Page 31

Milburn arched a brow at her, his lips thinning. There was nothing she could do. She curtsied, preceded Sir John out of the chamber, and turned toward the tower with determination.

“Anne,” Sir John said from behind.

She ignored him and started to walk.

To her surprise, he caught her arm.

“Let me go,” she said angrily, trying to pull away. “He hasn’t told the guards yet. They’ll let me up to see my mistress. I can explain⁠—”

His arm slipped around her waist from behind and she sucked in her breath in shock as he pulled her against him.

Against her ear, he murmured, “Cease this foolishness. You will only bring more trouble down on yourself and your mistress.”

“But he’s not going to allow me to feed her!”

“For how long?”

“Today.”

“Will she starve?”

Reluctantly, she breathed, “Nay.”

“Then leave it be. Your mistress will understand.”

“She’ll be frightened and worried,” Elizabeth whispered, tears stinging her eyes.

He squeezed her waist gently and released her. She was left with the impression of warmth and now solitary cold. She hugged herself.

“Mayhap, but she would rather you, her dear friend, be safe.”

She turned around and looked up at him. “How do you know she considers me her friend?”

“Because of the way you speak of her. You were raised together. How could I not tell?”

He looked at her with so much sympathy that she wanted to cry. She wanted to break down and tell him everything, to lean on him for comfort and assistance.

And this shocked her, because she knew nothing about him. She stiffened and gave him a suspicious glare. “And why did you happen to enter the solar at just that moment?”

He grinned. “I was following you.”

“Following me?” She took a step back.

“I was practicing with my crutch, getting to know the layout of the castle. You walked by a corridor I was in and set down your tray in a corner, instead of taking it to the kitchens.” He shrugged. “I was curious.”

“And what else did your curiosity prompt you to do?” she asked with sarcasm.

“I listened at the door and overheard why you’re being punished. Your loyalty to your mistress is commendable, but⁠—”

“Your opinion does not interest me.” She whirled around and started to march away.

She could hear him following, his heavy step alternating with the sound of his crutch hitting the wooden floor. He kept up very easily.

“You’ll become used to how freely I offer my opinion,” he said. “We’ll be spending much time together.”

She gritted her teeth and said nothing.

“It will not be a terrible punishment, I assure you. I am not an evil master.”