Page 4 of One Knight
“Gone, with their baron.”
“What your man said is true then? Your brother left you defenseless?”
“May he rest in peace.”
Henry lifted his chin at her statement. “I was not aware he was dead.”
“Perhaps not yet, but I have no doubt he will soon be.”
Henry glanced at Sayer, wondering if he was hearing this as well.
“Why do you say that, my lady?”
“Do cowards ever fare well when they leave the weak, helpless, and defenseless to fend for themselves?”
“Perhaps you are right, my lady. Although I do wonder at describing yourself as weak and helpless. In truth, you do not seem so. Although defenseless against a knight, I suppose.”
Her green eyes left his face to focus on the sword sheathed at his hip. “I was carrying a doll when you began carrying a sword.”
“That may be so, my lady, but your wits seem just as sharp.”
Her gaze shot back to his face. “It is a shame I was born a woman then, is it not?”
Henry smiled. She was entertaining, which was decidedly unexpected. “No, my lady. I cannot agree with that statement.”
Lady Elisande met his gaze, and he realized she was perhaps not that much younger than he was. Which made him wonder just how young the baron’s daughter would be.
“Your man Baldwin said you stayed behind with the baron’s daughter because she could not ride. What kind of man leaves his own daughter behind?”
“I make reference to my earlier statement, Sir Knight.”
“Where is she?”
For the first time since her opening statement, Lady Elisande bristled. “She is not here.”
“But she can’t ride. How could she leave?” Something had felt off to Henry, and perhaps this was it.
He glanced at Sayer. “Have the keep searched. Question the servants. Find the daughter.”
Sayer left the doorway immediately to follow his orders.
“You won’t find her here,” Lady Elisande said. “I give you my word that she is long gone.”
Henry stepped closer to her. “Why should I believe you? And why would you stay if you had her safely away?” That was when it occurred to him. “This is why you raised a flag of surrender. To distract us and give her time to flee?”
The beauty’s chin rose higher. “And what if I did?”
She was ever more intriguing by the moment.
“And sacrifice yourself to the old, disfigured knights?”
“What wouldn’t you do to save someone you loved, Sir Knight?”
“A woman of valor,”the servant had said.
Henry was beginning to believe him. A rarity, in his experience. And perhaps, if the daughter couldn’t be found, his future wife. That thought didn’t bother Henry at all. The steel in her spine,the fire in her eyes, and the verbal jousting could make for an interesting bed partner.
It was up to him to secure the manor; the Lady Elisande might be the most enjoyable way to do so.
