AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Shhh.” The earl leaned forward as well. “Not many of my men know about the garden and the secret organization. I’d like to keep it that way. After all, no man wants to hear how women are joining together to deceive us.”
“Oh, I don’t think they do it to deceive anyone, my lord,” said Branton.
“Then what would they be joining together for?” Conrad’s question was low and direct.
“We don’t really know the answer to that,” said the earl. “I don’t believe even King Edward knew what the group was all about.”
“If it is a true story then someone has to know about it,” Conrad told him.
“Sir Conrad. I would rather turn a blind eye than to tell the girls’ fathers that they are involved in such a group.”
“Lord Rook doesn’t know about this?” Conrad was surprised to hear that the earl kept it from Willow’s own father.
“Nay, and you won’t tell him,” said Lord Beaufort. “After all, he and his brothers are the Legendary Bastards of the Crown. No one wants to get on their bad sides. Once the triplets’ daughters are married and well cared for by noblemen, the happier they will be. That is one of the reasons I allowed Willow to put herself up as one of the brides for the competition. As she said, her father would feel confident if he knew she was married and had someone to look after her all the time.”
“This is just too hard to believe.” Conrad sheathed his blade.
“They have the queen’s crowns as well as the heart brooches to prove it,” said Branton excitedly.
Conrad shook his head in disgust. “Crowns and brooches or not, I promised Willow’s father I’d look after her and I’ll drag her back here by her hair if I have to. Where is this secret garden?”
“It’s at the edge of the earl’s lands,” Branton relayed the information. “It’s where the royal forest begins.”
“Let’s go,” said Conrad, turning on his heel. His squire was right behind him.
“Wait, I’ll come with you and show you how to get there.” Branton raced to get his horse and returned immediately. “It’s hidden in a cove and very hard to see. You’ll never find it on your own.”
“Believe me, I’d just have to follow the shine of Willow’s crown and other jewelry to find her,” grumbled Conrad. “I swear I’ll tie her to the bedpost if I have to, but she’ll not be taking my sister for unescorted rides in the woods ever again.”
