Haunted Knights (Montbryce~The Next Generation Historical Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

feelings of brotherly love. If it were Denis who had been stricken, would Adam love him any less?
    Adam raked his hands through his still wet hair. “I am a coward.”
    ~~~
    Fearing he might sob out loud at the sight of his brother’s dejection, Denis grabbed a drying cloth and vigorously rubbed Adam’s thighs with it. “Listen, brother.”
    He chopped his hand across his arm. “When Isembart Jubert lost his arm to an enemy sword, did he immediately get to his feet and carry on his life as it was before?”
    Adam inhaled deeply. Denis had hoped mention of Izzy’s namesake would stir him. He rushed on. “ Non , of course not.” He touched his arm, then his heart. “The body and the soul need time to heal. He was no longer capable of being a warrior, but Isembart became the only one armed rat-catcher I have ever heard of, acknowledged as the best in all of Normandie. It was his courage and tenacity that saved oncle Hugh’s life.”
    Adam seemed to understand the gist of what he was saying. “And tante Devona’s.”
    He shrugged into the doublet Denis handed to him, and went down on one knee. Denis did up the fastenings. How often he had wished for his brother’s height, though he did not envy him his present predicament.
    Their eyes met. Denis determined to ignore the desolation that darkened Adam’s gaze. “Not that I seek pity for myself, but life has not been easy for me. There have been times when despair has threatened to overwhelm me, but I resolved long ago to be the best man I could be. Stature has nothing to do with courage, or honesty or valour.”
    Adam came to his feet, resting a hand on Denis’ shoulder as he stepped into his braies and then his leggings. Denis reached to fasten the points.
    “ Merci , Denis,” Adam rasped. “Not only for helping me dress.”
    Denis slapped him on the thigh. “You’re welcome. Let’s go.”
    ~~~
    To his surprise, the maidservant who had seen him with his hands on his shaft winked at Adam as she served his food.
    Denis leaned over. “She probably thinks you were doing what many men do for their pleasure.”
    Adam felt relieved, though he had not grasped everything Denis had said. His deafness was readily apparent, but the fewer who knew of his other problem, the better.
    The food in England was never as good as in Normandie, but tonight the venison was excellent. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask his steward, Alain Cormant, if he had employed a new cook, but he hesitated, aware he would be unable to hear the reply.
    He had always enjoyed a good conversation, but now—
    Perhaps if he watched Cormant’s mouth as he spoke, he might discern what the man was saying. It was beginning to be thus with Denis, but he had known his brother all his life, recognized his mannerisms and mode of speech. Strangers would be more difficult.
    However, he had to try. He could not remain alone in his silent world. Marriage was out of the question, but his impairment did not mean he could not enjoy friends, family. Homesickness washed over him.
    His departure had made things more difficult for his family, especially his father and mother, but he feared his resentment at Mathieu’s actions might erupt and cause irreparable damage. Thank God Denis had insisted on sticking with him. He might have gone mad otherwise.
    Taking a deep breath, he turned to his left to look Cormant in the face. “The meat is tasty, Alain. Do we have a new cook?”
    Alain Cormant was the son of Barat who had come from Normandie long ago to assist in the stewardship of the Sussex manors the Montbryce brothers had been granted by William the Conqueror.
    Barat, and his brother Théobald, had played an important role in the rescue of Adam’s tante Devona. They had also helped in the rebuilding of East Preston, left derelict for many years after the Conquest.
    Alain had been born at East Preston and taken over as Steward of all the Sussex properties when his father and uncle retired to Normandie. Adam