A Stranger's Touch by Anne Herries

Author:Anne Herries [Herries, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 0263892867
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Published: 2012-12-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

‘Do not look as if you were a trapped fawn,’ Rupert said as the door closed behind them and they were alone in his parlour. ‘Eat some of this good food. I dare say you have not tasted as good since you left home.’

Morwenna picked up a piece of fresh bread, spread it with pale butter and added cheese to it, chewing with some relish. Rupert had taken it on himself to fill her plate with slices of ham, relishes and a slice of piggy pie.

‘I am not sure if the pie is as good as you make, but I think you will find it has its own taste.’

Morwenna nibbled at a tiny slice and smiled. ‘It has a distinctive taste, very different to the recipe that Bess makes. She would be curious and I think she would like this …’

‘What happened to her? Is she still at the house?’

‘No, she was to go to her sister. Michael must find a new servant, I think.’

‘Your brothers may soon find themselves eating prison swill if they do not mend their ways.’

Morwenna’s eyes flashed fire as she looked at him. ‘Why do you say that? What harm did they do to you?’

‘It is the harm they may do to others that matters here. Jacques says Michael tells him only what he needs him to do—is that the truth?’

‘Yes, why?’

‘It may save his life if it is accepted at their trial.’

‘You would see my brothers ruined? You would see them broken on the rack and hanged?’ A sob rose to her lips, but she denied it.

‘It is not my wish, Morwenna. Jacques is determined never to return to that house and may escape Michael’s fate. I think he might like to come here as my steward—do you think such a position would suit him?’

Her eyes opened wide. ‘It is exactly what Jacques would like—but are you sure? Why should you do something like that for him?’

‘I trust him now I know he isn’t involved in the plot to murder the King and destroy our constitution—and my steward ages. He will need help as the years pass.’

‘You think my eldest brother is involved in this treason?’

‘I have been told that there is proof of involvement with known Jesuits and Catholic troublemakers. We suspect that a plot is being hatched—and the men involved have been seen with Michael. One of them was arrested. He escaped and was followed to your village and then disappeared before the militia could deal him with.’

‘You think Michael helped him get away to France on his ship?’

‘I am certain he did and I think it was not the first time it has happened. Your brother is deeply involved with the plotters.’

‘If you will excuse me, I shall go to my chamber …’

Morwenna turned away, but he caught her arm, refusing to allow her to leave him. ‘Not so fast. I know now that neither you nor Jacques was involved in these plots. I may keep you both safe if I can but unless Michael mends his ways he will be taken and punished.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.