Page 15 of The Knight’s Reward

“Lord.”

He spun about, not having heard Aylmer approach.

“I’ve been shouting for you.”

“And I’ve asked you to use my given name.”

Although he and Aylmer had been fostered together, his friend had resorted to using his honorary title from the moment they’d left Langford. His brother, now Earl of Kenshire, was a lord in truth. Bryce had inherited Bristol Manor and the feudal title that came with it. But as a third son, Neill was no lord. He had no property of his own, no title to speak of save the one Aylmer insisted on using.

“You are more lord than most.”

“Use Neill, if it pleases you.” He watched Kathryn out of the corner of his eye.

“In public spaces, it does not.”

Neill rolled his eyes, grateful for his friend’s loyalty and the service he’d pledged, even if he considered it misplaced.

“The men are ready to leave.”

“I know we planned to stay on the road, but with Lady Kathryn”—he ignored Aylmer’s grimace—“I wonder if it would be possible to make it to the Anvil Inn instead?”

“That will take at least a full day from our travels.”

He knew as much, and it had pained him to make the suggestion, but she would need a proper rest. They could afford a one-day delay.

“If I might ask.” Aylmer looked toward the vision that was Kathryn. He hadn’t offered the men an explanation for her presence and had merely told them that she would be coming with them. But after nearly a full day of riding, he expected the respite had come to an end. They deserved to know what he’d agreed to.

“She needed an escort.”

Neill looked down to meet his friend’s eyes. Aylmer was a short man, although any fool who’d underestimate him would soon learn that what he lacked in height, he made up for in ferocity.

“I have a favor to ask,” he said as Kathryn walked toward them, reminding him of the uncomfortable journey so far. The maid was much too lovely for him to ignore the proximity of her supple body when they rode together. The contact was unintentional, of course, and every time she found herself too close, the lady moved away from him. As far as possible given the circumstances.

Which was not far at all.

Her arms had also been permanently wrapped around his waist. A difficult fact to ignore.

“Once we arrive at Brockburg, I’ll ask for you to continue to Dunbar with the maid. ’Tis her final destination.”

“Dunbar?”

“Aye, sir,” Kathryn said, joining them. “I’ve heard the market in the small town has escaped the border troubles.”

“None have escaped them completely,” Aylmer replied, looking at Kathryn as if she might lunge at him with a knife at any moment.

Neill laughed at his friend’s expression. He was normally quite affable with women.

In turn, Aylmer shot him an odd look.

“If we plan to stop at the Anvil Inn,” Neill said, “we should leave now.”

Aylmer looked anything but pleased about the prospect, a fact poor Kathryn seemed to notice.

“Please do not do so for my sake. As I said, I am accustomed to being on the road.”

She seemed to mean it, but why would a lady such as herself be accustomed to such a journey?

He would not ask. But Neill could tell Aylmer was just as curious. Instead, he nodded to his friend to ready the others.