Lord of the Manor (Trysts and Treachery Book 5) by Elizabeth Keysian (best romantic novels in english txt) 📕

“It concerns the cottage.” Benedict shot Cecily a look of sympathy. She tilted her chin, apparently resigned to hearing bad news, and Allan’s heart swelled with pride at her courage.

“It’s all gone, isn’t it?” she stated. “Everything is ruined.”

“Not everything. The neighbors saved the pig and your chickens. Your pots are mostly melted, and your clothing, alas, is burned to a cinder. But have no fear—I’ll make you some new shoes straightaway, better than any you have ever owned before. And Martin will weave you a new straw hat for the summer.”

“And I’ll send to Cambridge for a bolt of wool.” Allan gave her a gentle smile. “In whatever color you would prefer.”

“Has Charlemagne returned?”

Allan winced to see the look of hope shining on her face. He could be forgiven for wondering at times if she cared more for that bird than she did for him.

Benedict shook his head. “Alas, nay. But he may be too shocked as yet, and will return when he has recovered himself. Don’t give up hope, Niece. I do have some good tidings to impart, however. Anselm and I unearthed your cache of coin, and it is undamaged. It’s been concealed in Anselm’s cottage until you decide what to do with it.”

“Good tidings, indeed—thank you. Now, we have weighty matters to discuss.” Allan reached for a beaker of water to stall an imminent coughing fit. “I’ve suggested to Cecily that you have two choices before you. Master Kennett may denounce you from his prison cell. If so, investigations could be set in motion that will be unpleasant for us all. I would have you, Martin, and Anselm come live here with me. You may continue the demolition work for, while Kennett yet lives, I still owe him for two-thirds of the commandery. And even if he is condemned, that money is owed to his family. He has uncles and cousins that I know of—they attended my wedding to Hannah.”

He paused and took another deep draft of water. “It will be clear that you’re under my protection. I doubt anyone in the village will speak out against you, as you’ve proved yourself most useful to them over the years. But they will also be advised to hold their tongues since, as their landlord, I could evict them on a whim.”

“But you wouldn’t, Allan, would you?”

“Only if it was a matter of life or death, sweet lady. The alternative is for the men to depart for France in the next few days. We are past the worst storms of winter now, so you can expect a safe crossing.”

The room fell silent as Benedict digested Allan’s words. In the fields beyond, a sheep bell tinkled, and the doves were cooing. From the walnut tree, a robin proclaimed his territory in anticipation of spring. The life of nature continued unaffected, even when the affairs of men were in turmoil. Many lives would depend on the decision Benedict made in the next few moments.

“I think we would all elect to stay, for the time being. We would hope to see—” He paused, shooting Cecily a sober look.

Allan finished his sentence for him. “You would like to see Cecily wed. I understand. I would do it tomorrow, but I imagine you would like the banns called first, and the old traditions to be followed.”

Benedict’s grin lit up the room. Cecily’s cheeks glowed pink yet again, but her eyes were shining.

“You must be recovered, Master. We wouldn’t want you choking through your vows or having to be fed your wedding feast because you can’t handle a knife or spoon yourself. We also need to be subtle in our use of the treasure. For any of us to appear to have sudden riches will arouse suspicion and jealousy, which could be dangerous. We must all deal carefully with our wealth, mayhap pay for our passage to France in installments, so it appears that we have earned the coin we will be using to pay for it. I do not,” he added, holding his hands out, palms forward, “I do not want to send the holy vessels to be melted—that pricks my conscience and sticks in my craw. I would have those reburied here, if possible. They are part of the commandery’s story and should be preserved complete for future generations.”

“An admirable decision.” Allan grinned. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, uncle-in-law, I need to be impolite and clear my lungs.”

Benedict nodded and excused himself, but Cecily remained.

“I don’t need an audience,” he complained. “Haven’t you something you could be doing?”

She ignored his pretended ill-humor and came to lean against him, kissing him on the lips.

“Cough away. I’ll go to the kitchen and make some broth, then tell Martin you’re awake. He’ll want to see how his patient fares.”

He reached for her hand, forgetting the problems with his own, then cursed.

“Be patient, my love,” she advised, smiling softly at him. “All will soon be well.”

And he knew that with her beside him, all would be well forever and anon.

When Allan awoke from his doze, the sun had moved around, and his room was dark and gloomy. There was no rustle of linen, no quiet breathing. Cecily was gone—to rest, he hoped—and from the quiet that blanketed the manor, the men had downed tools for the day and departed.

Soon, this place would be a hive of activity from dawn to dusk and beyond. No more privacy for him and Cecily—which he supposed was quite proper—and no more moments of quiet solitude as he tried to bury the past and look forward to the future.

He recalled that there was a pile of old bricks in the walled garden. From that elevated position, he had discovered that he could watch the sun as it set, turning the clouds to violet, red, and gold. Soon, he would share that wondrous moment, that spectacular view, with Cecily—his wife.

But for one last time, he wanted to enjoy it on his own,