to safety.”
He held his hand out to the fair-haired man. “May I present Sir Ashby? And I,” said the dark-haired devil, “am Sir Garrett.”
He bowed low, as did Ashby, and continued. “We also were on our way to London, Lady Montayne, despite the late hour. I know Sir Ashby and I could not leave you stranded here on such a dark and desolate road. It’s too far a distance to take you all the way back to Stanbury but we’re happy to bring you to London with us.”
“Oh, then you know of my home?” Madeleine asked breathlessly. Trying to maintain her composure, she added, “Of course, you would, Sir Garrett. If I’m not mistaken, you have been entertained there by Lord Montayne.”
His smile gleamed at her in the moonlight. “As a matter of fact, I have, my lady. Although I don’t recall seeing you there.”
Madeleine cocked her head to one side. “No, I’ve been away often the past few years. My mother has been quite ill and I’ve spent much time with her.”
“I am sorry to hear of her illness,” he answered. “But, come, let us mount our horses and ride to London.”
Madeleine watched Sir Ashby turn his head and discreetly cough into his hand, hiding his mirth. She wondered what he found so humorous about the situation.
Sir Garrett started toward his horse and then stopped, turning to her. “Coming, my lady?”
Madeleine felt her feet moving as if they had a will of their own. “Of course, Sir Garrett. I thank you for your kind offer. I’ll reach London much faster on horse than by foot.”
She was reluctant to ride with them but didn’t want to seem churlish and arouse their suspicions. Surely there must be plenty of time between here and London. She was resourceful and could create an opportunity to slip away. Besides, her feet already hurt enough, thanks to little Henri-the-Pebble.
Sir Ashby quickly mounted his horse as Madeleine moved toward them. He reached his hand out to her. “May I help you up, my lady?”
She had almost placed her hand in his when the devil himself spoke. “You must be jesting, Ash. Your nag was tired before we left for London. Lady Montayne is welcomed to ride with me.”
Ashby withdrew his hand, and Madeleine looked at Sir Garrett.
“My lady?” he said, his hand extended to her.
“Thank you, my lord,” she answered as she placed her hand in his.
Chapter Three
Garrett easily helped the woman onto his horse, settling her in front of him. Although she was very tall, she was slim, as light as the rushes covering the floors of the great hall. She shifted, obviously uncomfortable at first, until he moved her back, closer to his chest. He felt her stiffen at the contact, her back ramrod straight, holding her lute out to her side.
“My lady, I fear you think me forward, but I must know that you are secure,” he assured her. Gently, he added, “I would like to hold you in place. The road is bumpy at times and you have had enough mishaps this night. I would not want you to take a sudden spill.”
She turned and eyed him with suspicion for a moment. Then she seemed to come to a decision about him. Her posture, though still erect, seemed to relax a bit, as did her facial features. For a moment, Garrett thought he caught a glimpse of a smile tugging at one corner of her mouth.
“I’ve no interest in flying off and landing in a ditch, Sir Garrett. How would you have me sit?”
He hesitated, finding her an enigma. One minute she was shy and unsure of herself, the next haughty and arrogant. Just like a Montayne, he thought wryly.
“More like this, my lady,” he answered, and he moved her slightly to one side, bringing his arm about her waist lightly to hold her in place.
She became as still as a stone. He could not even detect a breath coming from her.
Concerned, he asked, “Can you ride thus, my lady?”
She remained motionless for a long moment. Finally, he felt her exhale. “Of course, Sir Garrett. Shall we start?”
“We need to secure your lute,” he told her. “Obviously, it means a great deal to you. May I allow Sir Ashby to attach it to his saddle? I don’t think I can manage it and you, Lady Montayne.”
She shook her head and tightened her grip on the instrument. “I’ll vouch for my friend, my lady. He’ll take good care of it.”
With a sigh, she