A Rose for Lancaster (The Tudor Rose Novella series) by Black Christine Elaine

Author:Black, Christine Elaine [Black, Christine Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Christine Elaine Black; 1st Edition (July 1, 2013)
Published: 2013-06-29T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

~ Giles ~ December 1486

We sat close to one another in the great hall under the curious eyes of my kinsmen. Blanche leaned over to make conversation and to my amusement and delight she chatted and laughed with an easy grace and ready wit. The decision to move from Langley proved wise as my wife, growing with child, looked the image of health. The last few weeks in Somerset country, even as winter settled over us with a light touch, invigorated our senses and strengthened our tenuous marriage.

Blanche and my sister made quick friends, and I joined them often, along with Robert, and we enjoyed the short days and long winter nights keeping good company together. Food and drink flowed in the weeks leading up to Christmas as the fragrant boughs of pine trees decorated the walls and tables, and our talk turned to planning the coming festivities. Anne took me aside to offer her opinion on the gift I should give my wife but I had the perfect presents. An expensive wool cloak lined with the finest ermine lay hidden in my rooms, along with a diamond set in a ring of gold. I waited to give these gifts to Blanche, imagining her surprise and eagerness to wear them.

Murdo stayed in the shadows, my eyes and ears, diligently playing watchdog with unquestioning loyalty. As the night wore on he appeared at my side and I took this as a sign of his need to speak. At my signal he bowed low to reach my ear.

“A message from the parish priest.” His voice, deep and serious, gave me pause. “Father Dominic is dead.”

Blanche’s goblet fell from her hand to hit the stone floor with a ringing thud. The room went quiet.

“Father Dominic, dead?” Blanche uttered the words; her bright eyes round with shock. The room hummed with a hundred voices concerned over Murdo’s message.

“I’m afraid so, milady.”

“When? How?”

The depth of her interest and apparent shock surprised my liegeman into a reply. “They say he never fully recovered after an attack on the road from London.”

Blanche pressed further. “Who attacked him?”

“We cannot know for sure, but if we find out they will suffer. Father Dominic was a good man and well liked in these parts.”

It saddened me to hear the priest died after a senseless attack.

“Thieving bastards,” Murdo grumbled.

“Surely he did not carry much coin?” Anne asked.

“They took his robe and shoes, leaving him all but naked on the side of the road. If not for a farmer’s wife finding him and calling for help…” Murdo shook his head and reached for a drink. “And such a feeble old man at that.”

“I will notify the sheriff. Mayhap, someone has knowledge. Robert and I will ride out tomorrow to the surrounding villages and ask questions.”

Blanche reached for my arm, her face white as milk. “I must lie down, milord. I feel quite unwell.” She swooned and I swept her up, taking her to our rooms. Anne hurried along after us leaving Robert and Murdo to talk amongst our retainers.

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