The Deed Read Online Free PDF Page A

catching her words.
    Emma glanced at her cousin curiously. What mean you?
    His gaze slid warily around the empty room. Then he said quietly, The king suspects
     Bertrand and a few other lords of plotting to depose him.
    Emma gaped at that, and Rolfe nodded grimly. He suspects the lord chancellor is involved
     as well.
    Archbishop Arundel? Emma gasped, recalling the grim-faced man who had stood at the kings
     side throughout her audience.
    Aye.
    But why? What would they hope to gain?
    Rolfe sighed. I cannot know what the chancellor hopes to gain. We are not even sure if he
     is allied with Bertrand, but Bertrand, I suspect, hopes to gain power.
    Emma frowned at that, and the bishop explained, As a boy, Bertrand squired and became
     quite close friends with Henry of Bolingbroke.
    The kings cousin, Emma murmured, her frown deepening.
    The bishop nodded. Should King Richard be deposed, Henry would be the most likely person
     to succeed him.
    And as a friend of the kings, Bertrand would be well positioned, Emma realized grimly. So,
     Henry wishes to take his cousins throne?
    The two men exchanged glances; then Rolfe shrugged uncomfortably. There is no evidence of
     that, Em. Bertrand and the others may simply be using the kings cousin for their own gain.
     Henry has always shown himself loyal to his cousin.
    I see, she murmured, her gaze moving to the fire thoughtfully.
    Rolfe allowed Emma her thoughts for a moment, then added, Knowing of Bertrands greed for
     power, His Majesty does not wish to give him any means with which to increase it. Bertrand
     has a small holding which he inherited from his father, but tis nothing in comparison to
     the wealth and power he would wield should he gain this holding. Hence, Richard has
     arranged this marriage. On marrying you, de Aneford gains the title of Lord Eberhart with
     all it includes.
    Emma grimaced at that. That will not please Bertrand.
    Rolfe shook his head. Nay. No doubt Bertrand and his mother shall be quite displeased with
     this turn of events. However, by the time they approach the king with their complaint, it
     shall be done. Or at least that is his hope.
    By the time they approach? Her eyes narrowed. Have they or have they not made a complaint
     to the king?
    Well... He looked uncomfortable for a moment, then sighed. Nay. They have not had a
     chance. The king heard gossip about their plans before they made a request to see him and
     he managed to delay seeing them until after arranging everything. We left the day before
     the appointed audience with the Fulks, which means they will be one day behind us.
    They? Emma frowned.
    Lady Ascot and Bertrand.
    Lady Ascot is heading here as well? Oh, dear Lord, of course she is. She seems to go
     everywhere that Bertrand does, doesnt she? Emma stood up, anxiety on her face. She could
     very well recall her husbands aunt from the last time she had suffered her presence. While
     his cousin had seemed as oily as a greased pig, his aunt had been a harridan of a woman,
     terrifying the servants. Emma had never met a more unpleasant woman. Cold, complaining,
     and just plain mean, the woman had actually started to beat one of the serving girls with
     her cane because she had not served her quickly enough. The last thing she wished was to
     see that woman return here, let alone have any power over the people who had served Emma
     so well. She would never enjoy another heartbeat of peace knowing that the people she had
     once led were suffering under Lady Ascots rule. That being the case, she could only be
     grateful that King Richard had vexed their plans. But if he had, why would Bertrand and
     Lady Ascot be heading for the castle? Emma asked that now, and watched with suspicion as
     her cousins discomfort grew.
    The king intends to tell them that he was unaware of their discontent and Lie. Rolfe
     winced at her accusation. The bishop looked disapproving. Lie is a strong word, my lady.
    Emma waved that away