Blind Impulse by Kathryn Loch Read Free Book Online Page B

the letters from a small pouch she carried and showed them to Eleanor.
    The baroness was not so rude as to actually read t hem.  She merely glanced at the script and the seal, her eyebrows arching at the number - twenty four in all.  She handed them back to Alyna.
    “ This is amazing.  His father and I always thought Garin worried little about marriage.  His knightly duties and a dventure were much more to his taste than a quiet family life.  But I see we were wrong.  He has been working on a relationship all along.”
    Alyna’s lips quirked upward.  “He can be quite the romantic when it pleases him.”
    Eleanor fought a smile.  “So could his father.  When Garin returned from the crusades I thought him a changed man.  But now I wonder how much of that change was brought about by you.”  She shooed the maid away and stood, pacing the room, her brow creased in thought.  “So you think you can teach Garin?”
    “ I do, Eleanor.  He can still be baron.”
    “ But what of his service required to the king?  If it comes to battle Garin won’t be able to fight.”
    “ I was worried about that too, but my father explained how shield-money can be sent.  He also told me another baron, Westmorland, used to send stipendiary knights, or two mounted serjants in place of one knight if the king called upon him.  Garin could do that as well.”
    “ Aye,” Eleanor said, warming to the idea.  “Westmorland was so fat he could not sit a horse to save his life.”
    “ If Kirkoswald should come to battle then between my father and Simon, the defense will be in good hands.  Garin would only have to make decisions like any other battle commander.  And we both know he is quite capable of tha t.”
    Eleanor faced her, her eyes sparking.  “I like this idea Alyna, but one thing concerns me.  Are you willing to be married, to spend the rest of your days with a blind man?”
    Alyna lifted her chin.  “Yes, Eleanor.  Garin is too vibrant, too full of life to be hidden in a church or wandering alleys as a vagabond.”
    “ What if he rages against his state and against you?”
    “ My uncle went through the same thing.  He hated God and everyone for what happened but he moved past it.  Garin is a knight.  I don’t think he will let this defeat him in the end.”
    “ That is true.  What of your father?  Will he still approve of the marriage?”
    “ He is the one who encouraged me to speak with you.”
    “ Good.  I like this idea, Alyna.  God knows I do not wish to see my son lose everyth ing.  I will support your desire but it will be up to you to convince the priest.”
    Alyna grinned broadly.  “I don’t think that will be a problem.”
    ****
    Eleanor returned to her chair after Alyna left and her maid, Lyssa , finished her hair.
    “ So what do you think, Lyssa ?”  Eleanor asked, knowing the maid bit her tongue in an effort to keep from speaking.
    “ I like that girl.  She does not knock down easily.”
    Eleanor smiled.  “I think, if anyone can help Garin it will be Alyna.  I had no idea she was so fond of him.”
    “ Aye and methinks Garin is smitten with her.  It will be a good match.”
    “ I hope so.  You realize Juliana is going to be furious when she realizes she’s not going to inherit.”
    Lyssa snorted.  “Pardon my saying, lady, but that child is rotten.  Lady N aworth was too easy on her fostering.”
    “ I agree,” Eleanor said quickly.  Never had she seen such a change for the worse in a child.  If Juliana was full heir to Kirkoswald then Naworth would change his mind.  Eleanor wondered at the twist of irony.  Julian a recovered fully from the fever and now could possibly have Kirkoswald but she didn’t deserve it.  Garin might lose everything he deserved.
    “ Still,” Lyssa said softly.  “Lady Alyna will see that things turn out right.  I sense her father’s greatest gift t o her was not only that beautiful hair but the heart of a knight.”
    Eleanor