Read Online The Crimson Castle by Samantha Holt - Free Book Online Page B

Hope sparked
within her and as he made a grab for her once more, she kicked at his shin,
causing him to yelp and let her go.
    Moving back, he looked at her in exasperation. “Hells teeth, Evelyn, do
you wish to burn?”
    “I would rather burn than stand aside and do naught! Pray, Sir Gabriel,
I beg of you, leave them be. I will pay their rents.”
    They stared at one another for a while, panting with fear and
frustration, both weighing up each other’s intents. Truth be told, Evelyn knew
full well that Gabriel could easily remove her from the doorway but she relied
on him not wishing to manhandle her in front of a crowd. The watching mob
waited with baited breath for the outcome of what had been one of the most
exciting events in Etone .
    He exhaled and gave a gruff, “Fine!”
    Turning to his men, he ordered them to stand down. Evelyn gave a sigh
of relief, rushing towards Gabriel and flinging her arms around his neck
causing the bystanders to laugh at his look of shock. Remembering herself , and the man who she was touching so familiarly, she
straightened with a look of embarrassment.
    “I thank you, Gabriel.”
    He nodded brusquely with a roll of his eyes as she fumbled in her purse
for coins, pressing them into his hand. Folding them into his palm, he ordered
his men to disperse before turning to her briefly.
    “You may think that you have helped, Evelyn, but you do not know Tibald as I do. You do not aid these people with your
charity; you only serve to aggravate their pain.”
    “I do not understand the workings of such a mind, that much I will
admit to, but I will sleep soundly tonight knowing my conscience is clear. Tell
me, Sir Gabriel, how will you sleep tonight?”
    He gave a grunt and stalked away from her as the peasants rushed
forwards to thank her.  She smiled at their effusive words but she could
not help but wonder with a pang of unease what Gabriel had meant.
    Isabel scolded her playfully, “Lady Evelyn, you are more outrageous
than I!  You stood in a burning doorway was truly a sight to behold.”
    “’Twas not burning, Isabel!” Evelyn objected.
    Isabel continued, ignoring her interruption, “Why, it took all my
composure not to run in there and join you. I was sure Sir Gabriel was going to
throw you over his shoulder and cart you away! I, for one, would have gone
willingly.”
    Pleased to have Isabel to lighten to mood, Evelyn could not help but
chuckle.
    “I must admit I thought he would, especially after I kicked him. I am
sorry I hurt him.”
    “Oh, I think it would take more than a delicate foot to damage a man
like him. His pride, however, is most likely severely injured. He must have a
high regard for you to allow you to make such a fool of him. ‘Twill be long before the rabble respect him again.”
     “I did not intend to make a fool of him…” Evelyn bit at her lip,
“but he deserves no less for attempting such a callous deed.”
    Isabel gave her a grin with a slight shake of her head. “Oh, Evelyn,
how I wish I could see things as you do! But I fear too much time in the world
of men and I am as heartless as your Sir Gabriel.”
    “He is not mine!” Evelyn protested with enough vigour to extend
Isabel’s mischievous smile. “And I do not believe it; you are as sympathetic as
I.”
    “Once I was, mayhap. Now I am resigned to the ways of men. ‘Tis in their nature to destroy and there is naught you or
I can do about it. No matter how many burning buildings you should like to take
residence in!” Isabel added with a sassy raise of an eyebrow.
    “Oh, Isabel, I shall miss you. It had been a true pleasure to share
your company. Will you not visit me at Beldersert should I ever return?”
    “I shall indeed, just as I shall
pray for your safe return.”
    ***
    Isabel and Sir Walter left with many of the guests that afternoon
though some lingered making the castle a little livelier than usual and Evelyn
was thankful that Tibald’s attention would still be
diverted from