The Winter Promise by Jenny Jacobs

Author:Jenny Jacobs
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: romance, historical
Publisher: Crimson Romance, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.
Published: 2012-11-05T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

On the fourth morning after Lord Robert’s departure, Imma went into the small chamber where he kept his book hoard and did his bookwork. Elizabeth had asked her to find another volume to read aloud, probably hoping to ease the restlessness both of them were feeling. She stood just inside the threshold and inhaled his lingering scent. It was possible she was just imagining that, but even if she were, his presence still permeated the room.

If only he would return home unharmed. She worried, though she had not right to worry. Wrapping her fist around the necklace she wore, she stared blindly out the window.

“It is you.”

The harsh words, uttered in Welsh, made Imma. She whirled to see who had addressed her. A tall, fierce-looking man stood in the doorway.

“Malcolm?” she gasped. Her cousin, her uncle’s eldest living son. “But what — ”

Then he smiled and she found herself caught up in his exuberant embrace. “The soldiers said there was a Welsh lady in the household,” he said. “I never expected it would be you. I thought you were in Canterbury.”

She lifted her head from where she’d buried it in his shoulder, clinging to him as if he might save her from her foolishness. “Simon died,” she said. “Have you not heard?”

Malcolm tilted her chin up, his bearded face thoughtful. “And have you contracted another betrothal?”

The coolness of the question warned her that she would find no sanctuary here. She stepped away, searching his eyes. She did not answer his question but asked one of her own. “You are one of the warriors Osbrycht captured?”

Malcolm’s face darkened. “Aye, but do not think it is because I lack the courage to die in battle.”

If that was not so like a man. She patted his arm. “I have never doubted your courage. You have been foolhardy since the time you could walk.”

He gave a reluctant smile. “Robert is not well pleased, for now he must feed and shelter us until a ransom can be negotiated — and that will be all winter.”

“Osbrycht is very proud,” Imma said carefully. “He would only think of the honor that would accrue to him for capturing Gruffydd’s fiercest warriors.”

“Aye,” Malcolm said again. “That is what he thinks.”

Imma nodded, swallowing against her dry throat. What did Malcolm plan? He had not been caught unawares by the likes of Osbrycht. She did not believe that.

“Is it this one?”

“What?” she asked.

“I had heard — ”

Her heart quickened as she understood the reason for his question about betrothal. If he thought she cared for Lord Robert, he would think she betrayed her own family. And he was hot-tempered —

“It’s not like that,” she said.

“I did not think it was,” he said, his face clearing. “Marrying a younger son with no lands is no use, Imma.”

Her heart skipped. “I know it.”

“So you cultivate the relationship for our advantage?”

She didn’t immediately answer but he smiled again anyway. “You forgot I have met Robert,” he said. “I cannot imagine any other reason you would tolerate his companionship.

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