A Knight's Honor Page 8

  "John, inform Sir Maynard that he's to rally Mildenhall's knights in case Osgood refuses to comply with my orders and tries to make trouble."

  John grinned as he prodded Walter from the chamber. "It will be my pleasure to relay your message."

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  Falcon closed the door behind John and Walter and turned back to Mariah. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him closely.

  "Thank you," she whispered. "He threatened to hurt Robbie if I didn't... do as he wished."

  "Neither Walter nor Osgood will harm your son."

  Falcon crossed to the pitcher, poured water into the basin and wet a cloth. Then he returned to the bed and sat down beside her, turning her face toward him and care­fully pressing the cloth to her bruises.

  "Are you sure he didn't... ?"

  "Nay, he did not."

  Relief swept over Falcon. As they stared at one an­other, something stirred between them, something hot and potent and immediate. Memories he preferred not to address flooded his mind and body. Were her kisses still wildly tantalizing? he wondered. Would her body melt into his if he pulled her into his arms and kissed her? Would her passion be as stunning as he remembered?

  He lowered his head, unable to resist the lure of her soft lips. She raised hers, stretching to meet his mouth. Their lips touched briefly, parted. He tasted her breath, knew he should leave but couldn't bring himself to move. He urged her into his arms and drew her against him. Mariah's gaze met his, as if asking for something he wasn't prepared to give.

  "We cannot become lovers again, Mariah," he warned. "I am here to make an impartial decision."

  "Aye," Mariah whispered.

  But Falcon failed to heed his own warning as his lips moved over hers, tasting, savoring. He felt her breasts swell against his chest, felt the thudding of her heart, and

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  felt his cock respond in a predictable manner. He had promised himself that this wouldn't happen again, had been confident that his attraction to Mariah had waned with the passage of time.

  There was a great deal about Mariah and Edmond that Falcon didn't understand, and Mariah had been no help in explaining the lies she had fed him. How could he want a woman he neither understood nor trusted?

  "I am sorry, Falcon," Mariah murmured, as if reading his thoughts.

  "So am I," Falcon replied. He drew back slightly. "I must go. I need to inform Osgood that he is leaving at first light." But he didn't move.

  "You won't let them hurt Robbie, will you?"

  "Your son is safe, Mariah." They were sitting so close together he could feel her heat surround him; his own heat pulsed hotly in his groin. His cock stirred restlessly, wanting, needing.

  Mariah tried to draw away but his arms refused to re­lease her. They tightened around her. Then he did what he had wanted to do since he'd set eyes on her again. He kissed her, hard, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth and probing roughly. It was a fiercely wild kiss, a kiss meant to punish as well as please. Falcon's feelings were so confused where Mariah was concerned that he couldn't control the emotions pummeling him.

  He brought his hand around to fondle her breast, heard her moan and knew that the only thing preventing him from pushing her back into the mattress, flinging up her skirts and thrusting himself inside her heated core, was his duty to the king.

  The king! Honor demanded that he do Henry's bidding.

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  Groaning, Falcon broke off the kiss and set Mariah away from him. "I won't let you do this to me again."

  Mariah thought his words unfairly harsh. Aye, their coming together five years ago had been seduction, but Falcon had wanted her, too. Their loving had been mu­tual, something they had both wanted and both needed. Aye, she had lied to Falcon, but he had left her for Rosa­mond without a backward glance. He hadn't returned to Mildenhall because he wanted to see her again—nay, he was here on the king's behalf. If Henry hadn't promised Falcon an heiress once this duty was completed, he wouldn't be here now. She meant naught to him and never would.

  Anger fueled her resolve. She would not let Falcon into her heart again. He was not Sir Knight. She rose and gave him her back. "Go, Falcon, I am fine. Complete your in­vestigation as soon as possible and leave Mildenhall. If you choose to give my husband's holding to Osgood my son and I will leave immediately. You care naught for me; you never have."

  Falcon stood and reached for her, dragging her back into his arms. "We are not strangers, Mariah."

  She gazed into his eyes. "Aye, we are. I do not know you, Sir Falcon. The man I knew as Sir Knight, the man I took as a lover, was naught like you." She touched his face. "He was sweet and kind, a man I... grew to admire."

  "That was a long time ago. Sir Knight would not have bedded you had he known you were married, and neither would I. I respected Lord Edmond. Naught you can say will convince me that he encouraged you to bed me."

  Mariah refused to speak ill of Edmond. She had loved him dearly. He had been her closest friend. If she had her

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  way, Falcon would never learn that bedding him had been Edmond's suggestion.

  "I told you my reasons, and they have naught to do with Edmond. I wanted to be loved by a young man, and you showed up at the right time. 'Tis as simple as that."

  "Why turn to me and not one of Mildenhall's knights?"

  "I did not want any of Edmond's men in that way."

  "But you wanted me? I'm trying to understand, Mariah, but you are making it difficult."

  Mariah shrugged and stepped away from him. He dropped his arms and let her go. "You were a stranger, that's why I chose you for my lover. I knew you would re­gain your memory and leave, and so you did. No one knows about us but Edwina. That's the way I want to keep it."

  "Your child—"

  "Is mine," Mariah said fiercely. "Mine and Edmond's. He acknowledged Robbie before he died."

  A burning began in Falcon's gut. "Who did you sleep with after I left, Mariah?"

  "No one but Edmond," Mariah maintained.

  The burning burst into flame. "Are you sure the lad is not mine?" The notion that he had sired Mariah's son had been in the back of his mind since he'd arrived at Mildenhall, but he had kept it imprisoned within his brain. The question had come spewing forth before he could stop it.

  "How dare you suggest such a thing? Robbie is Ed­mond's, and that's all I'm going to say on the subject. Leave me alone, Falcon of Gaveston. I've had enough ag­gravation tonight to last a lifetime."

  "Aye, you have," Falcon agreed softly, "and I'm sorry fork."

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  Falcon bowed, turned and walked away. It wasn't what he wanted to do, but what he had to do. If he had a choice, he would throw caution to the wind and make love to Mariah all night and into the morning. But he was a knight who took duty and honor seriously.

  Falcon strode through the great hall and climbed the stairs to the wing where Osgood and his son were quar­tered. A guard, one of Falcon's knights, guarded Wal­ter's door.

  "All is quiet, Falcon. I don't think we will hear any more from Walter tonight."

  "What of his father, Sir Dennis?"

  "I have heard naught from Osgood. He must be sleep­ing."

  "Stay alert, Dennis. I'm going to wake Osgood and inform him that he will be leaving Mildenhall at first light.”

  Dennis drew his sword. "You can count on me."

  Falcon walked past Walter's door and stopped before the next. Dragging in a deep breath, he clenched his fist and pounded on the thick panel. He heard a rustling in­side, and then Osgood flung open the door.

  "What do you want? What must a man do to enjoy a good night's sleep in this keep?" He was naked, his thick body showing signs of going to fat.

  "I'm here to inform you that you and your entourage will be leaving at first light tomorrow."

  "What in the hell is that supposed to mean? You can't tell me to leave. I belong here."

  Falcon drew himself up to his impressive height, tow­ering ov
er Osgood. "If you don't leave of your own ac-

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  cord, you will be forcibly escorted from Lord Edmond's land."

  Osgood reached for his sword, frowning when he real­ized he was naked. "I demand to know the reason behind your sudden decision to ban me from Mildenhall. Did that bitch Mariah get to you? Did she offer her body in exchange for a decision in her favor?"

  "You've got it all wrong, Osgood. Your son attacked Mariah tonight in her chamber. If Edwina hadn't alerted me, he would have brutally raped her."

  Osgood had the temerity to laugh. "Mariah is Walter's betrothed. No harm done if they want to anticipate the wedding."

  "Mariah wasn't willing," Falcon growled.

  Osgood shrugged. "She would have been if you hadn't interfered. There's no need for all this fuss. Leave them to hash out their differences and everything will work out to our mutual satisfaction. I'm sure the king will be pleased to know that Mariah will be looked after when you de­clare me Edmond's heir."

  "Nay, Osgood Fitzhugh. I've considered this from every angle and decided that you and your entourage must leave Mildenhall. From what I've heard, you came here and took over without an invitation."

  "Mildenhall is mine, I needed no invitation!" Osgood snarled. "Mariah's brat has no legal right to the earldom."

  Falcon ignored Osgood's protestations. "You will be escorted from the keep at first light tomorrow." He turned to leave, men spun around to face Osgood. "By the way, there's a guard at Walter's door. I want no more trouble tonight."

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  The door slammed in his face.

  "He did not take it well," Dennis said.

  Falcon shrugged. "It matters not. He has disrupted the household with his overbearing presence."

  "Have you decided in Lady Mariah's favor, then?"

  "I have decided naught. I haven't been here long enough to reach a decision. Good night, Sir Dennis."

  Falcon found his chamber, stripped, washed and climbed into bed. He fell asleep almost instantly. He awoke before dawn to the pounding of footsteps and clatter of weapons. Leaping from bed, Falcon pulled on his hose and boots, grabbed a shirt and had one arm in the sleeve when there came a frantic knocking on his door.

  "Open up, Falcon! Something terrible has happened."

  Falcon recognized John's voice. When he flung open the door, he heard wailing coming from the solar. "God's bones, what is it?"

  "Osgood and Walter are gone, and so is Lady Mariah's son. They sneaked away like thieves in the night. Rob­bie's nursemaid was knocked senseless. Though still groggy, she awakened and alerted Lady Mariah. A short time later we found Sir Dennis lying unconscious before Walter's door."

  "Is he badly hurt?"

  "Nay, but he'll have a headache for a while."

  His face grim, Falcon poked his arm in his other sleeve and reached for his weapons, strapping them on as he strode from his chamber. "Alert the troops. We'll leave as soon as I speak to Lady Mariah."

  Falcon didn't look forward to facing Mariah. He knew

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  the kidnapping of her son must have devastated her and wished there was something he could have done to pre­vent the tragedy. He blamed himself for failing to place more guards at Osgood's door, and securing Osgood's men under lock and key for the night. Falcon knew Os­good had a cruel streak, but he'd never thought he would kidnap an innocent child.

  Falcon found Mariah in her chamber, surrounded by Edwina and her maids. She was sobbing disconsolately. Falcon shooed everyone but Mariah out the door.

  Mariah blinked at him through swollen eyes. "Tis your fault! You promised to protect Robbie. Now he is gone, and I'll never see him again." She rocked back and forth, her sobs heartrending.

  Falcon knelt before her, taking both her hands in his. "Mariah, I placed Walter under guard. I never expected this of Osgood."

  "He said he would hurt Robbie if I refused to marry Wal­ter," Mariah wailed. "You promised ... You promised..."

  Guilt weighed heavily on Falcon. "I meant it, Mariah. And I'm going to make another promise. Robbie will be returned to you safe and sound."

  Falcon prayed his promise wouldn't prove an empty one. The thought of a vulnerable child like Robbie in Os­good's hands twisted his insides.

  "Where would Osgood take Robbie? I need some idea where to look for him."

  "Osgood lives in a small manor that came to him upon his marriage to Martha. 'Tis located near Southwold."

  "Osgood has a living wife?" That was news to Falcon.

  "Aye. He also has a daughter. Elizabeth remains un-

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  wed because Osgood refuses to grant permission to suit­ors unless he is paid a hefty sum for the privilege of wed­ding her."

  Falcon rose. "I will find him. Trust me to bring Robbie back to you." He strode toward die door.

  "Wait! I'm going with you."

  "Nay, you will remain here, where it is safe. The ten men I brought with me will accompany me. Your men will remain at Mildenhall. I spoke with your captain of the guards last night. Sir Maynard is a good man, he will protect the keep in my absence."

  "Nay, I need to be with you! What if Robbie's release depends on my promise to marry Walter?"

  "You will not wed Walter under any circumstances," Falcon snarled. "Trust me to return your son to you. I'm wasting time here, Mariah. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can bring Robbie back to you."

  Suppressing a sob, Mariah threw herself into Falcon's arms and pulled his head down for her kiss. She kissed him hard, showing her desperation without words. He hardened instantly, but before he could return her kiss, she pulled away and grasped his shirt front.

  "Bring Robbie home, Falcon. Bring him to me safe and sound."

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  Chapter 6

  Mariah stood before the window, watching Falcon and his men ride through the portcullis. Once she was certain they were well on their way, she grabbed her cloak and raced down the stairs to the kitchen to pack food for her journey. When she returned to the hall, Edwina halted her flight.

  "Where are you going, Mariah?"

  "I'm going to follow Falcon. Robbie will need me after his frightening experience. Please, Edwina, do not try to stop me."

  "Nay, I won't stop you. But have a care, Mariah. Fal­con knows what he is doing. Do not interfere. Trust him to find Robbie for you."

  "I do trust him, but Robbie needs his mother." So say­ing, she strode past Edwina and out the door. Sir Maynard didn't question her right to have her mare saddled or to leave, for he was busy elsewhere. She rode unchallenged through the portcullis, pleased to find it in a raised position. She had no idea Edwina had fetched Sir Martin, who immediately dispatched two guardsmen to follow her.

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  Mariah rode through the day, keeping well behind Fal­con, stopping for naught but to rest her horse and drink from a stream. When hunger pangs gnawed at her, she nibbled on bread and cheese. At nightfall, Mariah knew she could push her horse no further and would have to stop soon. Her one consolation was that both Osgood and Falcon would also have to stop for the night. Mariah could not stop worrying about Robbie. Had his captors thought far enough in advance to bring food for him? Her son had a healthy appetite.

  Mariah was looking for a spot to stop for the night when she heard a screech. The hair rose on the nape of her neck; she reined in her horse, waiting, listening. Then she heard it again. No animal she knew made that sound. Mariah had heard that same cry so many times she recognized it immediately as a child's cry.

  Robbie!

  Mariah slid from the saddle, peering through the tangle of shrubs and trees in the direction from which she had heard the sound. The cry came again. Once she had iden­tified the screech, naught in this world would keep her from going to her son. Not even the thick forest that lined both sides of the road.

  Mariah tied her horse's reins to a low-hanging branch near the edge of the road. She might have to leave in a hurry and wanted easy access to her horse. Then, taking a de
ep breath to steady her nerves, she entered the forest, using Robbie's crying to guide her.

  She came upon them suddenly; Osgood, Walter and six of his dozen or so mercenaries were lounging around a small fire. She slipped behind a tree, her gaze searching for Robbie. When she saw him, her heart nearly stopped. He had been wrapped in a blanket and tied with a rope, to prevent him from wandering off, she supposed.

  Mariah's anger exploded when she saw his pitiful at­tempts to wriggle free. She wanted to go to him immedi­ately, to soothe him, to let him know that his mother hadn't abandoned him. Aware of her vulnerable position, she crouched down and waited for the right time to act.

  Robbie lay several feet away from the main group of men. Mariah wondered why they had dared to build a fire, why Falcon had missed them and she had not.

  "Can't you keep that brat quiet?" Osgood hissed to his son.

  "He's hungry, I suspect. We should have brought some food with us."

  "There was no time."

  Walter glanced at Robbie, who was hiccupping between sobs. "I could gag him. Or better yet, let me kill him."

  "Don't be stupid; that would defeat our purpose. The boy has to stay alive for our plan to succeed. Splitting up was a brilliant move," Osgood crowed. "While Falcon is chasing after the men I sent ahead, we'll double back to the keep."

  Walter grinned. "With Robbie in our possession, Mariah will realize how easily we can hurt the brat and agree to marry me. Once Mariah is my wife, Mildenhall will be legally ours no matter what Falcon decides."

  Osgood clapped Walter on the shoulder. " 'Twas my plan to wed you to Mariah long before Edmond breathed his last. I wanted to leave naught to chance or King Henry's whim. Once you and Mariah are wed, it matters not whether I am Edmond's heir. You will get Mariah with child as soon as possible. When she gives you a son,

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  we will get rid of Robbie. After he joins his maker, I will