Read Online Midnight's Bride by Sophia Johnson - Free Book Online

close and bounced her knuckles together as she had seen the servants do. She looked to see the results. It was as dirty as before.
    â€œOur laundress slaps the dirty spot,” Elise advised over Netta’s shoulder. “Like this.” She swatted at the soapy fabric and succeeded in splattering soap in their eyes.
    â€œNay, they beat their fists together.” Netta was sure of it. She pounded furiously, but the mud stubbornly clung to its new home. She gritted her teeth and muttered, “They were peasants. If they mastered the skill, it cannot be difficult to learn.” She fisted her hands and ground them together, ready to tear the tunic to shreds.
    â€œOh, Netta. See how the mud rolls off?” Elise grabbed her stockings and imitated Netta’s angry moves.
    They grinned at each other and splashed from the water. Soon Netta was dressed in a light yellow tunic that Elise had worn when she was but ten and four. The garment was a perfect fit for Netta’s small frame.
    Elise dabbed the crushed berry juice on Netta’s cheek and neck until she was satisfied with the effect. “Ech, how can you bear this horrid stuff on your face?”
    Netta shrugged and uncorked the small vial of nut stain. “Which teeth did I blacken this morn? The two in the middle?”
    â€œUh, the middle? Was it not near the side?” Elise tilted her head and studied Netta. “Aye, I am near certain of it.” She nodded and added the nut stain to Netta’s teeth.
    â€œWe are ready to return, Dafydd,” Netta called out as she tucked her concoctions away in her pocket.
    Within a pair of heartbeats, the young man appeared and took the freshly washed garments from them.
    Angus was already serving their evening meal when they came into camp. Mereck stood waiting. After they settled on the blanket and started to eat, he and Marcus discussed their plans for the following day.
    Their preoccupation suited Netta, but she soon felt Mereck’s gaze on her face. Could he see beyond her disguises? Lowering her head, she leaned closer to Elise and whispered, “Mereck watches me like a bug pinned by a cat’s paw. What could be the matter?”
    â€œCould it be the odious stuff on your cheek? Or teeth that beg pulling by a farrier’s tongs? You disguised yourself well. We cannot let him know you are Lynette until we are so far from Wycliffe he will be unable to return you to your horrible savage.”
    Netta shuddered, imagining the giant wild man stalking her. She could not chance being hauled back and forced to marry a creature who filled her with terror.
    â€œNetta, it has been many moons since we visited. You told me of Baron Durham, but how did you thwart Roger of Mortain’s suit? By the time Father heard of him, Mortain was long gone.”
    Netta shuddered, remembering her fear of the cruel man. Between him and Baresark, she was not sure which man frightened her more. “I sought to discourage him when I told him I was no longer a virgin and was unable to have babes.”
    Elise gasped and put her hand to her throat.
    â€œNetta, you spoke of such with him?”
    â€œI wished only to be rid of him.” She reached up and touched her cheek. “I can yet feel the sting of his hand. He demanded I allow him to sample my body. I refused, and he tried to beat me into obedience. Father’s men-at-arms came upon us and escorted him from the castle. But not because Roger mistreated me. Father learned his sire tired of his cruelty to his tenants. To curb him, the baron tightened his purse strings, allowing him but a mere pittance in coins.”
    Netta shuddered and forced the unpleasant thoughts of the Mortain family from her mind.
    Â 
    Mereck’s sympathy stirred at the thought of the Baron’s cruelty in trying to rid himself of his daughter. Lady Maud had told him Wycliffe’s hatred for Lynette was well known.
    Bleddyn knew, for he saw to it Mereck was there