My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand Read Free Book Online Page A

thanks, Father.”
    A vein G had never noticed before popped out on Lord Dudley’s forehead. “I am securing your happiness and thus ensuring your future and your own estate and a fortune for future generationsof Dudley men and you will get married and father a son or two or seven before you turn into a horse forever, is that understood ?”
    G backed up a step, partly to avoid Lord Dudley’s increasingly airborne spittle and partly because he did not know turning into a horse forever was even a possibility, although he had to admit the freedom of galloping far away and blending in with the wild horses of the Cornwall region sounded tempting when compared to impending nuptials. It wasn’t like he wanted to spend the rest of his life alone. Marriage had its merits, he supposed. But what kind of husband could he make? His parents’ own marriage had taught him that when there is no great love in the beginning, better acquaintance would only lead to more contempt.
    Besides, what woman would marry him once she found out the truth?
    â€œBut Father—”
    â€œYou’re getting married, or I’ll have you gelded, so help me, I will,” Lord Dudley ground out.
    â€œAnd what is the name of my dearly intended?” G asked.
    This response seemed to calm Lord Dudley a degree. “Lady Jane Grey.”
    â€œLady Jane Grey?” G hoped he had heard his father wrong. He hadn’t been present in court for several years now, but he knew of Jane. Her reputation preceded her.
    The book girl.
    â€œLady Jane Grey. Daughter of Lady Frances Brandon Grey. First cousin once removed to King Edward.”
    Lady Gertrude leaned forward. “What do you think, my boy?”
    G took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly. “I’m thinking lots of things. Like the fact that the lady’s face has rarely been seen because it’s usually buried in a book.”
    â€œYou’ve never opposed the education of a lady before,” his mother said.
    â€œAnd I am still not opposed to it. But what if she is merely using the Second Volume of the Political History of England to cover up some hideous malformation on her face?”
    â€œGifford!” his father said.
    G’s mouth snapped shut at the sound of his given name.
    â€œYour sharp wit will get you nowhere.” Lord Dudley flared his nostrils and exhaled—a move that nearly produced a windstorm. “My boy. It sounds as if you are under the delusion that this match is merely a suggestion.” His lips disappeared into his beard, as they did when Lord Dudley was upset. “Believe me when I tell you the negotiations behind this match have been arduous and delicate, and your romantic notions of lifelong bachelorhood will not be humored.” He stood and put his fists knuckle-down on the desk, the top of his head reaching the mouth of the stuffed bear carcass hanging on the wall, caught in mid-roar. “Let me repeat. YOU WILL MARRY THE LADY JANE GREY!”
    His voice echoed off the walls. Nobody moved for fear of disturbing the beast further.
    Lord Dudley unclenched his fists and walked over to G.“Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, son. I’m sure you will be very happy.”
    â€œThank you, Father,” G said through clenched teeth. “One last thing. Does Lady Jane know about . . . the equestrian situation?” G couldn’t believe he’d resorted to using a phrase his father would use, as if the upcoming marriage had suddenly made him more ashamed of his curse.
    Lord Dudley put his arm around his son, but it was only so he could escort him from the room.
    â€œIt matters not,” he said, and closed the door in G’s face.
    It matters not. What was that supposed to mean? That she knew about it and it was of no concern to her? Or she didn’t know, and it wouldn’t matter just as long as she repeated her vows before sunup?
    Billingsly met G near the side entrance of