Read Online Passion in the Blood by Anna Markland - Free Book Online Page A

“It’s as we surmised. How many days ago did they leave?” Hugh asked.
    Still the woman wouldn’t look at them. “Five. My mistress wanted them to delay, to give Lady Dorianne time to recover, but Pierre—”
    Dread washed over Robert. “Recover from what?”
    The woman dared a glance at him and clenched her fists. “Master Pierre whipped her.”
    Robert would have charged full tilt at the gates if Hugh hadn’t restrained him. He tasted bile in his throat. His body shook with rage. “He whipped her?”
    The woman looked at the ground, wringing her hands. Robert kicked over a camp stool then stood with his hands on his hips, facing away so the others couldn’t see his anguish. His gut tightened.
    Hugh turned to the woman. “We are in your debt. You have taken a risk to come here. If your master—”
    She looked up at him. “It’s not the master I’m most afraid of.” She fled the tent and disappeared into the night.
    Robert strapped on his scabbard and sheathed his sword.
    “What are you doing?” Hugh asked. “We aren’t leaving tonight. We’ll go at first light.”
    Robert wanted to protest, but his uncle was right. They would make better progress in daylight. He reluctantly put away the weapon and gathered a blanket around his shoulders. He eased off his boots and lay down on the camp cot, impatient for the night to be over.
    Hugh smiled. “Melton and I will check on the guard. Till dawn then.”
    “Till dawn,” Robert replied.
    ***
    Pierre de Giroux watched as the men from Montbryce rode away from his home at first light. He’d expected them to remain outside the walls for many days, clamouring for entry. Why were they hastening away? Was it possible they knew Dorianne wasn’t within? Had someone revealed her whereabouts? They’d ridden off in the direction of Montbryce, but beyond lay Avranches and Mont Saint Michel.
    Need he worry? Even if they discovered she was there, how could they possibly rescue her? Still the idea of Robert de Montbryce remaining alive to pursue his sister was more than he could tolerate. He hastened to the stables, saddled his horse and set off after them.
    ***
    The sun was setting as the castle at Avranches came into view. The Montbryces had ridden hard and made good time. They slowed their weary mounts, not wishing to alarm the guards.
    “Someone is following us,” Hugh observed.
    Robert didn’t look back. “I’m sure it’s Pierre de Giroux. He’s been behind us since we left their castle.”
    Hugh shook his head. “At least we know we’re on the right track. Will he have the temerity to enter the castle?”
    Robert shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s hard to predict. Perhaps a Giroux doesn’t need to be blinded to go mad?”
    They satisfied the gate sentries and rode into the bailey. Stable boys took their mounts and the castle’s steward came to greet them. “ Mes seigneurs Montbryce, I’ll inform the Comte of your arrival.”
    Hugh inclined his head in acknowledgement. “ Merci . We beg the favour of hospitality this evening, and would hope to speak with the Comte .”
    The steward nodded. “Of course. Montbryces are always welcome here. The Comte is in the Hall. I’ll guide you there and then see to your chambers.”
    Robert held up his hand. “We can find our own way. I know this castle almost as well as I know my own. I’m sure the Comte would not object. He and my father, the Earl of Ellesmere, are old friends.”
    The steward seemed reluctant, but left them to walk to the Hall alone.
    D’Avranches rose when they entered and beckoned. “The Montbryce clan! Enter. Be seated. A tankard of ale?” He banged his own on the table.
    Hugh shook the Comte’s hand. “Ale would be welcome. We’ve had a dusty ride,” he replied.
    D’Avranches snickered. “So I see. What brings you here?”
    Robert and Hugh exchanged glances. D’Avranches likely suspected the reason for their visit. Nothing happened in his territory without his knowledge. It was