call me Alex.”
He was clean-shaven, and she caught herself staring at the way his lips quirked. Englishmen, even her father, wore beards. Until now, she had not realized how much emotion the facial hair hid from view.
“I am here to escort Lord Dumont and his family to London, where he is to greet King William. While the lord is away, I am acting in his place. I chose to ignore your questionable arrival when you were with fever.” He walked toward her with a decided prowl to his gait. “Now, I will wait no longer for answers.”
Isabel lifted her chin, willing herself to ignore the fatigue already clamoring for attention. “I have questions of my own.”
“I am sure. But first, Lady Isabel, you will explain to me why Matilde thought it necessary to hide your identity from me.”
“I know not.” Her gaze swept over him once more. “Perhaps she thought your intentions were dishonorable.”
A muscle worked in his jaw. “Matilde is extremely loyal to you, no doubt. I assure you, I am acting under orders from William himself. No harm will come to you or your family, but I expect your cooperation.”
She stiffened. “Am I a prisoner?”
“Non, not unless you refuse to cooperate. I only intend to be your family’s escort to London. How easy or difficult that is will be up to you. Now, please, sit down.” He gripped her uninjured arm gently above the elbow and led her to the chair. She finally sat, grateful for the reprieve for her tired body.
Alexandre took his seat across from her. “This is much more pleasant, is it not?” he said, seemingly oblivious to her hostility.
He thought he had won. She saw it in his twinkling ice-blue eyes. Well, let him think that. She was still in control of the situation despite whatever Alexandre might believe.
“You can speak French without even a hint of an English accent.” He inclined his head toward her. “I am impressed.”
“My father bade me and my brother to learn both English and French in our studies.” Her scalp pricked at the careful way he watched her. Very well, she would play the humble maid for now. She ducked her head and folded her hands in her lap. “What else do you wish to know?” she asked with false resignation.
Under the veil of her eyelashes, she saw him relax slightly when he decided she was not going to make a fuss. “To begin with, why were you away from home?”
“I accompanied some of our men to ensure our borders were safe.” That was true enough. She did not want to lie to the Norman any more than she had to. “There have been rumors of the Welsh making forays into England.”
“I see. How is your shoulder?”
“Fine. I thank you.” She did not appreciate the smug, self-satisfied look that had settled on his handsome face. She forced her attention away and concentrated on the harvest scene gracing the tapestries warming the walls of the room.
“I am amazed your father would let you become involved in such a dangerous situation.”
“My father was not here to let me.”
“And just where is your father? And your brother, for that matter?”
“My father was called away to fight at Stamford Bridge and has yet to return.” She looked him full in the face. “And I am certain you can guess the fate of my brother,” she said softly.
The Norman had the decency to look chagrined. “I know we fought against him at Hastings, but I know not if he survived the encounter. Has he sought to give you word?”
Isabel firmly shook her head.
“Even if he does live, he made no secret of his loyalty.” He paused, his gaze searching. “Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?”
She turned her head away for a moment, swallowing back the bile in her throat. Her fingers drummed against the keys fastened to her belt. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
“You say your father fought at Stamford Bridge. Believe you he went on to fight at Hastings?”
“Non.”
“Was your father loyal to Harold?”
“My father thought Harold a fool,” she said quickly. “Duty bade him to fight for Harold against Tostig and the Norsemen when the witan proclaimed Harold king.”
“If that is true, where is he? He has had over two months to return here.”
She shrugged. Her shoulder ached at the movement, and the sensation drowned out any attack of her conscience. “I wish I could tell you,” she said, trying to keep her features as neutral as possible. “He said he would come home after fulfilling his obligations, regardless of what else Harold would ask of him. The roads further north may be impassable, which could have delayed his travel here.”
He contemplated her for a moment, as if trying to make sense of all she told him. “How long will you need to make ready for London?”
“I, go to London? Impossible.” She shook her head. “I will stay here. I will tell my father of your visit when he returns. I am sure he will be eager to renew his acquaintance with William.”
He held up his large, thick-knuckled hands. “I must insist I stay here until he does so. I would feel accountable if anything were to happen to you.”
“That is unnecessary. I can run the castle on my own.”
Alexandre smiled like a man who just won a game of dice. “In your weakened state and the injury to your sword arm,” he said, gesturing to her shoulder, “you need all the protection I can offer. Besides, as I said, William included you in his summons to London, and my orders are to remain with you and your family until you comply. Now, I ask you again, how long will it take you to make ready for London?”
Isabel nearly shivered at his cold gaze despite the small brazier in the corner of the room. He was going to be harder to get rid of than she had originally thought. “Surely we will wait for my father to return?”
“Why, yes. I almost forgot,” he replied smoothly. He smiled at her again and rose from his chair. He gave Isabel a small bow. “My lady, you would honor me if you would show me your family’s home tomorrow. I am sure you will want to assure yourself that my men have not disturbed the castle during your illness.”
Isabel rose, stiff from sitting so long. The meeting was almost over, and her spirit was stretched thin, like an overworked piece of iron at the smithy. “Certainement,” she said, hating the suggestion and the thought of spending any more time in his presence.
Alexandre stepped closer. “My apologies for keeping you so late as you must still be weary. We shall continue this conversation tomorrow.” He walked to the door and opened it for her.
The doorframe wavered in the torchlight as she moved toward him. Almost there. She forced herself to take another step. And another after that. With a sickening lurch, the room shifted under her feet. Her breath stalled in her throat. The Norman suddenly surrounded her on all sides.
In the next instant, Alexandre’s
