Read Online Julie Garwood - [3 Book Box Set] by Gentle Warrior:Honor's Splendour:Lion's Lady - Free Book Online Page A

Elizabeth toward him, wrapping his strong arms around her. He wanted to erase the horror but knew that wasn’t possible. “Did you recognize any of the men?” he asked.
    “No, but the man Margaret stabbed . . . his voice was familiar to me,” Elizabeth suddenly remembered. “Blood covered his garb.”
    “What of the other men? Did you know any of them?”
    “No,” Elizabeth replied, her shoulders sagging.
    “Your servant told me that you sent your brother to London. Why?” he asked after a time.
    “I did not know what else to do,” Elizabeth said. “The law would give Belwain guardianship and I thought you old and senile. And I had no proof that it was Belwain behind the deed. My mother’s father livesin London and I thought to keep my brother safe with him until I could find the proof. . . or kill Belwain myself,” she said.
    “Tell me your reasons for believing Belwain is responsible,” Geoffrey said.
    “He is the only one to gain,” Elizabeth began. “He was my father’s younger brother and lusted after Montwright. Father gave him a portion of the land for his own but Belwain was not content. Still, my mother told me Belwain used to be a merry man until little Thomas was born, then the relationship changed with my father. I do not know if that is so, for I was too young to pay much notice. I do know that last time my uncle visited my father they had a terrible argument and Belwain said he would never return to Montwright land. He threatened my father and I remember being frightened by his words, but my father seemed unaffected. I heard him tell my mother that Belwain’s temper would calm and he would become content once again.”
    Elizabeth pulled her hands free of Geoffrey’s hold and said, “Belwain would inherit the Montwright lands if we were all dead, wouldn’t he?”
    “Aye,” Geoffrey acknowledged. “But you are not all dead,” he reminded her.
    “This same law gives Belwain guardianship of little Thomas, does it not?”
    “That is so,” Geoffrey replied.
    “And if you give my brother over to his care, he will kill him,” she predicted. “And me also,” she added, almost as an afterthought.
    “You will not be given into his care,” Geoffrey stated.
    “Then you believe me?” Elizabeth asked, her voice hopeful. “You will kill Belwain?”
    “I believe that you think Belwain responsible,” Geoffrey hedged, “and he has the greatest to gain, but I need proof before I challenge him.”
    “Proof! There is no proof,” Elizabeth all but screamed. She pushed away from Geoffrey and added, “Belwain will not go free. He must pay for what he has done. I will kill him.”
    “If Belwain is responsible, I will kill him,” Geoffrey said. “When he arrives at Montwright, I will question him.”
    “And you think he will admit his sins?” Elizabeth asked in a desperate voice. “He will lie.”
    “Lies can trap,” Geoffrey returned. “I will find who is behind the deed and I will determine the punishment. It is my responsibility.”
    “Will you give me your word that Belwain will not become guardian to Thomas?” Elizabeth asked.
    “If Belwain is innocent of your charges, I could not break the law,” Geoffrey stated. “Thomas would be placed under his guardianship.
If
he is innocent.”
    Elizabeth took a step back, shaking her head. “You are overlord to Montwright lands, and now that my father is dead, little Thomas is your vassal. It is your duty to protect him!”
    “Do not tell me my responsibilities,” Geoffrey barked. He stood up and unconsciously put his hands on his hips. “I know them well enough. Until I know the truth in this matter your brother will stay with me.” His voice gentled as he added, “Trust me, Elizabeth. I will not let any harm come to the lad.”
    Elizabeth wanted to believe him. While he had not promised to charge her uncle immediately, he did state that he would keep her brother safe for the time being. It would have to be enough. At least