Page 29 of The Knight Who Loved Me
“Is mine. Including you.”
The boy bit his lip and said nothing. James looked into his sorrowful face and sighed.
“Eat your food, and we’ll talk.”
Defeated, the boy slowly placed the first spoonful of porridge in his mouth. Soon, he was eating faster and faster, until James began to wonder if he’d been eating at all in the last week.
“Will you tell me your name now?” James asked.
Between bites of cheese, he said, “William Desmond.”
“Do I know your father?”
“Baron Andrew Desmond.”
“I assume you were being fostered at Mansfield?”
William nodded.
“When Lord Mansfield died, why did you not return home?”
William slowly set down his spoon, his gaze on the empty bowl. He seemed to hesitate, and James waited patiently.
“How could I leave her, my lord?” the boy finally whispered, raising imploring brown eyes. “I knew she might do something desperate, and someone had to protect her. No one ever had.”
“Will you tell me about her father?”
“No, my lord. That is for Lady Isabel to say.” William sat in grim silence, obviously waiting for his punishment.
“Do you wish to return home?” James asked.
“And leave her here, friendless?”
This was a loyal and intelligent lad, he thought approvingly. “Very well. You may complete your fostering here. I’ll send a missive to your family. Since all of my property has been returned, and no one was seriously hurt, I will not mention your escapade to your parents.”
“I don’t have to return to the dungeon?” he asked incredulously.
“Only if you give me cause. I have yet to decide if you are worthy of training with my men. For now your duties will lie in the stables. Finish eating, then we’ll present you to the marshal.”
“Might I speak to Lady Isabel first? Is she…awake?” His face reddened and he looked away.
James gave a tired laugh. “I hardly ill-used her, boy, as I’m sure you’ll hear soon enough. She is not adjusting well to this marriage, so we’ll leave her in peace for now. After your duties you can speak to her. I’ll take you to the stables and introduce you to Baxter.”
~oOo~
Isabel had earlier seen William led from the dungeon, and now she breathed easier as Bolton took him to the stables and then left. She descended the tower quickly, crossed the inner ward, and found William mucking out a stall. She watched him for a moment, feeling offended that the son of a baron should have so menial a task.
William looked up, and his brown eyes shone with a warmth that eased Isabel’s spirits.
“My lady,” he said, coming forward and reaching for her hands. He stopped, wiped his palms on his hose, and gripped her hands. “I was worried for you.”
She surprised herself by leaning forward and kissing his cheek. He reddened.
“William, I’m sorry I could not have you released yesterday. Did Bolton tell you why?”
He nodded. “The wedding, you mean?”
“If you can call it that.”
