“Your excessive good humor is rapidly putting mine to death,” she said, as she sat down on their bedding, but there was no real anger in her voice.
“’Tis just your hunger that makes ye less than cheerful,” he said even as he divided the rabbit and handed her her share on her plate.
“Such an easy explanation,” she murmured, but said no more as she began to greedily devour her meal, relieved to see Nigel do the same.
The speed with which they finished their hearty meal made Gisele a little ashamed of herself. She cleaned up after the meal, then returned to the campfire to share some wine with Nigel. Sitting there surrounded by beauty, replete with food, wine, and lovemaking, she could almost believe that everything would be all right.
“It has been a very nice day,” she murmured. Then she blushed a little, afraid he would think she referred to the lovemaking alone.
Nigel smiled, put his arm around her slim shoulders, and kissed her on the cheek. “It has been a verra nice day indeed. We are rested, and the horses are rested. Aye, and all of us have been watered and fed weel.”
She sighed. “And so tomorrow we must begin to run again.”
“I fear so, loving. We needed this time, but it isnae wise to remain too long in one place when so many people are looking for you.”
“Mayhap God will smile upon us and give them a sickness in the belly that keeps them squatting in the woods, allowing us a free ride to the port.” She smiled when he laughed.
“That would be a wondrous gift, but I dinnae think we should plan on it.”
“Sadly,non. At least we have clean clothes.”
“Aye, and one doesnae realize how much one appreciates that until ye cannae have it. I also miss a soft bed. It has been far too long since I have slept in one.”
“Oui, I, too, dearly miss that comfort.”
“There are soft beds at Donncoille,” he whispered against her cheek.
“I look forward to getting there.”
“And verra big beds too.”
Gisele giggled as he gently pushed her down onto the bed. “Should we not rest for the journey?” she asked even as she twined her arms around his neck and tilted her head back to welcome his kisses against her throat.
“The night is still verra young.”
“And you, Sir Nigel, are very greedy.”
“Aye, my sweet French rose, verra greedy indeed.”
She knew she did not have to tell him that she shared his greed. She had more than shown that during the day. Gisele also sensed a touch of desperation in the way she held him. It had been a peaceful respite, a sweet retreat from the world and all its ugliness. She was going to be sorry to see it end, especially since she had no idea what lay ahead. This could well be the last night she would spend in Nigel’s strong arms, and she intended to savor every moment.
Twelve
Nigel frowned and looked around. He could see nothing, but he still felt uneasy, and he moved so that he rode at Gisele’s side instead of in front of her. He briefly wished they could return to the glade and steal another day of rest and enjoyment, for one had certainly not been enough for him, especially not if the chase were to begin again so soon. He just wished he could see how, and from what direction.
“Is something amiss?” Gisele asked, wondering why Nigel was no longer leading her but flanking her, his hand resting on his sword.
“I am nay sure,” he replied.
“But you sense some danger, do you not?”
“I do, but I see nothing and hear nothing.”
Gisele looked around, even though she doubted she had keener eyes or could ever see something Nigel could not. “Your instincts have not failed us thus far. I believe it would be wise to heed them now.”
“Aye, then let us ride for those hills to the west. ’Twill be easier to evade pursuit there.”
They had barely kicked their horses into a gallop when half a dozen men rode out of the trees. The cry that went up from their pursuers told Gisele that these were DeVeau men, but she still felt a need to glance back just to be sure. What she saw made her blood run cold. It was the DeVeaux, without any doubt, and this time they had a couple of archers riding with them, men who appeared ready and able to shoot even as they rode. Gisele was about to shout this dire news to Nigel when an arrow whistled by her head. She flattened herself against the neck of her horse and shouted a warning.
