Knight Errant by Rue Allyn

cannot surmount the problems there.”
Nor deal with the lurking secrets
.
    “They are a great deal tougher than they appear.”
    “Aye, but even fortitude cannot defeat age and infirmity, to say nothing of angry weavers, religious persecution, and the war between Anjou and Aragon. My friends need my help, at least until others from Ghent can arrive.”
    “That is too bad. You travel with me.”
    Her heart sank as she all but abandoned her plan to leave him in Genoa, praying that he would not agree to the proposal she contemplated. He had been steadfast in his refusal to delay the return to England beyond what was necessary to gain her cooperation. “Come with us.”
    “I will interrupt my duty to Edward no more. Nor will I allow, you, Lady Juliana, to escape your promise to return to England with all possible speed.”
    She stood and smiled her challenge into his sea-deep gaze. “You will have to force me, for I made no such promise.”
    There! Now she would see how he dealt with the truth.
    • • •
    Eyes wide with anger, Robert stared at her. She should have been trembling with fear at the fury that blazed from every muscle and bone of his body. He was a knight, a man whose strength alone could frighten lesser men. Was she daft? Or did she suspect the cowardice that guilt bred in him? Could she somehow see the shame and doubt he hid from the rest of the world? He refused to confirm any suspicions she might have, deciding to keep her on the defensive.
    “I distinctly recall your vow to be a most cooperative traveler, if I should guide the caravan to Palermo.”
    “I have been cooperative.”
    “I have my doubts.”
    “Nonsense. Save for a few unintended delays, I have been all that is compliant, and I am still cooperating. I simply refuse to go back to England, since my path lies not in that direction.”
    Robert ground his teeth. “That was not what you meant, and you know it.” He could feel his temper rise more.
    “’Twas exactly what I meant,” she said.
    That cursed smile never slipped.
    She continued, “If you took some other meaning, ’tis not my fault. You should have asked for clarification.”
    “Your meaning was perfectly clear to me and still is. Edward is right to put you under a man’s rule. Until I can get you to England, that man is me.” He crossed the room, halting mere steps from where she stood. The urge to show her just how firm that rule was battled with the fear that he would do violence and hurt her. Or worse, lose her and all she represented forever.
    He smashed his fist against the chamber wall. The pain helped him regain his senses. Juliana Verault was never his to lose. “You will return to England!”
    “Not before I complete my work in Palermo.”
    It could not be this easy. Robert narrowed his eyelids, not wanting to give anything away. He had underestimated her before. He would not do so again.
    “So you vow to return with me to England, once the Beguines’ troubles with the weavers in Palermo are resolved?”
    “That, and after I have helped Berthild, Gretle, and the rest of the women coming from Ghent strengthen the safety and economic position of that beguinage. There, does that suit you?”
    He set his jaw in concentration. “Nay, you will return with me.”
    “I see no need to do so. You have made much of how eager you are to reach to England. Since I have vowed to go, you are assured of fulfilling your promise to Edward. You can safely leave for London and tell him to expect me anon.”
    Robert placed a hand on each hip, stalked toward her, and studied her face. She bore his scrutiny and revealed nothing. She was up to something, but what? How could a man tell what she was thinking when she wielded her cheer like a great sword? A sword that would destroy every hope he had of regaining the Ravensmere lands and leave him with nothing, not even a shred of honor or peace.
    • • •
    Juliana held her breath. She’d given him the illusion of what he wanted.