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Anne said nothing for a moment, and in a panic, Elizabeth tapped her from behind.

In a cool voice, Anne said, “But sir, we have not met. Who are you to invade a lady’s private solar?”

Elizabeth almost choked with suppressed glee. Where had this brave, icy Anne come from?

Lord Bannaster’s man narrowed his eyes, and his lordship’s face reddened. But to his credit, he only revealed a tight smile.

“Lady Elizabeth, I am Thomas, Viscount Bannaster. I have come on behalf of the king to see to your protection.”

“The king…sent you?” Anne asked.

Lord Bannaster’s hesitation was slight. “Nay, but as I am his cousin and was traveling nearby, I took it upon myself to see to his interests. There are factions in this part of the country that have not expressed their clear support of King Henry. He needs this part of Gloucestershire settled. Have your people informed you about the raids on your property?”

Elizabeth held her breath. Had Anne been nearby when Elizabeth had listened to the captain’s report?

Anne inclined her head. “If you mean the theft of several dozen sheep out of thousands, then aye, I know of it. My men are handling it. And how is this your business, my lord?”

“Only that you need a man in charge, so that these things will not happen.”

“Sheep are never stolen from men?” she asked wryly.

Oh, well done, Anne! Elizabeth thought.

Lord Bannaster shot Anne a disapproving look. “But suitors don’t become embroiled in arguments and fights over men. I am going to petition the king to make me your guardian.”

Guardian, Elizabeth thought with reluctant admiration. Lord Bannaster was not stupid enough to boldly demand to wed her. Nay, he was going to sidle his way in by stealth. His motivations could be anything from sudden poverty to simple greed. Alderley was the largest prize in the kingdom. But her betrothal contract was rare, since the earldom was involved. He must be a very ambitious man.

“Your offer is appreciated,” Anne said coolly, “but I am not in need of a guardian. My betrothed has been apprised of my situation.”

“Forgive me for being cruel, but for all you know, my lady, he doesn’t even know he’s been named the heir. He might never return from the dangers of Europe. The protection of the castle is too important to ignore.”

Anne clutched her hands together behind her back, and to Elizabeth’s worry, they were shaking.

“I have my own well-trained army,” Anne said.

“But there are thieves in these woods, as you yourself have admitted. Your soldiers will be needed there. My own men will gladly help defend Castle Alderley from your ambitious, dangerous suitors.”

And he didn’t include himself in such a description?

“I will explain the situation to your men,” he continued.

“Am I your prisoner?” Anne asked.

Lord Bannaster gave a rich laugh. “My lady, of course not! But men have begun to quarrel over you. All of this wealth,” he waved an arm about the room, “and your husband will inherit the earldom.”

Elizabeth had been right about his motives. She leaned forward and whispered quickly, “Only the Russell heir.”

Anne drew herself up. “Only the Russell heir will inherit the earldom, as the king decreed.”

“King Edward made that document, and he is long since dead. You are a defenseless woman. With you roaming freely about this castle, anyone could seduce you with flattering words, or take you off to compromise you. I feel that you need to remain here in your comfortable suite of rooms until this precarious situation is settled.”

“So how long do you plan to keep me a prisoner, my lord?”

“That is a harsh word. Once I reach London, it shan’t take long to convince my dear royal cousin that I can help him by becoming your guardian. While you wait, you will live in comfortable, familiar surroundings and do whatever you ladies do to keep yourselves amused. Your maidservant will see to your comforts and apprise you of the castle itself.” He paused. “As for the man in charge, I regret to inform you that your steward was shocked to see my men peacefully enter your ward this morn. Though I tried to explain, he drew his sword on me. He must have had a weak heart, for he died before we even came to blows. Allow me to express my condolences.”

Elizabeth held herself still by sheer will, as their situation suddenly became more perilous. Her steward, her father’s dearest friend and servant—dead? He had been a robust hearty man, only just entering his middle years. Bannaster had killed her servant, one of her own people. Who else would die trying to guard Elizabeth?

“He was a good man,” Anne whispered.