So Worthy My Love by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Author:Kathleen E. Woodiwiss [Woodiwiss, Kathleen E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2011-11-16T12:54:14+00:00

Chapter 16

FLUFFY FLAKES DRIFTED to earth in a soft, downy flight, nestling cozily on wide-spreading boughs of lofty evergreens and covering the hillocks and vales with mantles of white. Beside a gurgling, half frozen stream a russet-hued doe raised her dripping muzzle and tested the air with flaring nostrils. Her long ears flicked to and fro as a faint, distant tinkling invaded the hushed stillness of early morning. The tiny bells rang with silver clarity through the forest, forewarning the rapid approach of a foreign presence through the wilderness. A shout and the muffled drumming of massive hooves further attested to the intrusion, and the hind bounded off in a zigzagging flight through the trees, wary of this unwarranted invasion into her domain.

Soon a foursome of huge steeds entered the glade, drawing behind them a conveyance that closely resembled along, wooden box. Three more horses were tethered to the rear of the ornate sleigh, and the high, bold gait of Eddy kept easy pace with the matched four-in-hand. The blue, red-lined, hooded cloaks of the six horsemen who rode as escort brought flashes of color to the wintry shades of the forest. Their garb was typical of Captain Von Reijn’s penchant for the ostentatious.

Indeed, Nicholas delighted himself in the game of impressing the maid, and no small attention had been given to detail in accomplishing that objective. He had commissioned the building of the luxurious vehicle to accommodate the travelers in grand style, using as a loose example a coach which the Earl of Arundel had introduced in England several years back. In summer the conveyance could be affixed with huge wheels or, as it was now in winter, with runners faced with iron straps to enable the contraption to glide easily through the snow or over the ice.

The interior was even more impressive. Ornately carved shutters could be either opened wide to catch the intoxicating breezes of the warmer months or closed against the frigid blasts which were wont to buffet the box in winter. To further muffle the drafts and hold out the chill of the wooden sides, velvet panels had been sheared on rods and hung within the interior. A wealth of small pillows and fur robes were strewn over the heavily cushioned seats, assuring a cozy and comfortable ride. Warming pans rested in brackets on the floor between the seats where the passengers could share and enjoy their heat.

Ever thoughtful of food and the accoutrements of dining, Nicholas had a small, collapsible table made that could be positioned between the seats when the need arose. For the combined pleasure of all he had brought along a wide variety of wines, while Herr Dietrich had stocked several baskets with sweet and succulent sustenance.

To be sure, whether in fine food, elaborate appointments, or rich attire Nicholas was never to be outdone, not even by Elise who, after taking note of Maxim’s rather austere chest, had felt almost extravagant in the inclusion of two of comparable size. However, the

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