Secret Song by Catherine Coulter Read Free Book Online Page B

you?”
    â€œYes,” she said. “I don’t understand this.”
    Roland chose for the moment to ignore her mysterious words. Indeed he didn’t understand any of what she’d said and didn’t have time at present to seek enlightenment. “As I said, I am here to rescue you.”
    â€œI don’t wish to marry Ralph of Colchester. He is lewd and weak and without character.”
    Roland frowned at her. “That is something that has nothing to do with me. Your uncle is paying me to bring you back, and that is what I shall do. What happens to you then is up to your uncle. He is your guardian. It is his decision. No female should have the power to decide who her husband will be. It would lead the world into chaos.”
    â€œThis world you men have ruled since the beginning of time stews continuously in chaos. What more harm or disaster could women bring to bear?”
    â€œYou speak from ignorance. Mayhap your uncle isn’t wise or compassionate, but it is the way of things. It’s natural that you submit.”
    Daria sighed. He was naught but a man, like all the other men who had come into her life. Men ruled and women obeyed. It was a pity and it brought her pain, which she promptly dismissed. This man whom she knew, this man who didn’t know her, also didn’t care what happened to her. Why should he? This absurd recognition was all on her side, these bewildering feelings had naught to do with him. It came to her then that once he’d gotten her free of Edmond of Clare, she could then escape from him. He cared not, after all, what became of her.
    â€œYou have not yet told me your name.”
    â€œYou may call me Roland.”
    â€œAh, like Charlemagne’s fearsomely brave Roland. When do we leave, sir?”

3
    Roland rocked back on his heels at that. “Just like that? You believe me? You will go with me? You require no more proof?”
    Daria shook her head, smiling at him, that darling innocent, yet strangely knowing smile. “Of course I believe you. I am pleased you aren’t a priest.”
    â€œWhy?”
    She wanted to tell him that she was delighted that he was a just a man, a man of the world, and not a man of God, but she didn’t. He would truly believe her mad. She shook her head again, saying, “My mother, did you see her? Is she all right? You went to Reymerstone Castle?”
    â€œYes, and your mother appeared well. You have something of the look of her, not her coloring, but something of her expression. If I recall aright, your father was dark as a Neapolitan.”
    â€œYou knew my father?”
    â€œAs a young man in King Edward’s company, aye, I knew him, as did most of the young knights. Sir James was brave and trustworthy. It is a pity he died so inopportunely. Edward missed him sorely in the Holy Land.”
    The chapel door suddenly opened and the earl reappeared. “Well, girl? Tell me the correct response.”
    Daria didn’t change expression. She repeated swiftly, her eyes lowered meekly, “Et cum spiritu tuo.”
    The earl nodded. “Well said. I am pleased with you. I have never agreed that women had not the ability to learn, and you have proved me correct. Do you agree with your brothers, Father?”
    Roland looked benignly upon Daria as he would upon a dog who had just performed a trick well. He smiled to himself as he said in a pontifical voice, “Women can learn to mouth words—in any language—if they are allowed sufficient time for repetition. It’s doubtful she gleans the true meaning, but God is understanding and forgiving of his most feeble creation.”
    The earl nodded and Daria ground her teeth.
    â€œYou will come with me now, Daria,” the earl continued. “A tinker is here and I wish you to select a piece of finery you wish to have. You will become my wife at the end of the month, and thus I wish to show you my favor.”
    She stared at him