Enguerrand’s gaze roved over the high walls. “If this place is your home, why then are the gates barred againstyou?”
Annelise took a deep breath, hoping against hope that the gates would not choose to be fickle at this precise moment. She murmured her command. “Open.”
Enguerrand’s eyes widened as the broad gates swung back with no sign of a keeper. Annelise rode through the portal. “You were wrong, Enguerrand,” she called over her shoulder. “Thisismyhome.”
She had not expected Enguerrand to recover so quickly. He dove suddenly for the gates and slipped through them before they closed behindher.
“You dare too much!” she said, shocked by hisaudacity.
The knight, though, smiled. “Fair Annelise!” He gestured to the darkening sky, then to the courtyard of the palace. “Surely you would not condemn my party to a wintry night when your abode is solarge.”
Annelise had no ready argument for that. Hospitality was a Christianduty.
No matter how much she despised theman.
He could not know that she was alone within thesewalls.
Surely her husband’s desire would protecther?
Annelise hoped asmuch.
Enguerrand continued with such confidence that Annelise wished she had a reason to deny him. “It is too late to return to Beauvoir before the twilight, and it is said there are hungry wolves abroad this year, since the winter came soearly.”
Annelise knew she had a responsibility to uphold her spouse’s reputation. She cleared her throat. “I apologize for my rudeness, Enguerrand. You must understand that your appearance surprisedme.”
“But of course, my lady.” As he bowed low, his gaze roved, as if he would assess the value of the holding. “There is no need for apologies between friends such as wetwo.”
Friends. The very suggestion made her shudder. Annelise could not bear the thought of having Enguerrand within these walls any longer than absolutely necessary, but there was little choice. Surely first thing on the morrow, he could return toBeauvoir.
Annelise would be certain the suggestion was raised atdinner.
She inclined her head. “I thank you for your understanding.Welcome.”
Enguerrand beckoned to his party with a flick of his wrist. He eyed the garden, sniffed the air, then cast a questioning look in Annelise’s direction. “May I conclude that the rest of your party chose to remain here rather than return to chillyBeauvoir?”
“No,” Annelise admitted, guessing from his tone that he knew precisely what had happened to Yves. “Our party was scattered by a pack of hunting wolves. My husband saved mylife.”
“How gallant.” Enguerrand glanced out over the lush gardens with a thoughtful frown. “And we shall meet your inimitable spouse this evening at the board, Isuppose?”
In that moment, Annelise recalled her vow to tryst with her husband at the tower. He would not be returning this eve—and she had to concoct a tale. “Unfortunately, my husband enjoys the hunt this week. I am not certain of the timing of hisreturn.”
“Ah, how unfortunate that we may miss him.” Enguerrand smiled, clearly thinking the very opposite. “I shall hope for his earlyreturn.”
Dread rose within Annelise as she commanded the gates to open and watched Enguerrand’s party move inside the walls. She led the way to the stables, wondering what manner of difficulties would result from showing hospitality toEnguerrand.
It was unsettling to have him within these walls, and Annelise knew she would not sleep this night. How could she keep her tryst with her spouse? She dared not risk leaving Enguerrand alone in the palace. Nor could she afford to lead him to her spouse, not without knowing his intent. Would her husband fear that she had no desire to see him? Surelynot!
Surely he would see the reason for her actions when sheexplained.
She would be the dutiful wife, guard his home, and confess all to him as soon as shecould.
Perhaps he would come to the palace when she did not appear at thetower.
Annelise would hope forthat.
* * *
Rolfe wasat the tower before the sun even touched the western horizon. The sky was overcast and snow had begun to fall. He bit back his disappointment when he discovered that Annelise was notthere.
