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Chapter 3
“Pardon me, Sir Rook, but you’d like me to do what?” asked Sir Conrad Lochwood, taking a tankard of ale from a serving wench in the great hall. He’d arrived here not a half-hour ago with his squire and sister, and was surprised to see the man who had mentored him and been his guardian. He was also surprised to know Rook wanted him to watch over his unruly, stuffy daughter. Memories of the girl were still embedded in his mind, and they were all unpleasant.
“I’m more than willing to pay you whatever you’ll require to see this through,” said Rook.
“I’m here for the festival,” explained Conrad. He took a swig of ale, cooling his parched throat. His eyes scanned the room, settling on his younger sister who waited by the entrance of the great hall with his squire, Toby. He had enough worries just trying to watch over her now that his mother had died. “I don’t think I’ll be able to take you up on your offer, but thank you just the same.”
“Conrad,” said Rook, throwing his arm over Conrad’s shoulder, almost making him spill his ale. “Tell me; how are you doing? When you were knighted three years ago, you left, and I haven’t heard from you since.”
“I’ve been busy caring for my ailing mother after my father passed away last year.”
“So sorry to hear about your father. And how is your mother faring?” asked Rook.
“She’s dead. Died two days ago.”
“Oh, I had no idea.” Rook removed his arm from around Conrad’s shoulder. “You had a younger sister, too, if I’m not mistaken. What was her name? Hattie?”
“Hazel,” he said. “She is four and ten years of age, and is now in my care.”
“Ah, I suppose she’s waiting for you back at your manor house.”
“Nay. She was too distraught at the death of our mother. I had no choice but to bring her with me. She’s right there.” He nodded to Hazel, who looked up with frightened eyes.
“You brought her with you?” asked Rook in confusion.
“She’s very shaken and scared and trusts no one. I couldn’t leave her alone,” replied Conrad. “To be honest, I brought her here hoping that the earl would let her be his ward now, the way he is for your daughter and nieces. However, he told me he has no time or patience to be guardian to one more young woman.”
“That’s a shame,” said Rook, putting his hand to his chin in thought. “But I think I know how I can help you.”
“How so?” asked Conrad.
“Ever since Willow moved here to be fostered by the earl at the late queen’s command, my wife has really missed having a daughter around the castle. I’m sure I could find room to take in Hazel for a few years and mentor her for you. My wife would care for her as if she were the girl’s own mother.”
“That would be wonderful,” said Conrad, knowing his sister would be in good hands. The thought relieved him. Hazel needed special care that Conrad couldn’t give her. He had the utmost respect for Sir Rook. “That will give me time to get things in order back at the manor house. I had hoped to find a suitable wife and then bring Hazel to live with us, but I just haven’t had the time. I thank you very much.”
“Of course,” said Rook. He paused for a moment and then looked up from his ale. “But it’ll have to wait for a sennight since I am on my way to the Highlands with my nieces to see my brother, Reed’s new grandchild.”
“That’s fine,” said Conrad. “I don’t mind waiting.” He took another drink of ale from his tankard.
“You can wait right here at Castle Rothbury since the festivities will be going on for that long anyway.”
“I suppose I could if the baron would have me as his guest the entire time. I wouldn’t want my sister to have to sleep in a tent outside the castle walls like the rest of the visitors.”
“Did you want me to put in a good word for you?” Rook looked up and smiled. Suddenly, Conrad felt as if he’d been had.
“I know that look,” said Conrad. “You’re about to make me some kind of deal that I won’t be able to turn down.”
“You know me too well, Sir Conrad. I figure since you’ll be here waiting for me anyway, you can take me up on my offer to watch over Willow until my return.”
Conrad groaned inwardly. Rook had him over a barrel. How could he turn him down when Rook just offered to be his sister’s guardian? It would solve a lot of problems for Conrad and take the weight off his shoulders. He had no choice but to accept the deal.
“You only want me to keep an eye on Willow, and that’s it?” he asked, making sure he understood what would be required of him.
“Aye. I want you to watch her and keep every man here away from her.”
“What? Wait.” Conrad felt doomed. “I’m sorry, but I’ve heard of your daughter’s reputation. Keeping her away from the men would be like trying to keep a fish alive out of water.”
Rook’s jaw clenched, and the corner of his mouth twitched. “What have you heard about my daughter? And what do you mean byher reputation?”
