Gerard (Knights of Normandy Book 3) by Maryse Dawson

Author:Maryse Dawson [Dawson, Maryse]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2016-11-09T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Saxon Disobedience

Ilchester Castle, Somerset, England 1074

It was now November, and the long days of summer seemed an eternity away. It was only early winter, yet the ground was already thick with snow. Elfreda shivered as she warmed herself in front of the huge fire in the hall. The cold seemed to penetrate her very bones today.

Both her children were having their afternoon nap, wrapped up snugly and watched over by their nursemaid, Gisella. Gerard was training with his men in the outer bailey. How he stood the cold, she didn't know.

Sighing softly, she stared into the warming flames. Christmas would soon be upon them, and she had promised both Cynwise and Elvina that they would all celebrate the season together. She just hoped that the pair of them would behave themselves whilst under her roof. She rolled her eyes. What was she thinking? Of course, they wouldn't!

A soft nuzzling at her hand made her look down. It was Darby, her little black mongrel. He nudged her again and wagged his tail. She tickled the top of his head and he whined softly. "Do not tell me, thee dost want to go outside?"

In answer, he panted and ran around in circles. A sure sign he needed to go outside and the quicker the better. "Come then, my little devil. We shall see what thee dost make of the snow."

Once she had grabbed her heavy woollen cloak and leather boots from her chamber, Elfreda made her way back down the winding staircase and through the narrow passage to the large wooden door at the end. Darby had shadowed her every move.

Lifting the heavy iron latch, she slowly pulled the door inwards and then peered around the corner to stare at the snow laden ground. She had always loved the snow, and today was no exception. She walked across the bailey and reached the postern gate. The guard looked at her and frowned.

"Should thee be out in this, my lady?"

"Aye. I seek to give Derby some exercise. Wherefore dost thou ask?"

"Apart from the cold, 'tis dangerous to leave the castle grounds. Mayhap thee should ask his lordship before stepping outside the gate?"

"My husband is training in the outer bailey. Methinks he wouldst disapprove at being disturbed for such a trivial matter as my dog needing a pee!"

"Well, let me just call a guard to accompany thee. 'Tis too dangerous for thee on thy own."

"I will just be outside the gate. If aught should happen, I will scream. I thank thee for thy concern, but there is no need for thee to fuss so."

The guard's brow furrowed, but he refrained from saying anything else. He just gave a disapproving frown but nonetheless inserted the key in the lock and opened the gate for her.

Derby ran through instantly, Elfreda following. The door closed behind her, and she was left in relative silence. The landscape was breath taking. The bright white hills sparkled as the sun reflected down on the pure, softly falling snow, almost blue-white in appearance.

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