The Deed Read Online Free PDF Page B

We actually expected him to arrive before us as
     he was only
    Well, where is he? Emma demanded, then frowned suddenly as a thought struck her. Mayhap he
     has been beset by bandits.
    Rolfe smiled slightly at her suggestion. I do not think a couple of pesky bandits would
     even slow down, let alone stop de Aneford. Hes
    Then mayhap Bertrand had him assassinated.
    My lady, the bishop said soothingly, but Emma was in no mood to be soothed.
    SEBERT! she roared suddenly, moving to the door.
    She has quite a set of lungs for such a petite woman, the bishop murmured with a mixture
     of awe and horror to Rolfe.
    Aye. Her cousin smiled crookedly. I had quite forgotten about that aspect of her
     personality. She has not displayed it since our youth that I know of.
    Aye... well... the bishop murmured, then winced as she bellowed for her steward again.
    Emma had just reached the door when it burst open and the man presented himself. Alarm was
     written all over his face.
    My lady? He peered briefly around to see that all seemed in order, and confusion
     immediately covered his face.
    Take a dozen men and ride out in search of my husband, Emma commanded at once. The steward
     goggled at her.
    But, my lady Now, Sebert. Or all will be lost. Sebert nodded and started to withdraw, then
     paused and turned back, his gaze moving helplessly to the
    two men by the fireplace, before flying back to Emma herself. But my lady, yer husband is
     dead, he pointed out miserably.
    Emma rolled her eyes at that. Sebert, why can you not be like other stewards and listen at
     doors?
    I... Sebert drew himself up indignantly, but Emma continued.
    Had you done so, you would be aware that I am to marry Lord Amaury de Aneford.
     Immediately. Before Lord Fulks cousin and aunt can get here and Bertrand can lay claim to
     the manor and myself.
    Lord Bertrand? And his mother? Sebert looked horrified. He too recalled the wedding and
     Lady Ascots cruelty to the staff.
    Just so, Emma said dryly. Now do as I say and fetch some men and search for my husband. He
     is lost or something. He must be brought here forthwith. And in the future, do please try
     to be privy to such serious conversations so that I do not have to waste time explaining
     things to you.
    Aye, my lady, Sebert said at once, nodding and hurrying out the door.
    Rolfe opened his mouth to try to calm his cousin once her unfortunate steward had fled,
     but Emma gave him no chance. Moving to the bottom of the stairs, she peered up and
     bellowed again. MAUDE!
    The female servant presented herself at once, flying down the stairs as if demons were on
     her heels. Aye, my lady?
    Flowers. I must have a garland of flowers and a veil. And a fresh gown.
    A veil, my lady? Maudes plain face became as blank as slate.
    Aye, Maude, a veil, Emma said between her teeth with forced patience. I am to be married.
     I need a veil.
    Married?! Maude gaped at her. You do understand the word, do you not? Emma asked grimly.
     Aye. But my lady... your veils... all your clothes are Black. Aye, I know. Bad luck that.
     There is little help for it. See to my instructions, Maude.
    Swallowing, Maude nodded, turned back toward the top of the stairs, hesitated, turned
     back, then threw her hands up. Mavis! she shrieked at last, and flew up the stairs. A
     moment later another female servant, a younger one, nearly as fair as the first had been
     plain, came flying down the stairs. Presumably, this was Mavis and she had been sent for
     the flowers while Maude apparently sought out the necessary clothes.
    If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I must change, Emma said now, with a calm that was in
     direct contrast to the uproar she had caused. Go you to the church. We shall await my
     husband there.
    The bishop watched her move sedately up the stairs with something akin to amazement, then
     turned to Rolfe. Quite a... lady, he pronounced at last.
    Aye, Rolfe sighed, and moved to the table where a tray holding a