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He was the one to take a step back, farther into the light, and she was grateful and disappointed at the same time. Why had she not seen the danger and moved first?

“Anne, I am still not used to this crutch. Forgive me.”

She could only nod as she licked her suddenly dry lips.

And he watched her do it, his brows lowered, his gaze intense, sending a strange thrill through her body.

“Know that if a soldier ever bothers you—or any man—come to me and I will protect you.”

He sounded so sincere that she had to smile. “Will you strike him with your crutch?”

He grinned. “It makes a good weapon.”

They stood there for a few moments, trapped in this strange intimacy. How could she know him for but a day and be so drawn to him? She might need to use his assistance, but she did not deceive herself that that was all there was between them.

Backing away, she murmured, “A good night to you, Sir John.”

“Pleasant dreams, Anne.”

She turned and walked swiftly away, knowing he watched her until she turned the corner.

Seven

John’s sleep was restless and filled with dreams of darkness and warmth and the touch of a woman’s soft skin. When he awoke at dawn, he cursed himself for his weakness. He had to remember that he would be married soon enough, that he could have his wife whenever he wanted her in his bed.

But he didn’t know Lady Elizabeth; Anne was the one he saw, the one he dreamed of, the one he followed like a sheep to his shepherd.

He saw her at mass that morning, then breaking her fast, but he came no closer, determined not to frighten her into avoiding him. She smiled at him once, hesitantly, and that would have to be enough for now.

The healer returned and pronounced Philip and him improving, though she said their facial bruises could frighten children. John received her approval to begin walking about more, and he took to the corridors in relief, while Philip went out to watch the knights and soldiers train. John needed to learn the layout of the castle, and he was certainly not used to sitting still.

He lost his way more than once, and servants pointed him in the right direction. As luck would have it, just when he decided to explore the base of Lady Elizabeth’s tower, Milburn was there, conversing with the two guards. The steward gave John an arched brow of curiosity.

John smiled and continued on past, speaking over his shoulder. “Just trying to get used to the crutch.”

But at least now he knew where the tower was. It would be getting Lady Elizabeth out of the castle that would prove most difficult.

* * *

When Elizabeth brought a tray up to the tower bedchamber, she found Anne munching on a piece of bread, reading a book.

Anne looked up and smiled. “I don’t know how you did it, but I am so thankful!”

Elizabeth frowned. “Did what? Bring you a meal?”

“But you already sent me a meal. Who did you get to climb to the top of the tower? Tell me you didn’t risk it yourself!”

Elizabeth set the tray on the table. Only then did she notice the unfamiliar basket. Inside were several more books, choice cheeses, dried fruit, and a stoppered bottle of wine. A parchment note read, “Patience.”

“I’m practicing my patience,” Anne said almost defensively as she lifted the linen that covered the tray. “But how can I be patient when this smells so good?”

“I didn’t send the basket,” Elizabeth said, her stomach clutching with anxiety. “How did it get here?”

Wide-eyed, Anne said, “It was lowered by rope from the top of the tower. It wasn’t ordered by you?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “You didn’t lean out and see who it was?”

“I tried! Looking up made me dizzy, but I don’t think I saw anyone. Wouldn’t they have signed the note if they wanted me to know?”