Read Online The Lily and the Lion by Catherine A. Wilson, Catherine T Wilson - Free Book Online

playing me as though I were a harp. One tug and my disobedient gown gave way. I thought I would faint with sheer pleasure as he kissed a trail to my breast. My eyes flickered open and I saw two men staring their fill. At my gasp of horror Édouard’s head flew up, and exclaiming an oath of annoyance he discreetly turned me. ‘A little discretion, gentlemen! You can see that I am engaged.’
    â€˜Your pardon, Sir,’ said his servant, bowing from the waist. ‘An urgent dispatch has just arrived. It requires your immediate attention.’
    With a jingling of spurs, his companion stepped forward and on bended knee, offered his parchment. ‘In his defence, Sire,’ he announced dryly, ‘your man knocked thrice.’
    At the sound of his voice, I spun, my gown now safely back in place. ‘Monsieur de Bellegarde!’
    Ã‰douard stared at me in amazement, then locked eyes with the messenger. ‘You are known to one another?’
    The raven head lowered respectfully. ‘Milord, as you know, my last communiqué was delivered to the palace. Whilst there I had occasion to encounter the demoiselle.’ His gaze lifted and was drawn to my necklace. Shock flickered over his face and his granite eyes clashed to mine. ‘As to knowing the lady, I can make no such claim.’
    Ã‰douard smiled and paced away to read the parchment, one finger poised at his top lip, and I had a strange feeling that more words than I’d heard had been spoken between them.
    Monsieur de Bellegarde stood, his glance one of withering disgust. Incensed, I stiffened and would have returned fire but the cur deliberately turned his back.
    â€˜Thank you, gentlemen,’ said Édouard, coming towards us. ‘You were right to bring this to my attention. Rest assured I shall act upon the instant.’
    He discharged them with a nod and as they left Édouard pulled me into his arms, his mouth pressed to my temple.
    â€˜Cécile, my sweet. Forgive this untimely intrusion, I must go, but not before you assure me that you will dine with me tomorrow evening.’
    My eyes fell to the letter still in his grasp. ‘It seems that you are an important man, Édouard.’
    His hands captured my face and he kissed me lightly. ‘To some, maybe, but to you, Lady, let us just say that your thief will return on the morrow. His plunder was interrupted and he intends to steal so much more, including your heart. Keep the necklace.’
    He departed hurriedly, and finding myself alone I poured a cup of wine and stared into the flames, my fingers gently stroking the rubies. Had this man come into my life for a purpose? My thoughts tumbled from him to the messenger with angry eyes. Or had this courier been fated to intervene? I blushed as I realised the extent of what he must have seen. Servants were trained to look away, but this man? As my cup emptied, my humiliation grew and by the time I could see the bottom of my third goblet I felt the need to justify myself. Determinedly I went in search of Odette. If Bellegarde had been bestowed a room, she would know which was his.

    Standing before the door, it was too late to have second thoughts as my curt knock was promptly answered. I pushed my way unceremoniously into Monsieur de Bellegarde’s chamber. His face conveyed complete astonishment as he closed the door behind me.
    Heavy saddlebags were dumped next to the bed, his doublet recklessly sprawled beside it, and each boot lay in a corner as if thrown against the wall in angry derision.
    â€˜Forgive the disorder. I was not expecting royalty.’ He retrieved his cup, swallowing the contents in one gulp, and wiped his mouth with a vicious swing of his sleeve.
    â€˜I apologise for disturbing you, Monsieur. I can see that you are extremely busy.’ Arching one eyebrow, I watched, faintly amused as he re-filled his cup. With irritation he wrenched his unbuttoned sleeve up to his elbow. The ties at