William looked shocked. “I am a knight, my lord. I serve the lady, not solicit her affection.”
St. Alban put up a hand to apologize. He knew he was correct but did not push the issue. It was of no regard, anyway. He didnot want to make the man feel worse than he obviously already did. Slowly, he stood on weary legs.
“It is past dawn, my lord,” he said quietly. “I would suggest we go now so that you may deliver your message to Brogan.”
Inglesbatch stood also. In full protection, he was also armed. He unstrapped his broadsword, releasing the hide straps on his leg and waist and laying the weapon to the floor. He looked up to see St. Alban’s curious expression.
“So there will be no doubt as to my intentions,” he explained quietly. “I cannot take d’Aurilliac into custody without a weapon.”
St. Alban cocked an eyebrow. “You more than likely could not take him into custody even if you had one. Have you not seen the size of the man?”
Inglesbatch’s only response was to lift an eyebrow. “I am well aware of what the man is capable of.”
St. Alban didn’t say any more. He took William from his musty chamber, out into the corridor of the barracks. Men were up and about, knights preparing for the day as St. Alban and William descended to the first floor and walked out into the dawn. It was cold and damp, dew hanging heavy on the ground as they silently made their way across the compound. Over to the right was the Beauchamp Tower; William’s gaze was fixed on it, wondering if all was calm for the moment as he went about his requested duty. He hoped so. He did not want to have to explain his absence to the Earl.
His pace picked up.
*
Avalyn was awokenfrom a dead sleep by her aunt leaning on the bed. Blinking in the light as a servant pulled back the oilclothscovering the window, she rubbed her eyes sleepily, gazing up into her aunt’s brown eyes.
“Auntie,” she struggled to sit up, groggily. “What is wrong?”
Anne’s smooth face was emotionless. It was as if she was trying too hard not to show any sentiment. “Time to rise, dear,” she said, helping her niece sit up in bed. “You must bathe and dress.”
Anne began directing servants as Avalyn struggled to wake up. Bleary eyed as she was, there was something in her aunt’s tone that set her instantly on edge.
“Why must I bathe and dress?” She looked around. “Where are Isobel and Anne?”
“Isobel is a guest of Clarence and Anne is a guest of de Clare. He has a daughter her age, you know. Margaret. She was at the feast last night. Did you not see her?”
Avalyn hadn’t. But, then again, she didn’t really care. But there was something very strange about the bedchamber being vacant at this early morning hour and her cousins being conveniently absent.
“What time is it?” she asked.
Anne threw open the massive wardrobe. “It is an hour after sunrise. I realize you’ve not had much sleep, but today is a busy day.”
“Why is that?”
Anne fixed her in the eye. “Lord Charles is leaving and you are going with him. We must prepare you and pack.”
Suddenly, Avalyn wasn’t tired any longer. Her aunt’s words were like a dagger through her heart. But she recalled the events of earlier, how she had promised to marry Aubrey if Brogan was left in peace.I promised.There was nothing she could do, having agreed to her own fate. But the knowledge didn’t make the end result any easier; she was sick with distress. With a heavy sigh, she hung her head.
Anne saw her from the corner of her eye but said nothing. She was busy directing the servants to fill a big copper tub as her own two ladies pulled forth garments from the wardrobe. As the women piled clothing on the bed and began pulling forth accessories, Avalyn continued to stare at her lap until Anne finally went to her.
“Rise, Avalyn,” she said in her soft, low voice. “Let us get you bathed. Your new husband would like a presentable bride.”
“Presentable,” she snorted, lifting her head and horrified to realize there were tears in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, but not so fast that her aunt did not see her. “By all means, let us give him a presentable wife.”
She tossed the covers off, so strongly that she nearly ripped them from the bed. On her feet, she yanked off her shift and stood naked in the cold room, more anger and frustration in her heart than she could adequately handle. She was oblivious to the sensual manner in which the light fell on her delicious body, her soft white curves and full breasts revealed to the world. One of Anne’s ladies poured scented oil into the bathwater and the fragrance of tuberose filled the room. Avalyn plopped into the tub and water splashed over the side.
Anne could see the temper, the hurt, but she kept her mouth shut.It is for the best, she told herself. She would not let her emotions be swayed by an angry niece. As one of her ladies tied a heavy apron around her waist to protect her fine surcoat, Anne went to work washing Avalyn’s hair. The three women scraped and scrubbed Avalyn until she was slick and clean.
The entire time, Avalyn sat and brooded; at least, that is what it seemed. But her mind, ever-shrewd and ever-sharp, was struggling to formulate a plan. As the ladies washed and rubbed, her golden gaze roved the room, trying to think of a way out of the situation. As long as she wasn’t married yet, there was still away out. Her uncle must be very worried indeed to pack her off so quickly with Aubrey.
Avalyn’s eyes moved over the wardrobe, the doors open and clothes askew. Beyond the wardrobe, something caught her eye; a small, narrow servant’s entrance used to access the apartments. She’d seen it a thousand times but had never given it any thought until now. The door almost blended in with the wall, as it was meant to. The longer Avalyn stared at it, the more her plan took shape.
“Auntie,” she said softly.
