Music for My Soul Read Online Free

struck his head and did not move.”
    At this, her eyes widened. “I think it frightened the robbers badly. They ordered me to remove the few jewels I wore, but they were all shaking. Then I told them who my husband was, and that put the fear of Our Lord in them.” She smiled at that and leaned forward as if giving a confidence. “It does help sometimes to be married to such a man known for his terrible temper and black moods.”
    “I’m sure,” both men muttered at the same time.
    She stamped her foot suddenly, her fury shining through now. “They will pay, I tell you. Lord Montayne will see to it.”
    “And you were unharmed, my lady?” Again the darker man spoke, his tone conveying an insolence while his face remained a mask of propriety.
    “A bit shaken, ‘tis all,” Madeleine told him. “Of course, the brutes tossed Simon’s body off to the side of the road and took my jewels and our horses. All they left me was my lute.” She had lowered the instrument by this time and stroked the surface fondly.
    “Why did you leave the scene, my lady? Surely you must have feared the men who robbed you. Why would you go out and possibly have to confront them again?”
    Why indeed? Madeleine had gotten so worked up over poor Simon and her missing jewels that she hadn’t quite decided that part of her story yet.
    “Mayhap I was more upset by the event than I imagined, my lord,” she ventured weakly. Let them think her a silly, simple woman without a brain in her head.
    “Then,” the menacing stranger said, “’tis up to my friend and I to escort you to safety.”
    He held his hand out to the fair-haired man. “May I present Sir Ashby? And I,” said the dark-haired devil, “am Sir Garrett.” He bowed low, as did Ashby.
    “We were on our way to London, Lady Montayne, despite the late hour. I know Sir Ashby and I could not leave you stranded here on such a dark and desolate road. ‘Tis also too far a distance to take you all the way back to Stanbury.”
    “Oh, then you know of my home?” Madeleine asked breathlessly. Trying to maintain her composure, she added, “Of course, you would, Sir Garrett. If I’m not mistaken, you have been entertained there by Lord Montayne.”
    His smile gleamed at her in the moonlight. “As a matter of fact, I have, my lady. Although I don’t recall seeing you there.”
    Madeleine cocked her head to one side. “No, I’ve been away often the past few years. My mother has been quite ill, and I’ve spent much time with her.”
    “I am sorry to hear of her illness,” he answered. “But, come, let us mount our horses and ride to London.”
    Madeleine watched Sir Ashby turn his head and discreetly cough into his hand, hiding his mirth. She wondered what he found so humorous about the situation.
    Then Sir Garrett started toward his horse then suddenly stopped, turning to her. “Coming, my lady?”
    Madeleine felt her feet moving as if they had a will of their own. “Of course, Sir Garrett. I thank you for your kind offer. I’ll reach London much faster on horse than by foot.”
    She was reluctant to ride with them but didn’t want to seem churlish and arouse their suspicions. Surely there must be plenty of time between here and London. She was a resourceful person. She knew she could create an opportunity to slip away. Besides, her feet already hurt enough, thanks to little Henri-the-pebble.
    Sir Ashby quickly mounted his horse as Madeleine moved toward them. He reached his hand out to her. “May I help you up, my lady?”
    She had almost placed her hand in his when the devil himself spoke. “You must be jesting, Ash. Your nag was tired before we left for London. Lady Montayne is welcomed to ride with me.”
    Ashby withdrew his hand, and Madeleine looked at Sir Garrett.
    “My lady?” he said, his hand extended to her.
    “Thank you, my lord,” she answered as she placed her hand in his.

 
    Chapter 3
    Garrett easily helped the woman onto his horse, settling her in front