Lord Gawain's Forbidden Mistress by Carol Townend

Author:Carol Townend
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-01-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

‘Elise, before I leave there’s something you must know. I am making arrangements for the deed of Le Manoir des Rosières to be signed over to you—life tenures for you and Pearl.’

Her mouth dropped open. ‘I...I beg your pardon?’

‘One never knows what lies around the corner,’ he said softly, ‘and I will sleep easier knowing you and Pearl will always have a home. There are legalities though, documents to be signed. Since the manor is in Champagne, Count Henry will have to agree. Sergeant Gaston will bring you word when everything’s in order. If I haven’t returned by then, he will see you moved into the manor.’

Pale as a ghost, she stared at him. ‘You...you are giving me a manor?’

‘You and Pearl, yes. Do with it as you wish. Your friends may go with you. There’s some income from the vineyards and peasants’ holdings. The steward will explain all in due course. For today I just want you to know. You may plan to move to the manor very shortly.’

She rubbed at her temple. ‘What does Lady Rowena think about this?’

‘Lady Rowena does not know.’ Bowing over her hand, Gawain kissed it and followed Raphael into the passageway.

In the torchlight, Baderon’s face was sheepish. ‘I am sorry, my lord, I tried to stop him. Sir Raphael was most insistent.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Gawain said. He was still reeling at the effect Elise had on him. One look, one touch, and he’d not known himself. ‘It was probably just as well. I had overstayed my welcome.’

At the entrance to the great hall, Raphael stayed him with a gesture and lowered his voice. ‘I’ll be brief. I’ve news concerning André de Poitiers.’

‘Go on.’

‘A man answering his description was seen leaving Troyes on the Provins road.’

A door slammed and a torch flared at the other end of the passageway—Baderon had gone back into the chamber.

‘Gabrielle told you this?’ Gawain asked. Raphael nodded. His manner was far too serious for Gawain’s liking. ‘Raphael? What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing’s wrong save that I need more men.’

‘You think Gabrielle’s source is reliable?’

‘Yes, yes.’

Gawain clapped Raphael on the shoulder. ‘Well, as I am sure you will have worked out, I am bound for Sainte-Colombe tomorrow and it’s only a stone’s throw from Provins. You want me to nose around when I’m there?’

Raphael’s face cleared. ‘If you wouldn’t mind.’

‘Consider it done.’

‘Thank you, my friend.’

* * *

Baderon came back into the chamber as Elise was gathering up Blanchefleur’s gifts. She wrapped them in her shawl—the night was so warm, she didn’t need to wear it. She was aware of Baderon talking, something about being pleased at how well their performance had gone. Understanding that this was his way of easing his tension and that no response was required, she let him run on. It was just as well that Baderon wasn’t expecting a response, because one thing filled her mind.

Gawain had given her a manor. She couldn’t take it in. A manor!

‘It can’t be true,’ she murmured.

Baderon was standing by the door, ready to leave.

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