By Fire and by Sword by Elaine Coffman Read Free Book Online

finest swordsmen. She has a natural skill that I have rarely seen in any man. It isn’t her fault she was born a girl, and graced with a man’s gift for sport. Why deny her?”
    “Since I cannot come up with an adequate response to that question,” the earl said, “I suppose I must concede, so I say, very well, but do not go putting big ideas into her head. I do not want my daughter to think she can saddle up with the clan members when they ride out to confront an enemy. And she will wear a dress at all times. Is that understood?”
    “Perfectly, my lord. I will see to it that your wishes are respected. And I shall, if I may, take the liberty to say I know your lordship will never regret this decision.”
    “I am holding you personally responsible to see that I do not,” the earl said. “And by the by, respected is not what I asked for. I want my wishes obeyed.”
    “Obeyed… Yes, your lordship, I understand, and I will see to it.”
    Kenna sipped the steaming tea, flavored with honeyand cream, as her gaze traveled around the room once more. It was such a lovely spot after the emotionally charged and exhausting past few days, which made her feel a little regret that she would be leaving it so soon, for she saw Captain Fischer coming up the street, with the rolling gait that seemed particular to men of the sea.
    “When I saw you enter the room, Captain, I thought, now there is a man who looks as if he has accomplished something, and is glad in the doing of it. I know you will be pleased to have me settled in a conveyance of some sort and on my way to Paris, snug in my green wool cape, and my traveling bags tucked close to my side. However, it may surprise you to know that I actually enjoyed my time on the Aethelred , and I am richer for the experience. I feel my words are inadequate in expressing my appreciation for your help.”
    “It has been a true pleasure to make your acquaintance, and to offer my assistance,” he said, and for the first time since she had met him, Captain Fischer seemed to be struggling to find the right words. He mumbled a bit, and tinkered with the butter knife, and then cleared his throat and said, “I must tell you that I met with great success in regard to your transportation. I have hired a berline and four horses to take you to Paris, for a very good rate of twelve livres. Two of the livres the voiturier is obliged to pay to farmers for permission to cross their land, and if you hire a carriage, you must pay twelve livres, or half a guinea, for every person who travels in the coach.”
    “How many will be traveling with me?” Kenna asked.
    “None. I must say that this was requested by Captain Montgomery, although I would have insisted on the same. Consequently, I arranged for you to travel alone. You will find that more comfortable, and of course, more in line with what you are accustomed to. There is another reason as well. The common coach between Calais and Paris is such a conveyance as you have never seen. No sane man would dare use it, and certainly no lady, if she has any regard to her own comfort and convenience. Undoubtedly no one of sound mind would pay a single coin for passage on anything but a private coach.”
    “I am truly in your debt, Captain, and rendered quite speechless.”
    “Truly, madam, it has been the greatest of pleasures for a crusty old seaman like myself to be of assistance to such a lovely lady.” He looked as if he was about to say more, but his attention was snagged by something he glimpsed through the window.
    She turned to look, and saw a berline pull to a stop. The coach was still rocking to and fro, when one of the two postilions jumped down and came into the inn.
    “It looks as though your coach is here,” he said. “I will accompany you to the coach, in hopes it meets with your approval. And once you are settled, your journey can begin.”
    Once again, he offered his arm, and taking it, she left the inn in much the same manner as she had