Knight's Move

‘I see. And you blame me for that, do you?’ In spite of her careful choice of words, he had heard the accusation in her voice.

Hester hesitated. What was the point of pretending? After all, he hadn’t tried to make things any easier for her all those years ago. He had made no attempt to soften the blow, so why should she spare his feelings now?

‘Yes, I have been used to blame you,’ she said boldly. Guy’s face clouded over and Hester feared what his response might be, but instead of lashing back at her, he said nothing and they rode on in silence.

All at once she felt a pang of sympathy for him and felt a little guilty for having been so blunt. Had it really been that simple? His father had been old, after all—and even old lords had to die some time. But, then again, the old man had been devastated by Guy’s disappearance. And why should she make excuses for this man who had also deserted her? If he wanted the benefit of her knowledge, he must take it as it came.

‘I did not learn of his death until I reached England. I had expected to find him still here,’ Guy said quietly, his voice breaking in upon her thoughts.

‘Oh.’ Hester bit her lip, realising how fresh the news was to him and feeling a sudden pang of sympathy. ‘I did not know.’

‘’Tis no matter. Maud told me he fell from his horse.’

‘Yes, we believe he suffered a seizure while out riding alone. His health had been slipping for some time. He hardly complained, but I know he had been suffering from pains in his chest. Guthrum found him with his horse grazing nearby. He looked peaceful,’ Hester said, remembering the old lord’s face when Guthrum and the others had carried his lifeless body up to the house.

Guy nodded. ‘He died on Abbascombe soil as he would have wished. He loved this land above all else,’ he commented. ‘And you, my lady, you love it too. But was there no one who could have relieved you of the burden of its daily care?’

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