Free So Speaks the Heart by Johanna Lindsey Page A

journey home. Yet he had no choice. He could not let her die.
    â€œI go to ready my horse, lady,” he gritted angrily. “Have the girl sent to the stable and I will take her.”
    â€œDo not sound so put out, Sir Knight. I am sure you will have better luck than I in breaking her of her haughty airs, and once she is tamed she will serve your needs well.”
    Seeing that Rowland was not in the least mollified, Druoda added, “I am truly sorry then that your visit has ended this way. And let me advise you about something. You will avoid much trouble with the girl if you do not tell her that her lord lives.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œShe thinks Quintin is dead. If she knew that he is alive, she would do anything to find him. If you consider him your friend, I do not think you would want that any more than I do.”
    Rowland groaned. It would be a fine thing for Quintin to learn that Rowland bedded the girl he had planned to marry, serf or not.
    â€œYou have my word. She will never return.”
    As soon as Rowland had left the hall, Druoda summoned Hildegard. Their amusement knew no bounds.
    â€œGo and help Brigitte gather some possessions. She is to meet her new lord in the stable. He willwait for her, but not overly long, so make sure she hurries.” Druoda’s face gleamed.
    â€œBut what if she will not go with him?” Hildegard asked.
    â€œTell her that I relinquish my guardianship. She will be so pleased that she will not question her good luck until it is too late. Explain that the Norman is remorseful over what he has done, and insists he be allowed to see her safely to Count Arnulf, who is reported to be visiting the Duke of Maine.”
    â€œBut Arnulf is not away.”
    â€œOf course not, but if she thinks he is, she will not question the direction the Norman takes until they pass Maine. And once she is that far north, even if she manages to escape the Norman, she can hardly return alone to Berry.” Druoda smiled. At last, everything had fallen into place!

Chapter Nine
    B rigitte approached the stable timidly. That she was leaving Louroux in the light of day rather than sneaking away at night seemed too strange. Her miracle was not perfect, of course. She could go, but she had to go with the man who had taken her, a man she despised, and who knew her intimately when she knew him not at all. She felt a humiliation she had never felt before, but oddly, a deep gratitude as well.
    As she entered the stable, she saw him standing next to his big gray steed. The stallion looked none too friendly in the light of day, but neither did his master. Rowland’s dark blue eyes blazed angrily as she came forward.
    â€œI have kept you waiting?” she asked timidly.
    Rowland checked his temper. “Just get on the horse,” he said, sighing with frustration.
    Brigitte drew away from him. “On your horse? But I will ride my own.”
    â€œBy God, you will get on this horse or I will leave you behind!”
    Leave her behind? She could not chance that.
    â€œPray, let me ride behind you then?” she ventured, thinking of her sore back.
    â€œAnd what will you do with your bundle?” he asked impatiently.
    â€œPut it between us.”
    â€œHa! You do not trust being close to me?”
    â€œOh, no!” she said quickly. “You said what happened in the night was a mistake, and I believe you.”
    â€œYou can wager on it. I like my women willing—and certainly more appealing than you are,” he said bluntly, eyeing her dirty mantle and snarled long hair.
    Brigitte was stung, and her light blue eyes filled rapidly. But she kept still. He had no right to insult her. She had to leave before Druoda changed her mind.
    Rowland turned away from her and mounted the big horse, then extended a hand to help Brigitte up. She took it, but caught the angry look in his eyes and let go again.
    â€œIf you dislike me so, then why are you taking me?”