One Knight Only by Julia Latham

Author:Julia Latham
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Published: 2011-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

When Anne emerged from the trees into the meadow where the hunting party gathered, the mood was somber. The steward and bailiffs turned to glare at them, and Egmanton was already mounted on his horse. He rode past them, not looking at Anne, and she had no idea what he might have said to his men.

His injuries looked painful, and she was secretly glad.

The cooks and servants were already putting away their equipment and the food. The Egmanton sisters, pale and frightened, avoided Anne. Had they been told that it was her fault?

Walter and Joseph came to them, leading their horses.

David took his reins. “What was said when the baron returned?”

Walter looked at Philip. “That you had attacked him for no reason.”

Anne could not control her gasp. If everyone believed the baron, then it was as if he hadn’t tried to force himself on her.

Philip rolled his eyes. “If I had attacked for no reason, I think I would already be under his soldiers’ control.”

David said, “His soldier prevented me from going to Lady Rosamond.”

Walter narrowed his eyes, and glanced at where Egmanton had ridden between the trees.

“Forgive my crudeness,” Philip said to Anne, “but when I arrived, he was already on top of her.”

Walter’s gaze softened. “My lady, how do you feel?”

She smiled faintly. “Well enough. But I feel the need for a hot bath.”

“You’re shaking,” Philip said, putting an arm around her.

Anne stiffened as all three knights frowned.

Philip removed his arm.

For just a moment, she’d been warm, but now she could not control the shivers that wracked her body. What was wrong with her? It was a warm summer day. She hated feeling so weak.

“You are suffering from the shock of the attack,” Joseph said in a kind voice. “It will fade away soon.”

She nodded. The men fussed over her horse, and tried to help her mount as if she were an invalid. But it wasn’t until they emerged from the forest, that she pulled up to look at Markham Keep.

“I wish we did not have to return,” she said.

Walter nodded. “I promise we will only remain long enough to pack. Newark is not far off, and we can be there before nightfall.”

She sighed her relief. “You have my gratitude—you all do.”

But when their horses clattered beneath the gatehouse, they were met by a sea of soldiers.

Anne drew in her reins, and her mount danced to a halt. “What is the meaning of this?” she cried. She did not see Lord Egmanton in the courtyard.

A man stepped forward. “I am Sir Martin, captain of the guard. I have orders to take Sir Philip into custody.”

“You will not,” Anne said firmly. “Sir Philip but rescued me from an unseemly attack.”

“I will carry out my orders until I am told otherwise.”

When Anne would have said more, Walter rode up to her side and shook his head.

“My lady, we can resolve this peacefully rather than attempt to battle here in the courtyard.”

She looked back at Philip with wide eyes, but he smiled at her.

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