They had traveled in silence, the motion of the horse soothing them while the growing darkness seemed to wrap around them, protecting them from the rest of the world. The sensation was so private and glorious that Isabel wanted their journey to go on forever.
They had arrived at the convent much too soon to suit her. Although Chetwynd left her in the care of the women, she had been sure he would come by to see her. But perhaps she’d misjudged him, making more of his tenderness than he meant to convey. She pushed away the thought and concentrated on her memory of his body.
UPON THEIR ARRIVAL AT THE CONVENT, CHETWYND experienced a strong urge to ride away with Lady Isabel. The hour he spent holding her close was the most contented hour he had spent in a long time. Nothing else seemed to matter but the woman he held cradled in his arms. As long as he held her, Isabel seemed safe and a part of his life.
Although he hated giving up those feelings, he knew her injuries needed to be cared for, as she was both hurt and dirty. He would have preferred to tend to her himself, washing her body with warm water, feeding her some fresh fruit, and kissing her bruises. But he knew he had no right to indulge his fantasies. He had duties to attend to, and he could hardly deprive Marianna of the pleasure of nursing Isabel.
Chetwynd had reluctantly released his hold on Isabel, promising himself he would get to the bottom of the danger which had threatened her life, and might still threaten her. Once separated, he felt like a part of him was missing, the part that gave him warmth and contentment.
He consoled himself by turning to the other person he cared for and was concerned about. Like Isabel, Jerome was bruised and dirty, but he was also alert and hungry. It was quiet in the communal dining hall, as most of the nuns and their guests had retired. But food was quickly found for the returning men. Chetwynd and Ingram watched Jerome attack the meat and bread in front of him, while they picked at their own food, holding back the many questions they wanted to ask.
Finally, Chetwynd could no longer restrain himself. “Tell me exactly how you found Lady Isabel.”
“It was by chance, my lord,” Jerome replied, taking a long drink of cider to prepare himself to relate the story.
“From atop the canyon, I was looking for a sign of the outlaws when some movement on the opposite hill caught my eye. I crossed the river and climbed the bank. I was careful to circle far away and above where I saw movement, my lord. From there I worked my way along until I was above the outlaws. I could hear one of them talking to Lady Isabel, so I knew she was there.”
Once started, Jerome needed no further encouragement. “I planned to do what you said. Return to tell you.”
Jerome knew Chetwynd expected his men to follow orders. He rushed on. “Before I could get away, I saw one of the men was leaving. I didn’t want to meet up with him. I had found a hiding place, so I waited until he had a good start. By that time it had become dark. I was ready to leave when I heard something. I was afraid I had been found out. Imagine my surprise when I spotted Lady Isabel climbing toward me.” He shook his head as though he still couldn’t believe it.
“You already told us how she managed to free herself. Why didn’t you try to return then?” Chetwynd prompted.
“The outlaws were searching for her. I pushed her into the hiding place. The outlaws came nearby several times. We hid in the dark hole and prayed they wouldn’t stumble on us. They didn’t know Lady Isabel had help. Maybe they thought she fell in the river and drowned.”
Jerome must have observed Chetwynd’s involuntary grimace at this possibility, so he hurried on. “Lady Isabel knew better than to head for the river. We stayed hiding during the night, waiting for daylight. I would have returned as you ordered me, but I didn’t think it best. I’m sorry you had to be worried about her for so long.”
Chetwynd was aware that Jerome was watching to see what his response would be. “I was worried about both of you. But you did right, as I’m sure you know. To do otherwise would have put Lady Isabel in danger. No one with any sense obeys orders when it’s obvious that circumstances have changed. Now go on. Can you tell us anything about the outlaws?”
Jerome relaxed and continued. “They were dressed poorly, almost in rags. But I suspect that was a disguise. Their horses were tied outside the cave, and I saw that they were strong and in good shape. I crawled close enough to see that the saddles were of fine leather and well-made. I doubt they were poor men, my lord.”
“What about their age or other distinguishing marks?” Ingram asked.
“I didn’t get close enough to see the men as they retreated to a cave. Lady Isabel can tell you more. Nothing gets by her. She figured out the wine was drugged and didn’t drink it.” His eyes were shining with admiration as he spoke.
Then his face darkened. “The man who struck her did it before I got there. It’s a good thing I wasn’t there. I would have given myself away by rushing to her rescue as you
