The Deed Read Online Free PDF

impatiently. What else is he going to tell them? Rolfe hesitated. He
     is intent on keeping the peace. Of course, Em agreed dryly. And?
    He intends on telling them that as it was so obvious to the court that you were more than
     willing to... er...
    Do your duty, the bishop supplied.
    Aye. That being the case, he had not thought they would bring such a petty claim.
    He hopes to shame them into recanting their claim, the bishop pointed out with
     satisfaction.
    However, should greed win out oer honor...
    Emma rolled her eyes at that. There was no doubt in her mind at leastthat given a choice
     between saving their pride and getting their hands on Eberhart Castle, greed would win out.
    Then he shall tell them that neer having considered such a problem and having been
     concerned for the safety of the castle, its occupants, and yourself now that there is no
     lord, he commissioned the marriage between yourself and Lord Amaury. However, he will
     supply them with a letter to the effect that should they arrive before the wedding is
     accomplished and...
    His gaze swam anxiously to the bishop again, who sighed and supplied, Consummated.
    Then they may call a halt to the wedding and reclaim the property.
    Emmas eyes narrowed at that. The very thought of those two vultures gaining power over her
     people made her blood boil. Then she noticed the way Rolfe was suddenly avoiding looking
     at her. And? What else?
    Rolfe turned his gaze unhappily away, and Emma found herself wringing her hands again as
     she waited impatiently. Finally, she took a step forward. What else, Rolfe?
    When he could only look at her pityingly, it was the bishop who filled the silence.
     Bertrand also wishes to lay claim to you, my lady. As his wife.
    What? She turned on him in horror. But I do not like him. A foolish argument indeed.
     Liking had little to do with duty and marriage. Besides, she had not even met Amaury de
     Aneford, but had not protested his possible suitability as a husband. Still, Emma was not
     thinking too clearly just then; she was a mite overset by the fact that Bertrand had even
     included her in his plans. It was astonishing to her. After all, Fulk had not been able to
     bear his husbandly duties, why would his cousin wish to saddle himself with her? Good
     Lord, this was a worry, she thought.
    Bertrand claims tis the only fair resolution, Rolfe put in dryly. That way you shall not
     be deprived, as he puts it. Though we all know it simply is not true. Hes commented to one
     and all that he would like nothing better than to get his hands on your
    Dowry, the bishop said with a sharp look at Rolfe.
    Aye, that too, Rolfe muttered. Eberhart Castle had been falling apart when Emma had
     married Fulk. Without her wealth it would have fallen completely to ruin. No doubt
     Bertrand and Lady Ascot would not wish to have to return that. If there was any left.
    The PIG! Emma bellowed, surprising both men with her volume. Shed rather lie down with
     snakes than share her bed with Bertrand. Aside from that, the idea of having his mother
     herefor she would no doubt move in should her son become lord of the castlegave her the
     vapors. The woman would take over. Shed run the place as if it were her own. Shed order
     Emma about like a servant, and most likely treat the servants like slaves. Emma could
     almost feel the beatings that would occur then. The spilling of a tankard of ale would
     probably bring about the breaking of bones. By God, she would not have it! This will not
     do at all. We must... Where is my husband?
    Your husband? Both men peered at her in confusion.
    Amaury, she said grimly. He is to be my husband, is he not? Well, where is he? Does he not
     realize the seriousness of the situation?
    He has not been apprised of the situation as I understand, the bishop said carefully.
     However, the king sent him a message to make himself available here forthwith to be
     married. He glanced at Rolfe, then back.