Torch in the Forest by Marcie Kremer

Author:Marcie Kremer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: medieval; middle ages; crusade; enemies to lovers; widow; scandalous; historical romance; entangled publishing
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2018-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“It is every lover’s habit to pursue the fire that burns and inflames him, and when he feels the fire close by, he approaches even closer.”

- Le Roman de la Rose, 13th c.

“Ho!” Ulric, the Strathcombe lead household knight, raised his gloved hand to signal the assembled company to begin the procession out of the Strathcombe bailey. Hooves struck stone, trappings and chainmail gleamed in the morning sunlight, men called out to each other, and Eleanor’s retinue of knights and servants proceeded under the raised portcullis for the two-day journey to Litchfield Castle and the christening of William’s newborn son.

Eleanor drew her hooded cloak tightly about her against the late September chill. The assize would be in a week’s time, and still, she had no solution to the poaching. Osbert had met with her only yesterday, hunting cap in hands, looking remorseful.

“I fear I have no news,” he said. “Much silver has changed hands and has closed men’s mouths, they say.” He sighed. “There are whispers everywhere, but everyone has heard only that someone great and powerful has them all in thrall.” He shrugged, his palms facing upward. “I cannot force anyone to speak, Milady. I have failed you.”

“Nay, Osbert,” Eleanor replied. “You have not. You have been a loyal chief forester and continue to serve me well.” She noted Osbert’s slight frown, no doubt at her using the word “serve,” but she continued. “‘Twill all come out, I am sure. We must just watch and wait.”

She dismissed him with a wave, and he reluctantly left the hall. Osbert seemed to accept her new reserve, and she could see he did not like her reference to his being a loyal chief forester and underscoring his relationship to her as a servant, but she had to put his foolish hopes and all the rumors to rest. She had enough problems with Hugh about the poaching, without his suspecting she was shielding Osbert because of a love affair. Ugh! The thought of kissing Osbert was repugnant. She shuddered a little. Even though Osbert was kind and loyal, she could never, ever even think of having any of those sorts of feelings about him.

But, Hugh, then, was another matter. She colored under her hood, hoping no one saw her sudden blush. Why was she thinking this way? Couldn’t she control her own thoughts? Were all the giggles and whisperings of Anne and her ladies true, then? Was love something to look forward to and enjoy? If so, it would be a new experience for her. But, if it were to happen, she would far prefer to have that new experience then with Hugh—not with William of Litchfield! Ugh! Eleanor bit her lip in chagrin and took a deep breath. Enough of this, she commanded herself. She could not—she would not—fantasize about the man who might become her own sister’s husband—the man who treated her with such condescension!

Eleanor’s horse, Autumn, picked her way across the drawbridge, and Eleanor turned to look back at Strathcombe.

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