Wildly Romantic: A Multi-Genre Collection Page 7

  “Ilisa.” Sophia’s reprimand only made Garrick smile as it reminded him of his own siblings. He couldn’t blame Lady Ilisa for her curiosity, or perhaps it was concern for her sister.

  “My current priority is our wool, and Berwick seems the best place to find a buyer.”

  “Not London?”

  “The merchants there refuse to be reasonable with their prices. That leaves us no choice but to search for someone who is.”

  The sisters shared a look that left Garrick wondering what silent message they were communicating.

  “Is the rain welcome or a hindrance?” Garrick asked, ready to move the conversation to a topic that didn’t involve him.

  “Welcome for the most part.” Lady Ilisa glanced up at the sky, studying the clouds. “Though if it continues it won’t be.”

  “Will you be home before dusk?” Sophia asked.

  “Aye, I will leave well before the gates to the city close.”

  “We’ll leave you to your work then. Don’t get chilled.”

  Garrick bid Lady Ilisa good day. She hadn’t smiled once the whole time he’d spoken with her.

  Both the sisters were in need of some lightness in their lives. Circumstances had not been kind to them of late. Unfortunately, his presence might only complicate matters for them, regardless of which side they were on.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “Do you know what he looks like?” Braden asked as he sat with Garrick and Chanse in the tavern later that evening.

  They were to meet the man to whom Garrick would pass information. If he ever discovered anything worth sharing.

  “I’ve no idea,” Garrick said.

  “We’re simply going to hope you realize who he is?” Chanse frowned as he lifted his ale to drink.

  “He has a description of me. When I see someone who might be him, I’m to make a certain gesture and see if he responds.”

  “It would’ve been easier if you had a vision of him,” Braden mumbled.

  Garrick shook his head. “I wish I could will a vision to come forth.” How often had he longed for some sort of control of his second sight over the years? Too many times to count.

  “We’ve been here for some time. Perhaps he’s already come and gone,” Chanse suggested.

  “Then I will meet him another day.” Garrick scowled, not liking the situation anymore than his cousins did. Yet what choice did he have? Without the contact, this mission would be a failure before it began. “While we’re waiting, I think it’s time to form a plan of our own.”

  “Good idea.” Braden held his gaze. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Mayhap we should split our efforts now that we’re familiar with the city,” Garrick suggested, his voice lowered.

  “I’ve already spent a fair amount of time at the stable. I think I’ve gained the trust of the stable master,” Braden offered. “With a bit of prodding, he might be willing to share if he knows of anyone causing trouble.”

  “I have spoken several times with the blacksmith and his apprentice. I will see what I can learn there,” Chanse offered.

  “And I’m hoping Lady Sophia will introduce me to the wool buyer in the morn. If we all continue making connections where we can, something of interest should cross our paths.” Though it was far from a solid plan, it made Garrick feel better that they were reaching out where they could. “We can’t ask too many questions else we’ll bring suspicion our way.”

  “That’s the last thing we need. We’ll proceed cautiously then.” Braden poured himself more ale from the pitcher on the table.

  “Places like the tavern might yield better results when we’re together, and it would be safer as well. You never know what a man might say after he’s had a few cups to loosen his tongue.” Garrick had high hopes that would prove to be true. “We’ll try other taverns too.”

  A thin man with dark hair and a full beard entered the tavern. His gaze searched the interior then met Garrick’s and held it. Garrick placed two fingers on his forehead and rubbed them back and forth three times. While the movement would raise no interest to the casual observer, it was the signal his contact had been told to look for.

  The man nodded and tapped his nose twice.

  “That’s him,” Garrick said in a low voice.

  “That was your signal?” Chanse shook his head. “It seems far too subtle to be sure.” With a sigh, he placed a coin on the table and slid it toward his brother.

  “The two of you wagered on this too?” Garrick asked.

  Braden took the coin with a smile. They all watched as the man made his way to a table a short distance away, greeting a few of the patrons as he went.

  “How are you supposed to speak with him if he sits over there?” Chanse asked.

  “Their association is to be kept secret,” Braden told his brother. “It wouldn’t work if they sat drinking ale together, now would it?”

  Garrick smiled at the disgruntled look on Chanse’s face. “He’s right. We’re to meet outside shortly,” Garrick added. “He’ll drink his ale then leave, and I’m to follow him.” That had been his instructions before he’d left home.

  “What do you want us to do?” Braden asked.

  “Wait here. If I don’t return soon, come looking for me.”

  “I can’t say I care for this. Doesn’t feel right,” Chanse said.

  “Had yourself a vision, did you?” Braden asked his brother with a grin.

  “I may not have the sight, but I have instincts.” His expression remained serious.

  “I appreciate that, and those are not to be ignored,” Garrick said. In fact, he wished he had a more well-honed instinct himself. “I will take extra care.”

  They avoided looking at the man until Garrick noted him rising from his table and moving toward the door.

  “I’ll return.” Garrick rose and followed the man out, glancing up and down the dark street to see where he had gone.

  A movement caught his eye two doors down. After another wary glance around, Garrick moved slowly toward it. This city was far from safe for an English knight during the day, let alone in the dark.

  “Good even.” The gruff voice came from the shadows.

  “And to you,” Garrick replied. The street appeared empty except for the two of them. The dim glow from the tavern’s windows barely penetrated the inky darkness of the night. He could make out the shape of the man but not his expression.

  “You are Sir Garrick?” At Garrick’s nod, he said, “You’re here to gather details that might be of interest to others?”

  “Aye,” Garrick confirmed. “You’re the one who might collect such information to share elsewhere?”

  “I am.” He stepped closer, sending a waft of air that reeked of onions and stale sweat toward Garrick. “Call me Iagan. What have you to report thus far?”

  “Nothing yet.” Garrick resisted the urge to step back from the unpleasant aroma. “I’m not convinced that an English knight will be able to gather much. Many of the people here are suspicious.”

  “They’re suspicious of the Scots as well. We’d be interested in hearing rumblings on either side.”

  “How do I contact you if something arises?” Garrick asked.

  “You don’t. I’ll be in touch now and again. Who were those men you were with?”

  “My cousins. Here to trade wool as well.”

  “I understand you’ve met Lady Sophia.”

  “Aye.”

  “And? Surely you’ve discovered something about her.”

  “I’ve discovered she knows nearly everyone in this city. Some seem devoted to her while others wish she’d leave.”

  “That’s all?”

  “What do you suspect her of?” Garrick wished for light so he could better read the man’s expression. From his tone, it almost seemed as though he believed Sophia guilty of causing unrest.

  “I merely think the Douglas family is a good place to start your search. They have more reason than most to plot revenge against the king.
”

  “Thus far, she’s given no indication she’d do such a thing. But I will continue to watch her closely.” While Iagan’s suggestion was logical, Garrick couldn’t imagine Sophia plotting revenge.

  “Very well. One more thing.”

  “What is it?”

  “Try to meet Sir Gilbert de Umfraville. He serves as the new governor of the city. It is unclear where his loyalties lie. While he has many English holdings, rumor has it he might benefit from Scottish rule.”

  “I’ll do my best.” But before he’d finished speaking, Garrick realized he was alone. Iagan had faded into the shadows.

  Unease filled Garrick. Perhaps Chanse was right—things were not as they should be with this mission. It seemed everyone was under suspicion. While Garrick understood and appreciated the need for secrecy, Iagan’s actions suggested the state of this city was even worse than Garrick had anticipated. He and his cousins would need to proceed cautiously.

  ~*~

  The next morn, Sophia left the cottage to begin her day only to find a man waiting outside in the shadows. For the briefest moment, hope spiraled through her as she thought it was Garrick.

  But nay. Sir Gilbert stepped into the light, sending a cold chill down her back.

  She shut the door behind her, wanting to make certain Eleanor did not know of his presence.

  Despite the fact that he was governor, he’d been gone for some time, and Sophia had gotten out of the habit of watching for him. He had several holdings and spent time at each of them. When he was in the city, he often sought her out at different places throughout the day. In truth, it made her uncomfortable as did finding him outside her door as the day began.

  “Good morn, Lady Sophia,” he said as he strode toward her, a smile on his lips. Tall and stocky with a confident demeanor, he was an intimidating presence. Gray peppered his beard and the hair near his temples. His appearance was pleasant enough to look upon but nothing about him appealed to her. Not to mention he was many years older than her.

  “And to you. I didn’t realize you’d returned to Berwick. What brings you by my home so early in the day?” She had yet to decide if his attentions toward her were because he cared for her or because he wanted to anger her brother.

  Sir Gilbert and her brother had been rivals since their youth, but that rivalry had turned to sworn enemies when William married the woman Gilbert had wanted for his second wife. When she’d fallen ill and died soon after their marriage, Gilbert had accused William of being at fault. Then William had been appointed governor of the city, a position Gilbert had wanted, and their hatred of each other had further heightened.

  An enemy of William’s was an enemy of hers, yet she couldn’t afford to anger Sir Gilbert. Walking this delicate balance made her ill at ease.

  Gilbert drew even closer, his hazel eyes studying her closely. “I haven’t seen you for some time. My duties have kept me far too busy of late.”

  She chose not to respond to that. How could she? His new duties were what her brother had done for years. What did he expect her to say?

  He stared at her, slow to realize his blunder. “You realize I am only serving as governor until someone else is appointed.”

  Did he think she didn’t know he’d long coveted the position? “Or until my brother is released and is appointed once again.” Not that she wanted William to serve as governor. But it angered her to see Sir Gilbert in the position.

  “Sophia, surely you realize by now that is not going to happen.” He shook his head as though surprised she believed such a thing.

  “Who is to say? Stranger things have happened in this city, wouldn’t you agree?” She started down the street, hoping he wouldn’t bother following her.

  “I agree that strange things have occurred in our city at least.” He dashed her hope by walking at her side.

  She glanced up at him, wondering to what he referred. Had something happened that she had not yet heard?

  He shook his head as though to clear his thoughts. “I came to see how you fare.”

  “I am well enough. Thank you.” The streets were still muddy from the rain, so she chose her steps carefully.

  He placed a hand on her arm, stopping her progress. “I’ve also come to ask you to reconsider my proposal.”

  She released a sigh. How many times must she refuse him? He’d pressured her to marry him within a fortnight after her brother had been taken away. While many had thought she’d agree, she’d resisted. Marriage might solve some of her problems, but marriage to Sir Gilbert created additional ones as well.

  Her need to continually search for ways to pay for food and their cottage would end. That would be most welcome as some days it seemed an overwhelming task.

  But Sir Gilbert had made no secret of his alliance with the English and took great pride in his English holdings. Her brother had consistently sided with the Scots, despite serving as governor for this town that sat so close to the border between the two countries. While William hadn’t been in favor of the alliance with France that had roused King Edward’s wrath, he had understood why the leaders of Scotland had decided to form it.

  Sir Gilbert hadn’t been so bold as to approve of the king’s method of teaching the Scots a lesson they’d never forget. Yet neither had he disapproved of it. His arrival to the city had seemed quite convenient, entering Berwick within a sennight after the siege. Just in time to pick up the pieces, including the governorship, as well as a few choice trade contracts.

  In truth, he’d benefited greatly from the attack. His enemy was gone, at least for now. And he’d gained financially. It all seemed suspicious to her.

  “I haven’t changed my mind. I won’t be marrying anyone at the moment. My family is my priority.” She bit her lip, hoping she hadn’t insulted him in any way. His anger would not aid her. As governor, he could easily convince the people in this city to refuse to do business with them, from the food they bought to the introductions Sophia made—it could all come tumbling down with a few words from Sir Gilbert.

  Nor could she marry him. He’d already had three wives. While they had all died from natural causes rather than suspicious accidents, their deaths still seemed odd to Sophia. He already had four sons, so he wasn’t in need of an heir. The only reason she could think as to why he wanted to marry her was to anger her brother.

  She couldn’t do it. The idea of spending her life with him was unbearable as was the idea of sharing a bed with him. Added to that was the knowledge of how upset her brother would be.

  Nay. No matter what Eleanor said, she wouldn’t do it. She was grateful neither Alec or Ilisa seemed in favor of it.

  Her best hope was to gain Edgar’s assistance by introducing him to Garrick. She’d already spoken briefly with the merchant to give him a description of Garrick’s wool and had answered his questions with confidence. She should learn later this day if Edgar was interested in speaking with Garrick. The merchant had wanted to think upon it before giving her his answer. In truth, she thought he simply enjoyed making her wait.

  Mayhap this very day she’d be able to bring the two men together. Never mind the idea of seeing Garrick lightened her heart.

  As she glanced at Sir Gilbert, she couldn’t help but compare the two men. While both were large, the similarities ended there. Simply holding Garrick’s gaze caused flutters in her stomach. Holding Sir Gilbert’s only made her want to step away.

  But she couldn’t forget that she didn’t dare trust either of them.

  “If we married, your family would be my priority as well.” He reached out to touch her cheek. “Your life would improve considerably. You could return to your home. The keep is in need of a woman’s touch.”

  She eased back. “As I’ve told you, I have no intention of marrying anyone at this time. Surely you can understand why.” Though she longed to be firmer, she held her tongue. Angering him would only bring harm. That she could not afford.

  “Actually, I don’t.” Emotion lit his eyes. Whether it
was temper or something else, she didn’t know. But she didn’t care for it. “It seems to me as if you’re being selfish. ’Tis obvious it would be best for all parties involved. Berwick needs stability above all else. A marriage between us would provide that.”

  Her heart sank. In truth, he had a valid point. A marriage between opposing forces was something that had been done since the beginning of time. Such an alliance would lay the foundation for peace in the future.

  She stared up at him, wondering if there was any way she could bring herself to agree to such a match.

  Nay. She knew in her heart he was not the husband for her. She’d disliked him even before she’d seen him kick a dog across their hall that had dared cross his path. Added to that were the times she seen him slap a maidservant and dismiss a child who had asked to touch his horse.

  It was all of those things and more. He wasn’t for her. Agreeing to marry him felt wrong in every bone of her body. Unless something happened to force her hand, she simply couldn’t agree. In truth, she was weary of duty guiding her every step. Fulfilling her responsibilities might not always be pleasant, but it shouldn’t feel wrong.

  “I appreciate your concern for the city and the many people who live here.” She bit her tongue before she could ask where that concern had been when King Edward had marched on the city. If Sir Gilbert had brought his men to help defend Berwick, the siege might have turned out much differently. “While you and my brother have long been foes, I don’t believe your rivalry has anything to do with the troubles in Berwick. I’m sorry, but I cannot marry you.”

  He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Soon you may not have a choice.” He gripped her arms and jerked her close. “In difficult times, all must sacrifice something.”

  Her heart thundered as she realized she’d underestimated his determination. “True.” She tipped her head back to hold his gaze, refusing to cower before him despite his painful grip. “Some have paid with their lives.”

  “We wouldn’t want that to happen to you or your family, now would we?” He pressed his lips to hers as though to force his will on her.