Castles In The Air by Christina Dodd

Author:Christina Dodd [Dodd, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Published: 2011-05-04T15:02:53+00:00

Raymond explained, “In the letter Denys brought with him, William says the lad’s lady mother came to his wife and begged succor. Saura is known for her good works, and she did all she could, but ’twas too late. The lady expired of a combination of starvation and consumption, and Denys took it badly—very badly.

His father had gambled away his lands and his wife’s dower, then killed himself. At the death of his mother, Denys swore a great many foolish things.”

She hardly heard Raymond speak, so bound up in her own misgivings was she. Was that why she had rejected Denys so vehemently? Not because of pride but because he recalled the boy she’d married and lost after such a long, painful illness? The memories of Millard contained a confusion of love, exasperation, and distress.

She’d thought she had put him behind her, but how could she forget the father of her children?

Raymond seemed impervious to her confusion. “Denys swore he’d have wealth once more, regardless of the price to himself. William and Saura took him into their family and trained him, and the desperation has faded. They sent him to me because…”

He flushed, and with a shock she realized young Denys meant more to him than a simple squire, also. Raymond wanted Denys fervently. “Why did they send him to you?”

“Because at his age, I also was without support of parents or wealth. They thought I could help him. Also, I owe it to Lord Peter.”

“You owe him? You owe Lord Peter?”

“Lord Peter of Burke. He’s William’s father, and he fostered me. He taught me honor and dignity and leadership. That code of conduct saved my life. And Denys needs someone to help him learn the refinements of a knight’s art.”

A smile quivered at the corners of his mouth, but her suspicions couldn’t stop her from asking, “Such as?”

“Such as removing your metal gauntlets before peeing in freezing weather.”

She stared at him; he stared at her. She tried to control it, but couldn’t. She burst into laughter.

He waited until the first explosion of merriment had subsided, then took her hand and pressed it onto his chest. “Juliana, the lad has a good heart. He’s had bad times, but together, you and I can make a man of him. Don’t make me send him away.”

Her laughter faded. Beneath her palm, his heart beat a strong and steady rhythm, his chest rose and fell. His flesh warmed hers, his smile lulled her, and she realized he, too, wove a web. Sir Joseph’s web had trapped her in the sticky threads of suspicion. Raymond’s web gathered her close and wrapped her in seduction. “Nay, don’t send him away,” she said reluctantly.

“There’s my girl,” he said, and kissed her hand again as if that would put all to rights.

Her hostility bounded loose. “Patronizing ass,” she hissed. “You don’t understand at all.”

Like any oaf of a man, he looked confused. “Understand what?”

She jerked her hand free. “My life is no longer my own. My body is no longer my own.

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.