Page 78 of Lionheart

"Youare to leave Cragdon two days hence. Sir Giles and two men-at-arms will act asescort."

Althea'sexpression turned mutinous. "Nay! You cannot send me away now. The weatheris too uncertain. You could be sending me to my death."

"Idoubt that. I shall accompany you to the border to make sure naught goeswrong."

"Whycan I not remain at Cragdon? Did you speak to Sir Giles about wedding me?"

"Aye,but he declined."

"Hedeclined? Mayhap I should speak to him myself."

"Heis already betrothed, Althea. All the wiles at your disposal will have littleimpact on either Giles or myself. I am sorry things turned out the way theydid, but you were brought here with expectations I could not honor."

* * *

WhileLionheart was speaking with Althea, Mair and Vanora were making plans in thesolar.

"Lionheartintends to accompany Sir Giles and Althea to the English border," Vanoraconfided. "While he is away, I shall find Sir Ren and tell him to makesure he does not cross paths with Lionheart."

"Ithought Father Caddoc talked you out of that foolish idea."

"Hetried to, but I would not be dissuaded. I swear, Mair, this is the last time Ishall don armor and leave the keep unaccompanied."

Mair'seyebrows shot up. "Are you content, then, as Lionheart's wife?"

"Icould be," Vanora said wistfully.

Crossingher arms over her ample bosom, Mair sent Vanora a smug smile. "I knewFather Caddoc was right to insist that Lionheart wed you. Your husband is not abad man, despite his English heritage. Though you have sorely vexed him, he hasnot raised a hand to you. Most husbands are not so indulgent. Do you love him,lambie?"

"LovingLionheart was never my intention, but the heart does not always obey the mind.I know not when I fell in love with him, or how; I just know I want him, tolove me as much as I love him, and that it will never happen."

"Whatmakes you so sure?" Mair challenged. "Lionheart is his own man. Hewould not have wed you if he had no feelings for you. He could have ordered hismen to escort Father Caddoc from the solar and had his way with you withoutbenefit of marriage."

"Isuppose," Vanora said doubtfully.

"Ihave not noticed Lionheart making use of his leman," Mair contended."He is sending her back to England, is he not? I predict a long and happylife for you, lambie. I cannot wait to bounce your children on my knee."

"Youmay be right, but there is still one thing that stands between us."

Mairnodded sagely. "Aye, the knight you become when you don armor. 'Tis timethat knight disappeared forever. Out of sight, out of mind," Mair remindedher. "Once the knight vanishes, Lionheart will turn his mind to othermatters."

"Iagree, Mair, but I cannot retire the knight until I confer with Sir Ren. Onemore time, and then I will end it. Lionheart is leaving. I will find no bettertime to accomplish my task. When I return, I shall bury my armor and sword withno regrets. Wales is at peace, and so shall I be."

* * *

Two dayslater, Lionheart lingered behind to bid Vanora good-bye as the rest of theparty rode ahead.

"Ishall not be gone long. . . four days at the most. Two to reach the border andtwo to return. Sir Brandon can handle whatever trouble arises, but I expectnone."

Graspingher about the waist, he pulled her against him and kissed her soundly."Take care of yourself, vixen. Try not to miss me too much."

"Whywould I miss an Englishman with little to commend him save for the length ofhis sword arm?" Vanora teased.

Lionheartlaughed. "Is that the only length you appreciate?" he asked archly."The length of my—"

Sheclapped a hand over his mouth. "Enough."

His silvereyes twinkling mischievously, he kissed her again and bounded into the saddle.When he reached the gate, he turned back to wave. She returned his salute, thenhurried to the chapel, where Mair and Father Caddoc awaited her.