Warrior's Ransom (The First Argentines #2) - Jeff Wheeler Page 0,37
think it delighted Sir James to tell me that the Elder King has promised the newly conquered duchy of Bayree to Ransom if he accepts the duke’s niece as his wife. Sir James also said that he hopes Jon-Landon will not be named the Duke of Glosstyr after all. He gave me a knowing smile. I tried to reveal nothing, but I think Sir James knows he bothered me. Let him feel like the victor. At least I got news from someone.
—Claire de Murrow
(trapped amidst commotions and intrigues)
CHAPTER NINE
The Lilies of Bayree
Ransom sat in the solar with Dearley, enjoying a companionable silence. It was a new feeling, being the master of a castle, and he found he rather liked it. Dearley was reading a book, and Ransom stood overlooking the lazy river and the village road, watching as the men walked by. They’d all eaten, but most had decided to visit the town to spend a portion of their pay.
Dearley broke the silence. “When do you anticipate riding to Bayree, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Ransom turned away from the window. “Tomorrow, I think. The horses will be rested and ready for another journey. Duke Ashel will grow vexed if we wait too long.”
“What do you make of Lord Ashel? He seems a brooding sort of man.”
“He’s been loyal to the king for many years. He served Devon Argentine during the wars with King Gervase.” Ransom looked back outside again. “He’s seen many troubles in that time. No doubt they press on him.”
“I hope the troubles are nearly over,” Dearley said, his tone thoughtful. “The battle seems like a strange dream now, but so many died. So many knights fell, never to rise again. And here we are now, far away from that field.” He shook his head. “Well, I’m talking too much. Have you been to Bayree before?”
“No,” he answered. “I don’t know much about Bayree, just that it is renowned for its fishing, and there’s a famous dye they export. I imagine they will be nervous about meeting us, so we will need to put our best foot forward.”
He heard the noise of the door latch and looked toward it as it opened, revealing Elodie.
“You want me to come?” Dearley asked with anticipation.
“You are my first knight,” Ransom answered. “Of course. Hello, Elodie. Welcome.”
Dearley turned and then rose and bowed quickly to the young lady. The warmth in his smile seemed to confirm Ransom’s suspicions.
“I was hoping . . . if I might have a word with you?” she said to Ransom.
“I should go,” Dearley said, setting down his book on the table. He promptly left the two of them alone.
Ransom remembered his conversation with Maeg. He’d been so busy afterward that the matter had entirely slipped from his mind. He gestured for her to take Dearley’s chair, but she only approached and stood behind it, her hands fidgeting before she pressed her palms on the top of the padded chair.
“I’m glad you called on my sister to come,” Ransom said.
“I enjoy her, I truly do,” said Elodie. She looked uncomfortable, hesitant. “I’m grateful for your suggestion.”
Ransom waited, wondering what she was going to say or if he should just let her know his thoughts quickly and end the suspense. “Elodie—”
“If I may,” she interrupted. She took a deep breath, then bit her bottom lip. “When the king took me under wardship, the master of the rolls explained that my guardian would have the right to choose my husband.” She gave him a worried look.
“I know,” Ransom said gently.
She flushed and glanced away, then took another breath. “I confided in Dearley, while we were waiting for you to arrive, how nervous I was. But then I met you, and you were nothing like I dreaded you might be. You both left quickly, and Dearley’s note arrived soon afterward. I think he was trying to be helpful, but he may have given you the wrong impression.” She looked down. “I am . . . willing . . . you see . . . I know my duty . . . that I have no right to choose. If you want it . . . me . . . I’m . . . I’m making a fool of myself right now.” Her cheeks had flushed scarlet, and she turned to leave.
“Wait,” Ransom said, surprised by her words, her confession. This was not at all the conversation he’d expected them to have. “Please, Elodie. Don’t go.”