“You are free to remain here, my lady, if that is what you wish,” Nicholas said to her. “I’ll protect you even if we don’t marry. But you never wanted to marry me, did you?”
“No, my lord, I’veneverwanted to marry you.”
Her denial was so strong, so absolute, so firmly spoken, Riona could hardly believe it was the same young woman speaking.
“There you have it, Percival,” Nicholas said evenly. “She doesn’t want me, and even if my choice wasn’t already made, I’ll not have an unwilling bride.”
“I’m her legal guardian, not you!” Percival exclaimed. “She has to do what I say, and go where I take her. You have no rights where she’s concerned.”
“Then go to the courts,” Eleanor cried, her hands balled into fists, her whole body trembling with rage. “And while you’re in London trying to get the means to make me do what you want, I’ll be here. Away fromyou!”
“Come, Joscelind. We’re going,” Lord Chesleigh announced. “Let’s leave this man with the barbarians.”
Before Joscelind moved, Nicholas stepped forward. “If he’s the one who hurt you, you’re welcome to stay here, too.”
Riona could easily believe Lord Chesleigh was a violent man. And it was no wonder to her that Nicholas would generously offer Joscelind refuge, despite what she had done.
Joscelind’s eyes narrowed, as if she feared a trick. “You’d do that for me? After…everything?”
“Yes.”
Still skeptical, Joscelind addressed Riona. “What about you? Surely you don’t want me to stay.”
Riona went to Nicholas and took his hand. Holding it, secure in his love, she said, “Whatever has happened between us is in the past, and if you wish to stay, I have no objections.”
“Joscelind, come with me, or I’ll cast you off as I would an old shoe,” her father commanded.
She turned to go with him.
“Joscelind, please, reconsider,” Riona said.
Joscelind raised her chin and fierce pride shone in her eyes. “And what? Lose my family and my dowry? Be grateful for your mercy? Watch the two of you be married? I would rather endure whatever punishment my father decrees for my shameful behavior than be dependent on your charity.”
“Then I wish you well, my lady, and whatever happiness you can find.”
More regal and dignified than ever, Joscelind nodded, turned and followed her father.
But before Lord Chesleigh and his daughter reached the door, a man Riona had never seen before strode into the hall. His boots and breeches were splattered with mud and his hair windblown as if he’d ridden hard and come a long distance in a short time. “Nicholas!” he cried. “And Lord Chesleigh. How fortunate.”
“Who the devil are you?” Lord Chesleigh demanded.
Still holding Riona’s hand, Nicholas hurried forward. “This is Henry, my brother.”
Lord Chesleigh sniffed. “Whoever he is, he should let my daughter and me pass.”
“You’re leaving, my lord?” Henry politely inquired.
“Yes. At once.”
“Excellent. You’ll be pleased to hear I’ve brought you an escort, for it seems several very powerful people in London are very anxious to talk to you about some of your associates andtheir activities. I gather they’ve already prepared a place for you in the Tower.”
Lord Chesleigh blanched. And then he went for his sword.
He was too slow. Nicholas had let go of Riona, pulled out his sword, and set the tip on the man’s neck before Lord Chesleigh had even gotten his weapon out of its sheath.
“I don’t think that would be wise, my lord,” Nicholas warned as Riona let out her breath slowly.
“You’ve got a dungeon hereabouts, don’t you, Nicholas?” his brother asked.
