The Brat Page 0,106

riding quickly, and looking rather upset, she noted, and decided not to trouble him by calling out. Obviously the chore he was on was an important one. Besides, she had no doubt he'd have fits if he knew she was climbing trees so soon after an injury.

The moment the sound of hoofbeats faded, Murie turned her attention back to the leaves around her. She'd just found an even leaf when she heard hoofbeats again. Letting go of the branch she was holding, she glanced down to see Balan charging by once more, this time headed in the opposite direction. She took a moment to wonder if he'd accomplished whatever chore he was on, then turned back to the branch where she'd spotted the even leaf moments ago. Of course, it had bounced back in amongst the other branches, and she could no longer tell which one it was. Muttering under her breath, she began to examine each leaf of each branch again in search of the even leaf and had just found it when the sound of a charging horse drew her attention once more.

This time, unwilling to lose the leaf, Murie tugged it free before glancing down. Her husband charged past once more. Wondering what on earth he was doing, she shook her head as he disappeared into the woods, then quickly climbed down from the tree, collecting some ash-keys as she went.

She was on the ground before it occurred to her to wonder where his guard was. One man was supposed to be watching him at all times - either Erol or Go-dart. She would have to have a stern talking-to with the men when she got back to the castle. Her husband should not be out on his own. His would-be killer had only narrowly failed several times now, and they would not continue to be so lucky.

She pondered the last attempt as she made her way to the large clearing with clover she'd spotted, wondering why Osgoode had thought it was her in the village earlier that day. Had it been a woman who lured the two cousins? She found it hard to believe it was a coincidence that Malculinus and his henchman had been at Gaynor not long before this latest attack. On the other hand, Malculinus couldn't know when Balan was expected back. .. unless Cecily or Estrelda had mentioned it while Baxley was flirting with them.

She supposed that was possible. But Osgoode would hardly mistake either man for her. She'd have to ask him why he'd thought it was her.

Reaching the patch of clover, Murie tucked her precious ash leaf and keys carefully under the belt of her surcoat, wishing she'd thought to bring a basket, then dropped to her knees to begin her hunt for one of the four-leafed variety.

She was there moments later when the hoofbeats returned. Wishing she were still up the tree, Murie remained on her hands and knees in the clover patch, hoping her husband would not notice her and simply ride past. A foolish hope, she knew.

"Wife!"

Murie sat back on her haunches with resignation and peered around as Balan drew his mount to a halt in the clearing. He quickly dismounted. She smiled at her first sight of him, but then saw the scowl on his face and scowled in return, knowing he was annoyed with her.

Still, she watched him walk toward her and enjoyed it. He was a fine figure of a man - tall, well-built, muscles as sleek as a cat's moving under his clothing.

Despite how busy she'd kept herself, she'd missed him while he was gone, and the nights had been the worst. She'd lain awake long into the evenings recalling his touches and kisses and the pleasure he gave her. And she'd wondered if she gave him the same pleasure in return.

It was hard to imagine she might, not when he did all the touching and kissing, but Murie was unsure what to do herself. She'd run across men and women coupling at court, in dark hallways and corners: From that, she knew there were all sorts of ways to do it. But she'd also come across women on their knees, as she was now, doing unknown things to lords standing before them with looks of ecstasy on their faces. It had appeared to her as if the women were kissing or suckling on the man's shaft, but they'd been only a few quick glances she'd got before turning away with embarrassment and