The Widow's Kiss by Jane Feather

Author:Jane Feather [Feather, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
ISBN: 0553581872
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 2000-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Outside the parlor door, the lady was talking earnestly to her husband. “The poor thing is frozen to the bone, Oliver. You must house her with a fire, at least for tonight,” she said vehemently. “She has no clothes, no possessions. It must have been very sudden.”

“Privy Seal is often precipitate,” the lieutenant said.

“But it seems from the order that Lady Mallory is here on the king's command.”

His wife shivered slightly. “Another poor woman imprisoned on the king's orders,” she murmured. “How has this one offended His Highness, I wonder? Did she refuse his bed, perhaps?”

“Hush your loose talk,” her husband said in an undertone, glancing around to make sure they were not overheard.

“Well, ’tis to be hoped she doesn’t face the same fate as the other he put in here,” his lady said. “The poor Queen Anne.”

“Was an adulteress; she betrayed the king's bed,” her husband reminded her.

“ ’Twas what they said,” his wife agreed with a sniff.

“It's not for us to question,” her husband told her firmly. “I will have this lady housed in the White Tower. The chamber there is quite commodious and I will have a fire kindled. There are no orders to the contrary.”

“Then I am satisfied. She will sup here first, before she is taken away.” His lady nodded and returned to the parlor where Guinevere waited.

The maid brought supper and Guinevere found to her surprise that she could eat. The broth warmed her, the pasty and cheese put heart into her, and the cup of wine cheered her spirit a little. She tried not to wonder how Hugh was explaining her absence to the girls. If she dwelled upon that she would weep and that would only make matters worse.

Her hostess regarded her with kindly concern as she ate. “Are you new come to London, madam?”

“As of yesterday,” Guinevere answered, setting her spoon down in her empty bowl.

The lady waited, clearly hoping for enlightenment, but Guinevere didn’t offer it. She finished the wine and said sincerely, “You are very kind, madam. I was in sore need.”

“Aye, I could see that,” the woman said. She turned as her husband entered the parlor.

“If you’ve supped, my lady, you’ll be taken to your lodging now,” he said.

“Yes, indeed. Your good lady has been most kind,” Guinevere said, getting at once to her feet. She reached for her still-wet cloak.

“I’ll fetch you a night robe, just to tide you over until your own things are brought.” Her hostess hurried from the parlor, returning in a very few minutes with a woolen robe lined with fur. She handed it to Guinevere. “ ’Twill keep the night chill away.”

“My thanks.” Guinevere draped the garment over her arm.

“If you’re ready …” The Lieutenant of the Tower moved to the door. She followed him, her heart beating uncomfortably fast now that this strange interlude was over.

They crossed the court and went up a flight of stone stairs and through a door set into one of the round towers. A great oak door was set into the heavy stone opposite the entrance to the tower.

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