The Maiden and Her Knight Read Online Free PDF Page B

unconscious imitation of his elder sister.
    â€œI still think we should be allowed to watch. I’m going to ask Father—”
    â€œNo, you won’t pester Father about this,” she interrupted sternly. “No ladies of rank watch tournaments, and you are a lady of rank. As such, you enjoy certain privileges, and as such, you have a duty to behave as you should.”
    As Isabelle flushed, Allis was very glad Isabelle didn’t know about her sister’s meeting with the knight in the garden last night.
    She should have commanded him to leave the garden at once, and not let herself be drawn in by his good looks, his gentle humor, or his wonderful rich voice. Whatever he said, it was best forgotten, and she should not spend another restless night thinking of him, or imagining being in his passionate embrace, his strong arms around her and his lips upon hers, kissing her as she could easily envision a man like that could kiss.
    She had acted very inappropriately, and was justly ashamed of herself, which explained why she felt so warm even now. After all, she was not Merva, but the daughter of the earl of Montclair, no matter how much she wished it could be otherwise. “Besides, I could use some help in the tent for the wounded.”
    â€œYou will let me do that?” Isabelle asked, her eyes widening with eager excitement.
    â€œYes, I think you are old enough not to swoon at the sight of bloody noses and broken limbs.”
    Isabelle turned to her brother and stuck out her tongue.
    â€œIsabelle, I will need a helper, not a girl who needs looking after herself.”
    â€œI’ll do whatever you ask of me,” she promised.
    â€œSee that you do—and don’t spend all your time talking with the handsome young fellows who get hurt, tempting though that may be.” As she well knew.
    Isabelle blushed. “I won’t.”
    â€œSo off you go, Edmond, to the wall walk. Don’t shout or do anything that might distract our guests. You are there to watch and learn, not cheer.”
    â€œYes, Allis,” her towheaded brother called out as he ran off.
    â€œWhen do we go to the tent for the wounded?”
    â€œThey are only gathering now. It will be a little while before the melee begins.”
    Isabelle sighed and leaned against the large chest holding various linens. “I think being a lady is generally very boring.”
    Allis picked up the dozen napkins she had put on the shelf and closed the lid. “But we can do things others cannot. For instance, if I feel a need to ensure that Lord Oswald’s chamber is in good order—again—and should I decide to linger there, no one will tell me I cannot. And if I happen to glance out the loophole toward the field where the melee is about to begin—”
    â€œYou can see the tournament!” Isabelle finished with sudden, enthusiastic understanding.
    â€œOr as much of it as I care to,” Allis agreed, smiling. “Truly, I don’t have any great desire to see men hurting each other, but the first charge is generally very exciting. As soon as the first charge is over, though, we must go to the tent for the wounded.”
    â€œAren’t there servants enough for that?”
    â€œIt is our duty to see that our guests are well cared for.” Allis assumed a guileless expression. “Of course, if you don’t think those young men will be filled with admiration for a girl gently tending to their aches and cuts—provided she does not encourage any impropriety…” She let her words trail off suggestively.
    â€œAllis,” Isabelle said with a giggle, “if you were not my sister, I would say you were a wicked creature very well versed in how to attract a husband.”
    Allis instantly sobered. “I don’t want a husband. It is enough for me to look after our father and Edmond.” And you , she finished inwardly.
    With an apologetic look, Isabelle patted her