Free Lost Love by Maryse Dawson Page B

cursed loudly. "'Tis too dangerous for them to go unchaperoned!"
    Fendrel's jaw tightened. "They told the stable boy that they wished to go out on a ride." He looked at John, his eyes portraying what he really thought.
    John felt a surge of anger rip through him. Conniving little madam. He was not sure how she had done it, but she had somehow used Isabel for her own gain. When she was back in his protection, he would teach her the error of her ways. "We shall hath to fetch them back. Make our horses ready, Fendrel, and choose two guards to accompany us."
    Justin's face showed worry. "I cannot believe Isabel would ride out without telling me."
    "My wife can be very persuasive, Justin. I fear the blame lies at her feet, not thy wife's." He put a comforting hand on his shoulder "Worry not, my friend, we shall hath them safely back within the hour."
    * * *
    Arabella relished the feel of the wind, blowing through her hair, as she raced along beside Isabel. "Is this not wondrous?"
    Isabel's cheeks were flushed with exertion. "I hath missed this so much. I feel so free!"
    A few moments later, Arabella reined her horse in and waited for Isabel to do the same. She allowed her mount to plod slowly next to Isabel's whilst she spoke to her. "Isabel, I hath not been fully truthful with thee. I mean to escape Terryn, so I will not be riding back with thee."
    Isabel's face fell. "What dost thou mean?"
    "I am leaving my husband."
    "Thou cannot!" she exclaimed. "Where willst thou go? What will thy husband say?"
    "I care not, Isabel. I do not hath the time to explain all to thee, just know that I am truly sorry for leaving thee like this." With a swift kick to her horse's flanks, she was off. She glanced over her shoulder to see Isabel staring after her, her mouth open with shock. It was the truth. She was sorry to leave her on her own, but the track back to the castle was clearly marked. She could not get lost. As for herself, she needed to get as far away as possible from the main track to avoid being captured by Fendrel or her husband. Her head down, she urged her mount onwards.
    John and Justin met up with Isabel only a few yards from the castle walls. She was upset, sniffling quietly. Justin quickly dismounted and pulled her down into his arms. "My love, what ails thee? Hast thou been harmed?"
    John watched them through heavily lidded eyes, not surprised to see she was alone.
    "Nay, milord. I am just a little disillusioned."
    John interrupted. "Where is my wife? Did she ride with thee?"
    Isabel looked over to him. "Aye, milord. It was her idea to ride out, but I had no idea that she would abandon me. She said she was leaving Terryn."
    "Did she now?" John cursed under his breath. "Dost thou know which direction she took? Was it South?"
    "Aye."
    As he thought, she was heading home. He spoke quickly to Justin, "Take Isabel into the castle. I will seek out my wife and return anon."
    "Aye, good luck my friend."
    Kicking his horse into a gallop, he headed off towards the South, Fendrel and his two knights in tow.
    * * *
    Two hours later, Arabella stopped by a stream to refresh herself. She dismounted and led her horse over to the edge, so it could have a drink. Shaking its mane, it happily lowered its head and began to suck in the cooling water.
    Arabella sat down on a boulder, next to the stream, and took off her boots and socks. Her feet were hot, and it felt heavenly to expose them to the fresh air. She wiggled her toes and closed her eyes. Oh, that felt lovely. She glanced around at her surroundings. She had travelled quite far, but her home was still three days ride ahead. She hadn't come as prepared as she would have liked, for everything had happened so quickly. She had no food, but at least she now had water. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her leather bottle before paddling into the stream and filling it with the fresh liquid. She took a large draught before refilling it to the brink. She smacked her lips together and glanced at