Right now, she needed a confessor, someone to advise her. But she had never sought the counsel of the priest, and she already suspected he would counsel her to do penance and stay with Alan. The heaviness of her heart made it impossible to speak.
But he offered her a kindly smile and knelt beside her. ‘I suppose you are troubled because of the babe you carry.’
She could not bring herself to say anything, for it was clear that Alan had confided already in the priest. Although it was too soon to know if there was any child, it seemed that her husband was doing everything possible to protect Pevensham...even speaking lies to a man of God. And if she revealed her own secrets by confessing her sins, she risked exposing her husband’s falsehoods.
Father Francis was waiting for her to speak, so she chose carefully what truths she dared to voice. ‘I am afraid of what lies ahead. I do not know what to do, especially when it comes to Alan’s brother. He is a threat to us.’
The priest sobered. ‘I imagine you are afraid for the child, because Owen de Courcy will lose his place as the heir, if you bear a son. But you must trust that God will protect your family and watch over you.’
She sighed, wishing it were so easy to have faith. ‘I want to do what is right,’ she told him. ‘And I do not know what is best.’ It was the only truth she could give. Honour demanded that she seek forgiveness for her sins and return to her husband. Her heart demanded that she go with Warrick and live out the rest of her life with the man she loved.
And neither choice was the right one.
The priest’s expression held no judgement, but he said, ‘My Lord Pevensham spoke with me as well, though I cannot share with you his confession. I can say only that he has made arrangements so that you will always be protected. He does care deeply for you, though you may not realise it.’
His words were kind, but she felt the heaviness of guilt in her heart. She was no closer to making a decision this night than she was before, but she prayed with the priest before rising from the stone floor and returning outside.
The soldier was waiting to escort her back, but as she crossed the inner bailey, something made her stop. The sentries stood at intervals along the top of the wall, with torches lit. But there were parts of the wall left unguarded. She frowned and turned back to her escort. ‘Should there not be someone standing guard atop that wall?’
The soldier shrugged. ‘It is common for the guards to change their posts during the night.’ He appeared utterly unconcerned.
But Rosamund’s suspicions went on alert. She knew that Warrick would never allow such a thing. And yet, she could not bring herself to approach him—not after what had happened between them.
His men-at-arms might be able to help. She ordered the soldier, ‘I want to speak with Bennett and Godfrey. Send them to me now.’
The soldier hesitated. ‘They are not on duty, my lady.’
‘Then wake them up.’ She revealed her impatience with the man, but something else was happening.
‘I do not know where they are, Lady Pevensham. But perhaps you could return to the Great Hall and find them there.’
His behaviour was unsettling, and she strongly suspected the man was lying to her. Despite her hesitancy to confront Warrick, it seemed she had no choice now. Something was wrong, not only with the gate, but also with his own men.
She softened her face and sent him a serene smile as he escorted her back to the stairs that led to thedonjon. ‘I bid you goodnight.’
But she would not rest until she discovered exactly what was happening inside these walls.
* * *
Warrick awakened when a hand shook him. He jolted upright and saw Rosamund standing before him. She wore a woollen cloak, and her hood rested upon her shoulders. Her dark hair was braided back from her face, revealing a worried expression.
‘Come with me.’ She didn’t wait for him to respond, but he rose and buckled his sword belt. It was the middle of the night, and he recognised the traces of fear in her posture. Outside, nothing appeared out of the ordinary, but she led him towards one of the walls.
‘Earlier there was no one guarding this wall. I asked one of the soldiers why, and he made excuses.’
But there were two guards patrolling now. Warrick didn’t dismiss her fears, however. ‘I will find out what happened.’
‘There’s more. Bennett and Godfrey are missing.’
His men would never desert their posts, and he understood the unspoken danger. Warrick took her by the hand. ‘Go back to your chamber and bolt the door.’ If his men were gone, then she had reason to be afraid.
‘What will you do?’ She squeezed his hand tightly.
‘I’ll find out what is happening. And if Owen or Fitzwarren are involved, I will put a stop to it.’
Her face paled, but she nodded. She was about to obey him, but he held her fingers a moment longer. ‘Are you all right, Rosamund?’ He had not intended to touch her so intimately, but he had been so angry at the thought of Alan reclaiming her, he had lost control of himself.
She flushed as she took his meaning. ‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘Just a little shaken.’ Her lips parted, and if he could have, he would have kissed her right now, to reassure her.
