Betrothed Read Online Free PDF Page B

his left jawbone. Who had
nursed the wound that had left behind such a mark? 
    She
would have made good her escape back into the kitchens if not for the object of
her wayward thoughts.
    “Lady
Isabeau!”
    She
jumped and bumped into the serving girl walking by her.
    “Y-yes,
my lord?” Her cheeks burned with the crack in her voice -- so much a remnant of
their encounter at the creek. She wanted nothing to remind him of her escapade.
    “Come
break your fast with me.” He indicated the empty chair to his left. Lady
Syllba’s chair.
    How
could she refuse her liege lord?
    Feeling
all eyes upon her, she stiffly made her way across the room. With exacting
care, she managed not to create a calamity.
    He
stood as she approached the table and waited until the serving boy had assisted
her into her sister-in-law’s chair before resuming his place.
    “You
set a delicious table, my lady. Each bit tempts one to take another,” the
warrior complimented in his deep voice.
    How
was she to think of food?  How was she to get a morsel into her mouth
without gagging? All she wanted was to know what he would tell her brother --
and when. This was the man who held the truth of her failed escape.
    Licking
her suddenly dry lips, she tried to find words to respond to his compliment.
She opened her mouth and his rugged hand placed a morsel of bread and honey to
her lips. Careful not to bite the hand that fed her, she pulled the proffered
food in with her lips and tongue. Chewing, she prayed she wouldn’t choke on the
warm bread.
    She
swallowed quickly, “Thank you, my lord.”
    Lord
Donovan looked up from perusing the egg dish that had just been set before him
as a scowl creased his brow. “For what?”
    His
expression of mild confusion drew her attention once again to the white scar
that traced the side of his face. Momentarily, she lost track of the
conversation, and her eyes strayed back to the blue of his.
    “For—for
your compliment and—and for not exposing my folly to my brother.”
    His
scowl deepened. “I made no promises to keep my silence.” Then his expression
lightened with wry humor. “It would be extremely difficult to discuss any
matter with Lord Simon as I have yet to meet the man.”
    She
could find nothing to say in her brother’s defense so she wisely kept her mouth
shut.
    The
earl pointedly tore off a large hunk of the warm bread “I noticed a few changes
in Olivet as we approached last eve.”
    “My
lord?  Is this not your first visit to my father’s keep---pardonez—my
brother’s keep?  Surely, I would remember the visit of my father’s liege
lord.”  She ordered herself to watch her tongue. At all times, she must
remember everything now belonged to her older half-brother. The consequences
could be painful.
    “It
has been several years since I have come to your gracious home. I was but a boy
when I visited with my father and then later with your grandfather -- may God
keep both those honorable men.”
    For
a moment, Isabeau thought she had misheard his words. “My grandfather?”
    “Aye,
my lady.” Donovan picked up his goblet and took a swig. “I fostered with your
mother’s sire. Lord Tourrey was a hard taskmaster, but fair. I learned many of life’s
lessons under his wise tutelage. And your grandmother was as beautiful as she
was gracious. You have much the look of her.”
    Warmth
grew in her cheeks. “Thank you, my lord.”
    When
his smile widened, she knew he must have noticed her blush. She successfully
resisted the urge to cover her face. “If it pleases you, my lord, I would have
you share your recollections of my grandparents one day.”
    “I
would be honored to share fond memories with one as charming as my beautiful
hostess.”
    “Lady
Syllba is your true hostess,” she quickly reminded him again. “I am but…”
    Donovan
waved a hand to cut off her objections. “You have recited enough of that
catechism. I am not a blind man. Mayhap ‘twould be best if we changed