The Everlasting Covenant Read Online Free PDF Page A

saintly mother superior, but you needn ’ t be afraid. ” The earl looked at Ferris. “ The girl is breathtaking, yet sweet. I would be honored to take her to wife. But she is too young. Too skittish. I do not wish for her to be damaged by the prospect. ”
    “ But my lord, she will .. . ”
    The earl held up his hand to silence Marcella ’ s interruption and continued speaking to Lord Gifford. “ I think it is in the maiden ’ s best interests to extend our courtship. If I can show that I can be trusted before we are wed, the marriage will be more pleasurable to us both. If it suits you, we can draw up betrothal contracts now and be married some months hence. During the next several months I must travel to attend to many affairs of state, during which time I can make an occasional visit to your family at Raedelle. We will become better acquainted. Anne will become assured that marriage to me will not be a fearsome ordeal. ”
    “ Fearsome ordeal, indeed, ” Marcella grumbled. “ Lord Forbes, if you desire a bride this eventide, she will oblige. You needn ’ t coddle her to this degree. She is a sturdy girl, though small. And she can read and speak French and Latin. She -- ”
    Marcella stopped in midsentence when she saw Lord Forbes frowning. “ My lady, I would expect you to be more sensitive to her age and inexperience than I. But never mind, a few months will serve us all. ”
    Anne felt a smile come to her lips. She had never seen anyone manage Marcella so deftly. And he promised her time. The earl looked at her. “ Does that meet with your approval, my dear? ”
    “ You are very generous, my lord. ”
    He reached for her hand again and this time she was more willing. “ My name is Brennan Forbes, and you may use it freely. Despite your youth, you have submitted to my sudden request to meet you with poise and elegance, Anne. I thank you. You will find my disposition generous and I hope you will be pleased with what I can offer you. Your servant, mademoiselle. ”
    He turned to Marcella. “ Call on me for any needs the girl may have. I will extend my purse to her clothing and travel costs. ” He then gave an abrupt nod to Lord and Lady Gifford and departed.
    As Anne watched his aristocratic departure, she was sorry for him. He seemed a good and decent man, humble and polite for one who could, through money and power, be demanding and coarse if he so chose. He was handsome, kind, and sensitive. It was a shame that her heart was no longer hers to give.
    Many young women were given to older men, for often women died in childbirth. Thus, a great number of wealthy men were twice and thrice widowed before they themselves died. Often a maid was wed only for the sake of money – it was rare that the man was also civil and handsome. Brennan Forbes would be considered among the finest looking and most courtly.
    Yet Anne said a silent prayer of thanks that she had been given the gift of time. She would not be married to Brennan Forbes – she must tell Dylan at once. They must flee.
    “ Well, daughter? ” Ferris asked.
    Anne answered with a calmness that she did not feel. “ I find it hard to believe he is interested in me. Surely I am too young for him, surely he could find a prettier maid. ”
    Ferris shook his head, and Marcella frowned. Anne was the most beautiful woman in their household, and Ferris tended to think there was no greater beauty in all England. And her dis position was sweet. Her humility was a product of careless brothers who only teased her if they bothered with her at all. Trenton, the youngest boy at two years senior to Anne, had been her friend and playmate when they were younger, but lately achieving knighthood took precedence over attention to his little sister. The other boys had never been attached to her at all. And her older sister was as selfish with her kindness as she was with her gowns. Marcella had no time for Anne, except to pause to scold her occasionally, and Ferris was away