The High Sheriff of Huntingdon Read Free Page A

most ch armin g,” she said. She turned to her father, who was surveying their host with doubtful eyes. “You needn’t worry about me, Father. Since you saw fit to marry me to the sheriff I’ m sure I’ll be well provided for. Don’t delay your trip on my account. My sisters await you, and Rowena will want her dress back.” Destroying the dress had been her one victory, and she took pleasure i n it. Her siste r ’s vanity had been in full flower when Elspeth had left for the convent eight years before. It had probably reached un manageable proportions by now.
    She glanced at her father. She’ d been taught forgiveness during her years in the convent, s w e e t acceptance of a stronger force. Her father was looking miserable, guilty, and eager to escape, leaving his daughter i n the clutches of her new life. She wanted to kick him.
    She didn’t. Pulling her hand free from her new husband’s henchman, she crossed the few steps that separated her from her father and kissed his ruddy cheek. “Don’t worry,” she said in a low voice, “I imagine I’ll be fine.”
    Sir Hugh’s troubled expression lightened. “You’re sure , lass? I can always take you back.”
    “Could you?”
    He frowned, obviously irritated that she’d called his bluff. “Your husband is n ’t a man to be trifled with, I’ll warn you of that right now. Best learn to keep your eyes down and your tongue silent, or it will go hard for you.”
    De Lancey was beside her, taking her arm in his. “Have a g oo d journey, Sir Hugh,” he said i n a smooth voice.
    Sir H u g h opened his mouth to protest, then closed it again with a s i g h of defeat. “Take care of yourself, lass,” he said heavily.
    “That will be the sheriff’s job,”’ De Lancey said.
    Elspeth didn’t miss the look of acute dislike her father cast the handsome lieutenant. Her father was a simple m a n , accepting of most people. His dislike of De Lancey was both surprising and disturbing.
    She d i d n’ t have long to consider it. B e f o r e her father had l e f t the c a st l e she was be i n g led in t o the interior of the keep, through dark, odorous corridors lit w i t h greasy tallow candles. Two people accompanied them—a plump, sour-faced woman and an armed guard with a fierce scar across h i s face. Elspeth w a s n ’ t sure which on e was t h e more dangerous.
    They c l i m b e d forever, up the winding steps of t he tower. After the days in the carriage her legs wer e weak but not for anything w o u l d she allow her energy to flag. She didn’t want that mean-looking woman putting her hands on her. And for some reason she didn’t want to give De Lancey another excuse to touch her.
    They climbed until they reached the top. The door stood ajar on a large, cold chamber with an empty fireplace despite the e v e n i n g c h ill , a huge bed, a chair, and little else. The few wall hangings were torn and dusty, and the entire place was filled with cobwebs.
    “This is my husband’s bedchamber?” she asked with creditable calm, gazing around her.
    De Lancey and the soldier were a l re a d y at the door, l ea v i n g the woman inside with her. “You won’t be sharing your husband’s bedchamber,” he said. “Alistair t h o u g h t y o u ’ d be more comfortable up h e r e .” He let his g a z e drift around the unwelcoming room.
    She refused to respond to his mockery. “I’m certain I’ll e n j o y it here.”
    De Lancey’s b r i g h t blue eyes narrowed for a moment. “Someone will b ri n g you a meal. I don’t i m a g i n e your clothes will be of any use to you. That i s , if they’re all like the ones you’re wearing.”
    “I’ve been a holy sister for eight years.”
    De Lancey’s smile was charming. “You’re in for a rude awakening .”
    Elspeth stood very still as she heard the door close behind him. She heard the key turn in the lock. She could feel the woman’ s eyes on her, but not for anything would she allow her sudden panic to