Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
A shout rang out from the door to the fortress.
“Lady Mary is not in her room.”
“Damn,” Mary mumbled. Now what was she to do?
“Search the fortress and the grounds,” Decimus ordered. “I want her found.”
Mary hurried along the stone wall, unplaiting her hair and pulling her blouse out of her skirt. She had to appear different from the woman who had been seen hugging a man. She returned through the kitchen and entered the great hall at the same time her husband did.
Silence filled the hall and his warriors stared at her, some with their mouths agape. Edmond stared but she realized there was no recognition in his eyes.
“Your whereabouts, wife,” Decimus demanded. His smoldering eyes warned he was on the verge of erupting.
She had thought of an excuse, though she knew it not an adequate one. “I went exploring the fortress and found myself lost.”
“Did I not order you to remain in your room?” he asked approaching her.
“I grew bored.” She remained firm in her stance, showing no fear, and caught several of his men snickering at her.
“You dare to disobey me?”
His anger was about to erupt and she was not certain what he would do. She backed away from him.
“Do not move away from me.”
She stood where she was.
“You will learn obedience.”
“Aye, my lord,” she said, bowing her head in submission. He was much too angry to attempt reason. Acquiescence was her only choice.
“When I order you to do something you will do it without question. I care not how bored you grow, my word is law and you will obey.”
Silence was her only defense.
“I will not tolerate blatant disobedience.”
“I am sorry, my lord,” she said attempting to appease him.
“Sorry means nothing if it is offered without truth.”
He accused her of lying. He did not trust her and that could prove dangerous for her.
“I am sorry,” she reaffirmed more strongly. “I have yet to learn the ways of a good, obedient wife. I ask your forgiveness and patience with me. I will attempt to do better.” She bowed her head once again.
“Your apology will teach you nothing,” he said. “Punishment will.”
Her heart stilled for a moment, fearing his punishment may be severe enough to harm her unborn babe.
Mary waited for him to dismiss her, but instead he ordered her to sit in a chair near the hearth. She was grateful for the fire’s warmth. Her soaked garments chilled her to the bone and she had begun to tremble. She huddled close to the fire, the heat helping to calm her shivers, though not her concerns. What punishment would Decimus inflict on her? Would it harm her unborn babe? Her disturbing thoughts grew along with her fear.
Young lad after young lad was marched before Decimus and Edmond, and the large man shook his head at each one, until he finally cried out.
“This is him, this is the lad who tricked me.”
Mary turned wide eyes on the young man and noticed that his clothing was similar to the clothing she had worn.
“You are sure?” Decimus asked.
“Yes, and if you give him to me I will get a confession from him.”
Good lord, she could not let the horrified young man suffer for what she had done.
“I have done nothing,” the young man said trembling. “I have tended the horses. One is ready to birth and I have seen to her care.”
“You lie.” Edmond spat at him. “You were in the dungeon.”
Another young man stepped forward. “John speaks the truth, my lord. He has been with the mare all day. He has never left her side.”
Decimus turned to Edmond. “You will know more pain than is possible if you lie to me and accuse an innocent young man to save yourself.”
“He looks like the lad,” Edmond said contritely.
“You may go,” Decimus said to the two young men, and they scurried out of the hall as fast as possible.
He ordered his men to continue searching the grounds and the fortress, though he told them that he believed Roarke long gone. He ordered Edmond to wait in his solar and then he pointed Mary toward the staircase.
“Our bedchamber.”
Mary was led up the stairs, trying desperately to calm her worries. She had the unborn babe to consider, and she must do whatever necessary to keep him from being harmed.
After closing the door, Decimus descended on her with a rage. “Did you have anything to do with this man Roarke’s escape?”
Chapter 30
Mary placed her hand to her chest as if in shock. “My lord, how can you ask me that?”
“Do not play games with me.” He grabbed her by the arms. “You are soaking wet.”
“And chilled.” She kept her demeanor calm.
“Take your clothes off,” he ordered sharply.
He released her, went to the bed, pulled the blanket off, and returned to her.
Panic rose inside her. Did he intend for them to consummate their wedding vows now? She was cold, exhausted, and had little strength left to protest, not that she could. It was her wifely duty; she had no choice. With slow, trembling hands she tugged at the ties of her blouse, praying for courage.