The Lady of Fairhaven (22 page)

The snapping twigs were mere feet away. Her heart beat double time. And then the crackling of leaves ceased right next to her and the animal lunged into the air flinging itself hard against her chest. Somewhere Gillian heard a scream of terror rip through the night. Was it her voice?

She never felt Dog’s tongue swipe happily over her face. She never heard the heavy crunching of boots through the underbrush, or the harsh cursing as someone gently shook her body, or felt strong arms enfold her as Luke and Phillip carefully lay a damp cloth on her forehead. And she never heard the painful recriminations of her rescuers as they once again scolded themselves about their failure to anticipate the unexpected from the day before.

When her eyes opened, she wondered why her captors hadn’t killed her. There were no bindings on her hands or feet. And in her lap was the large head of Dog. Had she lost her senses?

“
Gillian?” came Luke’s soft voice. “Look at me. You’re safe now. You were having a very bad dream.”

Gillian sat, dazed. Her mind struggled to comprehend how she came to be in this spot. Her memory recalled only bits and pieces of the recent past.

“
I was not aware of whose company I shared. I believed that vile man in the woods had finally found me.” Gillian smoothed her hair back into a long plait over her shoulder.

“
You appear to be feeling heartier than you did last night, Lady Gillian,” Phillip remarked.

“
Pray tell me, are you Phillip, my future husband?” Gillian asked. Her eyes searched deep into his for some type of unspoken confirmation of the truth.

“
Aye, My Lady. I have been most anxious to meet you and regret the circumstances of our first encounter. Are you well?” Phillip asked. His smile was curved guiltily.

“
Very well indeed, Sir, under the circumstances,” Gillian answered. “I am but weary and cold.”

“
You had been struck low with a fever,” Luke said.

“
I do not recall feeling ill. I was but weary of running from that horrid man who…” Gillian choked back a single sob.

“
Lady Gillian, did this man…” Phillip was so upset he couldn’t ask the question.

She read the distress in his words. “My Lord, for that I cannot answer. I was not conscious all of the time with him.” Her voice was now steady. She held her head high. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. There was nothing to do about it now, but her new status could effectively end her marriage if Phillip wished it. No man could be forced to marry a soiled woman. Gillian’s gaze dropped down to her trembling hands thus easing Phillip’s burden by not making eye contact with him, should he wish to call an end to their betrothal. “Does this mean you will not want me as your wife?” Gillian asked. A shaky voice she recognized as her own startled her. Finally, after a long silence her eyes made steady contact with her future husband.

He was looking at her with stunned surprise. “Do not trouble yourself, Lady Gillian. This unfortunate affair has no effect on my wishes. I merely asked the question to determine how much pleasure I will get in running the man through. We left him back in the woods with only slight wounds, but it would give me great pleasure to punish the brigand severely”

At Phillips statement, Gillian’s relief was so great she sat down hard on the pallet. Phillip caught her in his arms. Her trembling hands clutched to Phillip’s shoulders and she leaned forward and whispered, “My thanks, Sir Phillip for your generosity and kindness. But if you should change your mind, I would release you. I would not want to burden you with an unworthy wife.”

“
Unworthy?” he laughed heartily. The happy noise was so loud it jarred the birds from their nests. “You are most worthy, My Lady Gillian,” Phillip said with a chuckle. “You are brave and resourceful, as well as considerate. Never have I seen a woman who would embrace such danger headlong. I would count myself fortunate if you would still consider me as a worthy match for you.” Phillip spoke tenderly, hoping to relieve Gillian of any remaining fears. His hands reached out and clasped her tinier one firmly in his grip.

“
We pray, My Lady, that you will be up for the ride to Longmore. It is but a short distance. I feel it would be safer for you if you should ride with me, but Buttercup is saddled and ready for you.”

“
I fear I have lost her saddle forever, My Lord,” Gillian confessed. “I was so swift with my retreat that I left it in the woods with my abductor.”

“
Aye. We found it with your attacker and reclaimed it.” Phillip gently helped Gillian up and led her to his destrier. “With your permission, you will ride with me. I would not want some other mishap to befall you on our journey back to Longmore. And although none of these previous misfortunes could be avoided, we will endeavor to reach Longmore without any further trials.

Phillip’s armor was cold and hard but Gillian felt it somehow comforting. She felt safe with both Phillip and Luke. His arms held firm around her waist. She looked at Luke. She longed to lean into his strong body, but she knew she must now put all those thoughts out of her mind. Her future husband was a kind man who apparently was ready to protect her. The feeling was so new and heartwarming but somehow empty. Her heart already belonged to Luke. As they rode through the forest, silent tears began to collect in Gillian’s eyes and eventually run down her cheeks.

After three hours of riding, the rescue party arrived at Longmore castle. As if sensing the shift in Phillip’s posture, Gillian slowly awoke from her much needed respite. Her head lifted from its cradle in the niche under Phillip’s chin. Reluctantly, Phillip loosened his grip around her tiny waist.

Upon entering the castle, a circle of servants and knights assembled in the bailey to get a glimpse of the new mistress. A squire stepped forward and held the lord’s destrier. Another assisted Gillian to the ground where she stood, head held high, meeting the assessing gaze of the castle folk.

Gillian’s hair, although caught back in a neat plait, still displayed the hay and twigs snagged during her ordeal. Her hands and face were washed clean of mud and dirt, but her chemise, exposed where her skirt had been torn away, was badly soiled and ripped in several places. Clearly her gown was once lovely, but her overall appearance was unexpectedly ragged.

“
We have rescued the Lady Gillian Blakely from a band of highwaymen and have brought her to the safety of Longmore,” Phillip announced to the members of the crowd, as if he had read their minds. Walking over to his bride-to-be, Phillip held his arm out to escort Gillian to the great hall. Lightly, she placed her fingers on his armored forearm and allowed his guidance.

Once in the hall, Phillip accompanied Gillian to a gathering of people. Deep curtsies and bows from the smiling groups expressed the affection and respect they held for the Lord of Longmore. Curious eyes raked over Gillian as she approached with her fiancé. Expecting some hint of antagonism, she searched the faces for some sign, but found only happy welcoming faces.

“
May I present my family to you,” Phillip said proudly. “My brother, Sir, Anthony Thornburgh and his wife Francesca.”

Sir Anthony bowed and kissed Gillian’s hand. He then said, “I pray you will find Longmore as pleasing as we do. It has many charms and it is our wish you come to love it as much as we do.” After this courteous greeting, Francesca leaned forward and gently kissed Gillian on both cheeks. Then she stepped back.

“
Thank you, I know I shall like it very much, Gillian said. “It is quite handsome and is situated in a most pleasing setting,”

Leading a young man to the front, Phillip said, “And this fine warrior is Edward Thornburgh, my youngest son.” Edward too bowed low and kissed Gillian’s hand. It was obvious from his smile that the kind words about his ancestral home pleased him.

“
Enchanted, My Lady,” Edward said smoothly, “You are as lovely as was claimed. Welcome to our family.”

Gillian blushed. “Thank you, Sir Edward. You are very good to a stranger in your home.”

“
You will not be a stranger, you will be family,” Edward said happily. The group’s kind laughter only caused Gillian’s blush to stain a deeper hue.

Phillip eased Gillian forward slightly. “It gives me pleasure to introduce my daughter Lady Alicia Denton and her husband Sir Stephen Denton.”

Alyssa’s smile was warm and welcoming. She also leaned forward and bestowed gentle kisses on each of Gillian’s cheeks.

“
Of course you know my son, Sir Luke Thornburgh.” Turning toward Luke, Phillip said, “I am so grateful you were around to assist Lady Gillian through her trials at Fairhaven. Truly she had a most trying time, and I am grateful that you were my representative.”

Luke nodded his acceptance of his father’s praise.

Gillian then stepped forward and said, “I too would thank Sir Luke for his fine care. If not for his protection, I fear I would have perished long ago. I will forever be in his debt.” Her hazel eyes met Luke’s in a controlled but admiring glance. “His acts of bravery were my salvation.”

“
Bravo, my dear brother,” said Anthony. He slapped his hand on Luke’s armored back.

“
Had I been there my acts would have spared the lady any misfortune.” Edward joked.

Luke shot Edward a deadly glance, immediately wiping the smile from his younger brother’s face. Luke obviously felt he had punished himself enough with guilt over Gillian’s trials.

Gillian then turned to Phillip and said, “Indeed, Sir Luke did provide the best of protection and had been most sorely deceived in the plot against me and my future husband.”

“
You speak too highly of me, My Lady,” Luke answered.

“
Enough of this,” Alyssa declared. “You two can be left to your own devices while I take Lady Gillian to rest. It is obvious from your tales that she is in need of some rest and refreshment. I shall be happy to assist her.”

“
I too will assist,” said Francesca. “I am eager to learn more of my new family member.”

“
Thank you, Alyssa, Francesca,” Phillip responded. “Lady Gillian, are you well? I was concerned last night as your fever raged.”

“
I am well, My Lord,” Gillian said with a smile as she walked with the ladies. “I am still shocked that you say I was ill as I remember so little of what happened.” The three women then exited.

All eyes watched Alyssa and Francesca as they escorted the newest member of the Thornburgh family upstairs.

As the three disappeared down the hall, Anthony said, “Father, I did not want to alarm the ladies, but there is news that has caused us to fortifying our defenses.”

“
What news do you bear,” Phillip asked. Worry lines creased his forehead.

“
It has been said that an army approaches to claim Longmore and your lands. Who it might be is as yet unknown,” Anthony said. “He is said to have many mercenaries in paid service.

“
Do you think it might be Oliver Blakeley?” Phillip asked Luke. “You know the man. Mayhap he feels his claim to his brother’s lands are worth defending.”

“
He is a practiced warrior but has little to spend on such feats. It is costly to raise an army against a fortress the likes of Longmore. We cannot be sure it is Gillian’s uncle.”

“
If it is Oliver Blakeley, what welcome will he receive from Lady Gillian?” Phillip asked. “I should not want to start our union off with a family war between nothing more than a greedy uncle.”

Luke had listened intently to his brother and father’s discussion. Not wanting to reveal his feelings but unable to listen to his brother’s misgivings without some remark, Luke finally said, “You forget father, that he has beaten your bride to near death. She fears and dislikes the man. There is little doubt that she will be a loyal and loving wife.” Luke swallowed hard on the words. “Do we know if this is the only castle destined to be besieged?”

“
We know naught for certain,” Anthony replied. “It is all rumor and conjecture.”

“
Perhaps it would be best to fortify your holdings as well,” Phillip suggested. “Aye, though I would be happy to have you all here for the wedding ceremony, it would be best to strengthen our defenses.”

“
Mayhap your bride might not want to wed if the possibility of attack lies at the hand of her family,” Edward wondered out loud.

“
Well thought,” Phillip answered. “She may well want to remain unwed for her own peace of mind. We shall ask her what she desires.”

Gillian fell asleep sitting up on the soft pillows on the bed. Her fever now subsided as her body relinquished the tight control she had maintained throughout the day. The cool bath, while uncomfortable at first, did refresh and cool her down.

Now sitting upright in bed, Gillian was speaking with Alyssa. “What can you tell me of my future husband?” Gillian asked shyly.

“
He is a strong man, with worthy character, and a warm spirit. He is kind and fair. “

“
Of other things, you might want to discover on your own,” Alyssa said with a flush to her cheeks. Gillian responded with a crimson glow of her own.

A knock on the door broke through the giggles of the girl’s. Gillian wrapped a robe around her shoulders as Alyssa opened the door. Phillip entered.

“
I would speak with my bride,” Phillip demanded solemnly.

“
I am here, My Lord,” Gillian answered as she stepped to the opening. Phillip’s nod was enough to have Alyssa quietly leave the two in private. Phillip’s outstretched hand led Gillian back inside the room where they both sat down across from each other.