Connie Mason (14 page)

When a light rain began to fall, Falcon returned to the keep. He had enjoyed the cool, damp air, but his brain
was still muddled regarding Mariah. He had made one decision, however. Naught good could come of making love to Mariah again. The farther he kept away from the countess and her lies, the better.

Whitehall, London

Osgood and Walter were kept cooling their heels in King Henry’s reception chamber for two days before they were finally granted an audience.

Henry glowered at Osgood through narrowed lids as his subject bowed and waited for the king to acknowledge him.

“I thought you were at Southwold,” Henry groused. “What brings you to London?”

“I am the bearer of sad news, sire,” Osgood said, assuming a gloomy expression. “Young Robbie of Mildenhall is dead.”

The king half rose from his chair. “Dead, you say? Did you kill him?”

“Majesty, you do me a grave injustice. I am not a monster given to killing children. The lad wandered away from the keep and was carried off by wild animals. That makes me Lord Edmond’s sole surviving heir.”

“Why did I not hear of the lad’s death directly from Mildenhall?”

Osgood shrugged. “They are still grieving, sire. Perhaps no one thought to inform you.”

Henry stroked his chin. “Sir Falcon should have notified me immediately. ’Tis not like him to delay news of such import.”

“Nevertheless, the boy’s death changes everything.
There is no longer a reason to stop me from claiming Edmond’s title and lands. Mildenhall comes to me by right of inheritance.”

Walter stepped forward. “I would ask a boon, sire.”

Henry waved his hand. “Ask away.”

“I wish permission to wed Lord Edmond’s widow.”

“Is the widow willing?”

Walter cast a sidelong glance at his father.

“Lady Mariah has little choice in the matter,” Osgood answered for his son. “If she does not agree, she will lose her home. Walter is willing to wed her despite her infidelity to my brother.”

“I will sleep on this matter and give you my answer tomorrow.”

“Forgive me, Majesty, but what is there to think about? The matter is straightforward. I am Edmond’s legal heir.”

“You dare much, Sir Osgood,” Henry warned. “Off with you now. My chatelain will admit you to my privy chamber tomorrow, after I have sorted through everything you have told me.”

Osgood was clearly upset as he and Walter bowed and left the chamber.

“Summon my secretary,” Henry ordered after they were gone.

He thrummed his fingertips on the arm of his chair as he waited. He would not take Osgood’s word without confirmation from Falcon, but if the young lad was indeed dead, Osgood’s claim was valid and had to be honored. As for Walter’s wish to wed the widow, he would leave that up to the lady. A widow was usually given more latitude than a young virgin in choosing a mate.

Henry’s secretary bustled into the chamber. “You sent for me, sire?”

“Aye, Becker. Has a messenger arrived from Mildenhall?”

Becker nodded. “Aye, sire, a missive from Sir Falcon arrived with his squire this very day. I intended to bring it to your attention following your audience with Sir Osgood.”

“You have it with you?”

“Indeed, sire.” He removed a rolled parchment from his belt and presented it to the king.

Henry read it quickly, spat out a curse and asked a guard to fetch Falcon’s squire. Jamie arrived shortly.

“You are Sir Falcon’s squire?” Henry asked.

“Aye, sire. I am Jamie of Dunhurst.”

“Very well, Jamie of Dunhurst. I need a few answers from you. When you left Mildenhall, how was Robbie of Mildenhall’s health?”

“Hale and hearty, sire. The lad was kidnapped by Sir Osgood but has since been returned safely to Mildenhall.”

“Did Sir Osgood bring him home?”

Jamie looked affronted. “Nay, sire. He was rescued by his own mother. I’m sure he meant the boy harm.”

“Thank you, Jamie. You may return to Mildenhall after you have eaten and rested. Before you leave, I will have a reply ready for you to carry back to Sir Falcon.”

The king was ready for Osgood the following day. A missive was already on its way to Falcon, and now he had but to dole out punishment to Osgood.

Osgood and Walter arrived at the appointed hour. By chance, Lady Rosamond happened to be in the privy chamber with several other ladies and courtiers when
they arrived. Since they were not asked to leave, they listened avidly to the conversation between Osgood and Henry.

Osgood wore a look of complete confidence when he strode into the privy chamber. He was convinced that naught stood between him and Mildenhall. All that Edmond possessed would be his, and Walter would have the woman he’d lusted after.

“Come forward, Osgood of Southwold,” Henry directed.

Beaming, Osgood approached the throne and bowed. Walter followed on his father’s heels.

“So,” the king intoned. “You are your brother’s sole surviving heir.”

“And after me there is Walter,” Osgood replied.

“Hmmm. Are you certain young Robbie is dead?” Henry probed.

“As sure as I am standing here, sire.”

“After you were dismissed yesterday, I received a missive from Mildenhall.” Osgood stiffened, his eyes sliding away from the king. “It appears the lad you claimed had been killed by wild animals is alive and thriving.”

Osgood’s face turned pasty white. “Nay, it cannot be! Falcon lies.”

“Many untruths have been told, but not by Falcon. The message bearer confirmed the little earl’s continued good health.”

“The little earl? Sire, surely you cannot mean that. The boy is a bastard. His mother cuckolded my brother.”

“If that were true, Falcon would have informed me of his findings to that effect.” He sent Osgood a stern look.
“Falcon wrote that you kidnapped the lad and carried him away from the keep in the dead of night.”

“The charges are false!” Osgood exclaimed. “Mariah has seduced Falcon to her will. Aye, the witch has taken him to her bed.”

“Do you know that for a fact, Sir Osgood?”

Osgood stammered incoherently, gesturing wildly as he searched for an answer.

“ ’Tis just as I thought, Sir Osgood,” the king said. “You are the liar. I know not why you reported the young earl’s death when you had no confirmation. Wishful thinking, perhaps?”

For once, Osgood was silent. He must have realized he was treading on dangerous ground.

“I have no doubt that you kidnapped the young earl, and that you planned his death either now or at some point in the future. Because you have fought bravely for England, I am inclined to be lenient this once. Your punishment shall be banishment from London. Return to your manor forthwith and tend to your own hearth and home. You are not to return to London or show your face at court until I deem your exile ended.”

“When will that be, sire?” Osgood dared.

“I know not. You will be the first to know when I do decide. Get out!”

A feminine voice rang out. “Sire, might I have a word with you before Sir Osgood leaves?”

“Lady Rosamond, can this not wait?”

“Nay, sire, I beg you to grant me a moment of your time. What I wish to speak to you about concerns Sir Osgood.”

The king gave a weary sigh. “Very well, you may approach and say your piece.”

Rosamond hurried forward, made her curtsey and said, “What I have to say is private.”

“Private, lady? More private than this?”

“Aye, sire, I beg your indulgence.”

Henry glanced about the crowded chamber and ordered everyone out but Sir Osgood and Walter.

The chamber cleared quickly.

“What is it that must be said in private, and how does it concern Sir Osgood?” Henry asked curtly. “Keep in mind that I have little patience for frivolous matters.”

“Have you found an heiress for Sir Falcon to wed?”

“I have several in mind but lack the time to pursue the matter.” He eyed her narrowly. “What are you getting at, Lady Rosamond?”

“I am an heiress and a widow, sire. If you recall, my husband died serving England. I have both wealth and extensive lands that came to me upon my mother’s death. Once my father passes on, his title will die with him, for there are no male heirs. If Falcon is looking for a title, he would be the logical choice to become Earl of Norwich once he becomes my husband.”

“The prospect of wedding you to Falcon does have merit,” Henry agreed. “You were betrothed to Falcon before he lost his memory, were you not?”

“Aye, sire, so our marriage makes perfect sense. When do you expect Falcon to return to London?”

“His missive indicated that he has no plans to return any time soon.” He slanted a look at Osgood, who was too far away to hear. “Falcon fears that leaving Mildenhall and the young earl unprotected will invite trouble. He will return once he is certain Osgood no longer presents a danger to the boy and his mother.”

“I heard what Sir Osgood said about Falcon and Mariah of Mildenhall becoming . . . close. If I am to become Falcon’s wife, I should like to go immediately to Mildenhall and apprise him of our betrothal. Since Sir Osgood is traveling in that direction, perhaps he could escort me to Mildenhall.”

The king considered Rosamond’s request carefully. “I have no intention of forcing Falcon into a marriage he does not want. He has served me too well for that. But if he agrees to the match, it could prove advantageous for all.”

“Does that mean I have your permission to travel to Mildenhall?”

“Aye. Are you sure you wish to travel in Sir Osgood’s company?”

“If you charge him with my safety, I’m sure he will be most careful of my person lest he anger you more than he already has.”

“You have the right of it, my lady. I will not be lenient if he offends me again.”

Henry motioned Osgood forward. “Sir Osgood, Lady Rosamond has need of an escort to Mildenhall. Since it won’t be too far out of your way, she has asked to be allowed to travel with you and your party. I promised Falcon an heiress, and Lady Rosamond has suggested herself. Since I have no objection, Lady Rosamond wishes to reach Mildenhall as soon as possible.” He sent Osgood a stern look. “See to it that naught happens to her along the way.”

“Thank you, sire,” Rosamond simpered.

“Give Falcon my best,” Henry said, happy to solve two
problems at one time. He waved them off. “Go, then, all of you.”

Osgood and Walter bowed themselves out of the chamber. Once in the main reception hall, they turned and headed for the door, anxious to leave before the king changed his mind and levied a stiffer punishment.

“Sir Osgood, you are going too fast!” Rosamond chided. “I cannot keep up with you. Do you plan to leave London immediately?”

“ ’Tis what Henry wishes.”

“My trunk is packed. I have been waiting for the right moment to seek the king’s permission to travel to Mildenhall. I will have my trunk placed in a cart and fetch my maid. One of your men can drive the cart for me so that I may ride my palfrey.”

“Why do you wish to wed Falcon after I just informed the king of his involvement with Lady Mariah?”

“I was betrothed to Sir Falcon before he lost his memory. When he did not show up for our wedding, Father wed me to Sir Albert. My husband died over a year ago in France; when I learned the king was seeking a wealthy bride for Falcon, I wanted him for myself.”

A sly grin spread across Osgood’s face. “You want Falcon, do you?”

“Aye, and I think he still wants me despite taking Lady Mariah for a lover.” She preened for Osgood’s benefit, showing her charms to best advantage. “I can offer Falcon wealth and land and much, much more.”

“I would be happy to give you escort, lady. If you can pry Falcon from Mariah’s clutches, perhaps she will turn to Walter for solace.”

Mildenhall

When Jamie returned from Whitehall with the king’s answer to Falcon’s missive, Falcon wasn’t pleased with Henry’s leniency regarding Osgood and his son. With Osgood still on the loose, Falcon could not leave Mildenhall vulnerable to the villain’s plotting.

Robbie was a small child, and Mariah hadn’t the experience to handle Osgood and Walter should they decide to ignore the king’s decree and attack Mildenhall. Sir Martin was loyal, and so were the castle guardsmen, but too few knights remained to defend the keep should Osgood launch an attack.

In his letter, the king had given Falcon permission to remain at Mildenhall for the time being. He decided he would do so.

In order to keep himself occupied and his thoughts from dwelling on Mariah, he began training with his men. He saw Mariah only in passing and at the evening meal, which was fine with him.

During this time, Falcon decided to question the priest and Edmond’s personal servant concerning Edmond’s ability to sire a child during his extended illness. The priest had been evasive, and so had the servant.

After mulling over the situation, Falcon abandoned his investigation. He saw no point in proving or disproving Robbie’s legitimacy, for the lad had become the new earl by default. If Falcon continued this line of questioning, he realized, he would be doing Robbie a grave disservice. As for Mariah, his feelings remained confused. Though she had lied to him, used him to suit her needs, he still wanted her.

Falcon was in the courtyard one misty day when a guard alerted him to visitors approaching the castle. Curious, Falcon walked to the portcullis and peered through the bars. Since casual travelers rarely came this way, he couldn’t guess who the visitors might be.

“ ’Tis Sir Osgood and his party,” a guard on the wall walk called down to him.

The party reached the gate. “You are not welcome here,” Falcon announced. “I understand the king banished you from London and court.”

“Before I left London, the king ordered me to escort your lady to Mildenhall,” Osgood replied.

“My lady?” Falcon repeated.

Lady Rosamond detached herself from the main party and rode forward. “Greetings, Sir Falcon,” Lady Rosamond said. “I hope you are as pleased to see me as I am to see you.”

“Rosamond!” Falcon gasped. “What brings you to Mildenhall?”

“You do, Sir Falcon.”

“Behold your betrothed,” Osgood crowed.