Read Online Jayne Castle [Jayne Ann Krentz] by Crystal Flame - Free Book Online

not wishing
    to argue over the matter. "Legend has it that the ability to heat the steel of Countervail goes hand-in-hand
    with a savage temper."
    "Most men have bad tempers," the shopkeeper pointed out philosophically. "It has always seemed to me
    that it takes very little to anger a man. Since my husband died I have not been in any hurry to remarry
    because of that fact. The calm at home has been a relief. And the profits from this shop are all mine to
    spend as I see fit."
    "The kind of fury it takes to make the steel of Countervail glow with the heat of fire is only distantly
    related to your average dose of masculine temper," Arrisa announced. "Personally, if I were you I would
    be cautious, Kalena. You have contracted a dangerous marriage."
    "It is merely a business arrangement," Kalena insisted mildly. She turned to the shopkeeper. "Please have
    the cloak made up in the red sarsilk. I'll pick up the tunics later this afternoon."
    "And the riding outfit?" the shopkeeper asked quickly, making notes with an ink-filled quill.
    Kalena thought about it for a moment, wondering if she would ever wear the garment. "Have it made up
    in the dark green."
    "Excellent." The shopkeeper smiled in satisfaction. "I have your measurements. I will set the seamstress
    to work immediately. Now, the bill for the cloak and the riding clothes go to this Ridge at the House of
    the Gliding Fallon, but the other garments you will be paying for yourself?"
    Kalena caught the not-so-subtle hint. She removed the small wallet from the belt she wore at her waist
    and began counting out grans. The heavy coins clinked on the countertop under the shopkeeper's
    watchful eye. When a suitable stack of them had been set out the woman smiled again and scooped them
    into a drawer.
    Arrisa watched the transaction with interest before falling into step beside Kalena, who made to leave
    the shop. "What's next? Boots, perhaps?"
    "Yes," Kalena admitted, "and a couple of shirts for Ridge."
    "Aha. Has you buying his shirts already, does he? The man means to take full advantage of the
    convenience of a wife. The next thing you know he'll have you embroidering his initials on his garments."
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    Arrisa laughed, then turned to Kalena with narrowed eyes. "That business with a cloak ..."
    "For some reason Trade Baron Quintel wishes to have a formal ceremony to seal the contract," Kalena
    explained as they stepped out onto the stone path.
    "And Ridge will humor him, of course. Ridge will do just about anything for the trade baron. Remember
    that, Kalena," Arrisa said with unexpected seriousness. "Ridge's first loyalty will always be to Quintel. It's
    said that Quintel rescued him from a life on the streets of Countervail and since the day they met, Ridge
    has repaid him with absolute loyalty." Then, almost instantly, her mood lightened again. "But if you are to
    sacrifice yourself on the altar of a contract wedding, you should have a proper trade wife send-off," she
    announced with sudden enthusiasm. "Don't you agree?"
    "A proper send-off?" Kalena gave her companion a curious, questioning glance.
    "A last night of freedom before you hit the trail. My friends and I will come for you shortly before the
    evening meal tomorrow night," Arrisa said decisively. "I have several friends who will be glad to join us.
    We'll make certain you enjoy the night, Kalena."
    "The night? We will spend an evening in the taverns?" Astounded excitement lit Kalena's eyes as she
    considered the prospect. Such an evening would have been unheard of back home. No respectable
    woman went out at night to a tavern, alone or even in the company of other women. But apparently it
    was not looked down on here in the town; another small taste of what lay ahead in her free future.
    "The prospect interests you?" Arrisa asked with a grin.
    "Very much," Kalena said enthusiastically. "I'll wear one of my new tunics. I ordered some