The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Author:Kathleen E. Woodiwiss [Woodiwiss, Kathleen E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2011-11-16T12:53:45+00:00

The day dawned bright and Darkenwald grew clamorous in its labors. Aislinn rose, and having broke the fast, set about her duties to the town, seeking out the sick and lame. She passed the hours avoiding Gwyneth and thus her aspish wit. Late afternoon the lookout shouted from the tower and soon Kerwick sought her out to bear the news that riders came with Wulfgar’s colors.

Fleeing to her chamber, Aislinn quickly combed her hair and bound it with ribbons. She pressed a cool cloth upon her face to ease her blush. Her spirits fell when she went below and saw that it was only Gowain who strode into the room. He crossed the hall toward her smiling, but Gwyneth, sitting at her tapestry before the hearth, called to him and directed him to come near. Gowain looked hesitantly at Aislinn, wishing to speak with her first, but in good manner went to the other.

“What of William?” she inquired anxiously. “Is England his?”

“Aye,” Gowain replied. “The Duke will be crowned Christmas Day if all goes well.”

Gwyneth drew a sigh of relief. “Then Darkenwald belongs to us.”

“Is my Lord Wulfgar well?” Aislinn asked, joining them. “Why did he not come himself? Has he been harmed in some way?” The fear betrayed itself in her voice and in her eyes as she searched Gowain’s face for some obvious clue of his coming.

“Oh, nay,” the knight quickly assured her. “He is well and hearty.”

“Then why have you journeyed here?” Gwyneth interrupted. “It must surely be on some important errand.”

Gowain smiled slowly. “Indeed, my lady. To Wulfgar it is a most urgent matter.”

“Then what?” Gwyneth insisted “Do not keep us waiting.”

“I am here to fetch—someone.” He finished lamely, recalling the strain between Wulfgar’s sister and Aislinn.

“Fetch someone? Whom do you seek?” Gwyneth questioned. Her eyes lifted to the man’s face and she tapped her cheek thoughtfully as she considered him. “What is it? The coronation? Does Wulfgar wish to present his family to the king? I will be happy to go, but I must insist upon a new gown from him to meet royalty in.” She indicated the mauve gunna she wore. “These garments are not fit to feed the swine in.”

Gowain reddened with his discomfort and cleared his throat, glancing uncertainly at Aislinn. He had made the matter worse in his delay to speak. Aislinn’s gaze was fixed upon the seated one, and following her stare, Gowain suddenly recognized the gunna adorning Gwyneth as one Aislinn had worn several times prior to their leaving Darkenwald. He remembered well, because he had admired the maid’s graceful form in its soft cloth and then had been caught gaping by Milbourne, who had made some hearty jest of his rutting after Wulfgar’s woman. Gowain turned his regard to the gown Aislinn wore and was surprised at its poor condition. His chivalry was prompted to act in the lady’s defense, for he immediately came to the conclusion that her clothes had been taken from her. But he swallowed the words tempting his tongue.

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