The words that came to mind to comfort Graham seemed wrong, trite, useless. For brothers who stood by each other, it was the first time in his life he wanted to be far away from everyone. That was when he began to travel the archery tournament circuit. But that didn’t change how he felt about his brothers. He would do anything for them.
Isla. Donald loved his new younger sister and teased her until they both cried from laughing. Their conversations were always charged and playful. But he failed his brother when she died, and that guilt still haunted him.
“You are deep in thought.” Andrea stood at his side.
He froze as much from her interruption as from realizing he hadn’t heard her approach. Better to put his remorse someplace deep inside for another time.
“I don’t have a deep thought in my body,” Donald said.
“Who is Isla?” she asked.
The muscles along his jaw tighten and flexed as he stopped himself from responding.
“I’m sorry. You said her name and I… I should go.” Andrea turned to leave.
He touched her arm and stopped her.
“Graham’s first wife, Isla, died with their baby in childbirth.” His voice was flat without any emotion.
“I’m sorry.”
“I was here while Charlotte, Isabella, and Jeanne Marie put flowers on the graves. A memory was loosened. Like Hugh, I thought Graham would never recover. But fortunately, a new love, Isabella, came into his life.” He ironed out the wrinkles in his brow and faced her. She was a sorry sight standing next to him, at a loss for words. “Please, don’t fret. It happened a long time ago. Now, enough about the past. Did you want to speak to me?”
“Yes,” she said looking out at the river. “Are you really going to Amiens?”
“I told Hugh and Charlotte I would.” The pain of a few heartbeats ago had already subsided. He was glad she sought him out. “I am a man of my word.”
“Yes. I’m sure you are.” She continued to stare at the river. “Do you think your friend the bishop can help?”
“I hope so,” Donald said offhandedly, his face blank of any expression.
“It isn’t a very long journey to Amiens by carriage, three, maybe four days at most.”
He smiled to himself. Her quest and his journey took them to the same place and family. With her uncle leaving for Paris in the morning, he anticipated she’d ask to join him.
“I imagine you’ll be happy to return to Paris after being in the desert and bringing the fallen soldier home.” He observed her reaction from the corner of his eye and wasn’t surprised. Her hands were clasped tight in front of her.
Finally, she turned to him. He didn’t miss the determined set of her shoulder or the anger in her deep brown eyes.
“I’ll make it worth your while to take me with you.”
He gaped at her before he gave her his best devilish smirk.
“No… not that.”
Donald smiled as her face flushed a beautiful shade of deep pink and she turned away from him. The woman was wonderful when she was angry. All that temper and fight.
Andrea took a calming breath. Donald had to take her with him. Her uncle would never agree to let her go on her own. The trip to Tunis with him was to their mutual benefit. The journey to Troyes was at her request. She was grateful, but Amiens. Amiens was her goal.
With a deliberate, casual movement, Andrea turned and faced Donald. His expression hadn’t changed. His face shone with that smirk that made her insides tingle. She took a deep breath.
“You should be careful what you offer—”
“I—” she started to say.
He held up his hand to ward off her words.
“No, don’t interrupt. You are a beautiful, intelligent woman. And somewhat naïve.”
She gave him a hostile stare and forced herself to listen.
“If you intend to pay me, then say what you mean.” His voice was soft and caring and set her at ease.
“I’ll pay you in coin to escort me to Amiens.”
“And then what? Do I bring you back here or take you to Paris? What happens if you find your journey takes you somewhere else? Am I to leave you in Amiens or find you an escort?”
She looked at him in a new light. “I didn’t think of that.”
“No, you didn’t.” He took her hand and strolled down to the vineyard among the rows of grapes. “You are fortunate I am trustworthy and honorable. But more to the point, I am going to Amiens without any pressing business afterwards.”
“You’ll accompany me?” Andrea wanted to kiss him but refrained.
“You must convince your uncle.”
“You can leave Uncle Claude to me.” A big smile spread across her face. That was easier for her than Donald thought. Her uncle had told her all about the handsome Lord Donald Eden who he had come to rely on. She had suffered through days of him telling her about Donald’s wit, business insight, and how trustworthy and honest he was. Uncle Claude could not say no.
They made their way back to the chateau.
Donald opened the gate and let Andrea pass into the garden.
“Did you enjoy your walk?” DuClare asked.
“Yes, Uncle. If you’ll excuse me. I need to wash up.” Andrea hurried into the house without a backward glance.
“It was a lovely walk,” Donald said. The little devil. She had left him to speak to DuClare. “Your niece is quite persuasive.”
“She asked you to escort her to Amiens.” DuClare was chuckling. “Oh, please. As soon as Amiens became of mutual interest I knew Andrea would seek you out.”
Donald raised his eyebrow. “She didn’t disappoint you.”
“You will escort her? Good. Just be aware, my friend. Andrea can be very… impulsive.”
Donald looked toward the house. “I must go to Amiens to fulfill Maurice’s task.”
“Must you?” DuClare’s eyes twinkled. Donald dismissed the insinuation.
“Andrea thinks she will go to Amiens and find what she’s looking for. I asked her what would happen next. She had no idea, but I do.
