Page 13 of An Outlaw’s Desire

Sherborne tipped back his mug to down the last of his mead. With a wry laugh, he pushed the mug aside. “No need for me to show proof. We both know you will do whatever I ask.”

Anger boiled in Pitt’s veins. “You cannot—”

“Expect more instructions within the next couple of sennights.” Sherborne stood, as did the mercenaries. “You are not to speak to anyone of this discussion, Pitt. You will not try to leave Warwickshire. You will not try to enlist help. Do any of those things, and Fenton dies.”

Chapter Two

Millenstowe Keep

Mid-December, 1192

“I am sorry for the change in arrangements. I only learned of them a few days ago.”

Despite her disappointment, Blythe smiled. “’Tis all right. We will celebrate all the more once you return.”

Rosetta crossed the bedchamber she and Ash were using during their stay at the castle. With a sigh, she set a couple of folded gowns into a wooden traveling chest. “I had been so looking forward to seeing you. ’Tis not fair to have to choose between you and Ash: my best friend or my spouse.”

“Thankfully, you will not be gone for long.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, Blythe allowed herself to fall backward onto the down-filled coverlet. She landed with a soft thud and grinned. How many times had she and Rosetta done that when they’d been wards at the fortress?

“I keep telling myself ’tis an important meeting and I need to go and support my husband. His nephew, too, since Justin is Ash’s squire. Hard to believe I have been akin to a mother to Justin for four months now—well, since Ash and I married.” The tap of Rosetta’s shoes told Blythe her friend had gone to fetch another garment to pack. “I just wish the gathering we’re attending didn’t have to happen right before Christmas.”

“Mmm.” Still on her back, Blythe stared at the ceiling’s rough-hewn beams. As agreed after Rosetta’s wedding and in the letters they’d exchanged since, Blythe had traveled to spend the holidays at Millenstowe Keep.

Only after Blythe had arrived at the castle had Rosetta told her, in private, of the secret meeting his lordship and Ash had been asked to attend. The noblemen at the gathering would be discussing the growing threat John Lackland posed to the English throne. Blythe had promised not to repeat what she’d been told, but in truth, was relieved to know only the barest details. ’Twas safest that way.

“When you return,” Blythe said, “we will dance all night to make up for the days lost.”

“We will.” Rosetta laughed. “Father no doubt has some antics planned as well.”

Blythe pushed back up to sitting and smoothed her saffron-colored woolen gown. She had plans too. She had first sought approval from Lady Montgomery, but her ladyship had loved the idea and had been happy to agree.

Blythe would have to work quickly, to be finished by the time the travelers returned, but she’d have help.

Rosetta stopped a few paces away, set her hands on her hips, and mock-frowned. “You are smiling.”

“’Tis not allowed in this chamber?” Blythe didn’t bother to school the mischief from her tone.

“Of course, smiling is allowed. However, I know that particular smile.” Rosetta’s frown deepened. “You are plotting.”

“Am I?”

“What trickery are you planning, best friend of mine?”

Blythe chuckled. “Not a single trick.”

“Blythe—”

“I have a surprise in mind. ’Tis all.”

“Oh? What kind of surprise?”

“If I tell you, best friend of mine, ’twill no longer be a surprise.”

Rosetta’s lips twitched. “’Tis something nice?”

“Well….”

“I would rather not find a toad in my embroidery basket, my bed, or my bathwater.”