Margaret Moore - [Maiden & Her Knight 03] by All My Desire Page B

much to look at, is it?” he asked over the orders and curses of the Norsemen, as if they were any two passengers on a journey.
    “What land is it?” she asked, wondering how guarded he would be in his answers.
    “Wales.”
    It was even farther from Bellevoire than she thought, and she fought to hide her dismay.
    Obviously she was not successful, for Osburn smiled. “I share your distaste for the place, my lady. I’ve done my best to make it comfortable, and I hope my company will make up for any deprivations you might feel.”
    “Do you honestly believe I could ever be comfortable anywhere when I have been abducted?” she demanded incredulously. “Do you think I want to spend any time at all with you? If you were the only man left in England—Europe—the world!—I would not. Even if I were not here against my will, I would say the same.”
    His eyes flickered with annoyance, but he kept smiling his awful smile. “You had best have a care how you speak to me, my lady, and act toward me, too. We’re not going to be alone there, you know. I have a garrison to guard you. The Brabancons won’t be nearly as forgiving and patient as I.”
    New and even more consuming fear gripped her as she stared at him. She was going to be guarded by Brabancons, the most reviled, cruel, rapacious mercenaries in Europe?
    Suddenly, DeFrouchette’s words made sense, for he might indeed seem as gentle as a sparrow compared to the Brabancon. Her gaze flicked to the center of the ship. He wasn’t there. She quickly scanned the vessel and saw him and his friend in the stern near Ingar.
    No wonder now that DeFrouchette had offered her his tunic. He would want his prize better covered against the lustful eyes of the Brabancons so he wouldn’t have to exert himself to fight them off.
    “I see you’ve heard of the Brabancons,” Osburn observed, coming closer. “If your husband doesn’t pay the ransom, first I’ll be repaid for all my trouble and having to live in such a dismal place by enjoying your favors, then I’ll turn you over to the Brabancons to do with as they will.” He smiled with genuine, sickening pleasure. “And after they’ve had their sport of you, I’ll send you home. Will your doting husband love you so well when he hears what has happened to you, do you think?”
    She gripped the gunwale, tempted to jump again. “You’re a monster!”
    While Osburn laughed at her epithet as if it both pleased and amused him, out of the corner of her eye, she saw DeFrouchette rise. If she did jump, he would be right behind her.
    “There’s no need for such harsh words, my lady,” Osburn said. “If your husband pays, you’ll be safe enough. I’ve already warned the Brabancons not to touch you, and I’ll set DeFrouchette to guard you, like a big hound, for as long as he is here.”
    As long as he was there? He was leaving? He did seem the lesser of several evils, which no doubt explained her dismay.
    “After your little escapade last night, I’m sure he’ll keep a careful watch while he can. He’ll not want to lose the five thousand marks he has been promised for his part in our scheme.”
    Five thousand marks? Connor could not possibly raise such a sum!
    Osburn’s smile grew, and he sidled a little closer. “Perhaps I shouldn’t upset you more by saying this is merely a quarter of what we will demand to guarantee your safe return.”
    Oh, God! Connor was not wealthy enough to afford such a sum. If he managed to borrow it, he and Allis would be indebted for life.
    “Why look so worried, my sweet? If your husband loves you as much as I hear, he’ll find it somehow. Borrow some from Richard perhaps—oh!” Osburn’s eyes gleamed with evil mischief as he covered his mouth with his fingertips. “I forgot. All Richard’s money is going to his new fortress in France.” The gleam crystallized into something hard and cold as he lowered his hand. “Your husband had better find it somehow, or you may find yourself