So Speaks the Heart by Johanna Lindsey Read Free Book Online

attitude toward me has not been all I might have desired. Nevertheless, out of the goodness of my heart I have arranged a splendid marriage for you.”
    Brigitte was speechless. She had told Druoda several times that she would not marry yet.
    â€œWell, girl? Have you nothing to say?”
    â€œI had no idea you could be so generous, Druoda,” said Brigitte, managing a tone that could not quite be taken for sarcasm.
    â€œI knew you would be grateful, and justifiably so, for your betrothed is a man of importance, and you will be happy to know that he also is vassal to your liege, Count Arnulf, so that good man will surely not refuse him. Yes, my dear child, you are truly fortunate.”
    Brigitte still held her temper in check, though her light blue eyes sparkled dangerously.
    â€œAnd what of my mourning period? How dare you try to marry me off when I am still in mourning for my brother?”
    â€œYour betrothed is eager for this union and will not be put off. On the morrow we will go to his manorto celebrate your betrothal. I trust you can be suitably attired and ready to leave by midday?”
    Brigitte hesitated. To leave the manor, perhaps even to travel toward Arnulf’s castle!
    â€œI can be ready,” Brigitte said calmly, adding, “but you have not told me his name.”
    Druoda smiled with great delight. “Your betrothed is Lord Wilhelm d’Arsnay.”
    Brigitte gasped. Druoda watched gleefully as the color drained from her face.
    â€œYou are overcome by your good fortune,” Druoda said smoothly.
    â€œLord Wilhelm!”
    â€œA fine man.”
    â€œHe is a fat, lecherous, loathsome, disgusting pig!” Brigitte cried, caution gone. “I would rather die than marry him!”
    Druoda laughed. “Such a temper! First you choose a nunnery, and now it’s death over dishonor!”
    â€œI mean what I say, Druoda!”
    â€œThen I suppose you will have to kill yourself,” Druoda sighed. “Poor Wilhelm will be so disappointed.”
    â€œI do not have to marry him just because you have arranged it. I will leave here if you insist on it. I do not care what befalls me on the road, for it cannot be worse than marrying the most repulsive man in all of Berry.”
    â€œI am afraid that is out of the question. You do not think I would let you come to harm on the road, do you? I have given my word on this marriage, and it will take place.”
    Brigitte drew herself up, trying desperately to control herself. “You cannot force me to wed thatloathsome man, Druoda. You forget one important factor. Whether he is your choice or not, Count Arnulf is still my lord, and he must approve the match. He would never give me to Wilhelm d’Arsnay, vassal or not.”
    â€œYou think not?”
    â€œI know he will not!”
    â€œYou underestimate me, girl.” Druoda growled, all pretense gone now. She leaned forward, toward her prey. “The Count will give his consent, because he will think this match is what you desire. It is not uncommon for a young woman to choose an old man for her husband, for she is sure to outlive him and will someday have the freedom of widowhood. And you, my girl, with your willfullness, would desire that freedom. Count Arnulf will believe that you desire this match.”
    â€œI will tell him otherwise, even if I must do so on my wedding day!”
    Druoda slapped her hard then, viciously and with pleasure. “There will be no more outbursts, Brigitte. You will be wed when Count Arnulf is unable to attend your wedding. If you defy me, I will be forced to take harsh measures. A good beating might instill proper respect. Now get out of here. Get out!”

Chapter Five
    B rigitte was awakened after only a few hours sleep. Before she was even fully awake she was informed by a smug Hildegard that she would be moved back into her old chamber later that day. How typical of Druoda to allow her to return now, only to