Velvet Angel (Montgomery/Taggert 5)

“Who heard him call?” Roger demanded.

“I’m not sure anyone did,” Judith said. “Hurry! We must get them out of this place.”

“There isn’t time. Where are your husbands?” Roger asked.

“Here in France but—” Judith began but stopped as Roger took the second rope from the roof floor and tied it to a battlement. “They’re on the other side.”

Roger ignored her. “There isn’t time. The old man will be up here in minutes. We’ve got to get down and get some help.”

“You coward,” Bronwyn hissed. “You escape. Judith and I will rescue our family.”

Roger grabbed her arm harshly. “Shut up, you idiot! Do you forget that Elizabeth is my sister? I haven’t time to argue but if we’re all caught there’ll be no one to lead a rescue. Now, can you get down that rope yourself?”

“Yes but—” Bronwyn began.

“Then do it!” He half tossed her over the wall, all the while securely holding her hands. “Go, Bronwyn!” he ordered, then gave her a quick smile. “Show us some of your Scots blood.”

As soon as Bronwyn disappeared over the side, Roger grabbed Judith by the armpits and lifted her. “Good! You weigh no more than my armor.” He half squatted. “Hang onto my back with all your strength.”

Judith only nodded and obeyed, buried her face in Roger’s shoulder and closed her eyes. She didn’t look when he lowered himself over the side. Sweat broke out on his neck and she was aware of how he was straining.

“Are you going to let an Englishman beat you?” Roger spat across the void to Bronwyn.

Judith opened one eye and looked with admiration at her sister-in-law. Bronwyn had the rope wrapped around one ankle, the opposite foot on top, her hands easing herself down. At Roger’s words, she speeded up her travel.

Judith didn’t even consider leaving Roger’s safe, broad back merely because they stepped onto land. As if it were something he did every day, he peeled her hands then her legs away from his body.

Trembling, Judith watched as he ran to the bottom of Bronwyn’s rope. She was still several feet from the ground. “Jump, Scot!” he ordered up at her.

There was a slight hesitation but Bronwyn obeyed, let go of the rope and landed heavily into Roger Chatworth’s waiting arms. “You must weigh the same as my horse,” he murmured while setting her down. “Is it too much to hope that you women have horses nearby?”

&nb

sp; “Come, enemy,” Bronwyn said, motioning with her arm.

Roger grabbed Judith’s arm since she was standing still, looking straight up with horror to where she’d been. “Run!” he said and gave her a sharp slap on her rump. “Let’s get my sister and Chris out of this!”

Miles was standing in the middle of the room as if waiting for them, when the door was thrown open and Elizabeth and Alyx were pushed inside.

“To keep you company, Montgomery.” The guard laughed. “Enjoy tonight because it’ll probably be your last one alive.”

Miles caught Elizabeth before she fell, then reached for Alyx.

Without a word, expertly, he sat down on the floor, arms about both women’s shoulders, as Elizabeth began kissing his face enthusiastically.

“They were told you were dead,” Elizabeth said between kisses. “Oh Miles, I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.”

Miles, smiling slightly, his eyes alight, kissed each woman’s forehead. “I can die peacefully now.”

“How can you joke—?” Elizabeth began, but Miles kissed her lips and calmed her.

The three of them came alert as the single guard called out as he ran up the stairs toward the roof. A heavy thud followed the guard’s disappearance.

In the silence, eyes looking upward, Miles said, “Bronwyn?”

Both women nodded.

Miles took a deep breath, sighed. “Tell me what you’ve done.”