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“As my husband, of course.”
Chapter 5
She hadn’t meant to say it quite that way. But Sister Christine really would be looking for her. The poor woman she’d convinced to switch duties with her would likely not remain quiet for long. Which meant she didn’t have time to bandy about.
“What is your name?” she asked.
“My . . .” He did take a step back from her then. “A fine time to ask such a question. After that outrageous proposal?”
“This?” She indicated her habit. “I am no nun.”
His eyes widened. “A novice, then?”
“Nay. Oblate. And very much against my will.”
“You . . . are not a nun.”
Had she not just said as much? “Nay. But I am in need of a husband.”
Sabine would have laughed at his expression were the situation not so serious.
“I am the ward of Lord Burge, who was overlord to my father, Robert de Stuteville, lord of Cottingham. When he was killed . . .” She paused, leaving much of the story out. “Lord Burge decided three unwed daughters, and three dowries, were too many for him. Having no desire to produce a fourth dowry, he sold me instead to Holybourne.”
“It seems you’re more in need of a rescue than a husband, my lady.” He seemed inclined to offer her neither.
“I hoped you could provide both,” she said. “As well as your name.”
“Perhaps you should inquire the name of your potential husband before proposing marriage?” he said, his tone and demeanor more accusatory than his words suggested.
“I asked, if you will recall.”
“I don’t typically offer it to people attempting to persuade me at pain of retribution.”
No doubt Sister Christine had noted her absence already. She was running out of time.
“I am sorry for such directness,” she said, not sorry at all. “But we really should be leaving immediately. This night, if it pleases you.”
He laughed then, tossing his head back with abandon.
The man really was quite handsome, especially when he smiled. Or at least he would be, to a woman who liked danger.
She did not.
“I,” he emphasized, “will be leaving on the morrow. Alone.”
Sabine shook her head. “If you do so, all will know of your plans. Namely, to send the French mercenaries King John hired back to France.” She ignored the fact that his gaze turned murderous. “As a part of a rebellion against our sovereign.”
“You were sent to listen to a very private conversation.”
“Nay. I was sent to ensure it remained private. That Reverend Mother did not fully close the door was a happy circumstance.” She paused, then added, “I can offer coin as well.”
Silently thanking her mother for not having trusted Lord Burge as her father did, she waited for this stranger to decide on the course of her future.
“I’ve no need of a wife.”
He attempted to walk past her then.
Was he really leaving? She couldn’t let him!
