can be of help.”

It was on the tip of Justin’s tongue to ask Philip how he could possibly be of any help. It was ridiculous. Philip was accused of seducing his brother’s wife. If that wasn’t bad enough, he was in love with a woman whom he was unlikely to be able to marry. Although Justin was skeptical of Philip’s qualifications for helping anyone, the young man’s offer seemed sincere. For the first time Justin suspected Philip might be more than a reckless, charming youth.

“You were telling the truth, weren’t you, Philip? You weren’t intimate with Mariel.”

“No, I wasn’t.” The young man beamed. “You believe me. The only woman I ever lay with was Emma. It was the first time for both of us. It was rather awkward and amazing at the same time.”

That was a little more detail than Justin wanted to hear, but at the same time it confirmed his growing trust in Philip’s word. “I’m glad to hear that, Philip, but let’s keep that information between us. We still have to find out who was intimate with Lady Mariel. I’m not sure your presence will help with that task, but at least your brother will be unable to lay hands on you as long as you are with us.”

“I know it’s for the best that I get away for a while. But I hated leaving Lady Emma. She fears that we are destined to be separated, but I know we’ll be together one day. No matter how hard I try, I can’t convince her of that.”

Justin didn’t respond. Although he thought Philip’s optimism was sadly misplaced, he didn’t wish to be the one to say so. He looked back at Gilda. Although she had been watching them, she lowered her eyes when he turned. He could almost feel her pushing a wedge between them. Dressed as a lad, she didn’t look like a nun, but he suspected she was reminding herself that she was one. When she was talking with Lady Emma about her vocation, he could almost see her remembering why she had rejected the marriages her father had proposed.

The sun was high in the sky when they came upon a roadside shrine that was a popular resting place for travelers. The thatched hut that housed sacred relics was set back in a little grove, but there was a covered area beside the road where it was possible to escape the rain or sun while stopping for a meal.

It was Justin’s intention to ask the monk who tended the shrine whether he had seen Leonardo and Sister Freda. Unfortunately, there was a small party already occupying the open shelter. Justin didn’t wish to take the chance that someone would realize that the young lad trailing behind him was a woman, but before he could signal his party to keep moving, a familiar voice called to him.

“Lord Justin, is that really you? Wherever have you been?”

“Lady Placida,” Justin said, then nodded to the others in her party who had turned to see who approached.

“We were just remarking the other day that you hadn’t been seen at court for an age,” she continued. “There was much speculation about what errand the king had sent you on this time. I’m glad that we stopped for refreshments. Now I can report back to a certain person who expressed an interest in your whereabouts.”

Lady Placida was well known for circulating tales, and it occurred to Justin that he might not want to hear who was seeking information about him. Gilda and Philip had caught up to him and would be sure to hear everything she had to say.

“I’ve been away on assignment,” Justin replied, determined to say as little as possible about the nature of that assignment. “We have just stopped for a minute to speak with the local caretaker.”

Before Justin could move away to seek the monk, Placida spoke again. “Since you have been out of touch, I have news I’m sure will be of interest to you, Lord Justin. Lady Lilith is a widow again. Her husband had a hunting accident, and the poor man has passed over.”

The relish with which she told of his death was completely inappropriate. Justin was aware that Gilda, who already knew about his affair with Lady Lilith, had halted her horse just behind him. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he replied.

“I’m sure the lady needs cheering up. Will you be back to court soon?”

“No,” Justin replied as he got down from his horse. There was no point now in trying to rush away. He turned to help Gilda from her horse, then realized it would be inappropriate to help a young lad. Fortunately, she was already dismounting.

“We’ll stop for refreshments,” Justin said to Philip.

“We have plenty of provisions with us,” Lady Placida offered. “And there is a spring nearby. Perhaps your servant could fill a jug for us.”

It took a minute for Justin to realize that Placida was speaking of Gilda, and he couldn’t think of a reason to refuse her request. Placida’s traveling companions were two lords and another lady, and the lords were clearly above being ordered to fetch water.

As Justin was wondering if he should offer his services, Gilda, keeping her head bent toward the ground, snatched up the large water jug that Placida indicated and headed for the spring.

Philip, who had watched the exchange with wide eyes, said, “I need to stretch my legs. I’ll go along and have a look at the spring.”

Because Placida was watching Gilda move out of sight, Justin decided it best to distract her. “The death of her husband came so soon after their marriage. How is Lady Lilith holding up?”

Placida smiled at him. “I knew you’d be interested. Lilith is doing very well in spite of putting on a show of extreme grief. I suspect that she married the count to benefit her children.”

One of the lords laughed and the other woman giggled at Placida’s words. Justin was wishing he had an excuse

Вы читаете The Nun's Betrothal
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