The Lily and The Sword by Sara Bennett

Author:Sara Bennett
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-03-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

T he trestle tables were being cleared, but whether the feast was over or they were simply waiting on more courses, Lily wasn’t sure. The need to relieve herself was an excuse to slip out of the hall. She was glad of a moment alone, for the strain had been considerable. And she had almost made a fool of herself, swaying toward Radulf like a besotted maid, trembling with the need to have his arms about her.

Such things could not be. Real life was not a play. Radulf had stated his reasons for marrying her, and because she was his wife there would always be parts of her life which were completely in his power. She must never allow him to discover he heated her blood to such an extent that she was his willing captive. No, that would never do.

When Lily returned to the hall, she paused a moment in the doorway, watching the guests. Dress, both male and female, varied from the elaborate to the shabby. Fashions did not change much from year to year, but there were subtle differences. London styles, Lily supposed.

When someone tapped her arm she turned with a start, and found herself facing the same golden-eyed woman she remembered from yesterday’s audience with King William.

“Lady Wilfreda.” The woman’s voice was alluring, her clothing exquisite. She wore a wine-colored gown glittering with gold thread and tiny pearls. Upon her dark, curling hair sat a circlet of gold studded with rubies. Her beauty transcended the tiny lines about her eyes and mouth, the inevitable signs of her age.

“You do not know me?” she asked, disappointment in the lift of her dark brows. “I am Lady Anna Kenton. I sent your bridal gown.” Lily gasped, flushing with embarrassment. “Lady Anna, I did not know…I am most grateful for your kindness. The gown is beautiful. I had brought little with me from…from home, and such a gift was most welcome.”

Anna smiled, satisfied with her reply. “I knew that Radulf would not think of your wardrobe, or lack of. He is never interested in women’s affairs.”

There was something behind the smile, something unpleasant. As though Anna were laughing at Lily in the guise of kindness.

Surprised, she took a step back.

“You know Lord Radulf, Lady Kenton?”

Anna laughed softly. “Oh yes. I know him. I know him well. Has he not spoken of me? Ah well”—with a shrug—“there are some things which cannot be shared with outsiders. I hold a part of him, my dear, that you will never have, no matter how you strive to win it. Do you know what that is?”

Lily shook her head, bemused.

Anna’s golden eyes lit up. “It is his heart, lady.” A bolt of jealousy drove through Lily, filling her instantly with suspicion and envy and all manner of emotions she had never felt before. Who was this woman, and what did she mean by saying such things? How could she make such a claim, and what was she to Radulf?

But there was no time to ask the questions blistering her tongue.

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