Julie Garwood - [3 Book Box Set] Read Free

are dead.”
    Elizabeth continued to pace back and forth in front of the hearth. “I have made up my mind, Joseph. Tomorrow we leave for London and the safety of my grandfather’s home.”
    “And Belwain?” Joseph asked with hesitancy. A dread of what her answer was going to be made Joseph brace himself. He knew his mistress well. She would not allow Belwain acquittal for his evildoing.
    “I will kill him.”
    A log sizzled and a loud
pop
sounded in the silence that followed Elizabeth’s statement. A chill settled in the old servant’s bones. He had no doubt that his mistress would do as she said. Still, he had not explained all of his news, and bracing his leathery palms against his trembling knees, he rushed to finish the task. “Geoffrey’s men have Thomas.”
    Elizabeth’s pacing abruptly stopped. “How can this be? He is with grandfather by now. You saw him leave with Roland. Surely you are mistaken.”
    “Nay, my lady. I saw him at the castle with my own eyes. Thomas was asleep by the fire, but it was
him.
I had a clear view. Upon inquiry I learned that he is considered mute.” Joseph raised his hand when he saw his mistress was about to interrupt, and hastily continued the tale. “How he came to be with them I do not know. Geoffrey’s men will tell me nothing, but one thing is certain: they do not yet realize who the boy is, and he is being well cared for. Why, the one near death is the very one who saved his life, it is said.”
    “Joseph, you talk in riddles. Who is near death?” In her frustration, Elizabeth pulled at a stray lock of golden hair blocking her vision and swiftly brushed it back over her shoulder. Joseph in turn let out a long sigh and scratched his heavy beard before he continued.
    “Their leader took a blow to his head during the battle. They say he is dying.”
    “Why did you risk going to the manor, Joseph?”
    “Maynard the stable master sent word to me that Thomas was there. I had to see for myself,” Joseph explained. “When I heard that the leader of Geoffrey’s men was dying, I sought out the next in command. I thought of a rash plan and . . .” Joseph again cleared his throat before continuing. “I told them I knew of one well-versed in the art of healing and that I would bring this healer to tend their master on the condition that once he was well, the healer could safely leave. The lord’s vassal argued mightily over this, saying that he need make no promises, but I could not be budged, and in the end he agreed.”
    Elizabeth had listened intently to Joseph’s plan, and with angry words demanded, “And what if he does not mend, Joseph? What, then?”
    “It was all I could think of to get you near Thomas.Perhaps you can find a way to free him once you are inside. Do not frown so,” the servant pleaded. “Your mother tended the sick and many times I saw you accompany her. Surely you have some of her ways.”
    Elizabeth considered what Joseph said. Her stomach seemed to twist into knots as she worried over what course of action to take. Getting Thomas to safety was the most important issue. If Lord Geoffrey’s men learned of her brother’s identity, they would take him to their leader. According to the law, Thomas would be next in line to rule the manor, but he would be placed under her uncle’s care until he was of age. As Thomas’s guardian, Belwain would make sure his only obstacle to his position of power was removed. The law was the law.
    No, there wasn’t really any choice. “It is a good plan, Joseph. God be willing, their leader will mend. If not, we will have done all we can.” Elizabeth slowly made the sign of the cross, and Joseph quickly followed suit.
    “God willing,” Joseph repeated as a prayer. “God willing.”
    “I would prepare myself for the journey while you saddle my mare, Joseph.” A smile softened the command. Joseph immediately retreated, shutting the door firmly behind him. He rounded the hut and hastily readied the animal for