Defending His Lady by Saskia Knight

Author:Saskia Knight [Knight, Saskia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ancient Civilizations, historical romance, Women's Fiction, 17th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Medieval & Ancient World, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, romantic suspense, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Highlander, Rough & Tumble, Fantasy, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Dark Ages, Norfolk Knights series, North Norfolk England
Publisher: Bay Books
Published: 2019-09-30T04:00:00+00:00

The following day fled by in a frenzy of activity. As night fell they all gathered in Wanham Castle to await the arrival of their neighboring barons.

Soon, the dull sound of horses hooves cantering along the causeway reached the family.

“They’re approaching,” said Kezia, glancing at Rufus.

“Aye.” As he looked up from his maps, his mouth was grim and a deep groove lay between his eyes.

“She must not be seen here,” said Lady Charlotte to Rufus, indicating Kezia. “Even with the finery of her ruby brooch which she maintains is hers, though I doubt it is.”

“And what would you have me do, Mother? Banish her to the stables while our guests are here?”

“Anywhere. I care not where you hide her, but hide her you must.”

“It is common knowledge that she is here. The king has made it so. I see no point in hiding the truth from anyone.”

“But she will not be here for long.”

Kezia glanced at Rufus, who answered for her. “That is up to Kezia.”

Her heart leaped. Her husband was an honorable man. But she knew that she’d never be truly accepted by his family unless the threat to their home and family was eliminated. It all rested on the success of the forthcoming battle. She came and stood beside Rufus.

At that moment three men entered the hall on a blast of cold air and warm greetings by Lady Charlotte. Rufus also greeted them, but not with equal warmth. But then, since when did her new husband ever show much warmth toward his fellow man, or woman? Lightly, she swept her finger across her lips, remembering the heat of his pressed to hers. He had revealed his passion, she knew it lay beneath that hard exterior. Next time she wouldn’t stop him, because she didn’t intend to rely only on a fight with their neighbors to secure her future.

Kezia listened from a seat in the shadows as the men discussed their options, all focusing on the kind of attack which seemed strange to her ears. The only advantage that she could tell would be the timing—it would be at dawn and when the de Montmorencys weren’t expecting it.

Lady Charlotte called for more wine but, with the maidservant busy, Kezia rose and brought some to the table. She poured the wine and could feel the eyes of one of the men on her as she moved around the table. His name was Bayard, and she could tell that Rufus didn’t like him.

“And who is this, Lady Charlotte?”

“This, Sir Bayard, is my son’s new wife, Kezia.”

“Ah. I had heard that your plans didn’t come to fruition.”

Rufus looked from Kezia to Bayard. “There is always another plan, and, as it happens, my new wife is also a fighter.”

“Is that right?” Bayard asked her.

Kezia shot a look of gratitude at Rufus who nodded. She cleared her throat and poured Lady Charlotte a goblet of wine. “Aye, sir. I have some experience.”

Bayard leaned forward, showing interest, and glanced at Rufus. “So you married a great warrior, Rufus.

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