Music for My Soul by Lauren Linwood Page A

to the words. A lump gathered in his throat even as he wanted to wash away her pain.
    The last note sounded and reverberated for a moment, and then the crowd showed its enthusiasm for her talent. She smiled graciously and then began to weave new magic with her words. She told of a young king who sought honor and how he’d lost his heart to a beautiful maiden while on his quest.
    The audience settled back as the play began. His songstress remained perched at the far edge of the stage, her sad eyes watching the mummers. Garrett studied her profile—the high cheekbones, the pert, straight nose, and, again, that generous mouth that he longed to touch with his own.
    At that moment she raised her head. Their eyes locked. Her lush mouth trembled slightly. He smiled casually. Her chin went up as before. But he held no fear.
    The hunter had his prey within his grasp.

 
    Chapter 8
    Madeleine froze as she caught sight of Sir Garrett’s smile. He seemed so assured, so confident, as he beamed at her from across the crowd. Could he hear her heart pounding through her tunic?, so loud it seemed to her as it echoed in her ears.
    Madeleine wet her lips nervously, but her eyes never left his. Their gazes remained locked together for some moments. She was distantly aware of the mummers taking their bows and the audience’s cheers of approval, but she continued to focus on Lord Montayne. All else faded from view.
    His dark hair was cut close to his head. Although his skin, too, was dark, his eyes stood out in his handsome face. Even from this distance, Madeleine could see the long lashes that framed them. He stood with legs planted firmly in place, his muscular arms now crossed in front of his wide chest. Sir Ashby tugged at his sleeve but was ignored. Garrett’s eyes never left hers, holding her captive in a silent battle of wills.
    Slowly the noise from the audience died down, and the mass began dispersing back toward the stalls. Madeleine knew she couldn’t speak to him. Lord Montayne sent her emotions into chaos. She’d never before experienced this uncertainty and exhilaration. How could she possibly endure any more? She stood, holding her lute close to her and maneuvered into the throng, easing between groups of people as swiftly as she could without drawing attention. She had a plan. She would keep fast to it.
    And no handsome devil with dark eyes would alter her course.
    The minute she broke the spell, Garrett began to follow her. His lips longed to call out to her, but they held no name he could use.
    Despite his swiftness, he lost her before a minute passed. Another cutpurse raced by, overturning a cage of white doves. The birds scattered amidst the crowd, causing shrieks and cries. A cart overturned in the ensuing excitement. By the time he leapt over it, she was gone. He cursed softly under his breath. How could she slip away again?
    Ashby caught up to him. “So you misplaced the maiden again, Garrett?” His mouth twisted as he tried to prevent a smile and failed.
    Garrett cursed again, this time much louder. “I haven’t misplaced her,” he snapped, causing Ashby to chuckle softly.
    “She couldn’t be that hard to find, my friend. She’s bound to be the tallest woman here. With her height and that gorgeous mane of hair flowing behind her, I’d think every man at the faire would follow her.”
    Garrett stared hard at Ashby, his eyes narrowing into small slits. “We’ll not leave till she’s found, Ash. Mark my words.”
    “Then let’s start with the mummers. Since she’s part of their troupe, she’s bound to turn up there sooner than later.”
    The two men headed back toward the makeshift stage.
    Hannah stood waiting for Ashby and ran to them as they approached.
    “Where did you go, my lord?” she chastised Ashby with a flirting glance. “I was afraid I’d displeased you. You hurried away so quickly.” Her full lips turned from a pout into a more inviting smile.
    Ashby burst out laughing. “You are a