LordoftheKeep Read Free

In vain, Emma tried to shrug away her
thoughts, telling herself she merely sensed the difference found in a man of
but a single score of years and that of a man of two score years or possibly
more.
    Surely, one would note the strength of a warrior tested and
honed in battle and one not yet tried, not yet called to prove himself. From
the moment she’d entered the hall, she’d been struck with Lord Gilles’ power.
It radiated to her from across the long chamber, like tendrils of creeper
extending along a garden wall, drew her forward as if someone had taken her by
the hand.
    Did everyone feel it, that power, as she did? ‘Twas obvious
from the gossip some feared him, whilst others felt grateful to rest their
cares with him. Why did no one remark on this intangible pull? His physical
presence drew her, too. His fierce expression did not frighten her; it beguiled
her. She felt somehow mesmerized by the lord’s every word.
    Nay, I must not let my fears entice me to these doubts ,
she thought. She had made sacred promises, sealed them with more than a kiss.
All would come right if she but kept her silence, as she had promised her
lover. Surely, God would help her, answer her frantic prayers.
    “Emma?” Gilles’ voice jolted her to the present. “Do you not
think that whatever difficulties may arise for your lover, you will bear
greater ones if you do not name him?”
    “Nay, my lord. I see no difficulties for myself.”
    “Have you lived in a cloister to not know what becomes of
unmarried females without male protection? Surely, this whim of yours to
protect your lover will bring you to grief. Should your uncle scorn you, you
may find yourself earning your living at the whim of less patient men. Your
uncle may cast you out to earn your own way if you bring shame on his
household.”
    “He brings his own shame by dragging me here and stating his
ugly accusations for all to hear, my lord.” Her anger flared anew. “I believe
he thinks less of my predicament and more of the weight of Jacob Baker’s coin.”
    “Aye. ‘Tis most likely true. No one would know of your
predicament for a while, but only for a while. Surely you know that you cannot
hide a child beneath your skirts for long.”
    “Who said I am to have a child, my lord? If all
such…encounters caused birth, this keep would be overrun with babes. I see few
in the village and fewer here.” She allowed an amusement she did not feel to
enter voice as she swept out her hands to indicate a room with many people but
few children.
    “True. But, as I have seen to the disposition of three such
cases today, I can be sure that such encounters often result in birthdays. So,
your uncle comes early to see to your honor—and his. May I ask, Emma, how you
wish this resolved?”
    “My lord, if I were to be a farmer’s wife, the farmer would
not see this as some shameful circumstance. Indeed, he might even demand I
prove my fertility before he would wed with me—”
    “You are no farmer’s wife!” Gilles retorted. “You were to
have been wed to a baker, a man of worth.”
    “I do not hold Jacob Baker in great esteem, my lord.”
    “Nay? And are maids picking their suitors these days?”
    “Would that they could, my lord.” Emma met his amusement
with serious intent.
    Gilles lost his grin before her frown. “I believe I have
been chastised! And by a simple maid!”
    Emma swallowed. Deep lines radiated from his obsidian eyes.
Eyes narrowed now in displeasure. She clamped her teeth on her tongue to stay
the torrent of words bubbling up inside her.
    “Again, Emma. How do you wish this resolved?”
    “Allow me to return home, my lord. I wish to return to my
weaving. If I should prove wrong and…a child results, I shall pay my sixpence
fine.”
    “You will find even sixpence a fortune without your uncle’s
protection.” When she did not answer, Gilles signaled to William Belfour, who
stood at an arched stone entrance to the hall. William hustled Emma’s