John nodded. “Then we will proceed with the siege and pray it will end without too much bloodshed. Then I will assess whether I must confess to the King that Leofrid still lives.”
“I would prefer you not have to do that, John.”
“As would I.” John’s face was tight with concern. “Once we have the castle, we will deal with this. If we can ascertain for certain that Leofrid remains in Ireland, we will deal with the threat he may become to the King.”
“And I pray it will not be too late,” Peter said.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next few months dragged by for Brighit with her constant worrying about Peter and John’s condition outside the castle at York. Her own condition became more and more apparent. Her menses had stopped completely. She was with child.
Martha, as the newly appointed Prioress, received word from the King. He considered himself a godly man and expected much from his Priory at the River Aire, such as getting word to his soldiers. Reinforcements and supplies would be late in arriving due to the heavy snows so they would need to make other arrangement. The King had decided to wait until the spring to travel north.
“I’ve no one to send,” Martha said.
“Doesn’t the Priory have knights they can dispense?” Tadhg asked right before biting into a biscuit dripping with honey.
She put her hand on her hip, a very annoyed look on her face. “Tadhg, I know about Saint John and Saint Peter, not about warfare. I know there are knights... somewhere... but the previous Prioress really depended on the Bishop to send notices and dispatch them.”
He took a deep swallow of mead. “Well, the King’s not asking for them to be dispatched. He’s requesting a message be sent. I can do that.”
“Oh, Tadhg, are you sure you should?” Brighit had no appetite and watching her brother shovel in food as if he may never eat again made her queasy.
He turned to her, a smile playing over his lips. “And you would not be appreciative of some word on Peter’s conditions?”
Heat suffused her face. “Of course, I would like to know how he fares but not if it puts you in harm’s way.”
Tadhg rolled his eyes. “Can you ever be less of a woman?”
Brighit pulled back. “Whatever do you mean? I am a woman.”
“I know that. I mean can’t you ever just realize I’m a warrior and being near fighting does not put me in harm’s way. I can fend for myself in all situations.”
She snorted. “I see.”
Her brother had remained very tight lipped about the goings on at home and she wondered for the hundredth time if there was something he wasn’t telling her. He was not usually so defensive.
“Martha, I can bring the message for you. It may be best to let the others head back to Ireland without me.”
Brighit was suddenly swamped with sadness at the idea of losing her connection to Ireland. They had all been very attentive, making it their mission to keep her entertained.
Tadhg, as always, saw her true feelings no matter how she tried to hide them. “I’m sorry, dear sister. We have all stayed longer than we intended. Say your goodbyes. They’ll be leaving forthwith.”
Within an hour’s time, they’d all assembled in the bailey. Each man hugged Brighit in turn and went to his horse. Sean was the only one remaining.
“Head down the hill. I’ll be there anon,” Sean gave the order to the other men. He’d be in command until Tadhg’s return.
He pierced Tadhg with his can-you-please-give-us-a-moment-alone look. Tadhg rolled his eyes. Brighit pretended not to notice the exchange but she was aware that her brother did not wander far.
Sean took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. “My dear, Brighit.” He smiled, tipping his head to one side. “I have long desired to take you as my wife.”
“Please! We are too close. Like brother and sister. It would never have worked.”
“I kept my distance out of respect for my best friend—your brother.”
Tadhg shifted behind them. Brighit knew he heard every word. He was protecting her in Peter’s absence even from this man that they’d both known their entire lives.
“He made me promise to never take advantage of your innocence. I fear I took his advice too much to heart in never expressing my feelings for you.”
