Page 70 of The Herald's Heart
“I?” the man dared to mock even as he retreated in the face of Talon’s ire. “I am no bastard, sir. But methinks, of all folk, you should know one when you see one.”
“You’ll pay for that insult.”
“Here, here, what’s to do?” Cleve rushed between the two men. “I heard a commotion and came fast as I could.”
“Place Baron Le Hourde in manacles and take him to the dungeon.”
“B ... but he’s a baron.”
“And I am King Edward’s herald. The baron stands accused of murder. Until proof can be found either in his favor or against, I will have him held.”
“Aye, sir.” Cleve turned to Le Hourde and almost apologetically took hold of the man, escorting him from the room.
“Amis.” Talon turned to his friend. “Will you return to Rosewood Castle and take charge there?”
“I assume you would like me to question the people and find out what I can about Le Hourde’s recent activities.”
“Also ask after his mistress. If he has one, even if she is a nun, people will know. They may be more willing to speak if they feel he cannot wreak vengeance on loose tongues.”
Amis nodded and left.
At last, she was alone with Talon. She folded her arms across her chest. If he thought he would get a gentle loving from her, he must think again.
“We need to talk,” she said.
He nodded. “Let us go to the solar. Too many ears may hear in this hall.”
He shut the solar door, then reached for her. Larkin stepped away. “Please don’t touch me.”
He dropped his arms, and his shoulders sagged.
She almost felt sorry for him. He looked so defeated and bewildered. She squelched the urge to comfort him.
“What’s wrong?”
“You can ask that when you deny me the justice I’ve longed for these past seven years, when you send your friend—for I do not believe he is your rival—to take charge in my home?”
“Amis is indeed my friend and will betray neither you nor me. He will seek evidence so that justice may rule. Even if that justice proves your memory to be at fault. Despicable as Le Hourde is, not even for you will I condemn a man in haste. As I did with you, I will keep him secure until his guilt or innocence is proven.”
Talon was right, but she did not have to like it. Fury tightened the muscles in her forehead and neck. “Fine, take your time and seek your evidence. When you find it, you will know my accusations to be the truth. He killed my mother and, by some means unknown to me, succeeded in stealing my home for himself. I want it back.”
“Please listen to me.” He turned desolate eyes on her. “Too much has happened to simply give the castle to you. I may believe you are Lady Larkin Rosham, but I am not the only one involved. Imagine what would be thought if I hanged Le Hourde and returned Rosewood to you on your word alone.”
“So appearances are of more import than your trust in me. Your trust is a small, worthless thing.”
“You cannot believe me so callous,” he chastised.
She watched anger burn through the desolation in his gaze.
“Really? Each time my honesty is in question, do you leap to my defense? Do you protest on my behalf? Or do you quibble and quail and claim you need evidence. Have I cause to think you anything but callous when trust is at issue?”
“That is not true.”
“Is it not?” She raised a brow.
He studied her sullenly. “I trusted you in the sea when we nearly drowned.”
“Did you? You let go of me and trusted me to save myself, but you did not believe that I could or would even try to save us both.”
