"Last fall. Before the harvest. I tried to talk him out of it, but he was besotted."
Gillian's stomach churned to recall the argument she and her father had over his announcement. The Lady Anne was a good match, politically. Or so they'd thought.
"Tell me more of Anne."
"Her lover lived in the village. Aye, his name was rumored to be Godwin. I have never seen him. I suspect she used the name to provoke fear in the villeins."
"Why do you say that?"
She didn't like his tone. She felt like a prisoner being interrogated. But these questions needed honest answers. 'Twould help convince him she meant her vow she did not betray Lyndon or England.
"As you know, Godwin is named as the rebel leader, though he'd not attacked us ere now. But if she was aligned with him, 'twould frighten the serfs into acceding to her wishes. Except that it didn't always work."
The corners of his mouth curled. "Like with you?"
She gave him a conspiratorial smile. "Aye, like me. I didn't care who her lover was. I didn't fear her. When word came of Edward's order for me to marry you, that's when my father fell ill. And she claimed to be pregnant."
"And you think she's not?"
"She could very well be. But 'tis not my father's child. He said he had not lain with her since shortly after they wed." Heat scorched her cheeks to think of her father and Anne....
"Spawn of the devil!"
Royce stood and began to pace. Gillian wondered what had so angered him.
"My lord, is Godwin... will he attack again?"
"I cannot say. 'Twould seem they know the king will soon arrive. Only someone within Lyndon would know."
Anger sent Gillian to her feet. "Again, you think 'tis me!"
"I didn't say that. But I will ask you about all of those on Lyndon who may be."
"No one is! Except mayhap Anne, no one here would betray us!"
"You are naïve to think that." He held up a hand when she would have protested further. "You trust and love your people. I understand."
"'Tis the first sensible thing you've said all eve. My lord."
He gave a half-scowl. "But you should be more wary. Someone here is passing messages to the rebels. They attacked to take over Lyndon and lay in wait for Edward. Only someone within the walls would know of the king's imminent arrival."
"Anne knew."
"Aye, she did. 'Twas another reason for the attack. And yet another reason I believe 'tis someone within these walls. She was locked inside and the rebels didn't have access to the keep. Unless there are more hidden entrances than I know about?"
Gillian scratched her head. "Of course! Aye, there are two more. But they are not known to many, as they are obscure."
He stalked over to her. "Where are they?"
"By the kitchens, there is one door that leads to atunnel that takes one outside the walls to the forest beyond. The other led from the solar to the same tunnel. But that one collapsed years ago and was impassible. My father had it sealed off."
"So only the one near the kitchens is of concern."
He strode to the door and called for Burke. The captain appeared. He looked over at Gillian.
An unexplained uneasiness crept into her veins, chilling her. Something about her husband's captain seemed threatening. Why? He greeted her with proper respect and even gave a slight bow. Gillian looked away, unable to define what caused the wariness.
Royce ordered Burke to set men to guarding the entrance. The captain agreed, and the two men discussed other options before Burke departed. Royce closed the door and faced her once more.
