A Knight's Persuasion Read Online Free PDF

her blush, she shivered and glanced toward the keep. Somehow, she must excuse herself, make her way to her chamber, change her garments, and then tend to Mother, all without her sire learning of this mishap.
    Of course, he might already know. He’d be very upset to have this incident happen on such a crucial day. She tried not to let her shoulders droop. How she’d wanted this celebration to be perfect.
    Nara patted her arm. “Poor Juliana. You must feel rotten, soaked through as you are. What a shame about your new gown. And your sketchbook . . .” She wrinkled her nose. “Is that what smells?”
    “With careful drying,” Juliana said firmly, “the odor will go away.”
    “Really?” From Nara’s tone of voice, she meant, “Not likely.”
    A tart retort flew to Juliana’s tongue. Nay. She wouldn’t speak so to her sister in front of Edouard and the other guests. Enough dramatics had already occurred, and an argument between her and Nara would only feed gossip. What she needed to say to Nara could wait till later that evening when they were alone.
    Looking again at Edouard, Juliana dropped into a stiff but elegant curtsey. “Please excuse me, milord.”
    His lips parted, indicating he was about to reply. Spinning on her heel, she hurried toward the keep, the torn section of her gown dragging in the dirt.
    Before she had taken five steps, footfalls sounded behind her. “Here. This will help to warm you.” Edouard matched her strides, and cloth settled about her shoulders. His mantle. As she looked up at him, he reached around and drew the heavy wool about her shoulders. It smelled of horse and sunlight and . . . him. “I wanted to give this to you a moment ago,” he said, “but you rushed off.”
    She wanted to still be annoyed with him, but sympathy filled his gaze. Did he guess how much effort it took for her to maintain her dignity when she was soaked and tired? Did he know how hard she’d fought not to yell at Nara?
    “Thank you,” Juliana murmured.
    Edouard smiled. “’Tis fine English wool.” He winked like a mischievous boy. “It comes from the estates of some rich lord. De Lanceau, I believe his name is.”
    She smiled back. “I feel warmer already.”
    “Good.” His expression sobered. “For all that has happened today, I am truly sorry.”
    How heartfelt his apology sounded. A secret part of her sighed with pleasure. As she looked up into his handsome face, its angles brushed with sunlight, her surroundings seemed to blur away into nothingness, till there was only him.
    His gaze, bright with an emotion she couldn’t quite pinpoint, held her like a tender touch. Awareness of him ran like a warm drink in her veins. Was this how a lady felt before her gallant hero swept her into his arms? Juliana’s pulse fluttered in a wild rhythm, for his stare reminded her of that instant not so long ago, when he’d said he wanted her kiss.
    Never before had a man said that to her. Juliana’s gaze shifted to Edouard’s mouth, and suddenly, she wanted to know exactly what a kiss— his kiss—was all about.
    Do not be foolish. Have you forgotten he pushed you into the well?
    Juliana focused on tugging the mantle closer about her. “Thank you,” she managed to say, “for loaning me your garment.”
    “Keep it as long as you like.”
    A kind offer. However, others might see him as presenting her with a gift, a token of his affection. A garment as personal as a mantle likely held a certain significance between lovers. She must see the mantle returned to him as soon as she’d donned fresh clothes.
    “I will get it back to you”—she resumed walking toward the keep—“later today, milord.”
    “All right.”
    “Juliana,” Nara called. “Does this mean you give up your dance with Edouard?”
    Juliana stumbled to a halt, her back to her sister. Dance with Edouard? Was that all Nara cared about? Juliana’s grip tightened on the sketchbook until pain shot through her fingers.
    A harsh sigh