The Defiant Bride (17 page)

Bethany jumped on that small encouragement. “Perhaps you’re right. It’s possible he slowed his pace. He may have stopped for a visit or to settle a local mater. It is feasible, is it not?” It was apparent she ached for some hope.

“Probably the case. I shall most likely come upon him on the road, immersed in some dispute he has determined to solve.”

Bethany smiled at him as he left them to make arrangements. It was then that she noticed Dariana for the first time. “Forgive me my rudeness. I am Bethany—”

Dariana embraced her. “Please do not apologize. I am Dariana, William’s wife. I understand your concerns. I would be in such a state if I were in your circumstance.”

Just then, Ian appeared with some wine. He handed the goblet to Bethany, who stared at it, unseeing. Dariana took the cup, then coaxed her to drink. After several swallows, she appeared warmed and calmed.

“William will find your husband.”

William returned. “My men will see you home, Bethany. Dariana, you are to return to my manor this morning. I shall join you there as soon as I have located Justin.”

“Can I not remain here?”

“No.” His tone brooked no argument. Dariana took him by the arm and guided him from Bethany. Dariana could tell he was debating with himself.

“Tell me the truth, William. I have a right to know.”

“When I was injured in your forest, I kept hoping it the accidental arrow of a poacher afraid of discovery. Until now. The disappearance of Justin makes me wonder if perhaps it was more than a peasant’s misjudgment. I would be more assured of your safety if you were within my castle walls.”

Dariana was alarmed. “But I am not at risk. It is
you
they will harm. But who, William? Who would injure you?”

“I know not, love. I have my suspicions. A knight tends to gather enemies throughout his life.”

“Please do not go. You can send others.”

William’s frown caused Dariana to take a step back. “You dishonor me, woman. Do not do it again.”

“No, William, I but love you.”

“Then you love a knight—not a coward who runs from any hint of danger or sends another to fight his battles.”

Dariana nodded her understanding, then threw her arms around William’s neck. He pulled her to him, slanting his mouth across hers in a rough kiss, then strode out to join his men. Dariana followed, her arm around Bethany’s shoulders. The men waited, all mounted in the courtyard.

There was a blackguard to seek. Dariana prayed Bethany’s husband was safe, but she feared the worst. There was someone
out there who sought to do harm. William had been one casualty; Justin might be another. The thought of losing a husband was unbearable and Dariana held tightly to the other woman.

William jumped on Darius’s broad back and kicked the horse forward, a retinue of his knights galloping with him. Their dust obscured the morning light and spoke of revenge if William found his friend harmed.

“Would you come with me to our manor rather than wait alone?” Dariana asked.

“You are very kind. But I must return home in case Justin returns. I would not have him worry over me.”

“I will pray. That is all we can do now. Have faith in William.”

“I do. It is wonderful to see how much you love your husband.”

“Yes. I do love him very much.”

Dariana had been at the castle with Leah for two days. The waiting seemed interminable. William had instructed his men to guard her with their lives, so she was never alone. When she was not riding Moonshadow with an escort, she was pacing the floor. She could not concentrate on any task for more than a few moments. Food was tasteless, so she barely ate. Leah had said she was beginning to worry more about Dariana’s health than William’s fate. It was late morning when Leah found Dariana alone in an upstairs solar, staring out the window.

Dariana started when Leah spoke behind her.

“He will be safe. I just know it.”

“How can you be sure? Some blackguard has already tried to take his life once. How can you know he will not try yet again? William is up against a man without honor, one who attacks from behind, without warning. How can he fight such a scoundrel?” Despair filled Dariana’s voice.

“I know my brother. He is no fool. He has sense to guard his back.”

“I pray God you are right, dear sister.”

“You have come to love him, have you not?”

“’Twas only my pride that kept me from the truth. He did force me into marriage, after all. I had done so much to avoid being forced. It irked me.”

“He is a very determined man.” Leah stated this as if this trait of his had created conflicts in the past. Before Dariana could question her, they were interrupted by one of the maids.

“Pardon, my ladies, but there is a man here to call.”

Leah and Dariana exchanged a glance. “Who is it?” Leah asked, suspicion in her voice.

“I recognize him not, my lady. But he says he’s your brother, Cedric.”

“Cedric?” Leah’s tone was heavy with disappointment. She turned back to Dariana.

“He is our half-brother and a charmer. But not one to be trusted. Never to be trusted. The rumors of his actions tell of a past bathed in blood. He has made it clear he has no love for William.”

“Why would he hate William?”

“He blames all his life’s ills on us. He thinks our father drove his mother to suicide. And he feels cheated, since he cannot inherit.”

“Then may we send him away?” Dariana hesitated, a thought striking her. “He could be William’s attacker.” If that proved to be the case, she was ready to kill this man, relative or not.

“I doubt Cedric would harm William. He just airs his resentments publicly. We have no real cause to deny him a meal or bed for the night. It is just that I rely on him not.”

“Perhaps then he has knowledge of William’s enemies. Mayhap he has brought news.”

“Then we shall greet him immediately with hope,” Leah sighed.

The women hurried to the main hall. Cedric bowed deeply. As he straightened, Dariana could see the family resemblance, but Cedric bore a hardness about his mouth that detracted from his handsomeness. He took a step forward to Dariana, grasped her hand, then brushed his lips against her skin. The touch of his mouth on her hand sent an unpleasant shiver down her spine. Not wishing to appear rude, she controlled the urge to yank her hand away from his too quickly. He then turned to Leah, intending to embrace her, but she took a step back. He smiled at her.

“Dear sister, I only wished to give you a proper greeting. It has been so long since last we passed some time together.” His voice was smooth as silk.

“Why did you come, Cedric?” Leah asked, her tone cold.

“To meet my newest sister, of course. The tales told of her beauty and her adventures were difficult to believe, but seeing her now, I see at least the stories of her loveliness were not exaggerated.”

Normally, such flattery would have made Dariana flush with pleasure, but there was something about his manner that made her skin crawl.

“And where is William? I wish to congratulate him on his choice of a wife.” He smiled at Dariana, but she looked toward Leah.

“He is settling some local disputes. Actually, we expect him soon,” Leah answered.

“Then I shall wait.” Cedric made himself comfortable in a chair near the hearth.

Leah and Dariana exchanged looks of frustration, then reluctantly went to see about their guest’s requirements.

Cedric seemed to enjoy their company immensely. He tried to keep his hostesses entertained with stories of life at court, rumors told, gossip spread. The women had been isolated for so long, they could not help but become interested in the tales Cedric spun. He described so many people, fascinating situations and intrigues, that the women soon found themselves enthralled. When they began to ask questions, it was clear Cedric thought his storytelling abilities had not failed him. He relaxed.

When William did not return that night, Dariana tried to appear unconcerned, not daring to tell Cedric the truth. They feared he would somehow use it to its own advantage. He was shown to a chamber and made comfortable. The women prayed he would tire of waiting for William. Perhaps he would take his leave in the morning to return to the more exciting life he obviously led at court. But the days dragged on and, with Cedric about, Dariana was careful not to show her concern.

What does he want here? Does he not have a home of his own?
Leah concurred with Dariana’s response to the man. Dariana was watchful for William’s return. His safety was tantamount, but ridding them of Cedric would be an extra benefit. There was no question that when her husband returned, the man would finally take his leave.

C
HAPTER
13

W
illiam traveled north
and he and his men made excellent time. As they neared Justin’s holdings, they had spread out to search. The fact that Justin and his squire had not arrived ahead of them did not bode well. William had decided to retrace the man’s steps, still retaining the hope of locating his friend. On the fourth day, William had only just determined to move on when one of his knights called out. As he approached the clearing where his men waited, William could tell from the knight’s expression that what he was about to see would not be what he had hoped for. A hand was visible under some dead leaves. It was pale. Justin’s body was hidden in some brush near his squire’s. Both had been struck from behind, with no possible chance to defend themselves.

William and his men uncovered the two corpses. When William saw his lifeless friend, he sank to his knees in grief. There was no reason for this slaughter. Justin was a good man. It was inconceivable that someone would want to end his life. Red rage
pushed sorrow aside. This would be avenged. The miscreant would pay in equal measure. William suspected his half-brother was behind this, but he could not fathom the man harbored homicidal hatred. No mater. That blackguard who had done this would rue the day he was born.

The bodies needed to be moved to Justin’s estate for proper burial. They were intent on their gruesome task when suddenly the woods came alive with attackers. Men exited the bushes and trees and set upon them. William, his years of training and his strength serving him well, slashed with his sword. There were ten of them and only six of William’s men, but his knights were valiant. Screams rent the air as men were struck. After an exhausting struggle, all but one of the attackers lay dead, their blood feeding the dark earth. William’s men suffered only light casualties.

They searched the dead men for some clue to their loyalty, but these men were mercenaries, men with fealty only to the man with enough gold coins. It was later, after the injured had been tended to, that Morle, William’s second-in-command, approached, his expression shaded with anger and frustration. William knew the man had more questions than answers.

“We could find nothing more, my lord. Have you any thought as to who might have done this?”

“A knave, a blackguard, a scoundrel. I know not. I am only certain it is one who hates with an unreasoning mind. There was naught to be gained by Justin’s death or that of his squire. And to kill in ambush? It is the deed of a coward.” William didn’t hide the disgust in his voice.

“You have some thoughts on this. Am I correct?”

“This is tied to my attack. I am sure. Who would attack noblemen like this? The only man I know so filled with black hate that he could even conceive this plot would be my half-brother, Cedric. But I cannot reconcile it. Even he, in all his bitterness, could not be so evil as to do this.”

“Some men bear unreasoning resentment and have no cause other than one conceived in their darkest imaginings. If it is indeed your half-brother, he might appeal to the crown to lay claim to your estates if your wife did not bear you a son.”

“A son. Yes, Dariana and I will make a fine son or two. Such a happy task. The villain of this treachery must be stopped before I
deal with more pleasant matters. But I must be sure I am correct before making any accusation.”

“It should not be difficult to prove.”

William raised an eyebrow at this.

“One of the attackers still lives, though not for much longer. We have been convincing him to see his way to heaven by confessing his sins before he dies. It seems he has many, so we are trying to be patient.”

“Then let us hear the truth from the lips of the dying and know for certain the name of our enemy.” William felt hopeful.

The soldier was covered in blood, his chest heaving with each indrawn breath. As he approached, William could not hear what the man was saying. His voice was too low, but it seemed through his misery, his words flowed, the knights above him nodding, fascinated, as the man rambled on. He seemed convinced that confessing his sins would bring him salvation. The men surrounding the wounded man looked up almost in disappointment to see their lord approach. One of William’s men told him the dying soldier had been confessing for what seemed like hours. The exploits in his life were all but unbelievable. He had fought more battles in exotic places and been with more women than seemed possible for one man. As he continued, the men again turned their attention back to him. They hung on every word of their enemy’s adventures. William approached the man, then gazed into his face, distorted with pain. “Will you tell me the name of your master?”