With a sound of disgust, Alex released his hold on Fitzgerald’s neck with one more hard thrust against the wall. But the urge to kill still surged through his veins.

Seeing his expression, the young seafarer took a step back.

“What is wrong with you, Seton? I’ve never seen you like this.”

That brought Alex up hard. Pembroke was right. For a moment Alex had forgotten himself. He’d been every inch the ruthless brigand he had been becoming in the Guard—not the chivalrous, conscientious knight the English knew him to be.

They’d never suspected his role in Bruce’s army, and he wanted to keep it that way. But something told him he’d revealed too much.

Pembroke might be an arse, but he was a sharp one. “Your arm must be feeling better.”

It wasn’t a question.

Damn. Unthinkingly, he’d used his right arm to pin Fitzgerald.

Pembroke didn’t wait for him to answer. “I’ll expect you to start training with the rest of the men when we reach Berwick.”

Alex nodded, cursing silently.

“Now explain to me what was happening here.”

“I have no idea,” Fitzgerald said first. “One minute I was talking with my friends and the next Seton was trying to kill me.”

Alex stiffened. “I was defending a lady’s honor from foul lies.”

Pembroke frowned and looked at Fitzgerald. “I will not have ladies maligned—”

“It wasn’t a lie,” Fitzgerald said angrily. “I didn’t realize Seton knew the lady.” With his red hair and fair complexion, he couldn’t hide the flush that came to his cheeks as he undoubtedly recalled his crude words. “I apologize for what he overheard, but it was the truth. I spent the night with Lady Joan.”

Alex made a sound that was suspiciously like a growl, took a step toward him, and might have sunk one of the fists he had clenching at his side through Fitzgerald’s teeth if Pembroke hadn’t stopped him.

“Leave us,” the earl said to Fitzgerald and his friends. “I will see to this.”

With a few wary glances in Alex’s direction, the young knights did as he asked.

“Your defense of the woman is admirable,” Pembroke said to Alex, “but in this case unwarranted. The lady in question is gaining something of a reputation for enjoying the attentions of eager young knights. For all her quiet reserve, it seems the daughter is much more like the mother than she appears.”

Alex didn’t believe it. It didn’t fit with the sweet, modest young lass whom he’d met last night. The English spoke lies about Bella, and now they must have spread to her daughter.

“I’d heard that she’d set her sights on Sir Richard,” Pembroke said. “Did you not see them at the evening meal last night? Their heads were bent so close together I’m surprised either of them was able to eat.”