Telepathy of Hearts by Eve Irving Page A

Then I say he is dropping to one knee telling her —well talking sweet and all . ’ T is not right . ”
    Eleanor placed her hand on Goody ’s arm quietening her raging. “Good eve, Godwin. Why are you not making merry with the men? Are you to be stationed as my gaoler forever? Surely , I can be trusted in my own home this last night? ”
    â€œMy Lady , ’tis simple. I serve my master. I protect his interests. ” A grin crept over Godwin ’s face. One brow rose in jest. “He is mighty interested in you, my Lady, so I will keep my station. ”
    Jumping back a little, Godwin had an expression of genuine angst as Goody chided him. “ ’Tis not right — a man, I say , a man, outside my Mistress ’ chambers, i n her own house — ’tis not right. ” Muttering, she ushered Eleanor in and followed behind her as she kept the goliath that was Godwin Roebucks outside with only a stare. Grunting loudly, she slammed the door to Eleanor ’s quarters shut in Godwin ’s face .
    The se were chambers Eleanor knew well. The scent of lavender, as always, hung heady in the air. Her bed was made ready to welcome her for one last night. She trailed her fingertips lazily over the trunks that were packed ready for the next day ’s journey.
    All my worldly goods.
    Goody talked but Eleanor wasn ’t able to listen. Words, sounds made no sense. Her mind was restless, caught up in the confusion Matheus had thrust upon her. His scent, the masculine essence of horse and man, was all musk and redolent of leather. How had his touch felt upon her skin? The callouses of his sword hand as it swept her face? He was in her head as he ’d said he ’d be , even if she would not let him in to her heart.
    Goody asked, “What bothers you, child? ”
    â€œNothing, he … It ’s nothing. ” Her emotions were tidal estuaries, for there was an ebb and flow to the waves that washed over her shores. Eleanor could not free herself from their current. The waves were relentless and battered her both in body and mind. She found no rest in sleep. Her body twitched as her mind went through his words.
    I have patience too. I do. He says I ’m petulant. That I have no patience and my heart is haughty. I need the lakes. I cannot think. What is it with this man …this bull beast .
    Glowing amber, the full moon lit up the chamber. As always it was an invitation to Eleanor. It was in her blood to bathe in it.
    Slipping from her sheets, Eleanor stepped into her shoes and grabbed her hooded cape to cover her thin nightdress, next to nothing against the night ’s chill.
    Treading lightly across the room , s he put her ear to the door. Snoring, good. Godwin sleeps.
    She made for the door to the aft chamber and tested it, releasing a relieved breath she had not realized she had been holding when she found it unlocked .
    Behind her, her nurse emitted a snort, and s he put her hand to her mouth, stifling a startled shriek. Hand dropping to her chest in fear that Goody had awakened to catch her sneaking out , she turned to look. “Dear God in his H eaven, Goody , ” she muttered, relieved her nursemaid remained asleep in her small bed in the corner.
    Taking a steadying breath, Eleanor once more made ready her escape. She quietly closed the small door behind her and embraced her freedom, un caring as cobwebs stuck to her hair. Negotiating the stone staircase in total darkness, she was out of the castle keep and run ning. This was her playground; s he knew it as well in the dark of the eve as in the light of dawn.
    Wet ground under foot, she picked her way across the courtyard, staying close to the walls to avoid being seen. Breathing in the scent of the horses she reached the stable. She grinned with a wicked delight.
    I am only a short ride to Eden.
    Opening her arms and enveloping Arthur ’s neck in her loving embrace, she kissed him and ran her hands over