Debra Kay Leland by From Whence Came A Stranger...

also.”
    The man looked up then and tilted his head eyeing William curiously before he spoke, “Who are ye really, that ye dare ask such things of the Earl?”
    William laughed and dropped his eyes, then lifted his cup as he said easily, “I am a simple knight, a gentleman farmer, a man who is favored… ‘tis all, Alden.”
    “I don’t believe ye are ‘a simple’ anything, English.”
    A coy smile drew across William’s handsome face as he sipped his cup.  “The reason is not important, Alden, only the fact that we shall have peace.”
    The older man nodded and held up his cup satisfied with the careful answers he’d been given from the honest man before him.  “Then to peace, English; come, drink to with me.”
    Wi lliam lifted his cup also and smiled…
     
    The two men continued talking while Miranda sat listening quietly.  She found it hard to believe that William was merely a simple man either, there was something about him that made everyone stand up and take notice.  Perhaps it was the way he carried himself.  Or maybe his handsome face and tall strong frame.  She wasn’t sure what it was; but there was something about the man that made people want to follow him and she liked that.  She glanced at him behind lowered lashes, enjoying the sight and sound of the man; his strong low voice made her heart skip a beat.  Yet, as he stood to leave he made no attempt to even acknowledge she was there, nor did he even look at her—it was enough to make her want to cry as she turned away fighting the tears that already had filled her eyes.
     
    William stood and turned with his host towards the door, from the corner of his eye he watched the girl, her mouth drew to a thin line and she turned away.  His heart fell at the subtle insult.  His hopes for gaining her favor seemed to slip away all within that simple look.  And then he went out the door without a second glance.  He’d been a fool to think so highly of himself that the girl might be as interested in him, as he was in her.
    Alden bid him good day and watched as he drove back down the path that led him towards the village.
    “Ye are a fool, an utter fool …”  He murmured to himself at the thoughts that swirled around his head as he drove on.  He had hoped that for all he had done, that he would have gained the girl’s favor, but… He scowled even harder at his lofty notations to win the girl’s affections; wondering what was he doing thinking of her anyway or even considering a wife!  He had no proper house of his own, and he couldn’t just ask Phillip and Thomas to move into the barn!  He shook his head again at the silly notion, well better he found out now before she knew his heart and told him plainly what she thought of him!  But despite all his reasoning’s, still her insulting look was felt deep within him.
     
    The next week was spent collecting firewood for the cold winter ahead.  The village now boasted three families, all of whom had escaped the night of the siege, and together with his men they had rebuilt their homes and stocked them with what was needful.  They would fare well in the cold months ahead—and if they did not, there were those around them now who could and would help.
    His work helped ease his mind, for he was too busy to think of his attacker—or of her…  But somehow, despite himself his mind always found a way back to her again, each time remembering her soft blue eyes, and shy timid smile and— and her subtle insult .  And yet though it all, his thoughts always started and ended with her…
     
    J ames Sheridan, the oldest son of the Earl opened the missive from the man who he had sent to keep an eye on his brother, he worried yet that William would somehow remember who had struck him and that he would make the truth known to his father!  The only thing that had spared his life was the fact that he yet remained silent, and yet remained far away from Whittington!  No one knew what had happened