The Silent Touch of Shadows Read Free Page B

think to ask a lady such a thing.
    ‘No, I thank you, sir. I am enjoying my walk. Truly, it’s not far.’ Although her voice sounded far from convincing to her own ears, she resolutely ignored the chafing of her dress against the sore welts across her back. Likewise, she did her best to ignore the sea of mud in which she was standing. The offer of a ride was most tempting, but she couldn’t possibly accept.
    She managed an awkward curtsey intended as a dismissal, but when she straightened up, the riders hadn’t moved an inch. The golden-haired one was staring at her with a thoughtful look in his eyes. Perhaps he wasn’t used to having his invitations refused, Sibell thought. Most ladies would likely have jumped at the chance to ride with him, but not her. I dare not. She flushed again and looked pointedly at the ground, waiting for their departure.
    ‘Oh, I see what the problem is,’ she heard him say smoothly. ‘I haven’t introduced myself and of course no respectable lady can ride with a stranger.’ Against her better judgement she looked up as, half-standing up in the saddle, he bowed to her. ‘I’m Sir Roger of Langford and this is my squire, Hugone.’ He indicated the second rider, a gangly youth with straight, dark hair whom Sibell had almost forgotten. The squire had faded into insignificance next to his master, but she now saw he was goggling at her with his mouth open. He blushed at the introduction and bowed low over the neck of his horse.
    She inclined her head in his direction before dropping another curtsey to his master. ‘And I am Sibell of Ashleigh, but   …’
    ‘I won’t listen to any refusals, mistress.’ The knight held up his hand to stop her from arguing. ‘My conscience will not allow me to leave a lady by the roadside, alone and unprotected. These are dangerous times,’ he added, unconsciously echoing her earlier thoughts. His tone was haughty now, that of a man used to having his orders obeyed, she guessed.
    But conscience? Sibell doubted very much he possessed such a thing and the only person she needed protection from was him. She was about to say so when she noticed a distinct twinkle in his eyes. Could he be laughing at her? She tossed her head and drew herself up to deliver a scathing retort, but he forestalled her once more.
    ‘As you see, you are suitably chaperoned by Hugone, who wouldn’t dream of allowing a lady to come to any harm.’ The young squire cast a look of confusion at his master, who ignored him and continued. ‘So let us be off, for I have urgent business with Sir Gilbert Presseille at Idenhurst.’ Sibell’s protest was cut short by another devastating smile and she found to her consternation that her mind had stopped functioning. The intended reprimand died on her lips.
    Sir Roger had thrown down the gauntlet of a challenge. He stretched out his hand peremptorily, daring her with mischievous eyes to refuse once more.
    Rebellion suddenly stirred within Sibell and a treacherous voice in her mind asked, ‘Why shouldn’t I ride with him?’ Hadn’t she vowed to fight her father with any means at her disposal these last few days? She must have paced her bedchamber a hundred times at least, cursing him and his edicts. Well, here was her chance to defy him.
    Her mind made up, she put her small hand in Sir Roger’s large one without further hesitation. She felt the strength of his fingers as he pulled her up behind him. She was lifted effortlessly, as if she weighed nothing at all, and found herself sitting on the huge rump of his war horse. He nudged the destrier and the animal set off at a slow walk.
    ‘His name is Snowflake.’ Sir Roger patted the horse with affection as they ambled along the lane. ‘His white mane and tail and gleaming coat made it the only choice of name for him, so what could I do? I had to bow to the inevitable.’ The knight laughed, a rich, glorious sound that sent vibrations of pleasure shooting through Sibell. ‘It’s not