April Munday by His Ransom Page B

him, carefully looking only at his face. He was breathing heavily as if the effort of climbing the stairs had wearied him. She, in turn, was finding it difficult to breathe. She was also warm, as if taken with a fever.
    “You look tired. You did not sleep well?” She was surprised, but gratified by his concern. His voice was softer than usual.
    She sighed, glad to think about something other than his naked torso. “I worry about my father’s people. It is a heavy charge. I should not like any of them to suffer because of me.”
    He nodded. “You worry that Sir Walter will harm them.”
    “They were so slow yesterday,” she said pensively. “I am sure that he will capture some and hold them to ransom.”
    He frowned. “Does he know you so well, Rosamunde?” She was taken aback. There was an accusation in his voice and the gentleness was gone. She took a step away from him. “Yes. He has been a frequent visitor while my father has been away. Guy has always been with me, but I have to be hospitable to a guest.” She felt strangely defensive, but she had always been careful to make sure that she had done nothing that could not be related to her father or Simon on their return.
    “He has been spying out the castle’s weaknesses in case anything should happen to your father or Simon.” He seemed saddened rather than surprised at her stupidity. “He has been preparing for this for a long time.”
    She gasped. “Surely not!” Neither she nor Guy had suspected a thing, but then, neither of them practised deceit and neither possessed a particularly suspicious nature.
    “It is no less than I should have done in his place,” he said in a slightly more conciliatory manner.
    Rosamunde was shaken and felt faint. That someone should be so taken by desire that he could do such a thing! Then she realised what Richard had said. He understood Sir Walter; he would have done the same thing. How little she knew of Richard. Guy had been right; she should be on her guard against such a man. She must have swayed for she felt Richard’s hand at her elbow. “Are you well, Rosamunde?” She felt his breath on her cheek as she turned slightly towards him.
    Her lips curled, but it was not to smile. “I slept little and now I find that I have aided my enemy. No, I am not well. I am not managing this well.” She did not mention that she felt dizzy and was grateful for the support his hand provided.
    Richard made a formal bow, although he kept a tight grip on her elbow. “My lady, you are doing very well in your father’s absence. Few men could do better. You are right; The demands of hospitality have to be met. You cannot be blamed if Sir Walter does not live and fight within the rules. He thinks to come against an unprotected woman, but he will find that he has made a mistake and you are very well protected.”
    This time her smile was real. “Do you think so?” She looked eagerly into his face and was rewarded with a rare smile that made him seem even more attractive.
    He nodded and gripped her elbow more tightly, his expression becoming grim once more. “Do not fear, Rosamunde. He will not get close to you. Thomas, Guy and I will die before that happens and each of us is a match for Sir Walter.”
    “No!” she protested before she knew what she was doing, reaching her hand up to his chest to admonish him, then pulling it back as she felt his warm flesh. “I would not have any of you die for my sake.” She pulled away from him and the sudden movement made her dizzy again, but he did not seem to notice.
    He looked confused and turned his face away from her. He gathered himself and put the whole force of his attention on her. “But surely, you realised that that was why I was sent here. Your father would rather that a French cripple died before his trusted retainers.” He spoke of his death as calmly as if he was discussing the planting of the fields.
    Now it was Rosamunde’s turn to be confused. “But…” Then her mind