My Lady's Guardian by Callen Gayle

Author:Callen, Gayle [Callen, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9780061945205
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2000-06-06T07:00:00+00:00

That night, Margery was determined to retire early to her bedchamber. Throughout supper she had avoided looking at Sir Humphrey, because just the sight of his sly, knowing gaze made her shudder. It was as if he knew something of her secrets. Was it so easy to tell what kind of a woman she was?

Sir Humphrey and Gareth would meet in the morning, perhaps injure each other grievously. It was all she could think about. She told herself that she was worried about her guard being injured, but deep inside, she knew it was more than that. She had begun to count on Gareth, which she knew was ridiculous. When she chose her husband, Gareth would go back to his own life.

It would be better that way. He made her feel reckless, needy, whenever he touched her, and she had promised herself she would never experience those emotions again. She would live a sedate, proper life.

But the danger in his golden eyes called to her. He would gladly pit his strength against an enemy, even if he died in the attempt. Or maybe his arrogance was so great, he didn’t think anyone was capable of defeating him. He was too confident, too self-assured—all the qualities that made her wary.

She said good night to Anne and Cicely, who both gave her concerned looks. She glanced toward the hearth and saw Gareth pacing, his hands clasped behind his back. His big body moved with the usual easy assurance, but he wore an intent frown. He took a step toward her, but she shook her head. If they talked about his duel with Sir Humphrey, Gareth would know that she was concerned for him. She wouldn’t give him that kind of power over her.

The great double doors to the inner ward were suddenly thrown open. “Mistress Margery!” cried a soldier as he skidded to a stop. “The queen’s minstrels have come. I can hear them singin’ outside the gates. Should I let ’em in?”

Margery forced a smile as Anne and Cicely led her outside. The night was still warm; the stars glistened in the dark sky high above the torchlit battlements. A hush settled over the ward, and she could suddenly hear many voices raised in song.

As the gates were opened for the minstrels, the others rushed forward to greet their visitors while she remained in the darker shadows near the keep.

A man stepped near her, and the torchlight glittered in his blond hair. Gareth.

“Are you all right?” he asked impassively.

“I’m fine,” she said with a strained smile. What else was there to say? She struggled not to feel thrilled at being alone with him in the shadows, where a person could stumble on them any time. Yet she didn’t move away.

“I assume you heard about my challenge to Sir Humphrey.”

“I wish you had not put yourself in danger on my account,” she said softly.

“Danger?”

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