Knights of Pendurrock Series by Ronnda Eileen Henry

At sixteen, Edmund literally rides away from Selby and a marriage his parents have planned with the daughter of their long-time friends who live in the north of Selby. Instead, he takes a junior officer's commission in the Palace Guards and embarks on his long-held dream, that of becoming a knight and a knight commander and fighting against the enemies of Penruddock... moreAt sixteen, Edmund literally rides away from Selby and a marriage his parents have planned with the daughter of their long-time friends who live in the north of Selby. Instead, he takes a junior officer's commission in the Palace Guards and embarks on his long-held dream, that of becoming a knight and a knight commander and fighting against the enemies of Penruddock. Twenty years later, he and a force of Penruddian knights and men-at-arms are sent to a far colony to rescue the widow and children of the colonial governor, who was recently assassinated by warring tribes, and bring them and other colonists to safety. To Edmund's surprise, the widow will prove to be no stranger and he will be immediately attracted to her. But can she forgive the slight he offered her and her family all those years before? less

Dunstan is a common-born knight originally from the region of Crozby in the Kingdom of Penruddock. Orphaned as a child, he enlists as a man-at-arms at the age of sixteen and travels to a colonial outpost to defend it against attacks. After twelve years, he won not only the rank of knight but also that of knight commander. He's finally ready to return to Crozby and claim his parents' farmstead when he's called upon to rescue Annagret, the young daughter of a blacksmith... moreDunstan is a common-born knight originally from the region of Crozby in the Kingdom of Penruddock. Orphaned as a child, he enlists as a man-at-arms at the age of sixteen and travels to a colonial outpost to defend it against attacks. After twelve years, he won not only the rank of knight but also that of knight commander. He's finally ready to return to Crozby and claim his parents' farmstead when he's called upon to rescue Annagret, the young daughter of a blacksmith. Annagret has been kidnapped by a renegade knight named Sir Arnold who plans to sell her to slavers as payback for her rejection of his dishonorable attentions. In the struggle, Arnold is killed. Dunstan and Annagret are forced to remain together overnight due to a terrible storm. When he returns her to her father the next day and delivers Arnold's body to the outpost commander with a report of what occurred. the tongues begin to wag. Annagret's reputation, which was heretofore spotless, is ruined. Dunstan offers marriage but she rejects it, not wanting to burden him with a common-born wife who can bring him little when he might now seek the daughter of a knight or an earl and increase his status and standing in the future. But, the tomgues still wag and Dunstan must make a practical choice. Will true love ever find its way? less