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Philip stood up and spoke to John. “You didn’t tell about this. Of course it is the League!”

John groaned. “This is the reason I didn’t tell you. One of Lady Elizabeth’s servants probably wanted to help her, and you’re making it out to be more than it is.”

“But only a Bladesman would risk his life to do such a thing!”

“You’re risking your life for Sir John and for my lady,” Elizabeth pointed out.

“You are just as skeptical as he is,” Philip said, although he didn’t seem offended. “I will leave you two to laugh behind my back.”

John shook his head as he watched his friend leave. “And how is Lady Elizabeth this morn?”

She lowered her gaze. “As well as can be expected.”

“I have a missive for her.”

He looked around, keeping his body between her and the knights at the tiltyard. He pulled a folded, sealed piece of parchment from within his tunic—not the same one that his men had delivered yesterday—and handed it to her.

It bothered her that she noticed it was warm from his body.

“I will take it to her,” she murmured, sliding it into the purse hung from the belt at her waist. She was almost disappointed to have to wait for the midday meal to read it aloud. She would be patient and hope that he explained within the letter what his men had contacted him about.

John remained still, standing above her. “You are well?”

She frowned at him. “You saw me but yesterday eve.” But she knew what he meant—he was wondering if she’d forgiven him. She would never be his “friend,” so there was no point beginning.

“I—” Then a strange expression came over his face, and he limped back a step. “That is good. We do not need to go to Hillesley today. I look forward to your mistress’s response. Good day.”

John began to walk away, berating his foolishness. He had seen Anne and Philip alone together, talking earnestly, and something inside him had twisted painfully. Logically, he knew she was only discovering the truth about him for Lady Elizabeth.

He told himself that Anne was not his, that she and Philip could very well become⁠—

That was as far as his imagination wanted to take him. She was his conduit to Lady Elizabeth, and that was all.

Although Ogden and Parker had also used her to deliver their message. And it had been a good one—they had located Alderley’s army. Though dispirited, the soldiers were performing their task, ridding outlying areas of thieves. Ogden and Parker should tell them that the road to Hillesley needed their protection, John thought wryly. But Alderley’s captain of the guard was not inclined to believe the word of two men-at-arms about John and his purpose. The man wanted proof that their mistress approved of John, that they should do his bidding.

And proof meant that John would have to persuade Lady Elizabeth to give it. But not in his first letter. It would take time for her to forgive him for his conduct with Anne.

Anne. Even thinking of her name made him feel guilty. It would be better for everyone if she found her own life, her own home, because it would be too awkward if she remained here when he married.

But a life with Philip?

He heard footsteps before he could limp too far.

“Sir John?” Anne called.

He turned to find her near.

She linked her hands together, and though she seemed peaceful, he sensed she kept nervousness at bay.

“Sir John, you did not ask me if I told my mistress of our kiss. I did.”

Though no one was near, he looked about and then stepped closer. Perhaps he should be the nervous one, but he felt only wary. “I appreciate that you were honest with her. What was her response?”

To his surprise, she stepped even closer, laying a hand on his chest. He could feel the weight of her regard, soft and hesitant, the warmth of her palm even through his garments.

And though he fought to control himself, a shudder moved through him that she must surely have felt. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

“She wants to know if she should ever be able to trust that you will be loyal to her, that you can control yourself in all situations.”