Knight of Her Heart (Conquering the Heart) Read Online Free PDF Page A

involved with Mortimer because of their mutual love of gambling, Devereux was convinced of his guilt,” Henry interjected. “’Tis true that Collins’ guilt has never been proven however we trust the opinion of Devereux. We have kept close watch on Collins’ involvements since that time.”
    “How did Aveline die?” Rowan asked haltingly as Aveline’s face swam in his mind. He frowned. “You speak of this Lord Collins. Did he have a hand in her death?”
    Disapproval was heavy in every one of Bedford’s features and in the grim set of his mouth as he answered. “Duke Devereux informed me Collins lied to Lady Aveline. Collins convinced her that her father was being implicated in a conspiracy plot against the king.”
    “My uncle is completely loyal to you, Your Majesty,” Rowan defended instantly.
    The king inclined his head in agreement. “We know this.”
    “Lady Aveline believed Collins had the power to prove her father’s innocence,” Bedford continued. “Collins told her that if she eloped with him, he would ensure her father was not branded a conspirator.”
    Rowan’s hands clenched into tight fists at his sides as rage welled within him. “She believed Collins. She eloped with him.” His words were statements rather than questions. Aveline’s soft nature and her devotion to all members of her family were well known. She would not have thought twice about going against her father’s wishes if she believed she was acting in his best interests.
    “Devereux received a secret missive from Lady Aveline just a day prior to her death,” Bedford relayed as Henry returned to sit on his throne. “She explained her reasons for marrying without his approval. She also said Collins had confessed he had lied to her. She was concerned for her safety and requested that your uncle come to her rescue.”
    “Devereux sent a petition to us for an annulment of the marriage,” Henry explained. “He was about to take his forces and march on Collins’ keep to retrieve his daughter.”
    The duke nodded. “He had just cause. But before he set out, word was received that Lady Aveline had died.”
    “Tell me how she died, Your Grace,” Rowan urged.
    Bedford’s lips twisted into a cynical line. “’Tis claimed she had an accident and died from internal injuries after falling from her horse. She—”
    “Aveline was an exceptional horsewoman,” Rowan protested, forgetting his place and cutting across the Duke’s explanation. “She was not one to take risks.” He covered his face with his hands for a moment as he tried to keep his loss and bewilderment in check. “How could this happen?”
    “We suspect foul play, Lord Romsey,” King Henry told him.
    Rowan did a double-take at the king’s use of his new title, but did not think for long on it. Most overwhelming was his grief over Aveline’s death and a burning need to know what had transpired. If Collins was responsible he would personally see to it that the man paid with his life.
    “Collins has had five young wives,” Duke Bedford said grimly. “Each has met an untimely death approximately a year after marriage, and without begetting Collins an heir. Since Devereux brought Lady Aveline’s death to the king’s attention, my initial enquiries have led me to believe Collins may have had a hand in each of their deaths.”
    Rowan’s adrenaline surged. “Surely you will punish him, Your Majesty?”
    Henry nodded. “You may rest assured that if there is enough evidence to prove his guilt, we will ensure Collins pays for his crimes.” The king tapped his fingers on the armrest of his throne as he assessed Rowan with sharply. “’Tis our desire that you return to England, Lord Romsey. Lord Collins has a keep and some lands which lie on the eastern border of your lands of Romsey Castle. Before you take possession of your new seat, we wish you to travel to the area in disguise and see what you can learn about Collins. Any hint that his wives died by his