A Rough Wooing by Virginia Henley

Author:Virginia Henley [Henley, Virginia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: horses, king, castles, borders, royalty, border lord, scottish sensual lovers historical romance, cattle raid
Publisher: Virginia Henley
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

“Little Firebrand.”

Douglas was lying in such a delicious, warm cocoon, she didn’t want to awaken. She opened her eyes and saw that she was lying in Greystoke’s arms. She stretched languidly, and her bed partner sat up. “It’s dawn. I hate to leave you sweetheart, but I have to return to Carlisle Castle. I don’t want anyone to know I left last night.” He dropped a kiss on her vivid curls and threw back the covers.

She gave him a tremulous smile and drew the covers up to her chin.

“You can spend the day in my library, reading to your heart’s content. When I return tonight, I’ll take you home to Castle Elliot.” He tenderly brushed back the tendrils from her forehead. “You must know I’m reluctant to part with you, but Beaumont Hall is too close to Carlisle Castle for your safety.”

Douglas watched him dress, then he kissed her goodbye, and departed.

The minute Greystoke left, a picture of Gavin and Rob rose up in her mind. “Poor Robbie, I hope they don’t hurt you.” She felt bereft that Greystoke hadn’t offered to release her brothers. She thought it was the least he could have done in return for the loving they’d shared. Gavin is a man, but Rob is just a boy. Douglas was racked with worry.

She flung off the covers, and used last night’s bathwater to wash herself. Then she put on the linen shirt Lance had offered her, and drew on her leather breeches and boots. She made her plans swiftly, picked up her leather doublet and went downstairs.

The servant she had seen the night before bade her good morning. “Lord Greystoke asked me to prepare breakfast for you, my lady. Would you like me to serve it in the library?”

Douglas gave him a disarming smile “That would be very kind of you.”

When she entered the library, she gazed at all the books, but the large polished desk drew her like a magnet. She ran her fingers over the intricate vine leaves that decorated the mirrored pendant, and saw her reflection. Her hair was a dishevelled mass of red curls, and she immediately tried to smooth it, then plaited it. Her hairpins lay scattered somewhere in his bedchamber, and she knew she wouldn’t go back up to retrieve them.

She glanced guiltily at the window she had smashed and saw it had already been repaired with a new pane of glass. She also noticed a map of the Borders lying on the desk, and she studied it intently, tracing her finger along the route she intended to take, and committing it to memory.

When the servant entered the library with a breakfast tray, she crossed the room and took it from him. “It smells good. Thank you so much.” She was glad he had included a mug of ale and wondered if Greystoke had ordered it for her.

“Is there anything else I can get you, my lady.”

“No, this is perfect. Thank you.”

When he left, she took it to the desk, sat down in a chair, and devoured the food as quickly as she could.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.