The Crimson Castle Read Online Free PDF Page A

time there but a
few years ago. It would be wise of you to consider that he may not return.”
    He noted the fear in reappear in her eyes and, unable to bear such a
look, he bid her good night. As he strode away he felt her eyes on his back and
he wondered at the effect she had on him. A pretty face rarely held any sway
over him and he took little notice of womenfolk in general. She vexed him more
than she reasonably should, but he could not help but admire her strong manner.
Knowing of the folly of his reflections he resolved to spare her no more
thoughts as he climbed wearily into bed that night.

Chapter 3
    Over
the coming days, Evelyn struggled to adjust to the idleness of being a guest of
Lord Tibald’s . With her father’s health ailing for
many years now she had taken on most of the duties at Beldersert .
For the most part managing her father’s affairs had given her great fulfilment
and she had relished being looked to for aid by the villagers.
    Although she considered herself an intelligent and dutiful woman, she
had not initially found the role easy. She knew little of responsibility prior
to that and, although her father and brother tried to coax her into learning
more of running the estate, knowing it would be necessary knowledge for when
she married, she relished her freedom too much and was an unruly pupil.
    Eventually she had learnt to enjoy the role and prided herself on being
a fair mistress. Although, without the guiding hand of her father, she wondered
how she would deal with any strife within the village. Her charitable instincts
dissuaded her from any forms of punishment, particularly when she had known
these people her whole life, and her father had taken most of the decisions
upon himself when she had not the stomach for it.
    Now, however, she would be appreciative of some sort of conflict to
liven up her days. She was itching to go for a ride but her every step was
haunted by guards and, although she was not forbidden from leaving the castle
walls, it had been made quite clear that Lord Tibald would be displeased if she did so. She did not want to risk his ire,
particularly with her village’s fate in his hands, so she tried her best to
play the subservient lady even when it rankled her to
do so. Whilst he remained courteous to her there was something in his eyes that
warned of the underlying wrath that she had heard so often about.
    Watching weapons practice that afternoon, interest stirred within her
when Tibald joined in and Sir Gabriel and the lord
sparred with their wooden wasters, decked only in their linen shirts and hose.
It became clear to Evelyn that both men concealed destructive temperaments, as
demonstrated by the aggression revealed in their movements. Although Gabriel’s
temper was barely concealed, she thought with a wry smile. It seemed to her to
simmer under a careful disguise of indifference.
     She watched him closely, the sweat glistening off his brow, his
hair slick, and puzzled over the man. His aggression and agility leant him to
the role of a soldier but she had seen much evidence of intelligence in her few
days in the castle. She had been surprised to discover that Tibald left nearly all of the duties of the estate to him, preferring to indulge
himself with food, wine and entertainments. Tibald jealously guarded his financial affairs but it seemed to Evelyn that all other
tasks were handed over to Gabriel.
     She wondered at the trust that Tibald put in this man and at the dutiful manner in which Gabriel carried them out.
Their relationship was a peculiar one, with teasing amusement from Tibald and barely disguised contempt on Gabriel’s behalf.
Why did he work so hard for a man he so clearly had no respect for?
    They continued on until Evelyn thought they would drop from exhaustion,
their shirts soaked in spite of the cool weather, clinging to their powerful
bodies. They were almost equally matched; Tibald’s superior girth making up for his lesser agility, but Evelyn