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John and Elizabeth both gaped at him, but he held up a hand.
“I decided to see how easy it was to come down from the top of the tower, as a Bladesman might.”
“And since your neck isn’t broken,” John said with sarcasm, “I can see you managed the feat.”
“It was quite exhilarating. And the poor girl was starved for company, but she never once led me to believe she was anyone other than Lady Elizabeth.” He rubbed his chin. “A maidservant, eh? Seems she and I have things in common: we do much for our friends. I allowed myself to be severely beaten, and she allowed herself to be imprisoned.”
“And you’ll both receive our gratitude when we straighten out this mess,” John said.
“This mess is my life,” Elizabeth responded with anger. She grabbed up her wimple, and with practiced ease she secured her hair, wrapped the cloth about her head, and walked toward the door. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my pallet.”
John stepped in her way. “Remember the missive. I’ll need it by tomorrow.”
He saw her hesitation, knew her worry. He tried to soften his tone, but it still came out harsh. “Your army wants to defend you, to fulfill the oaths they swore to your father. Do not be cruel enough to deny them.”
She drew in a breath and closed her eyes, whispering, “I don’t want anyone hurt.”
“And I will do my best to ensure that.”
She finally nodded. “You will have the missive—and the imprint of my ring in the wax. Now let me go.”
He let relief surge in and replace his anger. “And where do you sleep again?”
“In the kitchens.”
“That is not a safe place for an earl’s daughter. You should remain here. Everyone already thinks you’re in my bed.”
“Not my own people,” she said in a low voice. “They trust me.”
“No wonder they barely talked to you these last few days. They were afraid to reveal your identity. They are very loyal to you.”
“And I cannot betray their loyalty. Let me go.”
When he didn’t move right away, she raised her eyes and implored him. “Please.”
He stared down at her, and saw a woman in circumstances not of her making, whose parents and betrothed had just died. She was responsible for a castle full of people, while two grown men fought over her.
And he felt the first bit of sympathy for her.
He stepped aside, and she swept out of the chamber as majestically as any countess.
Philip closed the door behind her, and then put his back to it as he gave John a grin. “I must say, this works out for you. No more worries about who you desire.”
“Aye, that is the one bright spot in this whole mess. But ’tis easily overshadowed by thoughts of a long marriage full of mistrust, and a bride’s wish that she was marrying a different man.”
Philip put a hand on his shoulder. “It has only been a few days. Give her a chance to let passion become more. You’re a good man, John. She’ll realize that soon enough.”
Though John nodded, he had his doubts. He felt like a fool, like he was that little boy again that no one expected much of, least of all himself. He’d grown into a confident, talented man—why was it so easy for Elizabeth to make him feel otherwise?
He would win her trust and respect, make her realize that he cared more for the honor of his family than a title. He would become a man of her people, rather than one who craved adventure. Surely he had had enough travel for one lifetime, he insisted to himself.
Yet none of that mattered when he needed her money. Wishing it weren’t so didn’t make the guilt go away.
Sixteen
The next morning, as Sarah and Katherine were mounting their horses to leave for their foster home, Elizabeth secretly watched them, hidden behind a bush in the lady’s garden. They were so young, with their lives yet before them. They were learning all that was involved in being a lady of the castle, basking in the attention of another family. Neither one of them was betrothed, although she knew that that duty would fall to her husband.
To John. And he would probably take great pride in performing his duty as the head of the household. Elizabeth wished that she could be the one to help shape such an important decision.
