One Knight Only Read online

  He slowed his horse, and when Walter noticed, he did the same.

  “You saw something?” the older knight asked sharply.

  “Nay, I thought to put to you my questions, if you don’t mind.”

  Frowning, Walter said, “I’ll only answer what I can.”

  “Lady Rosamond told me some of the details of this journey.”

  “Told you freely, or did you force her to tell you?”

  Philip smiled. “My curiosity could not be contained, I will admit. ‘Coerced’ would be a better word. I was concerned for her safety.”

  “No one suspects our true purpose,” Walter said blandly. “Lady Rosamond is a woman well known for her eccentricity, wealth, and intelligence. This journey was well anticipated. We have traveled in peace, if not always comfort.”

  “And you are used to comfort?”

  The knight only glanced at him, and then looked forward again.

  “Ah, too personal a question for a Bladesman such as yourself. Very well, I will focus on the mission, and not the players. Assuming you are acting on orders from above, does it not seem to you a dangerous task to ask an innocent maiden to involve herself in?”

  Walter did not look at him, but Philip saw his jaw tighten.

  “Sir Philip, these are dangerous times in the early reign of a new king. The League cares little about the nobility of the people it helps, but in this case, all will benefit by the stability of the monarchy. The danger to our Lady Rosamond is only the usual dangers of travel on public roads. No one knows the truth of our mission, and we are taking great care that her identity remains a secret.”

  “The veil she wore didn’t hide her very well from me.”

  “Because you rudely pulled her close. A more restrained man does not do such things.”

  Philip withheld the urge to laugh. So he was not “restrained” enough for these knights. “Every man in the kingdom cannot be a gentleman. Especially these traitors.”

  “That is why we took great care with the planning of this journey.”

  “Ah yes, the list of approved noblemen to visit. How will you know if your noblemen have unexpected visitors?”

  “One of my men will journey in advance to each residence, announcing the lady’s impending arrival, and determining the safety of the household.”

  “And what are our duties while Lady Rosamond is interviewing prospective grooms?”

  “We guard her at all times. We only remain one or two nights at each place, to reduce the risks. And then we move on to the next.”

  Philip lowered his voice. “And how do we know when this journey is no longer necessary?”

  “I will receive word when the other mission is complete.”

  “And how is the other mission to work?”

  But Walter only gave him a cool glance. “Such is not our business.”

  “So even you know not?”

  “Sir Philip, I suggest you give more attention to the dangers of the road.”

  A dismissal if he had ever heard one. “I can do more than one thing at a time,” Philip said, using the same bland tones favored by Walter. “For instance, the farmer’s cart behind us has been passed by a lone rider cantering toward us.”

  Walter quickly swiveled in his saddle, and then turned back to Philip.

  Philip only smiled.

  Though Walter called to the forward knights to be on guard, the rider passed them with only a salute.

  “Probably a messenger,” Philip said.

  Walter wasn’t in the mood to talk after that.

  But this was no pleasure journey, Philip thought, scanning the countryside once more. If the traitors discovered the plot, the only warning Walter and his men would receive would be an attack. And though a large army would be too suspicious, traitors would surely hire desperate—and deadly—men.

  When they stopped for the midday meal, Philip watched one of the knights—David or Joseph?—help Anne from her horse. He thought it best not to help her himself this time, although he was dismayed to discover it had still been his first inclination.

  But he was her soldier now, one of her protectors. It wouldn’t do to lust after the lady, although that was another of his inclinations, even after everything that had happened. There was a wall of duty between them now, and Philip would try to respect it. He was vain enough to admit to himself that he wanted the League not to regret hiring him.

  Margaret spread a cloth and bade Anne to sit. The maid spread out their fare of biscuits and dried apples and more cheese. Although as countess, Anne should have been served, Philip watched in amusement as she and Margaret both handed out portions to each of the knights. The knights stood about together, as if they silently communicated with each other while they ate. After so many hours of silence, Philip needed to use his voice. He sat down on the edge of the blanket beside the two women. Margaret eyed him in surprise and suspicion, while Anne looked wary. She even shifted away from him. Could she still be interested in him, after how he’d hurt her?

  “Would you like more, Sir Philip?” Margaret asked.

  “I haven’t finished my portion yet.” Philip took a bite of his apple and chewed, and his gaze slid back to Anne.

  He enjoyed watching her too much. When he’d first met her and thought her Lady Elizabeth, John’s betrothed, he had envied his friend. Anne had seemed warm and intelligent and beautiful, a rare trio of talent. When Philip had discovered the masquerade, and realized that Anne was Elizabeth’s maid, she had become even more intriguing to him, for she had fooled not only him, but also a power-hungry viscount. Over the next few weeks, he had discovered that the warmth and intelligence were all hers. But there had also been a sadness about her that he hadn’t understood and couldn’t ask about. There had been desperation there, too, something he could now admit to himself that he’d shared.

  And it had all sparked into heated encounters that still haunted his dreams. She had been a woman of rare passion, and he’d thought they were simply enjoying each other. But before he’d taken her, he’d had a feeling of foreboding, that in her innocence she had not understood their relationship. He had not considered it meaningless, but he would never forget the look of surprise, and then humiliation she’d showed him, before her pride had smoothed her expression. He did not want to hurt her like that again.

  If she was still sad about anything, she didn’t show it. Her dark eyes glimmered in the sunlight as she bit into her biscuit.

  He considered a safe topic. “How were things when you left Castle Alderley, Countess?”

  She didn’t even look surprised when he used the title. She had been well into her character for two weeks now.

  She gave him a considering look but did not smile. “Did you know that Lady Elizabeth is expecting a child?”

  Surprised, he leaned back on one hand. “Nay, that is good news. John must be quite full of himself.”

  “I think not. He has become overly cautious of Elizabeth since the news was announced. She was quite put out that I was leaving her to fend off his caution all alone.”

  “What did they think of this journey?”

  As Margaret sliced more cheese, she made no secret that she watched and listened.

  Anne hesitated. “They understood my need to be of help.”

  “John did? Well, of course he would, being of the League.”

  “You know that he was only recently invited to serve,” she pointed out. “He has not yet even gone away for his first training. But he seemed to understand—”

  She broke off, lowering her gaze so that he could no longer see her troubled eyes.

  “Understood more than your need to be of help?” Philip pressed.

  Chapter 4

  A nne told herself that it was ridiculous to be bothered by Philip’s questions. Of course he would be curious about why she’d accepted this assignment, how his good friend, Lord Alderley, her new master, had reacted.

  But she didn’t want to explain about her family; the subject was still
too painful. He did not deserve to know that, lately, being someone else was better than being herself.

  She gave him Lady Rosamond’s bright, bold smile. “Lord Alderley understood that I was bored.”

  He frowned. “Bored? I don’t think that was what you first meant to say.”

  Margaret was leaning toward them in open fascination.

  Anne glanced at her. “Would you mind packing away the food?”

  Margaret nodded in disappointment. “Aye, milady.”

  Anne was still unused to other people obeying her as if she were nobility. When she’d pretended to be Elizabeth, only Elizabeth and Viscount Bannaster had ever seen her performance—and Philip, of course. But none of them had had to behave subserviently to her. Sometimes it was a powerful feeling, knowing that these four knights and another maid had to do her bidding.

  But she had to distract Philip. “Speaking of Viscount Bannaster,” she began.

  “Who did?” he asked, a grin tugging at his lips.

  She felt an angry blush heat her cheeks. She forgot that she’d said nothing aloud. “Your discussion of Alderley made me think of him.”

  “Then by all means, do so.”

  She wasn’t going to allow his humor to lure her. Philip was a genial man, well able to make people relax. Even she, who should be on her guard. His warm green eyes reminded her too much of carefree summer days, when all he’d had to do was look at her to heat her blood and make her want his every intimate attention. She gave him a quick frown, but all he did was tilt his head with studied innocence.

  “Viscount Bannaster?” he prodded.

  “He was on the original husband-hunting list.”

  “I’m sure he would be happy to know that,” Philip scoffed. “After all, he failed trying to win Elizabeth.”

  “Well, he’s off the list now, since I alerted…the people who need to know.”

  “You already rejected him once in your guise as Elizabeth. Wouldn’t it be amusing if you could—”

  “Sir Philip, such conjecture is pointless,” she said sternly. “We won’t be seeing Lord Bannaster.”

  “What a shame.”

  Even when they talked of other things, his low voice rumbled through her in startling—and unwelcome—ways. Days, perhaps weeks, of his personal attention stretched before her. She would somehow have to learn to guard her emotions. Such a skill could only help her work with the League, she reminded herself.

  She looked up to see Sir Walter and his men cinching the horses’ saddle girths in preparation for the resumption of the journey. Margaret closed the saddlebag, then stood looking off in the distance, her expression sad.

  “Does she miss her lady?” Philip asked.

  The intimacy of his voice startled Anne. Obviously he wanted no one else to hear him.

  Anne knew she should stand up, move away, but strangely, she couldn’t. They weren’t alone, but somehow it felt as if they were. She didn’t allow herself to look at him. But he was such a solid, warm presence beside her. How was she going to ignore him?

  “Aye, she misses her old life,” she murmured. “Margaret well understands the equality of our stations. She is not meant to serve one such as me.”

  Didn’t Philip know that how he’d treated Anne at Castle Alderley had also served as a reminder of her inferior position?

  “Are you not both serving the purposes of the League?” Philip asked. “Surely she has accepted her part in this play.”

  Anne gave him a quick glance. “Aye, I know you’re right.”

  “I’m always right.”

  He didn’t quite smile, only looked at her too intently, as if he was trying to read and understand everything she kept hidden.

  Sir Walter called to them, “Come, Lady Rosamond. I will soon send Sir Joseph ahead to announce our presence.”

  “We are near Birkin Castle?” she asked, ignoring Philip’s outstretched hand as she got to her feet.

  “Several hours’ journey yet. Perhaps we will reach it before nightfall.”

  “And this is Lord Milforth?” she continued.

  While Sir Walter nodded, Philip looked puzzled. “Is he not a baron? And beneath a countess’s notice?”

  “He’s very wealthy,” Anne said.

  Philip seemed unconvinced. “But he’s also old.”

  Anne shrugged. “And I am a widow. I cannot afford to be choosy.”

  Late that afternoon, the men were debating making camp rather than trying to reach their destination. Twilight was approaching, and the road was narrowing into a turn. Just as Anne was insisting that she didn’t mind sleeping outside, especially now that the rain had stopped, Sir Walter raised a hand. Instantly, the four men were silent, hands on their weapons.

  Margaret gave a little gasp, her eyes shadowed with fear. Philip and Sir David drew behind them, and with just a look, Sir Walter sent Sir Joseph riding ahead.

  Anne said nothing as she huddled within her sodden cloak. She glanced back at Philip, but he was not watching her. He had already drawn his sword, and was looking behind them into the distance.

  Suddenly Sir Joseph shot around the turn in the rocky road, and Anne gasped as someone jumped down on top of him from a low cliff. But Sir Joseph didn’t go down, and with a thrust of his elbow, was able to drop the villain to the ground, where he rolled several times and lay motionless. Sir Joseph galloped quickly to rejoin them.

  Three thieves were riding toward them from the front, and three moving onto the road behind. Anne fought her horse’s restlessness as the four knights surrounded Margaret and her. She told herself to be calm, because her horse would sense her turbulent emotions. But how to be calm when they were under attack?

  “If we fall, my lady,” Sir Walter said, “leave us and ride for safety. We are not an hour from Birkin Castle.” As Margaret began to cry, Sir Walter tossed his dagger to Anne. “Take this to use if your need becomes desperate.”

  Anne stared at the weapon in shock. She pulled herself together, knowing that a Bladeswoman had to be prepared to defend herself. And then the attackers were upon them, engaging the knights. Philip and Sir Walter each had two men to contend with. Margaret’s horse reared up, and Anne reached out and caught the reins, pulling down on the animal’s head. She clutched her dagger in the other hand, grateful to be riding astride so that she could restrain her horse easier. All around them was the crash of metal, the grunt of men, cries of triumph or pain.

  For a moment, Anne lost sight of Philip as he was forced out of the protective circle by his two attackers. But Sir David defeated his own foe and came to Philip’s aid, luring away one of the thieves. Anne could finally breathe again, though raggedly. Horses neighed in a dance orchestrated by the pressure of each knight’s legs, often going up on two hooves to attack their opponent’s mounts. Whoever they were, the thieves did not possess the same training. One by one they fell, until the last two broke and fled, galloping away on their mounts, hunched low over their saddles.

  When Philip rode after them, Sir Walter shouted his name, but Philip could not have heard him. Anne watched in fear as he took the turn in the road and disappeared from sight.

  “My lady, are you well?” Sir Walter asked.

  Anne nodded and dismounted. She tried to hug the sobbing Margaret, but the girl only pushed her away and shook her head, hugging herself. ’Twas a forlorn sight. Anne turned to the three knights, all of whom breathed heavily as they examined their mounts and then each other. Sir Joseph had a gash across his upper arm, but there was not much blood. Sir Walter’s eye was already swelling and turning purple.

  Sir David touched the blood at the corner of his mouth with his tongue. “’Tis a good thing they didn’t touch your pretty face,” he said to Sir Joseph. “Then what would you have done?”

  Sir Joseph only grimaced.

  Anne was watching Sir Walter, who stood apart from the group, staring down the road where Philip had disappeared.

  “Do you think he’s all right?” she asked quietly.
r />   Sir Walter frowned, but didn’t look at her. “He was a fool to leave us.”

  “Perhaps he thought by catching the last thieves, he was guaranteeing our safety.”

  “If they are thieves.”

  Anne stared at him in growing worry. Could someone know that she was not Lady Rosamond? Or did they think she was the countess, and that she knew of traitors to the king?

  Philip returned not long after, and Anne knew a shiver of relief. She wanted to demand what he thought he was doing, but it was not her place. His horse was winded, and Philip himself had blood seeping through the hair above his ear.

  As Sir Walter stepped forward to meet him, Philip swung down from the saddle, shaking his head. “I could not catch them. They know the area too well, and seemed to disappear.”

  “’Twas foolish of you to follow them,” Sir Walter said harshly.

  Philip stared at him in surprise. “I thought we would want to know who attacked us. If someone has guessed the truth—”

  “Regardless, these women are our main responsibility. What if a larger force was waiting nearby, hoping to separate us?”

  Philip nodded, his expression impassive. “I did not think of that. It will not happen again.”

  “You obey me, and not your own instincts.”

  Philip nodded again.

  Margaret, who’d been helping Anne tend the men’s injuries, now took a damp cloth to Philip, who bent down so that she could part his hair and examine his wound. Anne gladly turned back to Sir Joseph, whose arm she was bandaging.

  “Have we been discovered?” Sir Joseph asked of no one in particular.

  “They were decently armed and trained, more so than common thieves,” Sir David said.

  The knowledge that they might be more than thieves made Anne’s neck tingle, as if someone hidden were watching her.

  Sir Walter frowned, looking off into the distance. Dark shadows had begun to lengthen over the ground as twilight stole upon them. “I would hope they were thieves, but I cannot assume so.” He glanced at his two fellow Bladesmen. “See to the bodies. Perhaps we will have a clue there. Sir Philip, you and I will continue to guard against another attack.”