Connie Mason (19 page)

Mariah and Falcon exchanged speaking glances. “There is no reason to remain, Rosamond. You are right, of course. If Osgood leaves today, we shall depart immediately afterward.”

Mariah looked away as Rosamond threw herself into Falcon’s arms. “Thank you, Falcon, thank you! I cannot wait until we are wed.”

Osgood strode into the hall, saw Rosamond and Falcon in an intimate embrace and smiled. When he reached them, he slapped Falcon on the back. “ ’Tis heartening to see a young couple in love.” He glanced at Mariah. “Are my wife and daughter up yet?”

“Would you like me to check?” Mariah asked.

“Aye, if you please.”

Mariah left, and Falcon departed immediately afterward.
Rosamond clutched Osgood’s arm, urging him to sit down. “You must leave today,” Rosamond hissed. “Falcon has promised to take me to London as soon as you and your party depart. Once we leave, you can do as you like with Mariah and Mildenhall.”

Osgood sent Rosamond a mocking smile. “You sound as if you hold little regard for the countess.”

“Indeed I do not,” Rosamond admitted. “Falcon cannot fool me. I know he has bedded Mariah since my arrival, probably more than once. I need to get him away from here, but he won’t leave until you do.”

Osgood stroked his chin. “I confess I was annoyed to find Falcon still here when I arrived. I brought the women along to gain entrance to the keep, and my ploy worked. But I don’t know if I can use that excuse in the future.”

“If you remain, so will Falcon. Neither of us wants that. I’m sure you are smart enough to find another way to gain entrance to Mildenhall.”

“Without Falcon’s protection, Mildenhall will fall to me like a ripe plum. Once I gain control of Mariah’s brat, she will agree to anything to save him. Even wedding Walter. Once the deed is done, the king won’t interfere. After a year or two, the brat will sicken and die. By then Mariah will have borne Walter a son or two.”

“As I said, I do not care what you do once Falcon and I leave. So will you do it? Will you leave today?”

Mariah returned with Martha and Elizabeth in tow. “You wished to see us, Father?” Elizabeth asked.

“Aye, daughter. We will take our leave after you and your mother break your fast.”

Dismayed, Martha asked, “So soon? We’ve barely had time to visit with Lady Mariah.”

Osgood sent Martha a fulminating look. “Do not argue with me, woman! We leave today and that’s final.”

“I’ll see that food is brought out immediately and order bread, meat and cheese packed for your journey home,” Mariah offered.

Looking sad and resigned, Martha said, “That is kind of you, Mariah.” Elizabeth appeared ready to cry.

Sir John lurked nearby, listening to the conversation. He must have heard enough, for he stalked off, his face set with determination. Moments later, he found Falcon in the courtyard.

“Osgood and his party plan to leave after they break their fast,” John revealed.

Falcon nodded. “Tell the men to prepare for our own departure. If Osgood meant harm to Mariah and Robbie, he would not leave Mildenhall. Apparently, he fears the king, and that’s as it should be.”

John hurried off to do Falcon’s bidding while Falcon returned to the hall. After he had passed the word around, John found Jamie, Falcon’s squire, in the stable and told him to pack Falcon’s belongings for the journey to London. He was rounding a corner when he saw Elizabeth sitting on a bench beneath a tree.

“Mistress Elizabeth, is aught amiss?”

Elizabeth lifted her face to John; he could see that she had been crying.

“You’re crying! What is it? Has someone hurt you?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Forgive me, sir, I thought I was alone.”

“I am Sir John; we met briefly when you arrived. I was hoping for a chance to speak with you in private, Mistress Elizabeth. Will you tell me what is wrong?”

Elizabeth raised brimming eyes to him. John thought her the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“ ’Tis naught. I’m being foolish.”

John touched her shoulder. “Nay, you do not strike me as a foolish woman. Something or someone is making you unhappy.”

“You are very perceptive, Sir John. I’m unhappy because I cannot bear to return to Southwold with Father and Walter. I know not how Mother stands Father’s brutality. He’s been even worse since the king banished him from London. Lady Mariah is so kind. I wish I could stay with her. But then Mother would be alone and vulnerable to Father’s foul moods.”

John couldn’t help himself. He sat down beside her, reached out and brought Elizabeth into his embrace, gently stroking her shiny golden hair. She didn’t resist. As if encouraged by his comforting, she began to weep anew.

“I hate him,” she sobbed. “He won’t let me wed. There’s no way I can escape him. Mama and I are happiest when he is in France with the king or in London.”

“Is there someone you wish to wed?” John asked, holding his breath as he waited anxiously for her answer.

“Nay. I know few men. Those who offered for me were discouraged by Father when they couldn’t pay the price he asked. I think Father enjoys keeping me under his thumb.”

John drew back so he could gaze into her startling blue eyes. “I would wed you, Elizabeth. I would pay the price and take care of your mother.”

“You? But you hardly know me.”

“Some brides don’t meet their husbands until the day they are wed. If you feel as I do, I will speak to Sir Osgood before he departs.”

Elizabeth gave him a shy smile. “I would not protest a match between us, for you appear to be a good man. But Father will not allow it. He hates Sir Falcon, and you are his friend.”

“Let me worry about that. Osgood is a greedy man, and I am a rich one. My father has accumulated a great deal of wealth, and I am his only son. Just say you will wed me.”

“I will wed you, Sir John; I pray that Father will let me go.”

John felt like jumping up and down and yelling. He had been taken by Elizabeth since he’d first seen her. Once he’d decided he wanted Elizabeth, he was prepared to pursue her, however long it took.

He drew her close and kissed her, very gently upon the lips so as not to frighten her. When he released her, her eyes were glowing like shimmering stars.

“Return to the keep, sweet one. I’ll find your father and lay my request for your hand before him. But first I must speak to Falcon.”

Once Elizabeth was gone, John went in search of Falcon. He found him in the courtyard, issuing last-minute orders. “I’m getting married,” John said without preamble.

Falcon’s mouth dropped open. “If you meant to shock me, you succeeded.”

“I came upon Elizabeth; she was crying. She didn’t want to return to Southwold with her father. She fears him.”

“So you decided to become her knight in shining armor,” Falcon mocked.

“I want her, Falcon. I’ll do whatever it takes to have her.”

“You don’t even know her.”

“I know enough. Osgood mistreats Elizabeth and her
mother, and I can’t allow it to continue. I’m off to speak to Osgood now. Perhaps I can convince him to leave Elizabeth and her mother here with Lady Mariah.”

“Good luck,” Falcon said. “I’ll be there directly to hear Osgood’s answer.”

Osgood was still in the hall, talking with Mariah and his wife and daughter when John approached him. He paid scant heed to John until John cleared his throat and addressed him.

“Sir Osgood, might I have a word with you?”

Osgood looked him over as if he were a piece of dung. “What is it? I am pressed for time.”

“I wish to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Mariah, who was standing nearby, gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth. Martha sat down hard, staring at John as if he had just grown horns. Elizabeth grasped her mother’s hand and held her breath.

Osgood threw back his head and laughed. “You want my daughter? You just met her.”

“I know enough about her to know I want her for my wife. I’m not a poor man. I know you value your daughter highly, and I am willing to pay any price to make her my bride.”

Osgood turned to his daughter. “Elizabeth, you and your mother will find your horses saddled and waiting in the courtyard.”

“Father, you haven’t answered Sir John.”

“I do not intend to. Sir John may be able to afford you, but he cannot have you. I have my sights set higher than a mere knight. The Earl of Barkham has asked for your hand, and I am considering his request.”

“Barkham!” John all but shouted. “The man is old enough to be Elizabeth’s father. He’s already killed three wives and is rumored to have the pox.”

“Lies,” Osgood maintained, shrugging. “Think you I’d let Elizabeth wed one of Falcon’s friends after what Falcon did to me? He made sure I’d never inherit my brother’s holding.” He saw that his wife and daughter hadn’t obeyed him and barked, “Go, both of you! We are leaving immediately.”

Elizabeth squared her shoulders. “I’m not going, Father. Lady Mariah has invited me and Mama to remain at Mildenhall for a longer visit.”

Osgood’s hands clenched at his sides and his face turned purple with rage. “Is that true, Mariah?”

“Of course. I’d be delighted to have Martha and Elizabeth stay for an extended visit.”

“They will accompany me home if I have to carry them out by force,” Osgood spat. “They will obey me or suffer the consequences.”

Walter joined them in time to hear the conversation. “Elizabeth needs a good beating,” he said. “I’d be happy to administer it for you, Father.”

“No one lays a hand on anyone,” Falcon said from behind Osgood. He had heard the altercation and had a good idea what it was about. He turned to Elizabeth. “How old are you, Mistress Elizabeth?”

“Twenty-five,” she said, blushing.

“Then you’re old enough to make your own decisions. Do you wish to wed Sir John?”

Elizabeth slanted John a tentative smile. “Oh, yes, very much.”

“I won’t allow it,” Osgood thundered.

Falcon ignored him. “Instead of leaving you here with Mariah, we’ll take you to London with us. You and John can be married there, with the king’s blessing.”

“Thank you, Falcon,” John said quietly.

“Do you wish to accompany your daughter to London, Dame Martha?”

“You cannot take a man’s wife from him!” Osgood roared. “You are not God. Martha belongs to me, to do with as I please. And the king will agree with me. What God has joined together—”

“What say you, Martha?” Falcon interrupted.

“Osgood is right. I shall return home with my husband.”

“Mama!” Elizabeth cried. “You cannot mean that.”

“Aye, love. You are of age, go with Sir John. He is your future. My life is with Osgood.”

She held out her arms, and Elizabeth went into them. She whispered something into her daughter’s ear, then moved away. “I’m ready to leave, Osgood,” Martha said.

“That’s wise of you, wife. Go outside and wait for me.”

Her head lowered, she stumbled off. Elizabeth started after her, but John placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Nay, stay,” he urged. “Perhaps we can do something for your mother after we are wed. You still want to marry me, don’t you?”

Elizabeth nodded, her gaze riveted on her mother’s slumped shoulders.

“You are a monster, Osgood,” Mariah hissed. “Edmond was right when he said you didn’t deserve to inherit Mildenhall. I feel sorry for your wife. I will not hesitate to offer her shelter should she ask.”

Osgood grasped Mariah’s arm, jerking her like a rag doll. “Think you I am through with you? Think again, lady.”

“Take your hands off her,” Falcon said in a voice taut with menace.

Osgood shoved Mariah away from him. She struck a chair and started to fall. Strong hands grasped her waist and brought her against him.

“Do not
ever
touch Lady Mariah again,” Falcon snarled.

“Bah! Your whore disgusts me. I cannot imagine why you cling to her when you have Lady Rosamond.”

“Get out!” Mariah shouted. “And never return. You and your son are not welcome here.”

Grinning as if he knew something they did not, Osgood turned and strode off.

“Are you all right, Mariah?” Falcon asked.

She turned in his arms. “I’m fine. Thank you . . . for everything.”

His arms tightened around her. “I’ll always be here for you, Mariah. If you need me, you have but to send word.”

Suddenly a screech rent the air. “What is
she
doing in your arms? I cannot trust you alone with that woman.”

Falcon’s arms dropped away. “Behave, Rosamond. I returned to the hall and found Osgood mistreating Mariah. What would you have me do?”

“I would have you keep your hands off her,” Rosamond sniffed. “Where is Sir Osgood?”

“Preparing to leave,” Falcon replied.

“Why is his daughter still here?”

John tightened his hold on Elizabeth. “Elizabeth is my intended bride, my lady. We will be wed in London.”

Rosamond’s finely etched brows shot upward. “When did this all come about? Sir Osgood will not allow the match. He told me he had chosen another for her.”

“Elizabeth is of age,” Falcon explained. “She is free to choose her own mate, and she has found a champion in Sir John.”

“Naught good can come of this,” Rosamond muttered.

The words had no sooner left Rosamond’s mouth than the thunder of hooves announced Osgood’s departure. Falcon walked to the door and watched them ride through the portcullis and head west toward Southwold. Mariah joined him.

“Do you think we’ve seen the last of him?” she asked.

“I have the king’s ear. As soon as I reach London, I’ll make sure he knows that Osgood needs to be watched. Osgood was excessively bold to return to Mildenhall as he did. He used the women to gain entrance, knowing you wouldn’t turn them away. If I hadn’t been here, I don’t know what would have happened. I’m convinced he expected to find Mildenhall unprotected when he arrived.”

“You must leave immediately and tell the king about Osgood’s behavior. Mayhap Henry will banish him from England. That would be a blessing to Martha.”

“I’ll be sure to suggest it,” Falcon said. He gazed down at her, willing her to look up at him. She did. “I don’t have to leave, Mariah.”