Page 68 of Feathers in the Wind
‘Rupert is at Knaresborough, barely a day’s march from York. We’ve no choice but to lift the siege and intercept him.’
‘There’ll be a battle?’
He nodded. ‘Without doubt. We’re facing a formidable foe, Perdita. It will be bloody.’
‘What do you want of me?’ Perdita swung her feet out of bed.
He had to look away and made a pretence of packing his box. Rupert of the Rhine made a less formidable foe than a beautiful woman in a thin chemise. Her bare feet padded on the floor boards and cloth rustled as she dressed.
‘I want you back in Warwickshire,’ he muttered and dared to turn around. She had her back to him, apparently lacing her stays over her petticoats. ‘One thing for certes, you can’t stay here. Once the siege is lifted, this village will be prey to the inhabitants of the city. I can send you south to Selby or…’
‘Or I can come with you,’ Perdita turned and looked over her shoulder. ‘You know I have some skill with the wounded and I could be useful.’
‘You would also be in the most incredible danger.’ Adam ran a weary hand across his forehead. ‘Should we not prevail…’
She held up a knife, the early morning light glinting on its honed blade. ‘Ludovic gave me this. My honour will not be lost without a fight.’
Adam looked at the little weapon. If the baggage train were attacked, it would be useless but if it gave her confidence then he was in no position to argue.
He remembered a conversation he had with young Ashley on their way to Fairfax. ‘I have a thought that will keep you where you are safe and your dubious skill with a knife should not need to be put to a test. Pack your things and find something to eat. We leave at daybreak.’
She took a step toward him, her fingers touching the chain of the locket he wore around his neck.
‘You still have it.’
His hand closed over her fingers. ‘I wear it always. It is my charm.’
Her lips curved uncertainly. ‘Poor protection against a sword or a well-aimed musket.’ She pulled away from him and handed him the heavy buff leather coat. He shrugged it on and stood quite still as she laced it. When he reached for his back and breast plate she was there before him, strapping on the armour like a good squire. He stood still as she tied the yellow silk sash around it and handed him his sword and baldrick.
Perdita gestured at his box. ‘I’ll see to your belongings,’ she said, her eagerness to not seem to be a burden to him palpable.
He allowed himself a smile. ‘Thank you. As I see you are determined to be a model camp follower, meet me downstairs.’
He sought out young Ashley and the young man readily agreed to Adam’s suggestion.
‘I’ll see her safely bestowed,’ he said.
Adam swung himself into the saddle as Perdita came out of the inn. He gestured for her to join him and introduced Richard Ashley.
‘Richard's home is at Barton only a few miles from where we’ll meet Rupert. He’ll take you there. You will be as safe there as anywhere.’ He jerked his head at Richard. ‘I’ll leave you in Richard's capable hands.’
She stood at his knee and put her hand on his bridle. ‘God keep you safe, Adam.’
Impulsively he bent and kissed her forehead, her skin cool and dry beneath his lips. He dared not think about what the next few days would bring, or allow himself for even a moment in time to dare to dream.
He jerked back upright in the saddle. ‘And you, Perdita. I shall see you when this matter is settled.’ He wheeled his horse. ‘Watch over her, Ashley.’
‘Of course, sir. She’ll be safe at Barton. Thank you, sir.’
* * *
Richard Ashley regardedPerdita’s sturdy pony with a bemused smile.
‘This nag has four legs, but that’s about the best that can be said of him,’ he said as he hoisted her into the saddle.
‘You need not thank Adam Coulter for playing nursemaid to me, Captain,’ Perdita said as they started off.
He smiled at her. ‘You mistake me, Mistress Coulter. While it is a great pleasure to have your company, it means I have a few precious hours with my wife and son and for that I am exceeding grateful.’
