Justin was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed in front of him. He had watched Gilda’s handling of the reluctant patient and admired her skill. He knew it was his turn to employ his own skill and learn what role Philip played with Lady Mariel.
Pushing away from the wall, Justin decided on a blunt approach. “Your brother thinks you betrayed him with Lady Mariel. Did you seduce your brother’s wife?”
Before he could continue, Philip jumped to his feet. “No. Of course not. I already told you what happened between us.” He swayed a little from the sudden movement, and Gilda gently pulled him back to the bench. She kept her hand on his shoulder but removed it when Justin narrowed his eyes.
Philip lowered his head, covering his face with his hands. When he had recovered enough to look up, he asked in a calm voice, “Is that why Cedric has locked me up?”
His relieved manner puzzled Gilda. Perhaps Philip had been afraid his brother knew about his visit to Lady Emma. She wondered if Justin noticed the change.
“Your brother has become suspicious, Philip. You told him you went to the Convent at Saint Ives to persuade Mariel to return to him. Cedric now suspects that you went to see Mariel for your own reasons. When you wouldn’t tell the guards where you were going today, he assumed you fled because we were close to the truth and you were guilty.”
“I didn’t want to tell the guards where I was going. What right do they have to keep track of me? I don’t see how that makes me guilty of anything.”
Justin hoped to shock Philip into responding honestly. “You should know that when Gilda spoke to Lady Mariel, she expressed fear of being pregnant. Could you be the father?”
“No, I swear it’s not possible! If she said such a thing, she’s mad. I was a friend to her, nothing more. You have to believe me.” Philip turned from Justin to Gilda, appealing to her with wide eyes. “I swear to you that I speak the truth. I never touched Mariel in that way.”
“Is there another reason why your brother might be angry with you?” Justin asked.
Before answering, Philip bit his lip and turned his face toward the cell door. “I don’t know what you mean,” he said.
Interpreting his nervous glance, Justin went to the barred window of the cell and spoke to the guard. “Seek out Sister Freda and bring her here. Tell her that Philip has a cut that needs stitching.”
“I told you I don’t need stitching,” Philip complained when the guard was gone.
“You didn’t want to talk while the guard was outside the door. Now he’s gone. Talk to us,” Justin replied.
Nodding nervously, Philip glanced at Gilda, then began to speak quickly. “I know Lord Chetwynd saw me with Lady Emma this afternoon. No doubt he informed you I was there. I’m in love with Emma and have been since I was ten years old. That’s another reason you should believe that I never touched Mariel except as a friend.”
Justin stared at the young man who now appeared almost defiant. He had to admire his nerve, although it bordered on lunacy. “You must know that Cedric hopes to marry Lady Emma when his marriage to Mariel is annulled. Apparently, Lord Metcalf himself suggested the match.”
“Lady Emma does not wish to marry my brother. She assured me of that today. Her father waited until I was away, standing in for my brother at his wedding to Lady Mariel, before he arranged the match.” Philip’s voice became bitter as he spoke of Metcalf, and he kicked at the straw on the floor. “He knows I care for Lady Emma. It’s his way of separating us. I thought he was my friend.”
“Calm down, Philip,” Gilda urged him. “Your cut is starting to bleed again. Perhaps it’s best if you lie on the bench.”
“I don’t wish to lie down, Sister,” he replied, but he held a cloth to his bleeding jaw. “And I don’t need stitching.”
“We’ll see what Sister Freda says,” Gilda replied. “Tell me how you came to know Lady Emma.” She hoped to distract him and learn more about their relationship.
“I used to visit her father’s manor to see the horses and ask him questions about his years as a warrior with Charlemagne. Metcalf loves to tell tales, and I loved to listen. My mother died when I was ten, and Emma was kind to me. I grew up visiting them. Emma didn’t take my vows of love seriously until about a year ago. I think I wore her down.” He grinned at Gilda.
“I understand the lady is many years older than you, Philip. I wonder if it’s realistic for you to believe that she is serious in her feelings about you.”
He straightened his back at her question. “I am no longer a lad, Sister Gilda. She has shown me that she loves me.”
It was Gilda’s turn to flush red when she realized what Philip meant. He was a bold young man, and his passion was likely to earn him a great deal of trouble. She met Justin’s eyes. He raised his eyebrow at her obvious discomfort.
Although Justin was amused by Gilda’s blush, he was also worried by Philip’s boldness. “If your brother finds out that you’re involved with Lady Emma, you will be in great danger, Philip. I don’t know why he hasn’t already learned of your attachment.”
“When I was growing up Cedric encouraged me to spend time with Lord Metcalf. It was a way to keep me out from underfoot, I imagine. Because of our age difference, no one takes note of the time Emma and I spend together. As I said, I grew up in her company.”
“That may have been true, but Lord Chetwynd took note and was able to guess your attachment. It won’t be long before others notice as well. Especially if you continue to spend a lot of time alone
