Forever Winter by Amber Daulton Read Free Book Online

Susanna. I hoped what he had told me was nothing but tall tales, but after this, I believe him entirely.”
    Susanna frowned and flushed red. She met Camden’s gaze.
    “I’m sorry, love.” Camden approached her but paused as she turned away. He clutched his hands behind his back and then met Lady Lorican’s questioning, teary gaze. “She wanted it kept secret. Lord Gaynor made several innuendoes over the years. Several ‘accidental’ grazes, but nothing like this. No direct attack, as far as I know.” He arched an eyebrow at Susanna. As everyone in the room stared at her, she nodded quickly. “If everything would have gone according to plan today, I would not have seen you until the ceremony. I couldn’t have guarded or protected you. I told your father because I needed someone to watch out for you in my absence.”
    Susanna finally looked up to see shame fill his gaze. He obviously blamed himself for this predicament, but he shouldn’t.
    “Lord and Lady Gaynor,” the baron said, “you are dismissed. We will speak later, my lord, at great length.”
    The Gaynors left. While Susanna didn’t really expect better, she still felt betrayed that her sister believed her snake of a husband. She unwrapped herself from her mother and stood on wobbly legs. Camden rushed to her side and pulled her safely into his arms. Without a word, she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.
    Once Susanna pulled back and stroked his sore jaw, he kissed the crown of her head. “This was why I wanted you to wait for me in the tea room with the door locked while I spoke with Lord Lorican. I feared Lord Gaynor’s actions if he found you without an escort.” He then cursed his words as she lowered her head in fault. He lifted her chin with his finger and forced her to meet his gaze. “I shouldn’t have expected you to listen to me without an explanation. Susanna, I do not wish to control you, but everything I say, whether I ask or order it, is for your own protection.”
    The baron kissed his wife’s hand before folding his arms across his chest. “Do not fret about any of this, Susanna. It will soon be nothing but a horrible memory. There is, however, more bad news.” He sighed as Marie stared up at him in concern. “We have to postpone the wedding. The road is now impassible with icy slush. Several guests are likely stranded in Derby and other nearby towns. Luckily, one of the guests already here is a doctor. He gave Reverend Chauncey a clean bill of health but ordered bed rest. Because of the road we cannot call for another reverend.”
    Lady Lorican sniffed and wiped away tears.
    “We don’t have much choice, love.” Camden brushed stray hair from Susanna’s bruised cheek. A purple blemish formed beneath her eye. He clenched his fists and held her tighter. “We shall marry in a few months. We’ll obtain another special license to have the wedding outside your family’s parish. By then, the snow should be gone. You’ll wear the dress you designed, the courtyard will be overfilled with spring flowers and everything will be much calmer.”
    Susanna pinched her eyes shut but nodded. She clutched Camden closer.
    Camden then addressed her parents. “My lord, my lady, I wish to take her to her chambers. She needs rest.” His gaze narrowed. “I understand my request is highly inappropriate but, given the circumstances, I do not care. Her well-being is my only concern.”
    Lord Lorican’s brow rose as he glanced at his wife. Lady Lorican nodded. “Of course,” the baron replied. “We trust you with her. Make sure my daughter rests and all her needs are met. Come by my study within the hour.”
    Camden agreed.
    Susanna bit her lip. Gaynor held more power, prestige and money than either her fiancé or father. They would undoubtedly speak with the bastard in private and hopefully come to some kind of resolution. If not, a lawsuit could be on their hands.
    She silently cursed, wishing she could just snap her fingers and