A Rose for Lancaster (The Tudor Rose Novella series) by Christine Elaine Black Read Free Book Online Page A

of his hard torso drew my curious eyes. “I have a favor to ask of you.”
    “Do you?” He moved closer, his gaze traveling over my casual gown and loose hair. “What does my lady of Somerset want from me?”
    “Your sister mentioned leaving the castle and retiring to Dorset’s home.”
    Giles nodded, “Mayhap, Anne suggested she stay?”
    I shrugged. “She’s not overjoyed to leave but will go if necessary.”
    “Why keep her here?”
    “A lack of proper company is reason enough.”
    “Anne has never been proper.” Giles took a seat and reached for a lock of my hair to curl around his finger. “But if you wish I will think upon it.”
    “Thank you,” I whispered. The air between us filled with tension but he held back and I used the moment to my advantage.
    “I also ask your pardon, my lord. When I thought Anne was… before I knew her to be your sister, I lied to you.”
    “I know.” His gray eyes locked onto mine.
    “You do?”
    “Think on it, Blanche. A castle-keeper and his staff know every need of their master and his lady. You required nothing of them, no linens, no extra washing.”
    It made perfect sense and revealed to me the need to be cautious over every detail.
    “You know then of my secret?”
    “Secret?” The momentary lapse in his determined manner showed he did not, and a wary look settled on his fine face.
    “We are married almost two months and have been together most every night.” I took his hand into mine. “I think we have made a child.”
    His lips parted, his brow furrowed. “But…”
    “It has been two months since.”
    “You think we have made a child yet you cannot be certain. Is this another trick?”
    “You have every reason to doubt me, but I believe it is true. I need your sister’s help, for I have no knowledge of such things. Caring for a baby is a strange and wonderful prospect that I welcome, yet fear.”
    Giles Beaufort stared at me for a moment, perhaps to discern the truth of my revelation. “You will rest undisturbed until we know for sure.”
    “Rest undisturbed! I will go mad with boredom if I stay in these rooms any longer. I carry a child but I’m not sick with it.” The urge to bed him overwhelmed me. “Please, do not punish me.”
    “It’s best if you do nothing to harm the babe.”
    I stood up, with a mind to annoy Giles Beaufort and prove that he did not rule me but he more than matched my speed and took me in his arms before I managed to reach the door.
    “Blanche,” he murmured in a persuasive tone.
    The heat and strength emanating from his body melted my resistance. My arms flew around his neck and for a long time I clung to him, tears ran down my face and my body shook as I cried in his embrace. He lifted me to our bed and drew back the linens. I held tight to him, not wanting him to leave. He stroked my hair and calmed me with soft words and light kisses.
    “You’re my wife, Blanche, not a prisoner. This is your home and it will be our child’s home. I brought you here to keep you safe, not to make you unhappy.” He wiped my tears. “Anne will stay to calm your fears and keep you company if you wish it. And I will sleep elsewhere.”
    “No, I prefer you to stay with me. I was angry when I thought Anne was your mistress, but I misjudged you.”
    “You wish me to stay?” He held me firm in his arms.
    I pressed my face into his neck and the clean, fresh scent of him enveloped my senses.
    “I need you.”
    “You’re sure,’ he whispered. His lean, strong fingers skimmed my hips, inflaming my desire.
    “Very sure.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
    ~ Giles ~ December 1486
    We sat close to one another in the great hall under the curious eyes of my kinsmen. Blanche leaned over to make conversation and to my amusement and delight she chatted and laughed with an easy grace and ready wit. The decision to move from Langley proved wise as my wife, growing with child, looked the image of health. The last few weeks in Somerset country,