Free Sharon Lanergan by The Prisoner Page A

trick of the candlelight?
    For just a brief moment, Brian’s gaze went to her, and Constance shivered in reaction, then he looked away with such speed she almost thought she imagined it.
    Brian walked forward and stopped when he reached the table. She knew his dilemma immediately. Only two spacers were available. One was next to his son and the other next to her.
    “Come sit here, Brian,” Lucien offered, scooting into the space next to Constance, and indicating the spot he’d just vacated.
    Brian inclined his head in acknowledgement and took up the space. A servant rushed forward with a trencher of food, which Brian eyed for a moment. The corners of his mouth lifted up just a bit.
    Luc noticed it too because he asked, “What?”
    “I was just remembering the trenchers Constance used to bring me,” Brian replied. “They left something to be desired.”
    Constance opened her mouth to protest her innocence when she saw the surprised look on the faces of the men surrounding her. Brian rarely mentioned anything about his imprisonment.
    “Aye,” Trevor agreed, drawing everyone’s attention. “‘Twas terrible slop.”
    “Then we can all thank the Lord you are all with us now for this meal,” Nick interjected.
    “Here, here,” Telford said.
    Brian flagged down a servant for wine, then he turned back to the table, “As I was saying, why don’t you take Telford back with you when you leave, Nick?”
    “Well, I thought mayhap you still needed him to assist you here.”
    Brian shook his head. “I’ve got Luc and Stephen.”
    Constance quickly glanced at Trevor. His father hadn’t mentioned him. Trevor’s fingers clenched around the cup of wine he’d just picked up.
    She prayed Brian would glance her way, and after a moment of staring, he did. She inclined her head slightly toward Trevor.
    “And Trevor,” Brian finished, looking over at Trevor, whose fingers had visibly relaxed.
    “Still.” Nick shook his head.
    “We can handle it, Uncle Nick,” Trevor broke in.
    Constance lowered her gaze. Could they? She wasn’t so certain. Brian was not ready to run the estate.
    “If you are sure,” Nick agreed.
    “Very.” Brian chewed a bite of swan. “By the way, when are you returning?”
    “I hadn’t really thought about it.” Nick smiled. “I’ve only just arrived.”
    Brian looked thoughtful. “Surely you miss Marion and your own responsibilities.”
    “Aye.”
    “We don’t want to keep you from them.”
    Constance squirmed in the growing tension now permeating the dining hall. Brian was doing his best to get Nick to leave. Why?
    It occurred to her Brian might think Nick would be harder to avoid about the past. Telford might have had the right idea after all.
    “Nick is right, Brian,” Constance said. “He just got here and it has been a long time since we all got to spend some time together.” She reached over and placed a hand on Nick’s arm. “I know you are anxious to return to Marion, but how long can you stay with us?”
    “I thought about a fortnight,” Nick said.
    “Terrific,” Brian muttered, reaching for his wine.
    ****
    What in the hell was he doing here?
    Brian backed away from the cottage door on which he’d been about to knock.
    After another day of training he’d decided to go for a walk. It brought him on the outskirts of the village nearby. And also the dwelling of his old nurse.
    Time to go back to the castle before Agnes realized he lurked outside.
    The door opened abruptly. A woman, her hair long and white, peered out.
    “I wondered when you might get around to visiting me,” she said. Aged and frail, dressed in a simple brown kirtle, she hobbled out of her house.
    “Agnes?” Brian asked uncertainly. Years had passed since he’d seen his nurse. She’d grown so old.
    “Of course it’s me,” Agnes said with a snort. “Are you coming inside or are you going to stand there gawking at me?”
    “Actually, I was on my way home.” He backed up another step.
    “So