Hugh sighed. ‘I see... And it seems that I have yet to convince you that I am nothing like your first husband?’
‘Oh, I know you’re nothing like him. I just didn’t get around to telling you about this place.’
Like so many things...
‘And now you don’t have to, Eleanor.’
‘No...’ She smiled hesitantly.
‘It’s fortuitous that I followed you here, then, is it not? Otherwise I would never have known.’ He glanced at her, watching her reaction.
‘I suppose so...not that I think you should skulk around corners watching everything I do.’
‘I’m sure you don’t,’ he retorted, but decided to change the subject...for now. ‘What has made you continue your family’s legacy?’
Her eyes scanned the garden before meeting his gaze. ‘My father always wanted me to continue the work he had established, and he taught me to take my responsibility and duty for our people seriously. Besides, I enjoy it. I feel I am being of some use.’
Hugh tilted his head slightly and regarded her. ‘They are lucky to have you.’
‘Yes, but it’s not enough. There are so many people like this, up and down the country, and far too few nobles who take their responsibilities seriously.’
‘Apart from you, Eleanor.’
‘And hopefully you too.’
He smiled ruefully. ‘I do wish to do more, and I will defer to you on this as my experience in these matters is limited. I’m only a soldier after all.’
‘No, you are so much more than that, Hugh,’ she murmured, looking away.
He swallowed uncomfortably and gave himself a mental shake. ‘I understand your concern, and it does you credit, but the kingdom at large is going through an exceptionally turbulent time. This is one reason we are venturing to Winchester.’
‘Yes—and yet with civil unrest and discord between King John and the Barons it’s the ordinary people who suffer the consequences. Especially with the King’s punitive taxes.’
Hugh inhaled sharply. ‘Eleanor, you should not be talking like this. It’s both dangerous and seditious,’ he hissed. ‘And you’re not in a position to blame or to pass judgement. You have no idea of the complexities of governance.’
‘I suppose I don’t—however, I’m not blind as to what is going on in the country.’
‘I didn’t say you were. I simply meant that no one should pass that kind of judgement. It’s not our place.’
She looked at him speculatively before continuing. ‘You can, though, Hugh...as Lord of Tallany.’
He watched her, his eyes narrowing. ‘What is it you’re trying to say, Eleanor? That I should turn traitor on my King, my Sovereign?’
‘Of course not. I mean that you have a voice, so use it. Use it for what is right and just.’
‘I may have a voice, as you say, Eleanor, but I am also sworn to my King,’ he said in a low tone.
He watched as she played nervously with her mother’s cross, the simple piece of jewellery she always wore around her neck.
‘Well, then he’s indeed fortunate to have a man as honourable as you by his side. But remember what you told me earlier.’ She took in a deep breath. ‘That we have to live with standards such as dignity and courage. You were right when you said that we could always do better. For me, that is all the work that’s being done here and elsewhere in Tallany.’ She flicked her eyes at him. ‘I hope that you know what it is...for you.’
How had she turned all this round on him? Yes, Eleanor might be right in that crippling taxes made life extremely hard, but with England’s coffers empty and the country on the brink of civil unrest with the Rebel Barons and the foreign threat from France, how was the kingdom supposed to govern and defend itself effectively?
Eleanor had started to walk away and Hugh caught her wrist and turned her to face him. ‘Yes, I do know,’ he said, scowling. ‘Why do you think I became a knight? Not to prove my valour, or for my own personal gain—even though I did want to make something of myself. No, I wanted to serve my King and country, Eleanor.’
She nodded. ‘That is admirable, Hugh, but ordinary people face the harsh realities of a life that you and I will never fully understand.’
‘How can anyone travelling up and down the kingdom fail to understand the misery people face? It’s something that I’m trying to readdress.’ His lips twisted. ‘And we all have to face the harsh realities of life.’
They stared at each other for a long moment before Hugh turned and walked away.
Chapter Fourteen
They had journeyed for almost two weeks, and had finally arrived just outside the walls of Winchester Castle. Before Eleanor had asked, Hugh had anticipated her request and directed their entourage to the river, allowing them all the chance to clean and wash away the road’s debris and dirt. She and her women were around the bend of the river, in a more private, secluded part.
Eleanor...
Hugh had purposely kept her at arm’s length, without inviting another exchange such as they had had over a week ago in Milnthorpe. There was still so much he didn’t understand or know about her. So much he was confused about.
He knew a few things, though. He knew he didn’t want to like her and he certainly didn’t want to desire her. He just wanted to be immune to her.
Hugh walked through the dense lush woodland, wondering whether Eleanor had finished her bathing. He tethered his horse to a tree and pulled back a branch. He glimpsed Eleanor in the distance, deep in the slow-streaming river that was edged by tall evergreens.
Her eyes were shut, as she savoured the delights of the cool water, and her hands ran through her wet unbound hair, and down over her shoulders. The sheer linen tunic she wore clung to every inch of her body. He stood transfixed, watching her bathe, his lips parted, his breathing hitched, knowing he should move...get far away from this enticing creature who had him spellbound.
No one except him
