Lost Innocents (A Servant of the Crown Mystery Book 3) by Denise Domning Read Free Book Online

just this year coming into her courses! I told Ivo his boy was out to steal that brat's maidenhead. I warned him that if she came with child I'd see to it both his boy and Ivo paid the price. But our smith ignored me.
    "I say it's because of Ivo's neglect that the worst happened. I say that the smell-smock got her with child and, not wanting his father to learn what he'd done, killed her. That boy didn't want to be forced into wedlock with a penniless pauper whose dam is a whoring leper. Who would?" she added, shooting a hateful glance at Amelyn.
    Then Meg pointed at the dead girl. "As for that brat, it's no surprise to me that she spread her legs for the first man who touched her. Her mother bred lewdness into her bastard's blood and bones, and that sly little creature was never going to be other than a whore. Headstrong bitch! It didn't matter what punishment I dealt her, she kept stealing out against my will.
    "And what was she doing while she was out of my sight?" Meg threw her question at Ivo, then answered it for him. "Bedding your son!"
    "Gawne wouldn't have touched her that way! He didn't!" Ivo protested again at a shout. "I tell you, he loved Jessimond like a sister."
    Meg ignored him, her attention coming back to Faucon. "You've heard me, sir knight, and you've heard our smith," she told him. "Now also know that I speak the truth when I say he'll do anything and everything to protect his son. If you don't hold Ivo, that little dastard will never face just punishment for the wrong he's done. Arrest the father, else you'll never get custody of the lad."
    "That isn't what the law requires," Faucon replied flatly, looking away from her to hide a dislike that grew with every breath.
    "Go home, Master Ivo," he once more commanded the smith. "I'll need to speak with you about this matter but our conversation must wait until the morrow. I'll seek you out when I'm ready."
    Clutching his apron close, the smith gave his Crowner a startled but respectful nod. Then sending a final scathing glance at the vicious old woman, Ivo departed, moving like a man twice his age. As he went, he crossed paths with the strange youth now circling in the direction of the well.
    "Go, with your tail between your legs, knowing the price you paid for ignoring me," Meg threw after him, as if needing the last word, only to hiss in annoyance as she saw the odd young man making his strange way toward them.
    "What are you doing here, you dulcop?" she shouted at the youth. "I told you to stay in the kitchen. Go home!"
    The youth didn't spare her a glance as he continued toward the well at his unusual gait, heels raised, hands flapping, tongue clicking.
    "You imbecile!" Meg shrieked. "Dimwit you are, but I know you can hear me. Go back to the kitchen!" When he still didn't heed her words, she added, "Mary save me, but I should just slit your throat and be done with you."
    That stopped the simpleton. His heels and chin lowered, his arms fell to his sides. Then, blinking as if only now coming into awareness of where he was, he scanned the few folk still gathered around the well.
    Amelyn sighed, yet holding her daughter close. "I'm so sorry, Johnnie," she said sadly.
    Hearing his name spoken, this Johnnie swiveled until his gaze fell upon the leper. A crease formed between his brows as he noticed Jessimond's body in her mother's lap. This time when his hands began to flap, the motion was clearly agitated. With a high-pitched squeal, he came straight toward Amelyn, moving as fast as he could given his odd bearing.
    "By all the Holy Helpers, I told you to go home and you'll do as I say!" Meg screeched, flying at him, slapping and punching.
    The youth squealed again at this attack. Amelyn echoed his cry and started to rise, only to have the weight of her daughter's body drive her back to sitting. She turned her hooded head toward Faucon. "Stop her! Don't let her hurt one so helpless," she begged.
    Faucon had already started forward, intending to part the two.