The Price of Freedom Read Online Free PDF Page A

her loyal friend, Fergus. A man who’d had nothing to gain by coming to her aid and might well have lost his eye for his trouble.
    Year of Our Lord 1314
    THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S ABBEY rang nones, reminding Kathryn de Lindsay of the need to return home. How had the brisk spring day sped by so fast? She looked out the window of the visitors’ chamber of the abbey and indeed, the light gave proof of the hour. Soon she must take Isobel back to the nursery the nuns had created in the safety of their quarters. Quarters where no man was allowed to enter.
    Dreading yet another parting from her young daughter, Kathryn held the child in her arms and crooned a lullaby:
    â€œHushabye, hushabye, God will protect ye.
Hushabye, hushabye, the Black Knight shall not get ye.”
    From across the room Mother Superior looked up from her needlework. “’Tis a soothing melody, but I can’t say the same for the words, lass.”
    Kathryn smiled ruefully. “The sentiment is what matters. I would protect my babe from all manner of evil, even the notorious Black Bryan, should he come raiding.” She stroked the sleeping child’s tiny hand. “I must go, Mother Philberta. I wish it were not so.”
    â€œIt is still not safe to take her with you to Homelea?”
    Kathryn shook her head. “Eventually I hope to raise her there. But not yet.”
    â€œYou are determined not to tell the child’s father of her existence?”
    â€œAye. I’ll not add to my transgression by placing Isobel in danger.”
    â€œSurely Lord Carleton would not harm his own child.”
    â€œRodney would use whatever he can, including an innocent babe, to gain control of Homelea. Of me. He cannot be trusted, certainly not with something as precious as this child.”
    Isobel awoke and began to fuss and Kathryn cooed to her. “She’s hungry,” Kathryn said.
    â€œCome, you can carry her to the wet nurse before you leave.”
    Grateful that the older woman understood Kathryn’s need to delay parting with Isobel as long as possible, she stood and followed Mother Philberta. They walked down the corridor to the room where Isobel lived with Nelda, the woman Kathryn had hired. Kathryn’s eyes misted. “I don’t know when I will visit again. Father’s health is failing and I am needed at home.”
    The elderly nun said, “I’m sorry to hear of the earl’s illness. He has been most generous to us at the abbey.”
    â€œAs you have been generous to us.” The nuns had welcomed her in her time of need, accepting her repentance and providing a safe haven for her child. “It grieves Papa that he isn’t able to come visit his granddaughter. And that soon he will be unable to protect either of us from Sir Rodney. Already I have received word that Rodney is coming to Homelea at King Edward’s request. As if either father or I cares to receive him.”
    â€œWhat brings him back?”
    â€œI will become King Edward’s ward when Papa dies and there will no longer be any obstacles in Rodney’s path. Edward will force the marriage if I resist.”
    â€œSo, he will renew his suit with you. What will you do?”
    Kathryn shook her head. “I can’t risk displeasing Rodney or the king, so I will bite my tongue and pray for God’s intercession.”
    â€œI will add my prayers to yours. You know you are welcome to take refuge here, but perhaps our prayers will be answered and it won’t come to that.”
    They reached the chamber, and Kathryn kissed Isobel’s cheek before handing her to the nurse. The woman took the child to a three-legged stool and sat down to suckle the child.
    As she looked on the scene, Kathryn thought of the brief weeks when she’d nourished the child herself. Weeks of healing and heartache knowing she must leave Isobel at the abbey to keep them both safe from Rodney. What would it be like to love a