Quick, Amanda by Desire Read Free Book Online Page A

bride." Gareth reflected
    on that jriefly. "He suspects that Nicholas will soon make another ittempt to get his hands on Desire."
    "A second kidnapping might not be so easy to brush aside." Ulrich paused briefly. "As a matter of
    curiosity, what do you intend to do about Nicholas?"
    "Nothing for now. I do not expect that Clare will willingly charge him with kidnapping or rape, even
    though he is now safe."
    "She has her reputation to consider. As do you, Gareth. The lady will not thank you for dragging her
    honor through the mud."
    "Nay. And I have other concerns at the moment. I will deal with Nicholas later."
    Nicholas of Seabern would pay for what he had done, but that payment would be made at a place and
    hour of Gareth's choosing. The Hellhound of Wyckmere sometimes took his time when it came to
    exacting revenge, but sooner or later, he always claimed it.
    He had his own reputation to consider.
    Ulrich got to his feet, turned toward the window, and braced his hands on the ledge. He looked out
    over the fields of flowers that lay beyond the old wooden curtain wall that surrounded the hall. He
    drew a deep breath of the fresh, flowery air.
    "Tis a most unusual land you have come to claim," Ulrich said. "And a most unusual lady. To say
    nothing of the rest of the household."
    "Aye. What is the boy to Lady Clare?"
    "William?" Ulrich smiled. "A spirited lad, is he not? He could do with some exercise, though. He has a
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    fondness for sweet cakes and puddings."
    "Aye."
    "He and his mother, the Lady Joanna, both live here at the hall. Lady Joanna is a widow."
    Gareth glanced at Ulrich. "The boy is all Lady Joanna has left?"
    "It seems her husband sold everything he owned, including his lands in the north, to raise money for his
    adventures in the Holy Land. He managed to get himself killed there. Joanna and William were left
    penniless."
    "So Lady Joanna came to Desire seeking a place for herself and her son in this hall?"
    "Aye." Ulrich's expression turned speculative. "I have the impression that your lady is very softhearted
    about such matters."
    "Is that so?"
    "Joanna and her son are not the only ones to whom she has given a home. Her elderly marshal, who
    should have been replaced years ago, by the looks of him, and her old nurse still live here, too.
    Apparently they had nowhere else to go."
    "Any other strays about?"
    Ulrich frowned slightly. "William said that a couple of months ago a young minstrel showed up on the
    hall doorstep. Clare took him in, too. He will no doubt entertain us this evening. William told me that
    Clare is very fond of love songs."
    Gareth reflected on Clare's recipe for a husband. "I feared as much."
    "The minstrel's name is Dalian. William informs me that the troubadour is devoted to his new lady."
    "'Tis the way of troubadours," Gareth muttered. "They are a great nuisance with their silly songs of
    seduction and cuckoldry."
    "The ladies love such ballads."
    "There will be no songs of that sort sung here," Gareth said quietly. "See that Dalian the troubadour is
    instructed in that regard."
    "Aye, sir." Ulrich's teeth flashed in a grin before he turned back to the window.
    Gareth ignored his companion's ill-concealed mirth. As usual, he did not pretend to comprehend what
    Ulrich found so vastly entertaining. The important thing was that Gareth knew his orders would be
    carried out.
    Satisfied that he was once again clean and clothed in fresh garments, Gareth strode toward the door of
    the chamber. "I believe it is time for me to present myself again to my future wife. She and I have much to
    discuss."
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    "You will find her in her garden."
    Gareth looked back over his shoulder. "How do you know that?"
    "Because I can see her from here." Ulrich gazed down through the open window. A smile still hovered
    about his thin lips. "She is addressing her