"She has her husband under some sort of spell."
A sly smile curled her lip. "Then he is very stupid, or she is indeed a witch."
"And now all know Simon is her brother. None feel him a threat."
"We'll think of something to bring suspicion back to him. Have your men all been informed?"
With a nod, he took a seat near the fire. Anne handed him his ale. "The money raised went toward convincing all of them that Royce is no longer fit. The way he stares after his wife has them worried."
He caught her hand and drew it to his mouth, placing a kiss in the palm. "Some of them think the king is also in favor of removing Royce from Lyndon. I'd thought convincing Lyndon's troops would be easier, but they are loyal to Lady Gillian."
"I will think of something. When can I return?"
"I'm not sure. Anon, I hope. Give me time to form a plan that will turn the people of Lyndon against Gillian, and 'twill be sooner."
"I already have an idea."
He grinned and pulled her into his lap. "Good. Now, let me show you how much I've missed you."
Chapter Twenty-One
Crossing the snow-covered bailey, excitement left Gillian's knees trembling. All too quickly, though, her hopes were dashed by the pronouncement 'twas just a messenger. Yet another with likely the same message.
There had been several messages from Royce so far, each one delaying his return for varying lengths of time. He'd been gone nigh on three months now. Winter had settled in, and the nights seemed to drag on forever. The way her body ached for his touch left her unable to sleep as she needed. Saddening her even more was the realization she'd been away from her husband for most of their marriage.
When Royce returned, he'd find a big surprise. Each week, Gillian's belly grew larger as the babe within grew. All at Lyndon now knew. She'd refrained from mentioning her condition in her return letters, fearing if she told him, he would return posthaste. While she wanted that more than anything else, she feared what it might do to his reputation and relationship with the king. He'd advised that Edward demanded his aid in resolving a bitter dispute between two rival barons. There had been much blood shed on both sides, and no resolution appeared near. Gillian wondered if her husband would arrive before the babe.
The gates opened and the rider came to a halt in the inner bailey. He dismounted and handed the sealed parchment to Gillian. She quickly opened the message, scanning it for good news. As usual, her mood soured upon reading her husband's words.
"He is delayed again. He says another fortnight at most. 'Tis less time than the last messages."
She slapped the parchment against Simon's chest, her gaze focused on the disheveled rider before her. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar, but she didn't knowwhy.
"Come inside and warm yourself by the fire. I will have more questions."
She didn't wait for them to follow her into the keep. The hall was mostly quiet now. Where had Burke disappeared to? She wanted an update on the reinforcements near the old kitchens she tasked him to oversee. Lately, he'd been difficult to locate, always seeming to be out on some errand or another. Though Simon had followed him several times, as yet, Burke had done nothing to indicate he possessed nefarious plans.
"I've had a maid bring the messenger a meal."
She looked at Simon. "Good. Join me while I question him."
She strode over to the table by the wall and took her seat at the head. Leaning forward, she studied the man. Where did she know him from?
"Did I meet you at Shrewsbury?" she asked.
The man shook his head and took a long drink of ale from the tankard before him. "Nay, I have been in London since the summer."
"I have the strangest feeling I know you, but I can't think of how. For now, tell me how my husband fares."
"He is well. He is quite busy with the king."
"Yes, his message told me the politics are taking longer to resolve than he'd hoped. But what else can you tell me?"
"He can tell you nothing."
Gillian looked over to where Burke entered the hall, surrounded by several soldiers. She didn't recognize them from Lyndon's garrison, or her husband's army. And beside him...
Rage turned her vision red and she stood. "You've found her!"
