The Christmas Visit by Margaret Moore & Terri Brisbin & Gail Ranstrom

Author:Margaret Moore & Terri Brisbin & Gail Ranstrom
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2012-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

His heated breath near her ear sent shivers down and through her and Elizabeth trembled from the ardor in his words and tone. That it caused such a reaction scared her and warned her of the weakness developing in the walls she had laboriously built around herself.

Then she remembered her words to Lord Gavin and realized he and Lord Orrick must have discussed her. She had insulted him, and in doing so, insulted the man before her now, who had shown her only mercy and concern. She must apologize. Dragging her sopping cloak along with her, she waited for Lady Margaret to finish their exchange of words and then she fell to her knees before them both and leaned her head down further in as complete a gesture of obeisance as she could make.

“My lord. My lady. I beg your forgiveness for my actions toward your guest.” Elizabeth stayed on her knees with her head bowed, awaiting their words.

“What did you do to Lord Gavin?” Lady Margaret’s voice was soft, but in no way less powerful for the gentleness of it.

“I refused his attentions and insulted his honor.”

“’Twould be easier to speak to you if your face was not on the floor. Would you stand so I can hear your words?”

Elizabeth gasped and then hurried to comply with the lady’s request. She had already left a puddle of water around her from her garments so she placed her cloak on it to soak up some of it. She was about to begin her apology again, when Lord Orrick spoke.

“The reprieve from the storm was not as long as everyone had hoped and you are one of many who was caught by the onslaught of rain. Stand here.” He pointed to a place closer to where he stood. “The heat from the hearth cannot reach you there.”

If the lady thought it strange for her husband to be offering comfort to a whore, she gave no indication by her expression or manners. Elizabeth knew this was not the way in most noble households. To be given a private interview by the lord and lady, instead of hearing their decisions and orders through several layers of servants and retainers, was quite unusual. She moved to the place he had designated and repeated her words. “I am sorry for refusing and insulting your guest, my lord.” She bowed her head and did not meet either of their gazes.

“He most likely deserved the insults,” Lady Margaret said.

“And the refusal,” Lord Orrick added.

“Did you insult his manners or his place of origin? His manners were probably the safer target. These Scots do not like their customs and families called into question,” the lady said.

“As long as you did not insult his fighting abilities, he will not take it seriously.” Lord Orrick laughed out loud then, and his wife joined in with him.

Elizabeth looked up in shock. They thought this amusing? She had dared to even speak when not asked something and they were defending her? Even

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