Love and Deception: a Clean Medieval Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

the truth too sordid than the lies.
    “Forgive me, Cathy,” she whispered sadly, looking up to the first rays of sunlight breaking free from the darkness. “And may God forgive your soul and give you rest.”

Chapter 6
    T he early morning provided the perfect ambience for what he had in mind. In truth, he had virtually no idea what he had in his mind. All he could think about were a pair of intelligent blue eyes regarding him oddly with mildly veiled interest. Or a soft voice lending him, Count Braxton, counsel on economics.
    He had scoffed at the idea of a woman versed in the financial arts but his betrothed was of the habit to surprise him at every turn.
    He swung his sword at the block and felt little satisfaction from hacking at the piece of wood. He had been at odds with his thoughts, which was a particularly novel and unwelcome feeling. He had not been so confused since he was seven summers and his mother newly put in the grave.
    His stance softened when he remembered the kind of woman the late Countess Braxton had been. She had been the helpmeet and wife any lord would have been blessed to grace his home. He remembered her keeping the estate running smoothly; so much so that when she fell ill and finally died, Braxton Hall seemed to have died with her.
    Indeed, it had taken a vast amount of his effort to repair and restore the home, which had been his mother’s pride and joy. Yet, he oddly felt that his home still lacked something.
    “I can provide a far more interesting challenge, if it would please my lord.”
    He looked up from the dummy he had been chipping away to a twig and smirked at the older knight. Despite his age, Bram still posed a formidable stature that gave younger men pause. His mentor had his broadsword in hand, the ruby glinting from its pommel. It had been a gift from Stephen’s father for his unswerving loyalty.
    “I heard the Lady Westin has taken to your subjects rather well,” Sir Bram mentioned casually as he stepped into the training area. He flexed his arms and assumed a defensive stance, his eyes narrowed slightly at his opponent.
    Stephen knew he could always count on the older knight to provide him with a bit of a challenge. The old man never let him have it easily. He had lost count of the many times he ended up face down on the dirt from their training sessions.
    “She is likeable enough,” he admitted, hoping he sounded as offhand to the other man. He swung his sword and the familiar clash of steel on steel rang in the courtyard.
    “Likeable? Sir Gregory thinks she hangs the moon and the stars in the night sky on her free time!”
    Sir Bram nearly laughed when the younger man’s eyes narrowed and he lunged hastily at him. He neatly sidestepped and slammed his sword into his opponent but was met by Stephen’s quick reflexes.
    “Gregory,” the younger man gritted out, “would do well to remember his place.”
    Bram laughed out loud as they parried once more. “Well, you seem so hesitant to step up to the task, milord. One would think this is a challenge you would back down from. Sir Gregory, on the other hand, might be a better match for our Lady Rosamund. I heard he will be taking her around town this morning while her true betrothed sorts out his mind on the training area on whether he would finally send her home or finally get to the job of marrying her!”
    Stephen lunged at him again and the two of them traded blows for a while. The younger man seemed to have a vast amount of pent up energy and Bram refused to back down, trading blow for blow until Count Braxton winded down and stared sullenly at him.
    “She is a good woman, milord,” he said gently.
    “I know, Bram.” He got up and smiled at the older man. “I am a blessed man.”
    The old knight grinned. “Aye, that you are, milord.”
    “Well, then, it seems I must be on my way, old man,” he smiled, his mind clear for the first time in the last few days. “I must steal milady’s heart.”
    “Hardly a