Lady Defiant by Anne Carsley

Author:Anne Carsley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pageant Books
Published: 1988-06-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-three

OWEN GLENDOWER, PRINCE OF WALES

"I can fight! Wait for me!" The passionate young voice caught the attention of many and they turned to watch Rob as he ran. Luisa knew she had no hope of catching him now; she slowed and followed more calmly. He stopped just short of where Marcus was approaching and looked eagerly at him. "Take me!"

Marcus's mouth lifted in a smile that was at once bitter and longing. His eyes were bleak. "Thank you for your dedication and determination, young sir. With an army of men such as you we could sweep all before us!" He held out one long-fingered hand to Rob, then looked behind him and saw Luisa.

She had removed her hood and her chestnut plaits had fallen down to frame her face. Shadows danced across her face as his gaze locked with hers. In the instant before his brilliant blue eyes became passive, Luisa saw the utter gladness there. Then his face hardened and he spoke without inflection. "Madam, I had thought you far from here. Why have you come?" It took all Marcus's strength to maintain his control. He had implored God and all the saints for her safety, worried through endless days and nights, thought of her when he should have concentrated on battle plans, and remembered their lovemaking. She would never leave his mind and heart. He knew that now. But he had come to terms with himself; Luisa Marmoor would not be allowed to come between his feelings and his duty.

Luisa decided her longing imagination had run away with her. She matched his tone. "I brought him here, a recruit for your banner." Her hand motioned toward the gaping Rob. "When I wished to leave I was detained by your men who stated you wished to speak with any who came. I'll not remain to trouble you, be certain of that."

Some of his men were surrounding him, talking in English and Welsh, urging him to speak again. He said, "You cannot leave until our course for battle is settled. No one must alert the English. Afterward, you shall have escort to the border and beyond." He turned to Rob. "Come with me, lad."

Rob looked at Luisa, who nodded. The smile he gave her was brilliant. She said, "I am grateful, sir. Is there some place where I might rest?" She had to get away from him; longing and pain and resentment were about to take their toll.

He snapped his fingers at several women lingering close by and snapped some orders in Welsh. They came up and she followed obediently. Marcus did not look back, nor did she. Her course was set.

It was raining when Luisa woke the next morning in the crude shelter formed by an overhang of rock and bound-together branches. She had tossed aside her heavy cloak in the night and now reached for it gratefully. Her stomach lurched alarmingly, and more sleep was impossible. Was it too early for food? She had rested well. Marcus's

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