Love Letters by Emily Murdoch Read Free Book Online Page A

but could not escape.
    “Selwyn,” Deorwine repeated, finally reaching them. “My lord Ælfgard has been waiting this full age for you in the stables. Did you forget your appointment?”
    Selwyn cursed under his breath. He had been convinced that any conversation with Catheryn would be short and simple, but instead he had been drawn in by the way she spoke, and her elegant manner of explaining her thoughts. Some of her words had stirred him in a way that he had not expected. Selwyn had totally forgotten that he had promised Ælfgard to accompany him on a matter of business.
    “I had not forgotten,” he replied coldly to the thane. “I was merely escorting my lady Catheryn back home.”
    Deorwine cast a withering look at the servant, and then smiled greasily at Catheryn.
    “In that case, I shall perform the deed that you find yourself unable to accomplish.”
    Catheryn did not spare a glance for Selwyn, but beamed at Deorwine. “I would be glad of the company,” she said, and without a moment’s hesitation, began walking with Deorwine. Selwyn was left standing alone, with a stick in his hand.
    Standing and fuming. How could she just walk off and leave him? Admittedly, he was a servant of a much lower rank than Deorwine – but surely common courtesy would dictate a farewell at the very least?
    He stomped past them at speed, arriving at the stables within moments to see Ælfgard tapping his foot impatiently.
    “Come now, Selwyn,” he said angrily. “Must I wait for you?”
    “My apologies, my lord,” Selwyn muttered, and began readying his horse. He tried not to look as Catheryn and Deorwine approached the house, and he made sure that he did not look up when they passed him. However, he may have preferred to; as he would have noticed the smile that Catheryn had tried to give him.

 
    Chapter Seven
     
    The week that followed contained many meetings between Catheryn and Selwyn, and although the majority of them were not planned, they became to be increasingly happy accidents. At first, Catheryn was still nervous and uncomfortable around a man that was still really a stranger – but then Selwyn had a way of putting her so carefully at ease.
    “Have you considered Harold?” Selwyn said carelessly, flicking away a fly that was bothering him. They had accidently met in a corridor just after the midday meal, and Selwyn’s words caught Catheryn’s attention.
    She snorted. “You can’t be serious.”
    Selwyn joined in her laughter.
    “So, he’s not the most obvious choice. Does that discount him?”
    There was another snort. A servant walked down the corridor, glanced at the laughing couple and then took a closer look. Wide eyes told Selwyn that she had realised who they were.
    “No, but can you imagine him reading for more than five minutes? He doesn’t strike me as a man who even knows where the books are!”
    “And he does have a more pressing concern at present.”
    Catheryn looked puzzled. “He does?”
    “Have you not noticed his skin lately?”
    Despite trying not to laugh, Catheryn gave in. “That is cruel, Selwyn!”
    Selwyn smiled ruefully. “I suppose it is. You shall have to teach me better manners.”
    Catheryn coloured slightly, but ignored the compliment. “You do not think that it could be him then?”
    Selwyn paused for a moment, but another servant walked past, and he looked scandalised. Selwyn realised that the daughter of the house did not generally pause in corridors to giggle with servants.
    “And if that is all, my lady, I’ll wish you good day.”
    Selwyn bowed low and whispered, “I can stay here no longer.”
    Rising, he saw Catheryn nod her understanding.
    “Thank you, Selwyn,” she said, turned, and walked away.
    It was two days later before coincidence brought them together again, and this time it was before the rest of the household had broken their fast. Catheryn had come down early for some peace and quiet; some news of the royal court had arrived the evening before,