But he nodded to William’s statement.
“Whatever you wish to do, my lord,” he said. “And good morn to you, as well.”
The child in William’s arms suddenly turned around and looked at him. A little lass with long, dark hair and big, green eyes that were red from weeping, but she looked very much like William. Which meant she looked like War. War smiled politely and she frowned.
“This is my youngest child, Lady Penelope,” William said. “Penelope is going to go about a few duties with me before you and I head out. Penny, this is Sir War Herringthorpe. Please greet him politely.”
Penelope was still frowning. “You look like my dada.”
War grinned but, deep down, he was feeling a jolt of shock. Could even the child see the resemblance? “Is that so?” he said. “It is an honor to meet you, Lady Penelope.”
Penelope’s response was to wipe her nose with her hand.
“Penny thinks that every man with dark hair looks like me,” William said with a chuckle. “Do not be too offended by it.”
“I am not,” War said, trying to sound neutral. “I’m flattered she would think so.”
Penelope began squirming and William put her to her feet. When she took off running, William returned his attention to War.
“Troy has returned to Wark Castle this morning and he will greet us later today when we conduct our tour, but I have also sent word to Northwood Castle and to Berwick,” he said. “We can easily make it to Northwood this afternoon after we visit Wark and spend the night there before continuing to Berwick in the morning, if you are agreeable.”
War nodded. “I am,” he said. “That is why I came. I am grateful that you should take the time to introduce me to your allies.”
William smiled weakly. “You are an important new figure in the north,” he said. “It is important to see and be seen. Everyonewill want to know your name and look you in the eyes, so be aware. Some may be more annoying than others.”
War cracked a smile. “I hope I can tactfully deal with them.”
“I think you can,” William said. His gaze lingered on War for a moment before continuing. “I will go and make the preparations for our departure. Be ready to depart in an hour.”
“Will we be returning to Castle Questing, my lord?”
“Probably not.”
That told War what he needed to know. He nodded in response and William headed off across the stables, moving for the outer bailey. War watched him go, studying the size and shape of the man who was his father. But as he watched him go, it occurred to him that if he left in an hour and would not be returning, he would not be seeing Annaleigh again.
That realization didn’t sit well with him.
He had to pack his saddlebags, but he wanted to at least bid Annaleigh farewell. He had no idea where she was but he knew he had to find her. He’d told Alexei he had no designs on marrying the woman, but that didn’t mean he had completely discounted it. He felt like everything was being rushed now, like he had to make a rushed decision where she was concerned. But when he thought on it, it really wasn’t a rushed decision at all.
This wouldnotbe the last time he ever saw her.
That was one thing he’d made up his mind about.
Turning around, he spied the keep and the wall of the kitchen yard. He knew that she helped Lady de Wolfe around the castle, so it might be logical to look for her in the kitchen yard. If not the yard, then perhaps the walled garden. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to say to her when he found her, but he would think of something.
As he stood there and pondered where to begin his hunt, he could see one of the de Wolfe knights out of the corner of his eye. The man was heading in his direction. When he turned tolook at him, he could see that it was one of the sons of Kieran Hage. He couldn’t remember the man’s name, but he’d met him briefly at Thropton and then again when he’d arrived at Castle Questing. As he watched the man approach, he could see that the knight was focused on him. The man smiled and lifted his hand in greeting as he drew near.
“My lord,” the knight said. “I am Christian Hage. You’ve met so many new faces here, so forgive me if you knew that. I thought to introduce myself again to be sure.”
War forced a smile. “I will admit that names have never been my strength,” he said. “I usually have to meet men a few times to remember who they are and where they came from or I’ll end up calling them ‘that tall dolt’ or ‘that short bastard’. I’ve been known to do that.”
Christian laughed softly, displaying a smile that looked just like his father’s. In fact, he had Kieran’s face but his mother’s eyes, green in color, but he was far taller than his father. He was rather long and sinewy, in great contrast to his father’s bulk.
“I’m glad to hear I am not the only one who does that,” he said. “But in truth, I come on a mission from Lady de Wolfe.”
“Oh?” War said. “What is that?”
Christian pretended to be quite formal in his delivery. “The Lady of Questing would like to know if you slept well,” he said. “She has also sent me to discover if you and your men would like some food to break your fast.”
