Seducing His Lady_Novella by Saskia Knight

Author:Saskia Knight [Knight, Saskia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ancient Civilizations, historical romance, Women's Fiction, 17th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Medieval & Ancient World, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, romantic suspense, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Highlander, Rough & Tumble, Fantasy, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Dark Ages, Norfolk Knights series, Novella Length, North Norfolk England
Publisher: Bay Books; 2 edition
Published: 2014-05-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Melisende could sense his puzzlement as she pushed away the loose clumps of grass to reveal a ring of rusting iron set into a round piece of wood. She gripped the ring and yanked it back, revealing an old well. The smell of damp and rotting vegetation rose up to them. “Come, ’tis but two steps for us, but a very long way to the water. You must take care.”

She stepped down inside the well, her feet shifting more securely onto shallow ledges that had been cleared of the slippery moss that covered the brick lining of the well. The ledges were barely visible in the daylight and completely invisible in the late summer twilight. He reached down and gripped her hand in warning. “Here?” he whispered.

She nodded. “But be careful. ’Tis slippery. There are two ledges upon which I stand and then two more. From there, enter the hole over which ivy grows. I’ll hold it back for you. After your first step, you must pull the cover back into place.”

She let herself down a further step until she reached the hole in the side of the well, covered by ivy. She shifted it and stepped out into a full-height tunnel. She reached through the ivy and held it back, watching, her heart in her mouth, as his feet lowered tentatively, feeling for the ledges. She sensed his relief when he’d found the ledges and brought his other foot down onto it. Then the light disappeared as he replaced the wooden cover.

He took one more step with both feet and she reached out to him, her hand finding his thigh and holding it firmly, so he would know which way to go.

With a grunt and a quick movement he swung himself into the tunnel and landed with a soft thud on the packed damp earth.

She lit a lanthorn and pressed her finger to her lips and they began to walk in silence down the passage. Occasionally they passed under openings that gave way to other entrances to the tunnel. They continued in silence until they’d gone beyond the last entrance.

“Those entrances are rarely used, known only to a few but ’tis safer to make no sound until we’re beyond them.”

“How much farther is it to the coast?”

“Not far. Unlike the road, ’tis direct.”

“And you take this tunnel regularly?”

She smiled, as she tended the light that flared more brightly. “Yes. Tom’s father told me of it when he discovered my need. The first time was terrifying.”

“Yet you continued.”

She lifted the lanthorn as they walked so he could see the long tunnel, lined with wood from which shrouds of cobwebs hung. A rat scuttled away in front of them, disturbed by the light. “Yes, I continued. I had no choice.”

“No choice? Why?”

“Medicines. You were correct. The cost is too great for a small priory such as ours. I need what the merchants can smuggle into the country.”

“So, while most men smuggle wine and brandy, you smuggle different treasure. No wonder your convent has such a reputation for hospital care.

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