The Saxon Bride (The Norman Conquest Series) by Ashley York Read Free Book Online Page A

watching the new lord to see what the commotion was.
    Stephen's behavior said it all. The reluctant way he rose. His downcast eyes. The way he didn't acknowledge the others at his own table. This was a guilty man.
    "My lord." Stephen bowed stiffly before John and Rowena.
    "I understand you have met my wife? The Lady Rowena?"
    The man had the decency to look chagrinned but avoided her gaze. "My lord, I am afraid I have offended your lady. I was very forward with her earlier thinking she was a peasant woman. I would ask that you forgive me for this show of disrespect."
    Rowena was taken aback by the sudden show of respect given her, by a Norman no less. Or was it just while she was actually with him? In truth, the man should not have been harassing any of her women, peasant or not. She took a sip of wine and waited for her husband's response.
    "I don't know how you deal with woman in Blois, Stephen, but we are not forward with women… any women. It is much more rewarding to have a willing woman than one who disdains your advances. Do you understand?"
    "Yes, my lord, I beg your forgiveness."
    John spoke louder to include his men seated at the table to his right when he answered. "Peter, Ronald and Louis shall have a reprieve from their nightly guard duties since I believe Stephen here would like to assist them. Am I correct?"
    Stephen of Blois bowed deeply. "You are correct."
    The man walked stiffly away and Rowena wondered about any repercussions from this show in her defense. Her experience was that the Normans had a deep dislike for the Saxons. None of her women ever ventured out alone. An empty alley could easily turn into the perfect place for an attack. It seemed a very ungracious way for the victors to behave. Would not protecting their new conquests have been more chivalrous?
    Raising his hand for Cedric to continue, John's reassuring smile seemed to cause a collective sigh of relief. No trouble here. He sat down and continued to keep an eye on his men.
    Stephen was quickly included back but no one spoke directly to him. The other soldiers handed him the meat and wine. His conscience clear, he was now able to eat.
    Rowena felt a glow of pride in her husband. He had not been accepting of the behavior she had been treated to. He was showing himself to be a fair man, a good leader.
    The long note signaled the end of the piece and Cedric's performance was met with sincere appreciation. The crowd clapped and lifted their mugs to him. He lifted his whistle and bowed in acknowledgement. Addressing the lord and lady, he bowed formally before leaving the hall.
    "Would you have been so quick to my defense on our wedding night had you known that the king's guard had fondled me and promised to make use of me when you were done?"
    She wanted to know but regretted the question as soon as it was spoken.
    John choked on his wine, Peter quickly walked over to pat his liege lord on the back. "What ails you?"
    John shook his head as he struggled to stop the spasms down his throat. "Enough, Peter. Sit."
    Peter's eyes on Rowena were surprisingly untrusting. She glanced down at her cup.
    Wiping his face, John turned toward her. "You must have misunderstood. You were distraught."
    She tightened her jaw and faced him. He did seem sincere in what he was suggesting.
    "I promise you, I understood. His filthy hands on my breasts did much to make me understand."
    "No," John shook his head vehemently. "This would be reprehensible. It cannot be true."
    Rowena felt her face turn red in anger. She rose from the bench.
    "I do not appreciate being called a liar by anyone, my lord."
    Her head held high, she made her way across the hall. His accusation felt like a knife to her heart. She would never lie about such a thing as that, and she was mistaken to believe he was chivalrous. She needed to get away from him so that she could think. She just hoped her thoughts would not be about him.

Chapter Five
    John knew his words offended Rowena, but he could not