An Honorable Rogue Read Online Free PDF

Muriel's, be one of ambition, did not feel longing for men. It was only pleasure that she was feeling, the simple pleasure of seeing a dear friend again.
    The cockerel had gone quiet, but the wood pigeons were cooing on her roof and above the town the martins were screeching....
    Rozenn scrambled up. Quickly, she breathed life into the fire and put some of yesterday's water on to heat for washing. Then, dragging her gown over her head--a new one she had made a month ago out of the best blue linen in the shop--she slipped out for fresh water from the well in the square. At the tavern she bought a loaf of warm bread from Mikaela. She was careful to make no mention of Ben's reappearance because she was already late and there was no time for lengthy explanations. Half a loaf already lay in her bread crock, but Ben would appreciate a fresh one.
    Back at the house, she set the loaf on a platter with a small round of goat's cheese and a couple of apples. Digging Per's house key out of the strongbox, she placed it on the table next to the food, where Ben would be bound to find it.
    Then, picking up her workbag, she slipped out. The martins were swooping and diving for flies. Young Anton was ahead of her, trotting down the hill in front of his cart. She had better hurry, if she was not to incur Countess Muriel's wrath.
    When Rozenn entered the solar, Countess Muriel was pacing up and down in front of the fire that she insisted should burn day and night, winter and summer. The wall-hanging was still rolled in its protective covering to one side of the trestle, and several ladies were taking their ease on the window seat, murmuring softly to one another.
    Countess Muriel strode up, full skirts swishing through the rushes. 'Rozenn, there you are!'
    A tall, slender woman with narrow shoulders and a slight build, the countess nevertheless dwarfed most men. Her forthright manner could be intimidating, but Rozenn refused to be intimidated. She tipped back her head and met the Countess's gaze directly. 'Good morning, Comptesse.' Wondering why they could not have made a start without her. Rozenn put her workbag on the trestle and set about unrolling the tapestry. It occurred to her that though the Countess might command her person, she could not command her mind. Her heart lifted. Today, her happiness made her impervious to Countess Muriel's impatience. It must be because she would be leaving soon.
    Countess Muriel made an irritable gesture. 'No, wait."
    Rozenn's hands stilled on the cloth. She ought to tell the Countess of her plans to leave Quimperle as soon as possible. It was most odd, but this prospect did not unnerve her as much as it had last week. Giving only half an ear to what was being said, Rose wondered when the best moment would be. Perhaps she ought to wait until after market day, when she was absolutely sure she had enough money to settle Per's debts...
    'Rozenn!' The Countess drew her dark brows together. 'Are you attending?"
    'Y-yes, of course. My pardon, Comptesse.'
    'So? You know where to find him?'
    'Find who, Comptesse?'
    Countess Muriel tutted. 'Really, Rozenn! I was talking about the lute-player. Benedict Silvester. My husband tells me he was seen last eve and I recollect you know him. Do you know where he might be?'
    Rozenn's cheeks warmed. The thought of the Countess and her ladies learning that Benedict Silvester was staying at her house was disconcerting to say the least. Ben's reputation was such that they would never believe her relationship with him was innocent. Since she would soon be leaving Quimperle, she should not really care what anyone here thought, but...
    'B-Benedict?'
    'Wake up, girl, for heavens' sake! You know perfectly well who I mean. The man's the best lute-player in the Duchy. I recollect he used to be a friend of your brother, so you should know his usual haunts. Do you know where he is? This morning I want him to entertain us while we sew.'
    'I...I know where he might be, Comptesse.'
    'Good, you