by Alexa Aston
They continued on their tour until they reached the training yard. Usually, the sound of many swords clashing against one another rang out. In this instance, Cassiana only heard a pair who sparred. Cheers suddenly broke out, followed by a collective groan.
“I want to stop here a moment,” she said, an uneasy feeling spreading through her.
She led Katelyn inside the yard. The wad of men was so thick they would never be able to see what went on so she took Katelyn to the dais where Sir Adam stood observing the action. The knight offered both of them a hand up and Cassiana turned to see who was fighting.
It was Landon and Nicholas.
Though the October air was cool, both men were stripped to the waist, sweat glistening on each of their perfect physiques. They must have been at it for some time. Her mouth grew dry as she watched them spar with one another for a few minutes. Even to one unfamiliar with warfare, it would be obvious that each man was a skilled warrior. Both moved with a fluidity and range that few possessed.
“I’ve seen enough,” she announced to her companions and allowed Sir Adam to help her and then Katelyn from the platform.
The women left the area. Katelyn said she needed to rest for a bit. Cassiana walked with her back to the keep.
Before Katelyn went inside, she said, “I know that was hard to watch. I hate thinking of Nicholas fighting.”
“We’ve been fighting the Scots most of my life. I’ve lost brothers in battle.” She shivered. “But seeing Landon fight seemed . . . different.”
“War is different when we send away the men we love.” Katelyn sighed. “The most difficult thing I’ve ever done is when I accompanied Nicholas in June to Berwick-upon-Tweed. He was leaving to fight for the king in Flanders and France and I insisted on going with him to the coast to tell him goodbye. I stood there with Ruston in my arms and the hint that I might carry another of my husband’s babes in my belly. I thought I would come undone having to let him go. ’Twas even harder than killing a man and that has—and always will—haunt me.”
Cassiana put her hand on Katelyn’s arm. “You’ve killed?”
“Aye. To get back to Nicholas. I was kidnapped by Scots and held for ransom less than a month after we’d wed. It’s a long story but only know I loved Nicholas with all my heart—and we hadn’t yet coupled.”
“Even though you were wed?”
Katelyn nodded. “I knew I would do whatever it took to return to him. That included killing a man.” She shuddered. “But ’twas worth it. Those few days away from Nicholas let me know I never wanted to be parted from him again. I will always carry the guilt of what I did but I’ll never be sorry for doing what it took to get back to the man I love.”
She embraced Cassiana. “I’m so tired from all of our walking. We’ll talk later.”
Katelyn entered the keep and Cassiana decided to check on the milling. It surprised her that Landon’s sister had killed a man, but somehow she understood why. If anyone ever tried to separate her from Landon, she would go to the ends of the Earth in order to be reunited with him.
Going to the stables, she had Tressa saddled so she could ride to the river. For many years, Briarwood’s mill had been close to the fields and powered by wind. Her great-grandfather had decided to build a watermill instead, using the nearby Tweed River to supply the power. He’d believed water more reliable than wind and had been proven correct. Cassiana had studied ledgers from decades before and those after the estate began milling with water power. Production began strong and had only increased over time.
All the tying and winnowing had been completed at this point so milling was the last step before turning the grain into flour. She couldn’t imagine what it had been like in olden times when the people had to use a mortar and pestle to grind the grain by hand. It was hard enough to do that with the herbs she collected from her garden. To think that an entire autumn harvest had been milled by hand was unimaginable.
People buzzed with activity around the mill. Cassiana looped Tressa’s reins around a nearby bush and entered the hectic atmosphere of the mill. She’d always learned best by seeing things herself so she strolled through and watched production in motion. William, who was in charge of the Briarwood harvest, caught her eye and waved. She returned the greeting and continued to observe the milling for half an hour.
Finding William again, she motioned him to follow her and then went outside where they could converse more easily.
“How goes the milling?” she asked, already knowing his answer.
“Very well, my lady. You will be pleased with the yield.”
William proceeded to walk her through everything that had been accomplished and when he expected to finish.
“I’m pleased with the progress. Remember, though, the day after tomorrow will be my wedding and no work will occur. I want everyone at Briarwood to celebrate my union with Lord Landon.”
William smiled. “We are all looking forward to the feast, my lady. The people already think highly of our new earl.”
Cassiana returned to Tressa and rode to the stables. A groom took the reins and she headed toward the keep, thinking the noon meal grew close.
She saw soldiers streaming from the yard ahead toward the keep and was surprised when one turned in her direction. He made his way toward her and as he drew closer, she recognized the man as Tarquin. She hadn’t spoken to him since the summer, when he’d been a part of the men who’d sailed to Flanders. Cassiana had told the knight then that she would wed another. A part of her felt ashamed that she’d let this man kiss her and ply her with false compliments. She straightened her shoulders and continued, determined not to converse with him.
He came to stand directly in front of her, halting her progress.
“You wish to speak to me, Sir Tarquin? I don’t believe we have anything to discuss.”
“I think we do, Cassiana.”
She took a step back. “Please refrain from using my Christian name, sir.”
“You used to let me,” he said softly. “You also used to enjoy my kisses.”
Cassiana hadn’t but she didn’t want to hurt the man’s pride. Glancing over his shoulder, she saw no one else in the area. For the first time, she felt a chill of fear.
“I’m to wed Lord Landon in two days,” she said briskly. “He is the man whose kiss I will enjoy and the only one to call me by my given name.”
Cassiana took a step forward to go around him but Tarquin’s fingers curled around her arm.
“Wait.”
She tried to shrug him off but his fingers tightened.
“Unhand me,” she ordered.
“I will—if you stay and listen to what I have to say.”
“All right.”
The knight’s hand fell to his side. “Lord Landon isn’t the man you think he is.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking? It’s none of your concern anyway.”
“Landon de Blays could have saved your brother. He didn’t.”
His words were like a slap in the face.
“What?” she hissed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Tarquin held out a hand to silence her. “I was there, fighting by Sir Tobyn’s side. Oh, you would have been proud of him, Cassiana. Your brother became a man possessed that day. I’d never seen him swing his sword with such passion and skill. He cut down one French soldier after another. Your father would have enjoyed seeing his son in action.
“But like all of us, after many hours in battle, he began to tire,” Tarquin continued. “I saw Tobyn finish off a man while I fought another, only a handful of feet from him. Landon de Blays was nearby. A French bastard raised his sword at your brother, who was unaware the man approached from behind. Sir Landon stood and watched Tobyn being struck down. He never lifted a sword to defend him.”
The knight shook his head in disgust. “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. A knight refusing to come to the aid of a fellow knight.” Tarquin rubbed
his chin. “By the time I dispatched the man I fought, your brother had fallen in combat and died. Landon de Blays had moved on.”
Pity filled Tarquin’s eyes. “I thought you should know exactly who you will wed. The kind of man he is. One like his father. A man who has no loyalty or code of honor.”
Numbness filled Cassiana. She knew Landon had met Tobyn. He’d told her they’d spoken at length on the voyage to Flanders. Why wouldn’t he have come to Tobyn’s aid?
Unless Tobyn told Landon that he was the last Campion son and only heir.
Landon had revealed that Tobyn mentioned that he looked for a husband for her. What if Landon deliberately allowed her brother to be struck down—and then had then asked his cousin to award him Briarwood—and her?
She stumbled away from Tarquin and was sick. The man she loved—the man she had given herself to—was vile and untrustworthy. Then the anger set in, a spark that began to build. Cassiana wiped her mouth on her sleeve and lifted her skirts. She ran blindly toward the keep, needing to confront Landon. By the time she reached it, her rage boiled over.
Entering the great hall, she saw Landon stepping up to the dais to join Nicholas and Katelyn. She hurried toward him, seeing red.
As she reached him, he glanced down to offer her his hand but stopped in his tracks. Before he could say anything, Cassiana glared up at him.
“Why did you let my brother die?”
Chapter Seventeen
Cassiana’s accusation stunned Landon. He froze, seeing the fury in her face.
What was she talking about?
“You—”
“Careful, Cassiana.” Nicholas had sprung into action and grasped her elbow. In a low voice, he said, “’Tis never wise to air grievances in front of your people. If you need to confront Landon, do so in private. Not while the great hall is filled with others listening to your every word.”
Cassiana turned to Nicholas and hissed, “I will see Landon. Now.”
“Why don’t you go to the records room?” Nicholas suggested. “It’s close by and will afford you the privacy you need.”
She turned back to Landon and scowled at him. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Follow me. No delays.”
Taking a deep breath, she schooled her features and masked her anger. Nicholas released his hold on her and, head held high, Cassiana walked from the room. Every eye followed her and then conversation broke out.
“Go to her,” Nicholas urged Landon. “See what caused such an outburst. It seems out of character for her, especially knowing how well the two of you suit.”
Katelyn touched his sleeve. “Remember that she loves you. Listen to whatever she has to say.”
Landon left the dais and headed to Hobart’s office. He couldn’t imagine what would have turned Cassiana against him in such a short space of time. What they had shared together last night had proved to him that love truly did exist. That he might actually be worthy of such a woman. That they could share a lifetime of love. Raise a family. Work alongside each other to continue to build Briarwood. He loved her with every fiber of his being and would be desolate without her.
Landon arrived at the records room. The door stood open. He entered and closed it behind him, not wanting anyone to overhear whatever complaints she flung at him. Cassiana’s back was to him, her arms wrapped around her protectively. He didn’t speak. He had nothing to say. He waited for her to make the first move.
Finally, she turned to face him. Angry tears ravaged her face. “What else haven’t you told me?” she accused, her tone deadly. “What else are you hiding from me?”
“I don’t understand.”
“You told me you were nothing like your father but you’re not to be trusted. You are disloyal. Dishonorable. You could have saved him!”
Landon closed the distance between them and clasped his hands around her upper arms. “What are you talking about? What has changed between us?”
“Everything.” Cassiana’s hands grabbed his wrists and tore his hands from her. “Don’t think you can kiss your way out of this. I want answers,” she demanded.
An ache filled his heart. It was as if he’d already lost her. Dully, he said, “If you will but give me the question, I will provide the answer you seek.”
She retreated to a corner and crossed her arms again. Landon sank into the nearest chair, unsure if he could stay on his feet.
Cassiana wiped her tears away and took a calming breath. Then her eyes bored into his as she said, “I have just learned that you saw my brother fall.”
Landon nodded. “I did,” knowing the story would cause her unnecessary pain.
“You admit it.”
“Aye. I was on the next ship. I called out a warning—”
“Nay. You lie. You didn’t,” she spat out.
He frowned. “I did.” He thought back to the incident. “The French ships were all lined up, sitting side by side, so close that you could leap from one to the next as the fighting raged on. I was on one deck and your brother was on the ship beside me. I saw . . . a French soldier coming for Tobyn and tried to alert him.”
Cassiana rushed toward him. “You didn’t. You were alongside him and you deliberately did not engage. You refused to come to the aid of a fellow knight. A man you say you liked. You let him be killed.”
Her hand was a blur and then he felt the slap against his cheek.
Landon stood quickly, his face stinging as much as his pride. “You are wrong,” he said firmly. “I don’t know who’s tried to poison you against me. It did not happen as you say.”
He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. “I glanced to the next deck. Tobyn had just disposed of a man. A Frenchman did raise his sword behind Tobyn’s back. I cried out, hoping to alert Tobyn or the English knight who fought next to him. I never understood what happened.”
He sank into the chair again. “The soldier fighting beside Tobyn turned and saw what unfolded. He intentionally kept his sword by his side—and smiled. Smiled! When I saw the danger Tobyn was in, I jumped from my ship to his.” His voice broke. “I didn’t reach him in time. I was too late.”
Landon’s head fell as he recalled the moment of horror and helplessness. Raising his eyes to Cassiana, he continued. “I was too late to save Tobyn—but I sent the bastard that killed him straight to Hell. By then, the man who’d failed to come to Tobyn’s aid had vanished. He’d disappeared amidst the brutal fighting.”
He swallowed. “I’m sorry I never told you that I witnessed Tobyn’s death. You were already in pain hearing about his death. I didn’t want you to know that he might have lived, had the soldier next to him supported him in battle.”
Cassiana’s jaw dropped as understanding about something unknown to him dawned on her face. She burst into tears and crumpled to the ground. Landon picked her up and sat with her in his lap and she sobbed loudly. He stroked her back and her hair, murmuring words of comfort, but she cried even harder. As he held her, he wondered who might have spread such vicious lies about him. He realized the only man who could have done so was the one who had been present. The only other witness that would recall seeing Tobyn’s death. The soldier who had purposefully turned his back on Tobyn Campion.
That man was at Briarwood.
Fury sped through him, striking as fast as lightning. Someone had tried to taint Cassiana’s opinion of him by altering the true events. But why? What would a soldier at Briarwood have to gain by the death of the earl’s son in battle?
Cassiana’s face had been buried in his chest. She now lifted her head, her eyes red and swollen.
“I will kill him,” she snarled.
“Who?” Landon demanded. “Who wished to turn you against me? For what purpose?”
Her eyes sparked with anger. “Tarquin Grosbeck.”
Landon had to think a moment to put a face to the name. Briarwood had close to two hundred soldiers but he thought he knew the knight she mentioned. The man had average skills and hadn’t stood out in any way during
Landon’s brief time at the estate.
His hands cradled her face. “Tell me.”
Her lips trembled. “I will. I hope you won’t think less of me.”
Landon managed a chuckle and thought to lighten the dark mood. “Well, you certainly seemed to think less of me a few moments ago.”
His words caused her face to crumple. “I’m sorry for doubting you, Landon. I’ve been such a fool.”
He gave her a brief kiss of encouragement. “I hope you will never doubt me again. I realize my association with my father colors everyone’s view of me but I mean it, Cassiana. I have done everything in my power to distance myself from him. I would never betray you or hurt you in any way.”
“I jumped to conclusions, though, and believed the worst of you. I said such awful things to you.” She began to weep again.
“No more of that,” Landon ordered. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “Tell me.”
She wound her hands around his neck. “I’ve only kissed one man besides you and that was Tarquin Grosbeck.”
A flare of jealousy sparked within him. “Do you love him?” he asked, afraid to hear her reply.
Her eyes widened. “Nay,” she denied vehemently. “Never. Tarquin showered me with compliments and we kissed a few times. I thought it bland, to be honest. Then, just before he traveled with Tobyn and the other Briarwood soldiers to board Morley’s fleet, he revealed the purpose behind the attention he gave me.”
Landon’s gut told him what Cassiana would say next but he remained silent. Better to let her relieve herself of the burden she’d carried.
“I knew the time had come for Tobyn to prepare to manage Briarwood on his own, especially with Father close to death. I understood Tobyn would never be comfortable running the estate with me looking over his shoulder, though.”
“So, that’s when you asked him to find you a husband?”
“Aye. I told Tarquin he mustn’t kiss me again for I was soon to be wed. He countered by asking me what would happen if Tobyn fell to the enemy in France. The thought horrified me but I told him the king would name a new earl once Father passed since there would be no heir.”