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“True,” Paris agreed. “As are Kieran, Michael, Deinwald, Jason, and the rest of them. I have a feeling that when you leave, Northwood will be searching for an entire officer corp.”

William’s smile faded as he thought of his knights, his loyal vassals; and if the earl only knew the extent of their devotion to their captain. He himself had always known it, but he nonetheless was touched by the admission.

“I want to thank you, William, for restoring my faith in the frailties of the human character,” Paris went on brightly. “I was beginning to feel quite inadequate next to your impeccable perfection.”

William snorted softly. “I am a weak man.”

The mirth faded from Paris’ face. “William, you are the strongest man I know. And Lady Jordan is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You two are meant for each other.”

William looked at him and saw his deep sincerity. He dared a brief smile. “She is beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Inside and out,” Paris agreed quietly.

They reached the turret stairs that descended into the bailey below. Without another word or another glance, William descended the stairs. He could sleep now.

*

The next day was the beginning of Jordan’s orientation into the world of Northwood Fortress.

The day dawned bright and promised to be somewhat sticky. Jordan awoke from the sleep of the dead just after dawn to the shouts of the sentries changing posts on the wall below her. She lay back on her pillows for quite some time, listening to the courtyard come alive with activity. In spite of her new situation and in spite of the horrors of the previous day, she had never been happier.

In the antechamber that adjoined her room she heard her maids preparing her bath, Scottish burrs intermingled with those of haughty English house servants as buckets of hot water were brought up. Listening to the activity and catching snatches of conversation, she decided to rise and make her presence known. Mayhap the English servants would cease their rudeness to her women when they saw the mistress about.

As soon as she got out of the bed she spotted the remains of her purity on the bed sheet. There was a faded red stain. She felt no embarrassment, only sweet happiness. She realized her maids would see it and decided she would amply explain that her time had come upon her early this month. Surely that would quell any curiosity.

She wrapped herself in her white bed robe and opened the door into the antechamber. A huge copper tub stood over by the fireplace, nearly filled to the run with steaming water. Maggie and Elspeth did a quick curtsy when they saw their mistress was awake and continued to prepare for her bath by pouring lavender oil into the water and laying out scented soaps and a sponge.

“Good morn, lassie,” Maggie said thickly. “Almos’ ready fer yer bath.”

Jordan nodded, running her fingers through her mussed hair.

“No hurry. I am still waking up.” She cast her eyes to the half-open door of the smaller adjoining chamber. “Has Lady Jemma returned?”

“Nay, mistress,” Maggie said.

Jordan tried not to let her concern show. She wondered what had delayed Jemma’s release and prayed fervently that Jemma had not landed her own self on the rack with her big mouth again.

As if in answer to her prayer there was a knock on the door. Elspeth opened it to find a glowering Jemma standing in the jamb.

“Jemma.” Jordan exclaimed and ran to her. “Come in now.”

It was then she noticed Kieran and Paris standing behind her cousin. As Jemma moved silently into the room, Jordan was left standing in the doorway facing the two knights. She wasn’t sure if she should thank them or chase them away, so she settled for the less violent of the two options.

“My thanks for releasing Jemma,” she said.

Kieran’s eyes followed Jemma until she disappeared from view. “Thank the captain, my lady,” he said. “ ’Twas his doing.”

Jordan nodded. “Very well, then. I shall when I see him.”

When they did not leave immediately, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Jemma was not in the room before stepping out into the hall and closing the door softly behind her.

“Was she…treated well?” she asked hesitantly. “Nothing has been done to her, has it?”

“Nay, my lady,” Paris answered. “She is unharmed, although I must say that Lady Analiese is in a fury over it. Alexander is still demanding satisfaction for the insult he was delivered, so I would advise you to keep your cousin in check. If she wants to retain her pretty hide, she had better control her tongue, at least until their anger has cooled.”

Jordan nodded solemnly, relieved that Jemma had not been touched in any way. Even though William had told her he would not harm her, the situation might have changed since last night. She thanked the knights and they bowed gallantly.

She called softly to Kieran as he descended the stairs behind Paris. Like an eager pup, he bound back up the steps and to her side.