Morgan the Rogue by Lynn Granville Read Free Book Online Page A

what was now more of a moated manor house than a castle, though the towers remained to guard against attack from across the borders.
                  'Welcome to the Castle of Bundesley,' Rosamund said as he dismounted and came to assist her down before a servant could reach her.  His hands lingered momentarily on her waist, bringing a flush to her cheeks.  'This is one of three my husband keeps for the King, sir.'
                  'And your husband's name?'
                  'Sir Philip de Grenville,' she replied, lowering her eyes swiftly as if she found his intent gaze disturbing.  'My husband is from home at the moment; he has been inspecting a castle over the border.  I am expecting him today or perhaps tomorrow – and my ride was merely for pleasure.'
                  Now why had she told him that?  Morgan wondered that she had bothered, for he had told her that he was merely an insignificant bard and she had seemed to believe him.
                  'Perhaps you were impatient for your husband's return?'
                  'Yes, perhaps…'  For a moment he caught a flicker of unhappiness in her eyes and he knew that she had not ridden to meet her husband – but perhaps a lover?  Yes, it might well have been a secret tryst at that hour!  'My husband would want me to offer you board and more for the service you have rendered me,' she continued.  'Will you break your journey here for a day or so, Morgan Gruffudd?'
                  'I thank you, my lady,' Morgan said.  It had been his intention to ride on, but fortune had perhaps put a valuable contact in his way.  Philip de Grenville was clearly a man valued by the King, and as such might be of use to him in his search for information concerning the mood of the country.  Would the English people rise for Richard or support the usurper?  'It is kind of you to offer.  If you are sure Sir Philip would not object?'
                  A touch of bitterness was in her voice as she answered, 'My husband is not a jealous man, sir.  He values me as a possession and as such will be grateful that I am safely returned to him.  Had I been snatched I would no doubt have been held to ransom as you suggested.  Therefore I am sure that he will be pleased to welcome you to his board, and may offer you service with him.  We are to travel to Chester on his return.  It may be that he would take you with us to while away the tedious hours of our journey.'
                  Morgan could not believe his luck.  He had hoped to find service with an Englishman of some standing in Shrewsbury and perhaps progress in his company to Chester, which was King Richard's most favoured city in the region.  If he could attach himself to Sir Philip de Grenville's household it would save time and bring him closer to his quarry more swiftly than he had imagined possible.
                  'I am honoured to accept, lady.'
                  'My steward will give you food and lodging,' she said, indicating an older man with a wave of her hand.  Without more ado, she swept on ahead of him into the castle.
                  Morgan stared after her, his brow creased in a frown.  Several men had clustered about the women, taking away their horses and listening to their excited chatter.  The glances and general interest in him told Morgan that his exploits were being described enthusiastically, and after a moment the steward came up to him, offering his hand.
                  'I have been told of your service to my lady,' he said.  'In the name of Sir Philip I bid you welcome here and thank you for what you have done this day.'
                  'I should have been a scurvy knave had I stood aside while those rogues attacked her,' Morgan replied.  'I did only what any man would have in my place.'
                  'Any true man,' the steward