She would protect her heart and ensure her son’s future. She had to.
Six
Henry stood in the sun-drenched Bailey, sword raised high as he moved with fluid grace. His stick-sword clashed against Alex's with a thud that echoed through the courtyard. Sweat beaded on their foreheads, and Henry's eyes shone with pride as Alex nodded in approval.
"Excellent," he said before stepping back to let Henry take center stage.
“May we do it again?” Henry looked hopefully at Alex, his sword still in the guard position he had been taught.
Alex smiled knowingly as he reassumed a fighting stance. He tapped the end of his stick sword on the ground and said, “Very well, but I am giving you no quarter this round.” He squared his feet and lifted his makeshift sword as Henry smiled up at him.
Henry’s eyes narrowed in concentration as he lunged forward with his make-believe sword. The wooden stick met Alex’s, and with a low chuckle, Alex leaped back before lunging forward to lock swords. The two of them thrust and lunged, feet shuffling as they circled one another in their pretend battle. Perspiration glistened on Henry’s forehead despite the cool air while Alex fended off his attack with determination.
Out of the corner of his eye, Alex spotted someone watching them. He pivoted and spun round, blocking Henry's attack as he gained a better view of the spectator.
Daphne.
She stood just inside the gate house, her right hand pressed to her hip and a slight smile tugging at the corners of her bow-shaped lips. Her eyes seemed to dance with amusement, sending a shiver through Alex that snapped his concentration like a twig.
Henry used the distraction to his advantage and lunged forward, bringing his stick-sword striking against Alex’s side. He shouted in triumph, “I win!”
Alex brought a hand to his waist and staggered backward as though he had been struck by a real sword. His feet tangled and sent him toppling to the ground. He rolled onto his back and curled an arm over his eyes, letting out a low groan for good measure before playing dead.
Henry hooted with laughter and rounded on Alex, "Oh come on now! You are not truly dead, Alex. It was only a stick."
Alex grinned but kept his eyes hooded. "Nonsense, that was a sword you hefted with such skill. A deadly weapon, heavy and sharp, forged of steel, and don't you forget it."
“If you say it is so, then I suppose it is.” The boy’s smile widened as he released another round of laughter. Henry held the makeshift sword to Alex’s throat. “Since you are most certainly breathing, I am taking you as my prisoner.”
“Indeed,” Alex agreed. “It is only right that you do.”
“Rise and lead the way to the dungeon.” Henry backed his sword away just far enough for Alex to move without getting poked.
“That is enough fun for one afternoon.” Daphne came closer and placed her hand on Henry’s shoulder.
Henry dropped his sword, glancing up at her. “Mother,” he said with glee, “did you see me slay Alex?”
“Lord Brunsford,” she reminded.
Henry's chest heaved with pride, and his eyes glinted with the thrill of victory. “Did you see how I bested him?” he boasted.
“I did witness your skill with a blade, but now you must return home. Lord Brunsford surely has other duties to attend to.” Her gaze softened, and she placed a gentle hand on his arm.
She looked at Alex, silently urging him to agree.
He grinned, then stood and dusted his trousers off. “On the contrary, I am quite free. Allow me to walk the two of you home.” He proffered his arm before she could argue.
Daphne hesitated for a heartbeat. Her expression softened and she slid her hand around his elbow. Henry skipped off ahead of them as Alex led her through the castle gate.
He placed his hand over Daphne’s where it rested on his elbow and, for a moment, allowed himself to imagine what a life with them would be like.
He had the feeling that if he allowed himself to hope, he could embrace such a future. Then he did what he always did when such notions reared their ugly head. Alex remembered Margaret and how he had given her his heart only to have it shattered when she jilted him for another. As the memory had always done, it killed any fanciful thoughts he’d had and he dropped his hand back to his side.
One had to have a heart in order to have a family and his remained in tatters. He doubted very much it would ever be whole again. More importantly, he did not want to open himself up to such a risk. He much preferred to take his pleasure where he could and then move on. Things were safer that way.
Henry pivoted around to face them as they approached the Chesterfields’ home. “Alex…,” he grimaced, “I mean, Lord Brunsford, will you show me the dungeon next time I am at Almerry?”
The boy's enthusiasm and tenacity warmed Alex and he smiled. "It will be my pleasure to do so."
