gathered Anna and Jacob around her as if protecting them from him.
She's expecting me to be angry.
"Is there something you'd like to share with me?"
Her face paled.
He stood his ground.
"I...huh...yes," she stammered.
He placed his hands on his hips. "We'll remain here tonight. Jacob and Anna, go gather dry firewood while I talk to your sister. Stay together and within eyesight of us."
The children glanced over their shoulders at Grace as they walked off to do his bidding. She turned and patted her horse.
"I should have told you sooner. I was afraid of how you'd react. Afraid you'd turn your back on us as so many others have done in the past."
His stomach roiled. From the way she hedged, he imagined all sorts of things she might not want to share with him. The worst being she was already married. "Tell me."
"My uncle is...he's one of the two sheriffs in London. My brother is his only living male relative and his sole heir. And Anna is his daughter, not my sister but my cousin."
Miles exhaled loudly as if punched in the gut. Not married...but still her news was hard to hear.
"How could you not tell me that your uncle is a sheriff?" He clenched his jaw to tap down his anger. When he spoke, his voice sounded gruff. "The position holds power over most of the townspeople in London. As sheriff, he has almost unlimited influence and resources at his disposal."
She whirled around. "I am so sorry."
"I'm risking my life for you, and you didn't have the courtesy to tell me the truth." He shook his head. "You understand, I not only helped the sheriff's niece and nephew to flee from his home, but I've also stolen his heir and kidnapped his only daughter. I'll hang for sure."
Miles paced back and forth behind the horses. He stopped short and glowered at her. "You must really dislike me to put me in this position." It killed him inside to say such, but he had to know the truth. Was she just using him? Did she care if he lived or died?
Grace tied the reins of the horses to a branch and went to him. She placed a hand on his arm. "Not at all, Miles. The complete opposite. I like you a lot. I suppose that's why I couldn't tell you everyth
ing. I didn't want you to turn away. You painted such a beautiful picture of Rosemont. When you offered to take us home with you, I couldn't see myself anywhere else. I wanted to be where I could see you every day."
He gazed into her beautiful, violet eyes, moist with remorse. There was no evil intent in their depths. Just desperation to protect those she loved and to leave behind a bad life. He couldn't hate her for loving so deeply that she'd risk all. It was the trait he admired most in her.
Miles wasn't one to harbor a grudge. Especially, toward such a lovely woman. But he was disappointed. "I wish you would've trusted me from the beginning. You've put me in a perilous position. I wouldn't have turned away from you, but I would've planned differently had I known your uncle was a sheriff."
He could've gone to Marcus's brother, the Earl of Warwick, who had great influence or sent for Richard. He could've at least taken Marcus with him to ward off trouble.
"My apologies. You gave me a flicker of hope we could escape. I was too afraid to jeopardize my good fortune by telling you about my uncle while in London. The stakes were too high, and there was a risk you'd abandon us."
He touched her cheek with the back of his fingers and gently caressed the swelling left there from yesterday's beating. She stared at him expectantly as he considered what to do.
The horses are spent. The moon's not bright enough to travel at night. We have to stay out of the towns.
"Anna and Jacob, come here," he called.
The children came running, their arms full of sticks. He waited for them to unburden themselves and then he crouched down. "Grace tells me you've had a hard few years and you are hoping to start a new life at Rosemont. Is that true?"
The children nodded.
"She tells me you weren't treated well."