Page 24 of Her Noble Groom
Chapter nineteen
B uilt high on the rocks, the imposing castle of Mont Orgueil glistened in the afternoon sun.
James rubbed his hands and stamped his feet, trying to stave off the chill as he waited on the bailey.
Although it was a bit disconcerting to stand beneath the murder holes, the high stone walls protected him from the brisk winds off the water.
Nothing about this journey had gone as planned.
Yesterday, he had accompanied the de Carteret family across the isle to attend an Easter celebration at Rozel Manor.
During dinner, the captain of the French garrison and his henchman arrived unexpectedly, then demanded all the guests join them today for dinner.
Hence the original plan to return to St. Ouen this morning had been delayed until this afternoon. Now, the sun hung low in the western sky with no hint that the dinner would soon be over, meaning they would not reach home until after dark.
He sighed, and returned to the bench he had occupied earlier.
Opening his pouch, he withdrew a block of wood and resumed whittling a whipping top for his younger siblings.
But it was hard to concentrate, knowing the pirate was chained in the dungeon just a stone’s throw away.
As long as the man remained locked away, Thomasse was safe.
And if justice were done, he would never draw another breath of fresh air.
James had just finished carving the groove for the leather cord when a soldier appeared, signaling for him to saddle the horses.
Slipping the toy and knife back into his pouch, he hurried to the stable and retrieved the horses. The mood of the family was pensive as they departed through the castle gate and turned onto the road leading west. James rode at the back of the party with Philippe, who was unusually quiet .
The sun sank behind the hills, and streaks of purple and orange peeked through the darkened clouds. “Beautiful sunset,” James said.
Philippe blinked, as if pulled from deep thought. “I did not notice.” Silence stretched between them again until Philippe blurted out, “James, they let the pirate go.”
A chill wrapped around his heart as he struggled to make sense of Philippe’s words. Surely he was mistaken. “How can that be?”
Philippe shrugged, looking a bit bewildered. “The Lady of Rozel pleaded for his release.”
He fell silent again.
James pondered the news. Nothing made sense.
What reason could the lady have to plead for mercy on behalf of such a vile man?
And what of Thomasse? Although, she had made clear she was not his responsibility, this new information changed everything.
Her personal safety could be at risk. He faced a dilemma.
Should he warn her and risk her living in fear?
Or hold his tongue? After all, there was no logical reason for the man to sojourn across the isle.
“How do I tell Thomasse?” Philippe asked.
“Do we need to?” James asked. “He would be a fool to return to St. Ouen.”
“Perchance you are right,” Philippe replied.