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“I am so sorry,” Elizabeth said softly. “I am not going to be allowed to see you except for meals. Milburn is obviously under orders to keep you—me as solitary as possible.”
“Then where did you sleep?”
“In front of the kitchen hearth.”
“Oh Elizabeth!” Anne took her hand and led her to a chair at the table. “Are you exhausted?”
“I was so tired I actually slept well, and I felt safe in Adalia’s kitchen. But while we talk, you must eat, because I’m to bring the tray back down, and I’m not to take much time.”
Anne sighed as she uncovered the tray. “I had thought we could have a long conversation.”
“I did, too. But there truly isn’t much to tell. Bannaster left for London this morn, so that is a relief. Adalia agreed to run the household for me, so that none of the servants would forget that I’m now supposed to be you.”
“This must be so confusing for everyone,” Anne said, and then bit into her buttered bread.
“It is. I finally let myself remain in the great hall for a more extended period of time. All are cautious and quiet, but no one has made a mistake.”
“But there are so many others to worry about!”
“I know, but at least I have proof that news of my identity has spread to the villagers. Rachel the healer came up to tend two wounded travelers, and she knew our secret.”
“Thank goodness!” Anne said as she began to eat her pottage.
“I can see Milburn’s plans for me.”
Anne gasped. “But I thought you said—”
“Nothing villainous,” Elizabeth hurried to assure her. “But he’s finding every reason to keep me from you. That is why I’m so late. He had me tend the travelers, and then assist Rachel.”
“Travelers?”
“A bailiff and his clerk.” Elizabeth hesitated, and knew she’d made a mistake by the way Anne’s eyes sharpened.
“So what is so interesting about these travelers?” Anne asked.
“They were wounded by thieves,” Elizabeth answered, trying to sound indifferent. “The bailiff’s leg is broken, so they will be with us until Rachel claims them fit to travel.”
“I repeat, what is so interesting about these travelers?”
Elizabeth felt a fiery blush sweep over her face. “The bailiff…looked at me with interest.”
“As if all men don’t do that?” Anne said, the hint of a smile turning up the corner of her mouth.
“Nay, it was not the same. Noblemen look at me with a covetous intent—as a prize to win. Hence Lord Bannaster’s behavior.”
“Elizabeth,” Anne began gently.
“It is foolish of me to care, I know. I am already a betrothed woman, and I need not concern myself with such men. But Sir John—” she added.
“He is a knight?”
“Aye, with the body of a warrior.”
Anne sat back in her chair. “It is so?”
“I was forced to help Rachel,” Elizabeth defended herself. “I tried not to look.”
“But he was looking at you,” Anne said.
