My Lady's Guardian by Gayle Callen Page B

people."
    "You've known them but a few short months. You cannot afford to trust them."
    After seeing Margery to the kitchens, Gareth returned to the great hall, where even summer could not touch the cool dampness. He sat in a chair before the hearth and absently accepted a tankard of ale from one blushing maidservant, then refused an offer of food from another. When they finally left him alone, he surveyed the room, seeing merely a few women cleaning.
    He tried to tell himself that he was angry, but what he really felt was—stunned. He could no longer deny that since the moment he'd arrived, he'd felt an undercurrent of attraction to Margeiy. When she had put her hand on his chest, it was a fire he had to thrust away before he was burned.
    There had been other unsuitable women he'd been attracted to. He'd always overcome such a dangerous weakness, and this time would be no exception. He only bedded experienced women who
    expected nothing from him, not maidens with marriage on their minds.
    Another serving maid interrupted Gareth's thoughts, holding a shaking pitcher in her hands.
    "More ale, milord?" she asked timidly.
    The awe in her eyes as she filled his tankard made him wary, and he told himself it was only his face which caused her reaction. He didn't know how much longer his anonymity would last, especially when he was not hiding his name. He could only hope the story of Warfield's Wizard had not spread from the southern coast of England. Then every girl here would flee from him, and men would fear him.
    But why was he having visions at all? Before he'd found Margery, he'd often gone months feeling normal, with no clue of the future. Now in a span of weeks, he'd felt and seen too many things that made no sense.
    He could tell Margery was in danger, but what could he make of the vision today? His frustration and anger mounted.
    As another maidservant began to make her approach, Gareth quickly left the hall. There was only one place to go when he felt his emotions ready to erupt.
    The tiltyard took up half of one side of the inner ward. Dust rose in hazy clouds as the packed earth was trampled by horses and men. Troops of soldiers practiced archery and sword-fighting, or took turns riding low over their mounts, trying to jab the quintain with their lance. Overall, he thought they showed much promise, especially with someone as skilled as Wallace Desmond to guide them.
    Desmond himself sauntered over a few minutes later. He was coated in sweat and dust, but looked quite pleased with himself. He waved at the dairymaids who'd gathered to gawk and giggle.
    Gareth linked his hands behind his back, finding his frown hard to keep." 'Tis a good thing I don't feel any guilt for making you take this position."
    "Well, you should feel guilty," Desmond said. "While you have a private chamber, I'm sleeping in the barracks."
    A young man wearing an overlarge plated brigantine ran toward them. "Excuse me, Sir Wallace, but we could use your help with the archers."
    "In a moment, lad." Desmond watched the man bow and walk away." That was the captain of the guard just yesterday."
    " 'Tis rather amazing their mistress hasn't been hurt before now."
    "Did you know a man tried to capture her and her ladies in the woods just a month ago?"
    Gareth felt his stomach clench with anger—at Margery, he told himself. "She never told me."
    "Probably because before the man could do more than struggle with her, she kicked him between the legs and they escaped."
    Desmond grinned, but Gareth saw nothing amusing. "Are the defenses secure now?"
    "Yes. The gatehouse is never unguarded. But has she told you her troubles yet?"
    "Some, but not all."
    "And..." Desmond leaned forward.
    "Her problems are her own, and not to be bandied about the tiltyard."
    The smile left Desmond's face. "You think I would tell a woman's secrets to the world?"
    Gareth said nothing.
    "I know I'm not your friend," Desmond said coldly. "But I'm the only man here you can trust. How can