“Well, tell me when you’re recovered. I think we shall be friends by the time you leave here.”
“Leave?”
“Not till you wish to,” Cecily said, patting her hand. “You’ve been through too much to hurry outside of the gates again so soon!”
“How do you know what I’ve been through?”
“Goswin said that you were being chased by someone. Was it brigands? This part of the shire is generally clear of such bands, but they are always a risk for travelers. Where did it happen?”
“I cannot say,” Angelet answered, honestly enough. “All I remember was a crossroads, and a hill…but yes, someone was after us, and meant us great harm.”
“Us…meaning you and the boy Goswin? Was there no other?” Cecily’s voice held a newer, sharper curiosity. And no wonder. It would be very odd for Angelet to travel all alone, without any protection like Rafe’s.
Angelet frowned. Cecil had not yet mentioned Rafe. Was he not here? Had something happened to him? Her gut went cold at the thought. “There was another! I must speak to Goswin. Now. Please, it’s important!”
“Hush, dear, hush.” Cecily restrained her from getting out of bed. “I’ll send for him immediately.”
To her credit, Cecily did just that, and soon Goswin entered the room on tip-toe, looking about as if he were entering a shrine.
“You asked for me, my lady?” He spoke in a near whisper.
“Goswin,” Angelet said, gesturing to a stool set by the bed. “Sit. You must tell me what happened.”
The boy’s eyes slid toward Cecily, in a clear warning that what he wanted to say had to be kept private. Oh, what had she missed while in her seizure?
Cecily, however, seemed oblivious to any strain. She got up from the edge of the bed. “I’ll leave you two to chat. Just call out if you need anything.” She glided out of the room and pulled the door mostly shut.
Goswin stared hard at the door for a long while, his head tipped carefully, listening for footsteps.
Then he sighed. “I think she’s gone.” He leaned toward Angelet. “This place is like a town, my lady. There’s a wall around, and men-at-arms on guard at all times.”
“You’re saying we’re prisoners here?” she asked.
“No! Nothing like that. Everyone’s rather kind, actually,” he added, with heavy suspicion. “I can pass through the gate whenever I like.”
She held out her hand to Goswin. “Where’s Rafe? Why did Lady Cecily think we came here alone?”
Goswin looked over his shoulder and leaned even closer. “He’s around, but he’s hiding.”
Relief warred with confusion. Thank God Rafe was all right, but why on earth would he hide from their rescuers? “I don’t understand. What’s going on?”
“He wouldn’t say,” Goswin told her. “He knew all about Cleobury though, and insisted it was the only safe place to bring you. But I gather it’s not safe forhim. He said he must not be seen by any of the inhabitants.”
“That makes no sense. Surely people who would care for a stranger would welcome the knight who brought her!”
“I don’t know, my lady. He won’t talk about it.”
“So you’ve seen him since you brought me here?”
“Yes. He meets me outside the gates just after sundown. He always asks about you. I’ll tell him you’re awake again.”
Just then, the door squeaked open and Cecily stepped in. “That’s long enough, boy! Lady Angelet must not be agitated.”
“Be careful,” Angelet told Goswin in a low voice. “And tell him to be careful too. I can’t lose either of you.”
“Yes, my lady!” Goswin sprang up from where he was sitting and dashed away before Cecily could ask him anything or detain him.
“My goodness,” Cecily said, looking after him. “That’s an energetic youth.”
