Sapphire - Book 2 by Elizabeth Rose

It was just as it
should be, and all because of her.
    She glanced around the room, noticing the dark
wood shelves and nooks and crannies. The pub had two large
fireplaces, but only one of them was lit. Now that she thought
about it, she’d never seen the second fireplace lit in all the
months she’d been coming in here, and some of the nights had been
quite chilly. Odd, but she was sure there was a good reason for it.
Perhaps Auley couldn’t afford to burn both hearths at
once.
    She wasn’t paying much attention to the people
at the table that Roe was questioning, but her ears perked up when
she heard the woman of the group mention the baron.
    “I hear that Baron Lydd has been staying at
your castle in Rye,” said the woman.
    “Aye,” answered Roe. “Are you from
Lydd?”
    “I live there,” she said. “We all do.” The
woman pointed to the two sheepherders. Well, actually, they live on
the marsh and I used to live there as well until I was brought to
the castle. The baron has not been back for months and we are
starting to wonder what happened to him. Would you know where I
could find him, my lord?”
    “He left Castle Rye just this day,” Roe told
her, “and I believe he was going back to Lydd. What is it that
takes your concern that you would be inquiring about the
baron?”
    “He left Lydd four months ago, and I need to
find him,” she explained. “You see, I am the baron’s
wife.”

Chapter 9

     
    “You’re his wife?” Sapphire just stood there
with her mouth open. “But . . . I’m married to him as well.”
    The woman just looked to the floor but did
not react.
    “What is your name?” Roe asked the
woman.
    “I am Alice,” she said. “My brothers and I
once herded the sheep together on Dungeness.” She pointed to the
two men with her.
    “So, you are not a noble?” asked
Sapphire.
    “Nay, my lady, not before I married the
baron. But I was once friends with the true Lady of Lydd.”
    “And what happened to her?” asked
Sapphire.
    “She died in an accident, falling down the
stairs. I was the baron’s mistress at the time. He married me, but
left the castle shortly afterwards and has not returned since.
    “ Do you have proof you’ve married the man?”
asked Roe.
    “I have his ring with his crest upon it that
he bestowed on me the day we wed.” She held up her hand for them to
see.
    “Were there witnesses?” Roe asked.
    “Aye. Though he did not marry me in front of
the entire castle, my brothers were both present as witnesses. And
the priest would vouch for me as well.”
    “You need to come with us to my castle,”
said Roe. “And bring your brothers with as well.” He looked at
Sapphire. “I think we’ve just found a way to release you from your
marriage to the baron.”
     
    * * *
     
    Roe stood in the solar, speaking in private
to his uncle while waiting for Father Geoffrey to arrive. Sapphire
and his mother stood at the opposite side of the room, while the
baron’s wife and brothers waited for them in the corridor.
    “So you mean to tell me you didn’t know the
baron was already married when you so generously offered my
betrothed to him?” Roe asked his uncle.
    “I knew his wife had died, but not that he’d
remarried,” explained Henry.
    “Somehow, I thought you were quite close
with the baron. If so, I am sure you would have at least suspected
something.”
    “You sound as if you don’t trust me,
Roe.”
    “Nay,” he answered, “I don’t. I’ve never
trusted you, uncle, and I am not about to start now.”
    “Roe,” said his mother, coming forward. “Do
you think Sapphire will really be able to get her marriage annulled
now?”
    “I hope so,” he answered, feeling happy yet
anger at the same time. “And I hope that bastard gets everything
coming to him. He’s mistreated not one woman, but two in the
process. And for all we know, he could have a few more wives out
there as well.”
    A knock came at the door and a guard stuck
his head inside. “Lords