Page 46 of Hers To Command
“I’m fulfilling my obligations as a knight,” Henry said, kicking a stick out of his way. “I’m coming to the aid of ladies in distress.”
“We heard it’s a dispute about an inheritance.”
“That and other things.”
“Did you know Roald’s been to the king?”
“I expected that. Do you know what happened?”
Ranulf clasped his hands behind his back. “Apparently Roald and the king and queen spoke quietly together, and afterward Roald seemed rather pleased. Rumor has it he’s hiring mercenaries—and not youths just out from behind a plow, either—so apparentlyhebelieves he has the king’s support for his claim.”
Henry cursed with soldierly crudity. “How long has it been since Merrick got the letter from Nicholas?”
“Three days,” Ranulf answered.
“So Roald was at court…?”
“A se’ennight ago.”
Henry muttered another filthy epithet and quickened his pace.
“How did you come to be involved in this at all?” Ranulf asked as he broke into a jog to keep up. “I know you hate Roald, but this is a bit extreme, isn’t it?”
“Roald’s trying to steal his cousins’ estate and they’re women. Do I have to tell you what sort of fate two women under Roald’s rule might suffer?”
“These ladies…I gather neither of them are married or betrothed?”
“No—and before you assume I’m here because I have matrimonial designs upon either one of them, I don’t.”
Ranulf didn’t reply. For one thing, he was indeed acquainted with Roald de Sayres, at least by reputation, so he could only agree that no woman should have him for a master.
For another, since he had on full mail, he was getting rather winded.
WHEN A HOT,tired and sweating Ranulf entered the hall of Ecclesford Castle after Henry, he was fairly certain he’d discovered another reason Henry was so keen to help these previously unknown ladies.
The woman working at some sort of embroidery and seated near one of the windows was the loveliest woman Ranulf had ever seen—so lovely, the normally self-possessed knight very nearly gasped aloud. As she rose and walked toward them, he realized that she was graceful and, judging by the blush that pinked her cheeks, modest, too.
It was an intoxicating combination.
After the men bowed in greeting, Henry said, “Lady Giselle, this is my boon companion, Sir Ranulf, from Tregellas.”
Lady Giselle held out a slender white hand. “Welcome to Ecclesford, Sir Ranulf.” Her voice was soft and sweet, too, just as one would expect. “I’m delighted to meet any friend of Sir Henry’s. You must stay and visit a while, if you’re able.”
Smiling the smile he reserved for beautiful ladies, Ranulf took her hand and pressed a kiss upon it. Her hand was soft, too, and cool to the touch, and as lifeless as a dead fish on a platter.
Another face came to his mind, a lively, vivacious face belonging to a young lady who talked too much—but this was hardly the time to think of Beatrice. “You are most kind, my lady.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I should wash and change before the evening meal,” Henry said. “May I leave Ranulf in your care?”
The lady blushed again. “Of course.” She gestured toward a maidservant who was hovering nearby, a well-built comely wench who hurried toward them and eyed Ranulf in a way that brought another sort of smile to his face as Henry hurried up the stairs.
GOD’S BLOOD,Henry thought as he took the steps two at a time. Why did Nicholas have to get his breeches in a knot now? He had enough on his mind without having to deal with his critical brother.
“Back so soon, Sir Henry?”
He looked up to find Mathilde on the steps above him, as calm and inscrutable as a cat.
“A visitor has arrived, my lady,” he replied, going up the last few steps until he was one step below her. “My friend, Sir Ranulf, the garrison commander of Tregellas. I regret he brings bad news. Roald is indeed hiring an army, and after speaking with the king.”
