Page 77 of The Saxon Lord's Unwanted Bride
She was doing just that—keeping her child safe.
But not from drowning.
She was keeping her safe from him.
“You should listen to your wife, not judge her,” Edwin said. “From the day Beauvisage arrived, trouble has surrounded you. The uprisings have increased—you almost lost your life at the tournament.”
“That was an accident,” Harald said.
“Was it? The whole company saw what happened—how he started his run early, caught you off guard,” Edwin said. “A single incident may not arouse suspicion, but consider everything that’s happened. Has your prejudice against your wife, and the honeyed words of Beauvisage, addled your wits? Perhaps your wife had cause to warn you against Beauvisage.”
“You know what she did, Edwin.” Harald said.
“I only know what Beauvisage told you,” Edwin replied. “Do you think him incapable of telling a falsehood, merely because he has the king’s favor?” He let out a sigh. “Take my counsel, Harald. Rid yourself of your friend, and tend to your wife. Other than conceal the existence of the child, what has she ever done to justify your poor opinion of her?”
Edwin was right. Eloise had never acted in a way to make Harald think her anything but loyal and loving.
“Brother, what shall I do?”
“Return to Wildstorm,” Edwin said. “I’ll accompany you.”
Harald looked around his brother’s study—at the books and quills Edwin surrounded himself with.
“Won’t it keep you from your studies?”
“Your wife is worth more than a day or two’s reflection,” Edwin said. “’Tis a pity you’ve never understood that.”
* * *
Two days later,after riding hard the brothers reached Wildstorm. A thin veil of rain obscured the tower, which was almost complete. Edwin’s disapproval had hung over them on their journey, thicker and blacker than the clouds which smothered the sky.
The main doors opened to reveal a figure silhouetted against the light in the hall. Had she been waiting for him?
No—it was the steward.
“My lord.” Collin’s voice was grave as he bowed to Harald. “We didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“I’m here to see my wife.”
“She’s not here.”
“Where is she?”
“I don’t know. She left with Beauvisage. They’ve been gone two days. She’s taken most of her possessions with her. Roswyn is missing also.”
“You think they planned it?” Harald asked.
Edwin gave him a sharp nudge. “Don’t be a fool!” he hissed.
Collin shook his head. “Her nursemaid insists she would not leave willingly. But if that were so, why take her gowns and jewels with her? It makes no sense.”
No sense indeed. Harald pushed past Collin and strode towards the main hall.
“Send Torfin with a flagon of my strongest wine.”
“Getting drunk won’t ease your troubles, brother.” Edwin growled.
“Yes it will.”
