Thrill Of The Knight Read online

  She could not press herself into the heat and power of him any more than she already was. She put her arms around his neck, pulling him into herself, a wild desperation making her reckless.

  Her anger and her passion merged and she became something she didn’t recognize anymore, more animal than human.

  Chapter 15

  As he kissed Elizabeth, John’s anger dissolved into the passion he’d felt for her since the moment they’d met. He couldn’t get enough of the taste of her mouth, of the soft fullness of her breast in his hand. And she wasn’t fighting him—nay, she was as aggressive as he was, holding fistfuls of his tunic to keep his body against hers.

  It took both his hands to remove her wimple even as he continued to kiss her, but finally he was pulling the pins from her hair and letting down the reddish-blond curls. He buried his face in them, knowing the ultimate satisfaction: she was his.

  But she’d let him go on feeling guilty for desiring “Anne,” when he was really desiring the woman he was to marry.

  He stumbled back from her and wiped his forearm across his mouth as his fury returned.

  Bathed in candlelight, she stood against his door, curls tumbling down her body, her breasts rising and falling with each quick breath. Her eyes glittered as she stared at him.

  She had matured into a beautiful woman, although it was easy to see why he had not recognized her with her hair hidden.

  “You haven’t changed all that much since childhood,” he said in a low voice. “You still want everything your way.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You cannot blame me for trying to protect myself and Castle Alderley.”

  “I am here to protect you and your castle! I should take you out of here right now—”

  “And prove yourself no better than Bannaster.”

  “And that’s what you believe of me, isn’t it,” he answered coldly.

  “That you want me for my property and title? Aye, why should I think differently? ’Tis true, isn’t it?”

  He paced away from her. “I want you to fulfill a contract between our parents, a vow they made to unite our families. ’Twas what my parents wished me to do.”

  “Nay, they wished your brother William to marry me. Instead you’ve done nothing but slur him since you arrived, although he is but months into his grave.”

  He closed his eyes, trying to control his temper, knowing and regretting that she still loved William. “I am not lying to you about what happened to Rame Castle.”

  “And I say that mayhap you don’t know the full truth yourself. And that fact that you lied about your identity—”

  “As did you!” he countered.

  “Aye, we both misled because we felt it necessary.”

  “You continued to lie even after I told the truth and asked for your help.”

  She ignored that. “And your attempted seduction of me—”

  “I attempted no such thing!” he said, stalking up to her and putting his hand on the side of her face so she’d be forced to look at him. “If I would have wanted to seduce you, I would have done it.”

  She slapped his hand away and ducked away from him into the center of the room. “It is not my fault that I know not if I can trust you.”

  They glared at each other in silence, both breathing heavily, both full of mistrust.

  “Say what you will,” John said, “but you will be my wife. You may think that you preferred my brother, but your body and your lips say otherwise.”

  “You are crude.”

  “And someday you’ll admit that you enjoy it. Do you still want to escape what Lord Bannaster has planned, although it is to me that you must submit yourself?”

  He saw her flinch at his words, but her chin came up. “Our betrothal is binding. I will not dishonor my parents by trying to escape it.”

  It almost sounded like she wanted to, and he suddenly felt very tired.

  “Then I need a missive written in your hand,” he said.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Explain this to me. Please.”

  “My men—the two who handed you the parchment yesterday—have found your army.”

  She inhaled, and he saw the relief in her eyes.

  “But your captain of the guard is loyal to you, and will not take the word of two common soldiers that I am your betrothed. He wants proof from you that he can trust me.”

  She looked away, and he knew that she still debated that herself. Certainly she didn’t trust him—she had withheld the truth from him for too long.

  “You need to be rescued,” he said coldly.

  “But not with an attack by an army.”

  “I am a knight. I give you my word that I will attack only as a last resort. But I need soldiers, Elizabeth.”

  “What will you do with them?”

  “Train them. My men are experts in warfare, techniques from Europe that are only just making their way into England.”

  “Warfare!” she cried.

  In one stride he was against her, hand on her mouth. “Silence,” he murmured against her ear. “Do you want someone to hear of this conversation?”

  She struggled, and he gladly let her go. Touching her only confused him, made him forget everything except that she would be waiting in his marriage bed.

  For a moment, he considered suggesting that he take her right now, sealing their union, denying Bannaster. But they were both still so angry, and he didn’t want to begin their relationship like that. And besides, if Bannaster were only concerned about the title, he wouldn’t care if his bride came to him impure.

  Anne strummed her lute in the tower bedchamber, trying to find a cheerful melody, but only haunting, sad ballads came to her fingers. For some reason, the loneliness tonight seemed like a heavy weight that pressed against her. Each night she battled it, hated putting out the candle and surrendering to the darkness, when her fears seemed to expand. She found herself staying awake later and later each night, leaving her more tired when the rising sun woke her.

  Suddenly she heard a sound outside her window. Her fingers froze on the strings, her head cocked. Surely it was a bird taking rest, as had happened often in these last days. She would try to coax them into the room as if she could make a pet of a wild creature.

  The sound came again, like a giant brush against the shutters.

  Could someone be lowering another basket?

  She vaulted to her feet, setting the lute onto a table, and threw the shutters wide. At first she saw nothing in the darkness. Suddenly, something swung in at her, and she stumbled back. But it was only the end of a rope, knotted at intervals, and it was vibrating.

  A moment later, a booted foot lowered to the windowsill, followed by another. A man bent and peered in.

  “Lady Elizabeth?”

  She knew she should be frightened—who knew what Lord Bannaster would do to win Elizabeth to wife?—but his face looked so friendly that she could only nod.

  “Forgive the intrusion,” he said, still gripping the sill, perched precariously on the outside of the tower. “Might I come in?”

  She covered her mouth to hide her shocked giggle. He could mean her harm, she reminded herself.

  But she was desperate for company. “You may, sir,” she said, “but I have a dagger, and I am familiar with its use.”

  He lowered himself until he sat on the sill, then ducked his head and rose to his feet. He was a tall man, slim and wiry with muscle rather than excessively broad. He had dark hair tinged with red, and the greenest, most open eyes she had ever seen.

  He bowed low with a flourish. “Lady Elizabeth, I am Sir Philip Clifford.”

  The name was familiar, but she couldn’t remember why. “Are you a member of the League of the Blade, Sir Philip? I was just told of that secret organization. Did you send me down the basket of food?”

  “Nay, to all of your questions, my lady,” he said with true regret. “But I have heard about the legendary Bladesmen, and also about your basket of food. I had to test my theory on how the
y got it to you, and before I knew it, I decided to try the descent myself.”

  “You heard about the basket?” she said thoughtfully. “I only told my maidservant.”

  “And Anne told my lord.”

  “Lord Russell,” she breathed, finally understanding. “You are the man who serves him.”

  “And you are the woman he is betrothed to,” Sir Philip said, his gaze admiring. “I will tell John that he is the most fortunate man in the kingdom. Your beauty is unequaled.”

  She found herself blushing, for no man had ever praised her in such a romantic way. During her few trips home, her father’s neighbors had only commented that her hips were broad enough to make more babies to add to the motherless ones they already had.

  If Anne weren’t careful, she would find herself swooning at the admiration in Sir Philip’s beautiful green eyes. She tried to collect herself. “Sir Philip, do you believe it is truly the League who are trying to help me? I understand that Lord Russell does not believe it so.”

  “Lord Russell is a man used to being in command, where he must weigh decisions on the facts available.” Sir Philip gave an exaggerated wink. “He’s still waiting for all the facts.”

  “And you don’t need ‘facts’?” she asked with a smile.

  “I have done extensive research. I already have the facts. And we were approached by a member of the League, who told us he would help you. There are enough facts for me.”

  He looked back to the window. “It is good to know that I can come down to you this way.”

  She moved past him to stare out the window to the darkness below. Torches were pinpricks of light along the battlements and in the ward. “It seems very dangerous.”

  He grinned. “’Twas exciting. And with the moon out, I could see surprisingly well. If we ever needed to remove you from the tower by this method, I think we could.”

  She backed away and shook her head. “Nay, I will not leave and risk—”

  “That your people will be punished,” he interrupted, sighing heavily. “I know.” He brightened. “I’ll have to tell John about this. He could come to meet you.”

  “Nay, please do not. What if he is killed in a fall? I could not live with myself.”

  “And then you would be available for Lord Bannaster’s taking,” Sir Philip said shrewdly.

  Anne shrugged.

  He looked around and saw the lute. “I heard you playing. You are quite good. In fact, I think I’ve heard you playing before, but I wasn’t certain where the sound was coming from.”

  “I have to do something to occupy my mind.”

  “And you read,” he said with admiration, looking at the few books on her table. “I’m thinking of recording the chronicles of the League for future generations.”

  “You are quite an admirer of theirs,” she said. “But if they’re so secretive, perhaps they don’t want their exploits known.”

  He frowned. “We’ll see.”

  She regretted putting a damper on his grand ideas, because he decided to leave soon after that.

  “Would you consider returning to visit me?” she asked too quickly.

  He gave her a curious look. “You want me to visit, but not your betrothed?”

  She felt a blush heat her face. She’d made a dreadful mistake.

  He smiled with sympathy. “Ah, you’re lonely, of course.”

  “Forgive my impulsive request,” she murmured. “I am not in any immediate danger. You would think I would be able to handle a few days alone. But ’tis surprisingly…stressful.”

  “I understand. You enjoy talking to people.”

  “That’s it,” she murmured, trying not to watch him in fascination.

  “You must miss the evenings down below.”

  Tears stung her eyes, and she felt ridiculous to be so choked up that she could only nod. Luckily, Sir Philip didn’t seem to notice.

  “It will be over soon,” he said, reaching outside and yanking on the rope as if he felt the need to test it. “Continue to be brave, Lady Elizabeth. I promise that John will make everything all right. Fare well.”

  “Do be careful,” she called, as he stood on the windowsill, his upper body now outside the tower.

  With a jump, he braced both feet on a knot in the rope, and then pulled himself up out of sight.

  John was glaring at Elizabeth when the door opened and Philip walked in. He came up short when he saw them and glanced at the wimple on the floor.

  “Should I leave?” he asked uncertainly.

  “Stay and close the door.”

  John knew his voice was abrupt, but Philip, arching a brow, did as he asked.

  “Philip, meet Lady Elizabeth.”

  Philip’s mouth fell open, and he didn’t bother to hide his shock.

  Elizabeth folded her arms over her chest and gave a brief nod.

  “My lady, I—” A strange look came over his face. “So you switched places. Clever.”

  John glared at him.

  “And deceitful,” Philip amended, smiling.

  Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I had to—”

  “Do not go into it all again,” John interrupted. “Suffice it to say that she doesn’t trust me, and wishes my brother were alive.”

  She frowned and looked away, remaining silent.

  “Well, your maidservant is doing a good job impersonating you,” Philip said. “I just left your bedchamber.”

  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.

  Chapter 16

  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.

  Strangely, she could barely stop from crying as her sisters and their party of soldiers departed through the gatehouse. She wished to be them, young enough to be confident that everything would work out. Elizabeth didn’t even know how she wanted everything to work out.

  She took a breakfast tray up to Anne, and let her talk excitedly about the man who’d come through her window.