The Border Lord and the Lady Read Online Free PDF

her heart is pure. She knows she has half brothers, and was excited to finally see them. We both know she made no attempt to harm the lads. You are jealous of my daughter, Luciana, and I have tried to reassure you in this matter, but you will not be comforted. This unfortunate incident will not be repeated, because I will send my daughter from Leighton Hall for her own safety. Know, however, that I have already settled a large amount on Cicely so that one day I can make a good match for her.”
    It was not often that the Countess of Leighton heard her husband speak so sternly to her, but when he did she knew that he meant exactly what he said. Still, she would not allow him to cow her completely. “I am satisfied with your decision, my lord,” she murmured meekly. “But do not dally in finding a place for the girl,” she added sharply. “I cannot have our sons living under the threat of danger.”
    “There is no danger,” the earl said, “but that which you have invented in your imagination, Luciana. Put it aside, and the matter will be quickly settled.”

Chapter 2

    H enry of Lancaster had died on the twentieth of March, and his heir was crowned on the ninth of April as King Henry V. The young king was eager to go to war with France. The Earl of Leighton consulted with his friend—and blood relation—Sir William Rogers, as to where he might foster his daughter.
    “ ’Tis a bad time, Robert,” Sir William said candidly. “But perhaps there is a chance you can get your lass into an important house if you can offer the king something in return. He’s like all the Lancasters, ready to do a favor for a favor.”
    “He’ll need financing for his war,” Robert Bowen said. “I can probably aid him there. The Florentine bankers are always looking to make another profit, and I have many friends among them.”
    “The king will be at Windsor next week,” Sir William said. “I’m leaving in another day or two. Ride with me. I can at least get you into his presence.”
    “You have a new daughter, don’t you?” the earl said to his relation.
    “Born on the day the old king died,” Sir William responded.
    “She’ll need a husband one day,” Robert Bowen said.
    “And he’ll need a rich wife,” Sir William observed. “My lass won’t have much, but I thank you for even considering it.”
    “You don’t know what will happen in the next few years,” the Earl of Leighton told his kinsman. “Let us wait and see.”

    When Sir William had departed Leighton Hall, Robert Bowen called for his horse and rode to the cottage where his daughter resided. Hearing his horse approaching, Cicely flew from the little house to greet her father. When he saw her, his heart contracted painfully. She was her mother’s image, with her rich auburn hair and her blue-green eyes. When she was grown she would be every bit as beautiful as Anne had been, if not more so. Even her creamy skin tone was Anne’s, and the long, dark eyelashes that brushed her rose-hued cheeks. The perfection of her skin, however, was marred by a purplish bruise upon her left cheekbone.
    “Papa! You came! I thought you might be angry at me.” She looked up at him, concerned.
    “Now, why would I be angry with you, poppet?” the earl asked her as he swept her up into his embrace, kissing her right cheek, gently fingering the bruise, disturbed when she winced slightly.
    “I didn’t mean to anger your lady wife, Papa,” Cicely said as he set her down upon her feet. “Why does she hate me so?”
    Taking her small hand in his big one, the earl led his daughter to a bench outside of the cottage door and they sat together. “I cannot sugarcoat the truth, poppet,” he began. “Your stepmother is a jealous woman, Cicely. She wants no other woman in my life but her. Sadly, I cannot change her, which brings me to why I have come today. Orva,” he called. “Please come and join us.” And when the serving woman stood by his side he continued. “For your