Free A Stormy Knight by Amy Mullen

they wish. "
    The idea made her shudder, and forgetting her hatred of Nicholas for a moment, she pondered what that w ould mean. " Anyone could be poisoned at any time. There are enough herbs in the garden that can be used and many wild plants growing outside the walls that can kill man or beast. How are we to live like this? "
    " No one is to be trusted. More of Henry ' s men will be here later today , and things shall be more secure then, " he said in a quieter, more thoughtful voice. "' Tis a helpless feeling when people are keeling over. We have to clamp down and do all we can to bring this person to light. Anyone who has not been here longer than five years will be excused from duty. "
    " What will they do then? " she asked. " Surely we cannot punish everyone. Most of our servants earn coin for their work. ' Tis not much, but they depend on it. This is being done by probably just one or even two people , ' twould seem. Everyone here is so kind , and they have little room for complaint. They are treated well, at least in comparison to what I have heard of other households. "
    " The innocent shall return to their former positions when this is done. No one will go hungry, but would you risk your sister being the next poison victim? Perhaps someone should throw her from atop the curtain wall? "
    Putting her head down, she stared at her slippers. " That is fair enough. "
    " Go find your sister and stay with her. Come to the hall after this mess has been cleared out and the girl has been taken. Find a reason to keep her here and do not leave. If you need something, have someone search for me or for Willis. "
    " You may as well throw us into the dungeon! " she said, looking up to boldly meet his gaze.
    " Do not be stubborn. We are not wed yet, but you are still my responsibility and I owe my freedom and position to Henry. I will do as he asked , and you will obey me! "
    " Fine . Once the hall is cleared I shall bring Isabel here and work on embroidery with her. She is sorely lacking in skill , and ' twould do her some good to sit still and work on it. I only obey because I fear for the safety of my sister. ' Tis not because you command me, " she said, her face without expression.
    " I do not care why you do it ; just do it now, " he said as he departed with mug in hand.
    ****
    Isabel chafed under Gemma ' s watchful and worried hovering. " Why can I not go down to the orchard? Why must we sit here? I hate embroidery! I want to see th e secret tunnel. You promised! "
    Gemma groaned, unsure of how to keep Isabel occupied. The girl was full of wonder and mischief and knew how to slip away, not unlike Gemma was when she was Isabel ' s age. She could only imagine, looking back, how her parents would have felt knowing she was sneaking out at night, going down that dark tunnel out into the woods.
    She put a hand lightly on Isabel ' s arm and tried to lighten the mood. " Issy, there will be plenty of time for all of that. I know I promised to show you the tunnel, but ' twill have to wait until father is better. Can you try to be patient? "
    Isabel let out a long, loud sigh and rolled her eyes . " I ' ll try. "
    The nursemaid, who ha d been sitting by Isabel trying to show her how to make a straight stitch, nodded as if she understood. The girl was simply meant for motion.
    " Isabel, " Hesse said in a calm voice, " do not make faces at your sister. ' Tis disrespectful. "
    " Sorry, " the girl said , without sounding as if she meant it.
    Glancing around, Gemma saw quite a few men she did not know, which meant they belonged with Nicholas. She decided it was safe to leave Isabel and Hesse long enough to go visit her father.
    " I shall return soon, Hesse. Please keep her here. I wish to go see F ather . " S he stood, patted the top of Isabel ' s fair head, and headed for the steps.
    One of the men moved to follow her , and she whirled around. " I assure you I will be fine. I am only going to see how my father is doing. I shall be right up the