Read Online Conquering William by Sarah Hegger - Free Book Online Page B

common, so much as not unexpected.” He leant forward. “Some of my countrymen are not always as honest as one would like.”
    “How disturbing for you,” William said. “And you are sure it is Scotsmen responsible for these disappearances?”
    “Aye.” Aonghas cast his eyes down. “As much as it pains me to admit it. They come from the higher lands, where things are not as rich as they are here. It has become a sort of symbol of honor to steal from the English, and thereby the English king.”
    “Verily.” William rubbed his chin as if giving the matter grave consideration. Aonghas lied, but with the sort of skill William admired. Not a man to ever play dice with. “I am guessing that you do not suffer such inconveniences as a fellow Scot?”
    “Not that I have noticed.” Aonghas looked genuinely regretful. William almost laughed out loud. This man would have wreaked havoc like a weasel in the dovecotes at court.
    “Then, my path is clear.” William heaved a sigh. “I must strengthen the men-at-arms at Tarnwych, run tighter patrols on my land, and treat with unfortunate brutality any transgressors. One can only hope that if one punishes swiftly and ruthlessly enough, the message will become clear to those who would view Tarnwych as a fat partridge.” He too leant forward. “Sir Arthur also taught me that it is often easier to make a preemptive strike than to engage in a long, drawn-out battle.”
    “That we should all have had such a wise and loving father.” Aonghas’s hard stare met his. Message conveyed and received. Aonghas would test his resolve, William would wager his life on it, but he had issued the warning.
    Aonghas sat back in his seat. “But let us not disturb dear Lady Alice with this talk of fighting. Let us share a meal, and celebrate your good fortune.”
    “Was there ever a man so fortunate as I?” William said.
    “I wish you long life and happiness.” Aonghas raised his goblet. “Let us drink to your new land and your new marriage.”
    * * * *
    A masterful, thrilling battle of wits arced above Alice’s head. Fascinating, and so much more satisfying than seeing two men hack away at each other with weapons. Here the weapons remained hidden. Thrusts made and parried with such speed a girl needed to pay attention to catch them.
    She wasn’t sure who had emerged the victor and had the sense these were merely opening feints, but William had matched Aonghas strike for strike, going into battle for Tarnwych. Alice shifted in her seat. Tarnwych’s shame sat atop her shoulders. She had not understood much of William’s discussion with Gord, but she had grasped the woeful state of the keep’s stores. She had made this journey to make herself useful. Yet, William had not needed her at all, and still he let her come. If she knew him better, she might have asked why. Warmth spread from his hand on her nape, even through the linen. It was a gesture of claiming, possession. The sort of gesture a man made toward his bride. His wife. A delicious shiver danced down her spine.
    Talk drifted to the weather, the history of The Crags. Light chatter of two men passing a pleasant time. Serving drudges carried in a meal bringing with them tummy-growling aromas of fresh bread, roasting meats, and pies. Platter after platter they laid on the trestle tables. Surely such excess constituted a sin, but it smelled and looked much closer to heaven.
    At Aonghas’s invitation, William rose and assisted her to table. He seated her on his right, according her the honor of his wife.
    “Will you take meat?” His solicitude humbled her. Selecting for her the very finest cuts of meat, a loaf of nut bread still warm from the ovens. Using his napkin, he wiped the moisture from the fruit he placed beside her.
    “My thanks.” Alice wished for the poise to take his treatment as her due, but it touched a cold, lonely place within her, and rendered her near mute. He accorded her the respect of a new bride, and a