Lost Love by Maryse Dawson

Author:Maryse Dawson [Dawson, Maryse]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2016-01-08T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Several days passed, and Arabella had resigned herself to captivity within the castle. Fendrel was present practically everywhere she went, and it irked her beyond reason. She had tried to outwit him, on a few occasions, and always failed. He would turn up along another corridor, or appear in a doorway, just when she thought she was free of him. She could see in his eyes a sparkle of triumph, when he caught up with her. Oh, how she'd like to wipe that smug look off his face!

As luck would have it, the occasion arose that very afternoon. Lord Justin and his wife, Lady Isabel, had come to visit. They lived in the next village and had known John for several years.

Arabella was introduced to them in the great hall. John placed his hand in the small of her back and pressed her forward. "My wife, Arabella of Arnscroft."

"I am so pleased to make thy acquaintance, milady," breathed Isabel. Arabella warmed to her immediately. She had kind eyes and a softly spoken voice. She judged her to be only a little older than herself. Lord Justin bowed politely. "Milady. We were delighted to hear that John had finally taken a wife."

She smiled, not quite knowing what to say. They were clearly oblivious to the true details about their marriage and seemed to think she was there by choice. Poor deluded fools.

Lord Justin slipped his arm around his wife and pulled her to him, gazing lovingly down into her face. "I hope ye two are as happy as we are."

Arabella felt her face flush, and a twinge of jealousy surge through her. She would love to be as happy as they obviously were, but her marriage was far removed from theirs. John smoothly changed the subject. "Dost thou intend to stay, or art thou travelling onwards?"

"I would ask thy hospitality for a few days. One of my knights took an arrow to his side this morning—I wondered if thy physician will take a look at him."

"Of course! How did it happen?" The two men walked off, deep in discussion, leaving Arabella and Isabel alone. Arabella smiled at her. "Would thee like some refreshment?"

"Aye, I am starving. I hath not eaten since early this morning, and I could eat half a pig!"

Arabella laughed. "I will call for some food and wine. Come, take a seat with me by the fire."

Isabel settled herself in one of the big seats and sighed contentedly. "It is so nice to be on firm ground again. That cart seems to get bumpier each time I travel on it. I would far rather ride on a horse."

"Why dost thou not?"

"My husband. He insists that we travel together, so he can look after me. Betwixt thee and I, it can get a bit stifling."

Arabella glanced at Fendrel. Aye, she knew exactly how she felt. "But he loves thee and mayhap just wants to protect thee?"

Isabel's sighed. "I knowest it to be so, but sometimes, just sometimes, I wouldst like to be on my own.

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