Page 68 of An Outlaw’s Desire

As her gaze traveled over the items on the floor again, Blythe sucked in a breath. “’Tis Lord Worrell.”

“The ghost?” the widower asked.

“According to the tome I have been reading, Lord Worrell left behind a wife and son. Judging by the items in the bag—a game and toy for a child, a necklace for a lady—they were likely gifts.”

“Presents for his family to help celebrate Christmas,” his lordship said.

Tears pricked her eyes. “’Tis why he haunts this castle. He never got to give the gifts.”

“He never had the chance,” Pitt finished quietly, “to show his love for those in his life he cherished most.”

“Aye,” she whispered.

Her gaze locked with Pitt’s. Love, sadness, and hope swirled up inside her, for she couldn’t believe they’d found Lord Worrell purely by chance; not when they’d discovered him together.

“However did he get inside the wall?” Harlow asked.

“If I remember correctly,” Lord Montgomery said, “part of the keep was undergoing repairs at the time of Worrell’s visit. When he went missing, the ruling lord ordered a search, but Worrell was never found. The poor fellow must have fallen down into the wall somehow.”

Blythe’s gaze shifted to the broken stonework. “Do you think…. Could he have been pushed?”

“Murdered?” Pitt added with a frown.

“Aye,” she said. “If his attacker knew he had a map of the riches and wanted it for himself….”

His lordship shook his head. “After so many years, ’twould be difficult or even impossible to prove. ’Tis a mystery to which we may never have an answer.”

“What will happen to him now?” Blythe asked.

“I will seek out Worrell’s relatives. His remains should go to them.” Lord Montgomery’s gaze shifted from her to Pitt. “We must also ensure that the secret of the parchment stays just that: a secret.”

“I will never tell.” How sincerely Blythe meant those words.

“Neither will I,” Pitt said.

A smile touched his lordship’s mouth. “Indeed, you will not, Pitt. From this day onward, you owe fealty to me.”

What?

Pitt’s mouth gaped. “Y-you, milord?”

Lord Montgomery nodded. “You will serve me as part of my garrison. Your duty will be to protect the ancient riches with your life.”

Fresh tears burned Blythe’s eyes. ’Twas an incredible outcome. Pitt clearly understood the generosity extended to him, for he exhaled a sharp breath and set his hand to the middle of his chest.

“I am very grateful, milord.”

Regret tinged Lord Montgomery’s features. “Your father was a good man, Pitt. He made a few errors in judgment, but he did not deserve to be condemned as a traitor. I knew of no way to help him. I can, however, help you.”

“Please. My son…?”

“Fenton will be raised in this household and, when he is old enough, will train to become a knight.”

Blythe’s hand flew to her mouth. Joy brimmed.

Looking dazed, Pitt dropped back to sitting. “I…do not know quite what to say.”

“We can discuss matters in more details in the great hall.” His lordship tucked Worrell’s parchment into his belt. “I suggest you pack up the items from the bag and we will examine them again in better lighting. In the meanwhile, I will have men remove his lordship from the wall.”