Redemption (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition Book 3) by Anna Markland

Author:Anna Markland [Markland, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-23T23:00:00+00:00

Confession

Ellesmere Castle, Salop, England, Yuletide 1095

Relaxing with his wife in their comfortable solar, Ram de Montbryce suddenly exclaimed, “I can’t believe it’s been eight years since our beloved Conqueror died. It’s incredible how much has changed since we were at his coronation.” He stared into the hearty fire. “I’m getting too old to ride out on patrols to defend the Welsh Marches nowadays.”

His thoughts went to his favorite horse, the steed that had helped him survive at Hastings; Fortis had died several years ago. “Brindis is a good horse, but he doesn’t have the same heart as Fortis.”

Mabelle smiled. “But you’ve continued to visit the local market towns, promote trade and immigration from Normandie. You keep close track of the accounts of our various properties in the Marches and in Sussex.”

“And I spend hours in sometimes tedious meetings with various stewards,” he complained. “Let’s face it, nine and twenty years is a long time to keep chasing Welsh rebels. Will the hatred and conflict between our peoples ever cease?”

Mabelle looked up from her stitching. “Don’t be despondent. Robert and Baudoin have developed an appreciation for the Welsh language and culture, despite the fact they underwent their kidnapping ordeal at the hands of Welshmen when they were boys. Hylda Rhonwen has a great fondness for the land of her birth. She often boasts of being born in the fortress of Cadair Berwyn in Wales.”

Ram smiled. “C’est vrai. She likes being called Rhoni because it sounds more Welsh.”

“Remember too that Rhodri ap Owain has made a point of not attacking your lands since his marriage to Rhonwen, and she has visited us frequently, with her children. These are small steps. Change takes time.”

“Oui, I was surprised Rhodri agreed to her visits.”

“He loves Rhonwen deeply and is grateful that she agreed to marry him and share his life as a warrior, though she’s a woman of peace.”

Ram shook his head. “It’s difficult to believe that eighteen years have passed since the kidnapping. You’re a remarkable woman, Mabelle. It was your strength that helped everyone survive that ordeal. I still keep your love letter close to my heart.”

He patted his doublet, smiling at the memory of reading the letter Mabelle had written on the last day of her captivity, avowing her love for him. He reminisced a lot these days.

I’m getting old.

He rubbed his knees. “My body isn’t as capable of action as it used to be. And a pox on this cursed rheumatism.”

Mabelle abandoned her sewing and crossed the room to where her husband was seated. She stood behind him and put her hands on his shoulders, kissing the top of his head. “Be content. You and I share an intoxicating and erotic passion and our lovemaking is still a thrilling joy for us both, after all these years.”

He reached up and took hold of her hands, drawing them around his neck, leaning his head back against her, inhaling the scent that was uniquely Mabelle. It had intoxicated him for nigh on thirty years.

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