Page 73 of The Saxon Lord's Unwanted Bride
“As you once said to me, dearest Eloise, I could love you,” he said, “love you so much, if you would let me.”
Chapter 18
Though Eloise recovered under Harald’s care, she remained weak for a fortnight and at his insistence stayed in her chamber. He visited her each day and they resumed their uneasy friendship.
But fear for Violette disturbed her rest. Where was Ralph? Had he discovered her—was he plotting something—even now? If only she could trust Harald enough to voice her concerns for her child.
No more secrets, husband, you have my word. How those words taunted her!
She must visit the convent again—her fear for Violette threatened to overwhelm her.
Her chance came when Harald was occupied training with his men, and she set off with Jeanette’s help. Anxiety radiated throughout her body, which her horse sensed—snorting and stamping during the ride. The visit would have to be brief—Harald mustn’t notice her absence.
Her heart soared on seeing the child, her beautiful face lighting up with delight as she’d greeted. Holding her close, Eloise drew more comfort from the child than Violette could ever take from her.
Her fears increased on the ride back. Hoofbeats echoed behind her, yet each time she looked, she saw nothing. An uneasy feeling crawled over her skin. Perhaps it was the cold. Still weak from the sickness, her body ached in the frigid air.
She led her mount into the stables and rubbed down her horse, then removed the saddle. The grooms were not present, and she was able to perform the task unobserved.
She had succeeded. Her absence had not been noted, and Violette was safe.
A dark shape awaited her at the door to her chamber. Her loyal maidservant had been true to her word, guarding her chamber faithfully.
“Thank you for waiting, Jeanette,” she said. “I don’t believe my husband knows.”
The shape moved out of the shadows and Eloise realized her mistake. Taller and broader than Jeanette, Harald stood over her, his eyes cold and hard. The faint smell of horse and sweat invaded her nostrils.
“You don’t believe I knowwhat?” he asked.
He stepped forward, so close that her neck ached with the effort to look up at him.
“Do you take me for a fool? I followed you to the convent. I know everything!”
A cold hand clawed at her heart.
“Husband…” the word on her lips was crushed as huge hands took her throat. She tore at his fingers but his grip was too strong.
“You’ve played me for a fool for the last time,” he growled. “To think, I believed your lies!”
“Husband, I…”
“Silence! I’ll listen to no more of your poison. You—who looked me in the eye and swore your child was dead, yet a fat nun tells me it lives! Did your father know you’d borne a bastard?”
“Aye.”
“Why did you lie to me, Eloise? Why! I had begun to trust you!”
“How could I tell you!” she cried. “You’ve said many times that such children deserve to die! I’ll do anything to protect her—even if that involves breaking faith with you!”
“What did you promise me?” he hissed. “No more secrets! Have I not spoken of the penalty for faithlessness? You flaunt the fruits of your whoring on the very land where you pledged to honor and obey me! And you told me you valued honesty above all things! I want nothing more than to be rid of you!”
“Then do it,” she choked. “You only need squeeze a little tighter to release us both from this misery.” She let her body go limp and waited for release. But none came. His eyes widened in misery and self-loathing.
“Leave her alone!” Jeanette’s scream sliced through the air, and Harald slackened his grip.
“Please, my Lord Harald—she’s with child!”
Harald released her as if she burned him.
