Free The Hidden Heart by Sharon Schulze Page B

insulted him and his daughter with his heartless words, made a mockery of so many things—hospitality, love, honor.
    â€™Twas no doubt he was indeed his father’s son. How else could he have done the things he’d done—said the words he’d forced from his lips this very day, smiling all the while like the most false-hearted knave at court?
    Who would ever believe he had reasons for what he’d done? And to his shame, he continued to believe his reasons valid and true.
    He continued to watch as Gillian rose and brushed dirt from her bliaut, then raised her hand and swiped at her cheeks as well. Her tears were all that had saved him from insanity by the pool this morn, jarring him from his selfish greed as he stole from Gillian—her taste, her touch, the priceless gift of peace he felt within her arms.
    His brief respite over, Rannulf descended the stairs and went to the bailey to await Gillian’s return. He’d told Gillian one truth this morning, for Talbot did wish to see her.
    Supper the night before had been a strained and stilted affair, the presence of Talbot—and himself, he had no doubt—at the high table seeming to rob Gillian of her appetite and her conversation. Perhaps Talbot was more observant than Rannulf gave him credit for, since he excused Gillian from attending him after the meal, instead postponing his meeting with her until today.
    But the time of reckoning—if that was what Talbot intended—had arrived. Since Rannulf was still attempting to establish himself with his overlord, he’d best do as he was bid and bring Talbot his ward.
    He walked up to her as soon as she passed through the gate, reaching for the basket she carried on her arm and calling for a servant to come take it for her.
    She refused to release it. “No, milord,” she said, waving away the maid and tugging on the handle until Rannulf let go of it. “What’s inside is far too valuable.” She turned her face away from him. “And you, sir, are far too high-handed. How dare you order my servants in my presence?”
    He took her by the arm and turned her toward him. “Your guardian wishes to see you at once, milady. I suggest you come with me now.”
    â€œYou didn’t seem to be in such a hurry earlier. Nor as considerate of me, either. What’s brought about this change? Were you distracted from your duty, perhaps?” She shook her head. “Nay, that couldn’t be the reason. I haven’t the power to divert your attention from anything,” she snapped. “Though it appeared to me that your master’s command was the last thing on your mind then.” She met his narrowing gaze fully, her own expression thoughtful. “I wonder what he’d have to say if I were to tell him—”
    â€œEnough!” he snarled. His fingers tight about her forearm, he resisted the urge to haul her along after him and instead led her in a calm fashion to a sheltered spot beneath the wall and blocked her from view with his body. But his voice when he spoke again was far from calm, though he spoke in a whisper. “Are you mad, Gillian, to even consider telling him about this mom? About everything?” He eased his grip, though he did not release her. “Because you’d have to confess it all before you were through, I have no doubt. He’s already your guardian by the king’s order. How much power do you want him to have over you?” he demanded. “I don’t even know how much control he has over me.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “By the rood, you make me daft! Neither of us knows what he’s capable of doing.”
    â€œHe’s your overlord. Don’t you know?” she asked, her eyes sharp with curiosity.
    He shook his head. “I managed to avoid meeting him until I was ordered to come here with him. I know little of Talbot, save that he’s King John’s crony.”