The Earl's Entanglement (Border Series Book 5)(5)

“’Tis said the Lady Sara is unwell after the birth of her first child. Perhaps we should continue and stop at Kenshire on our return?”

Garrick glanced back at the men waiting patiently behind him. It would appear James had also raised his concern to them. These last weeks in England, Garrick had been so engrossed by the implications of his new position—the heaviness of his father’s death—that he’d not kept abreast of the latest gossip, which circulated Clave like a hound having spotted his prey.

Was Lady Sara unwell?

The last he’d seen of her, she was not a countess but the only child of one of the greatest men in Northumbria. Richard Caiser and his father had been staunch allies and friends of Clave. Garrick had fond memories of Sara, having been raised in such close proximity. Even so, they had both been glad when their fathers’ talk of a marriage alliance had been rejected by the king.

The news of Sir Richard’s death and Lady Sara’s subsequent difficulties, and marriage, had reached his ears, however, and he regretted that he had not been in England to help protect her. He would offer his condolences—and apologies—immediately.

“Nay, James. Though your concern is appreciated, it is unnecessary. If Lady Sara is unwell, our visit is timelier than I thought.”

James nodded as he steadied his mount, who’d become restless beneath him.

“I told the men as much, but we wanted you to be aware.” The knight looked at Garrick as if he had more to say.

“What is it, James?”

And then he realized. James was treating him with the deference due to an earl. Garrick had not yet become accustomed to either the title or the changes that went along with it.

“How long have you served Clave?”

James raised his sparsely bearded chin. “Ten years, my lord.”

“And how long have you known me then?” Garrick calmed his own mount as he moved closer to the young man.

James looked as if he feared giving the wrong answer.

“Seven years, my lord.”

“Seven years.”

The men became anxious behind them. Garrick could see them begin to stir, their horses pawing eagerly at the ground. All were impatient for the fire-warmed hall of Kenshire Castle and the hospitality they were sure to find there. But this was as important discussion as any and could not wait.

“Tell me of the Garrick Helmsley you’ve come to know, save the last three years that I’ve been away?”

Again, James drew his brows together, but he did not hesitate to answer this time.

“I know Garrick Helmsley to be strong and loyal. A man who would fight and die for the men and women in his service. A man who loves his mother.” Garrick made a face at the flood of treacle-like comments, and James, taking the hint, did add his overlord’s faults then. “And the ladies. Some would say overmuch.”

At that last statement, James appeared as if he would lose his last meal. But when Garrick nodded encouragement, he continued.

“A man whom all are terrified to fight, but with whom none are terrified to speak.”

Finally, a look of awareness crept across his features. Garrick could only hope it was a lesson he’d not be forced to teach over and over again. He couldn’t abide to be treated the part of a lord, especially not when it came to that.

“I am that same man. No more. No less. Do you understand?”

“Aye, my lord.”

“Now tell the others we ride to Kenshire. And if you ever hesitate to speak to me or give me news you don’t believe I will like because I am now the Earl of Clave”—Garrick tried his best to keep a straight face—“I will kill you myself.”

James did not flinch when he replied, “And I will be glad to die for you, Lord Clave.”

Garrick waited until James passed along the message before he began moving once again. First to Kenshire, and then to Scotland. And, unfortunately, to his future wife.





3





Emma stepped out of the tub and used the drying cloth before dressing for supper. Though it was normally a light repast, at times with food remaining from the larger dinnertime meal at noon, tonight was to be an exception. After much fretting over Sara, her brother had finally agreed that she, not he, was best suited to determine the state of her wellness. She would be joining them for the evening meal for the first time since Hayden was born. And Cook could not resist any temptation to create a celebratory meal.

“My lady, let me help with that.”

She hadn’t heard Edith enter the room, but she gladly accepted her maid’s assistance. It would have been a chore to put on the deep green velvet gown trimmed with ermine without her. Edith loved to pile her long black locks atop her head, but Emma preferred to wear her hair loose. Today Emma won the battle.

“Hurry,” she said as she slipped the leather shoes on her feet.

“You are early, my lady. Why—”

“Nella felt a bit warm to me this morn. Eddard says there is nothing to fret over, but I want to check on her before the evening meal.”

“My father did mention it. But he didn’t appear overly worried.” She paused for a moment and then exclaimed, “Oh my . . .”

Thinking it was about her palfrey, Emma startled. “What? What is it?”

Edith wiped her hands on the front of her tunic. “You are quite beautiful, my lady. Pardon me for saying—”