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longed for him to give her some sign that he felt the same way& to take her in his arms
and kiss her. If he truly cared for her she would be so happy to be his wife!
I& thank you, she said a little shyly. It was on the tip of her tongue to say that she
would wed him, but the words would not come.
Marietta Anton began, but broke off as he heard footsteps and Miguel entered the
hall. You should go up now, lady. We have a long journey, and I do not wish to waste
time in the morning. You should see that the servants have packed all you need.
His words were a curt dismissal that made Marietta turn away. How could he go from
gallant lover to the reserved man she hardly knew so suddenly? She met Miguel s cold
stare and wondered what was in his mind. He had told her that he was glad the King had
pardoned her, but she was not certain he meant it.
Yes, I would not wish to keep you waiting, she said to Anton. Excuse me, gentlemen. I
shall dine in my room this evening, for I wish an early night. I am tired and I would rest.
Marietta found that she slept better than she had expected that night. In the morning she
woke refreshed and ready for the journey. When she went down to the courtyard she
discovered that Anton s men were assembled, also some ten others that she did not know
who all wore the King s livery. His Majesty had sent the escort he promised.
Anton was engaged in conversation with the captain of the royal guard, and did not see
her as she approached her palfrey. Instead, Miguel came up to her. She was reluctant, but
could see nothing for it but to accept his help. He stood for a moment looking at her, his
expression telling her that he was angry, and resentful about something.
You have been fortunate, lady. Do not imagine that Anton s attentions mean more than
mere courtesy. He has no love for such as you. His wife was a beautiful angel and his
heart lies in her grave where he put her.
The words were spoken in hushed tones that only she could hear, but in a way that sent
shivers down her spine.
I do not understand you&
He mourns her because he killed her. He may use you as a whore, but he can never love
another woman. His sin will haunt him for his whole life, as he deserves. Be warned for
your own sake.
Marietta shuddered as he took her and threw her into the saddle none too gently. For a
moment she looked down at him. Miguel s intense look sent shudders through her. She
had thought previously that he disliked her, but he had never spoken out like this did he
hate her or was he jealous?
Could he be jealous of Anton? Surely not? She had always thought they were the best of
friends, and she was sure that Anton trusted him.
Why had he said such things to her? Marietta did not truly understand what lay beneath
the warning. Was he warning her against Anton? He had claimed that Anton had killed
his wife& almost accusing him of murder.
There was some mystery here. She sensed that there were things she could not
know& things hidden in the past that cast a long shadow and would affect the future.
Anton was mounting himself. He glanced at Marietta and nodded his head, then turned
and smiled at Miguel. The friendship between them was plain to see. For a moment
Marietta had thought she should speak to Anton, tell him what Miguel had said to her, but
his smile made her change her mind. He would not believe her. He would think she had
made it up.
Marietta thought she understood Miguel s outburst. His manner had always puzzled her,
but now she thought she had solved the puzzle. He wanted her himself, and because she
had shown her preference for Anton he had tried to turn her against him.
She could not tell Anton because he would think she was being spiteful. Besides, she did
not wish to cause trouble between them. If she decided to accept Anton s offer of
marriage, Miguel would have to accept it or return to Spain.
They had been riding for the best part of the day before Anton finally called a halt. He
had chosen to stay at a different inn from the one they had used as they journeyed to
London.
I am trying to stay away from the high roads, he told her as he came to help her
dismount. If we were followed to London our enemy may be waiting for us to return the
same way. At the moment we are too many for Rouen to risk falling on us in open
countryside, but in woods the advantage might lie with him.
Marietta looked at him anxiously. Do you think he will try to snatch me again?
I think he might kill you this time. Anton s expression was grave. If you were dead he
might try to claim guardianship of your son. He does have a claim, for he is Charles s
half-brother.
He would kill him! Marietta s eyes opened wider as she stared at him in horror.
If the claim was made Henry would take the boy as his ward. He has told me that I
would be appointed Charles s guardian until he came of age.
So the Bastard must kill us both&
I am sure he would wish to be avenged on me for more than one reason, Anton told her.
I know that the reckoning must come, but I want it to come on my terms. Once you and
the child are safe with my uncle I shall seek him out and settle this thing.
You will risk your life again for my sake? Marietta felt her throat tighten. I& do not
wish you to die in my stead.
Anton laughed softly. Have you not forgotten I bested him once before, lady? This time
I shall kill him.
Can it not be settled some other way? I would not be the cause of any man s death and
I do not want you to risk your life.
You should not concern yourself, Marietta. These things are best left to men.
Yes, perhaps& She sighed. I am tired and my mind sees too many terrors.
You need to rest. I sent ahead to secure rooms for us at the inn. Go to yours and lock
your door. Open it only to someone you know, or the host s wife. I think it would be best
if you supped alone again.
Yes, perhaps you are right.
Marietta felt tired after so much travelling. She wanted to see her son again, to feel safe
and relaxed in Lady Claire s home. Perhaps then she would be able to think clearly about
the future.
Marietta turned her head as Anton brought his horse alongside hers the next day. She had
hardly spoken to him since they had left the inn that morning, but she knew that he had to
be alert to all the dangers they might face on the journey, and did not expect to be
noticed. He had more important matters on his mind.
We shall spend one more night on the road, he told her. Tomorrow at dusk we should
reach my uncle s house if we continue to make good time.
I shall be glad of it. I must confess that I begin to feel weary.
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