Page 73 of Lionheart

"Aye.Between Mair and me, Althea will find it difficult to seduce yourhusband."

"Thankyou, Father. I want a chance to make Lionheart love me without Althea'sinterference."

Vanoraleft the chapel in a pensive mood. She had admitted to Father Caddoc that sheloved her husband, but it had not been easy. Unrequited love hurt.

The hallwas unusually quiet as Vanora crossed the empty space on her way to thestoreroom. The situation at Cragdon had been hectic too long and she savoredthe quiet. When she saw Althea enter the hall and move in her direction, herpeaceful mood was shattered.

"Whatdo you do for entertainment around here?" Althea asked. "I am dyingof boredom."

"Youmay mend linens if you want something to do. I can always use another pair ofhands. Mair will be happy to provide you with thread and needle."

"'Tis beneath me," Althea said with a toss of her head. "When willLionheart return?"

"Hedid not say, and I would advise you to stop using your wiles on him. He hasstated more than once that he does not want you."

"Isthat a warning?"

"Takeit however you want."

"Lionheartdoes not love you. He knows not the meaning of the word. Trust me, for I know Lionheartfar better than you do."

"Youare wasting my time, Althea," Vanora said. "If you do not wish tohelp, then see to your own entertainment."

"PerhapsI shall find Sir Giles. Mayhap he is not too busy to entertain me."

Vanora wasmore than happy to be rid of Althea and wondered how long she would have to putup with the waspish woman. There was room for but one woman in Lionheart'slife, and it was definitely not Althea.

* * *

Lionheartand his small entourage rode with Edward to Cragdon's eastern border. Beforethey parted, Lionheart extracted Edward's promise to send for him should heencounter difficulties. But Edward was adamant about keeping Lionheart atCragdon.

"AnEnglish presence so close to the border can prevent raids on Marcher lands. TheMarcher lords complain, but Henry is too consumed with his own needs and pouringmoney into fruitless wars to heed their cries for help. That will change when Iam king."

Lionheartknew the earnest young man would rule justly and prayed that Edward lived to fulfillhis destiny. Lionheart worried a great deal about the pending battle with Simonde Montfort's forces and wished there were a way to convince Edward to releasehim from his duties at Cragdon.

"Letme continue on to England with you," Lionheart said hopefully. "I cansend word to Cragdon that I am not returning. Sir Giles will make an admirableadministrator for Cragdon during my absence."

"Nay,Lionheart. Tis you I want at Cragdon. Sir Giles does not have your ability. DidI not promise I will send for you should I have need of you?"

Lionheartsupposed that would have to suffice, though he liked it not.

•'I amsorry about Althea," Edward apologized. "I foresee trouble butdoubt not your ability to handle it. I like Vanora. Her mind is sharp and herwit keen; she will keep you on your toes. She is not as sweet-tempered or as biddableas my Eleanor, but a woman like that would not suit you."

Lionheartbade Edward farewell and turned back toward Cragdon, his mind grappling withhis problems. First and foremost, he had to return Althea to England as soon aspossible, even if he must escort her himself.

Second, hemust make some sense of his relationship with Vanora. He had never suspectedthat his heart would become involved.

Last butnot least, he had unfinished business with the White Knight. Now that Edwardwas gone, he could concentrate on finding the vexing knave.

Lionheartconsidered stopping at the village to question the crofters but decided againstit. He had already been away from the keep too long and could well imagine thefireworks erupting between Vanora and Althea. He smiled wryly. Althea did nothave a chance. His Vanora was strong and clever and capable of handlingAlthea's machinations.

All wasquiet when Lionheart rode through the portcullis. It seemed strange to find theouter bailey empty of tents and men and only a handful of men-at-arms about inthe inner bailey. The hall was unusually quiet, except for servants setting uptables for the evening meal. Lionheart's stomach growled at the thought offood. He had not had a decent meal all day.

Glancingacross the hall, he saw a woman standing in the shadows near the hearth. Herback was to him, and she seemed to be staring into the dancing flames. Assumingit was Vanora, he crept silently up to her and placed his arms around her,nuzzling her neck. He knew immediately that something was wrong when the womanin his arms giggled. Vanora did not giggle. Nor was her body so full andvoluptuous.

His armsfell away instantly and he hastily retreated.

Altheawhirled to face him. "Lionheart!" she cried in gleeful welcome."I knew you would come to your senses. You wanted me, but you were beingstubborn about it. Fear not, I forgive you."