The Traitor's Daughter by April Munday Page A

was embarrassed, “my father does not
intend to do you any honour on your journey to him, whenever you make it.” He
had hoped to keep this terrible truth from her. Whatever she might have guessed
about her husband’s character over the years, he doubted that she had ever
considered this, but he was surprised.
    “It is because of my father.” Her response was
immediate, as if she had already given the matter much thought. But then, she
probably had. A pretty young bride would have to find some explanation as to
why her new husband had left her behind when he had returned to his home and
Jean de Montjoye’s daughter would not have far to look to find one.  He could
see tears filling her eyes, but they did not fall and he admired her restraint.
    “Not entirely” He was surprised at how cold and remote
his voice had become. He struggled to maintain his control and not tell her
everything he knew or suspected. It would do neither of them any good. “But he
knows he will get little criticism for treating you badly. You have no one to
stand up for you. If you had you would be married to one of their sons, not an
old man.”
    “Your frankness surprises me.” He was astonished at the
ease with which she matched his tone exactly.
    “It is not frankness, my lady. The truth is obvious to
those who would look for it.”
    “But you do not think my situation calls for such
treatment.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him.
    His expression thawed. “I cannot see that you are to be
held to account for what your father did when you were a child. Did you
influence him to turn against his rightful lord?”
    Alais shook her head.
    “Then no, unless you give me cause to do otherwise, I
shall always treat you with the respect that is due to you as my father’s wife.”
Alais took a step back. He thought he must have insulted her. He blinked in
surprise at the sudden change in her attitude. Taking a deep breath he attempted
to gather his wits. They had discussed everything important to do with their
journey. He tried to smile, to show her that the worst was over, but he
suspected that there was more to come. “Now, if there is nothing else, we can
waste no more time here. We have many miles to travel today.” Alais’ attention
snapped back to him and she moved back behind the screen.
    Hugh went outside to join Edmund who was preparing the
horses.
    “Did you succeed in convincing her to sin?” he asked,
with a smile.
    “Yes,” Hugh replied grimly. “Another item to add to the
many already on my conscience.”
    Edmund’s face clouded. “You can’t be responsible for
everything.”
    “How can I not be responsible for this? She is alone and
unescorted.” Somehow his encounter with Alais had left him frustrated and now
he took it out on Edmund.
    “She is your father’s responsibility, not yours. If you
want to blame someone, blame him.” Thankfully, Edmund did not seem to take his
anger personally.
    “Do not worry. I know where his share of the blame lies
in this.”
    “You think to save her!” Edmund’s face showed his sudden
comprehension.
    Hugh shook his head despondently. “I know I cannot. I
wish I could. I just take her to her fate.”
    “Then what is this about?”
    “I do not know. But I think it would have been better
for Lady Alais if we had left her to be killed by the French.”
     
    Eventually Hugh, Alais and Edmund were gathered together
in the hall to break their fast. Hugh had told Edmund not to comment on Alais’
clothing, but when he saw Edmund frown slightly as he caught sight of Alais
before he turned to take his seat at the side table, he knew that Edmund feared,
as he did, that Alais still looked far too much like a woman and not enough
like a boy. Hugh was angry with himself for risking their lives in this way,
but there was nothing else that he could reasonably do. He had to get Alais to
Liss within the next three days and this was the safest way to do it.
    None of them was inclined to