I would have written more but I didn't get a lot of feedback back. So if I get more feedback I promise LONGER chapters!

Chapter 6

Two days later, Jason strolled through the village on his way from the smithy to the castle. His helmet required some minor repairs, and while the armorer at the castle could tend to it, he preferred to take his custom to a man who needed it more. He was also anxious to be out of the castle for a little while. Lady Elizabeth's bright, vivacious presence seemed to fairly pervade the place, and that was becoming unbearable.

The morning after their kiss, when he'd encountered her in the chapel, he'd wondered what she'd do, only to discover she did…nothing. She didn't ignore him, as he'd half expected she might, but she spoke to him as she would to any other guest. Unsure of what to say or do next, he'd come up with an excuse to get away from her. Unfortunately, he'd never had another opportunity to speak to her, for she'd deftly managed to avoid him ever since.

He wanted to know why she'd kissed him.

Maybe it was her idea of a jest. If so, he didn't find it amusing in the least.

Maybe it was the impulsive act of a woman about to wed — a last taste of freedom. He could understand that, especially when the groom was that haughty, arrogant Lucas.

What had prompted a woman like her to accept de Spencer? She was polite, kind and generous to all. He'd overheard her telling the garrison commander that he was to ensure that all the paupers had a chance to take some of the food left over from the castle meals, and the castle servants treated her with respect, and often affection.

To be sure, de Spencer was rich and from a powerful family with lots of influence at court, and not bad looking in a pale, washed out sort of way, but Lady Elizabeth seemed far too intelligent to be swayed by looks, and not the least bit greedy or ambitious —

A woman's panicked cry rent the silence.

Jason looked around. He was alone in a muddy lane and, to his frustration, couldn't tell where the cry had come from.

"Help!"

The woman was in the building on his left.

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