Read Online Secret Song by Catherine Coulter - Free Book Online

“I know, think no more about it. The earl has unusual views regarding God’s interest in his—the earl’s—lust. Come, we must speak, and quickly, for I doubt not that he will soon come to see the result of my question.”
    He was still holding her hands and she felt his vitality flow through into her and it made her tremble with anticipation. He seemed to sense something, and released her hands. He took a step back, saying quickly, “I distrust the earl. He desires you mightily. Indeed he has spoken to me of taking you before you are wedded. I have tried to dissuade him, but I don’t know if God’s wishes will take precedence over his lust for you, for as I said, he regards his wishes as one and the same as God’s. We are leaving Tyberton tonight. Listen to me, for we haven’t much time.”
    Roland spoke low and quick, but he wasn’t quick enough, for the door burst open and the earl strode into the bedchamber. He looked from his priest to Daria. They stood apart, and it seemed to him that Father Corinthian was speaking earnestly to her. It seemed innocent enough, but he asked, his voice filled with suspicion, “Well, Father? Is she still a maid?”
    â€œShe is a maid,” Roland said.
    â€œThat is what she tells you.”
    â€œNo man has touched me.”
    â€œYou are a woman and are born with lies trembling on your tongue. I wish to believe you, Father, but I find myself beset with doubts. When you left me, I heard one of my men telling another that all the castle wenches wish to bed you. I will admit that I saw you not as a man before but solely as a priest. Perhaps I yield to false tidings, and if I do, God will surely punish me for it, yet I see you now as a man alone with her.”
    Roland quickly assumed his most pious pose. “Believe me, I do not see your betrothed as a woman. I see her only as one of God’s creatures, nothing more.”
    Roland spoke calmly, yet his heart pounded in his breast. He realized that the earl wasn’t entirely sane.
    Edmond of Clare drew a deep steadying breath. He’d behaved badly, he knew it. He’d let his jealousy of his Benedictine priest overcome his Christian sense. He would whip the man who’d spoken irreverently of the priest. But he found himself looking again at Daria. Her cheeks were very pale, her eyes dilated. He realized that it mattered not what she’d said to the priest or what the priest believed. He had made up his mind and he knew God approved his actions.
    â€œI would examine her now,” Edmond said, advancing on her. “You will remain to testify that I do not ravish her, Father. And if she isn’t a virgin, you will also so testify so that I can then do as I will with her, for it matters not what a whore wishes.”
    Roland cleared his throat and his voice rang stern and hard. “I forbid it, my son.”
    The earl stared at him as if he’d lost his wits. “I am lord here, Father Corinthian, and no other man, even be he a man of God, has the right to gainsay me, for my word is law. Do you understand me? Come, you will be my witness.”
    But Daria wasn’t to submit without a struggle. She grabbed up her skirts and ran from the earl. He caught her quickly, his heavy arm around her waist, and he lifted her, carrying her to the narrow cot, and threw her down upon her back, knocking the breath out of her.
    â€œDamn you, girl, hold still.” He lifted his hand to strike her into submission, saw the priest standing rigid with disapproval near to him, and slowly lowered his hand. He leaned down, his face close to hers. “Do as I tell you or I will beat you when the priest is gone.”
    He’d spoken softly, so that only she heard him. She felt his spittle on her throat. He was both enraged and determined.
    â€œPlease, my lord,” she said, “please don’t shame me. I am a maid. What have I done to deserve your distrust?