The Silver Rose by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online Page A

knew that he was ready to leave her.
    “What if the Ravenspeares will not meet you in peace?” She rolled onto her side so that she could see him. Her eyes were dark against the white pillow.
    “Ranulf has agreed to the marriage . . . admittedly with a degree of persuasion from the queen,” he added. “Judging from the number of invitations that have gone out, he is preparing to marry off his sister in a lavish style.”
    He sat down on the bed beside her, taking her hand. “Helene, if anyone can understand what I’m doing, it must be you.”
    “For a man of war, you have a strange fondness for peace,” she said, curling her fingers in his large palm. “But the Ravenspeares are known for their treachery. What makes you think you can trust them?”
    “There can be no treachery if Ranulf wishes to keep his place at court. I told you, love, that the queen herself wants this marriage.”
    “Maybe so.” Helene hitched herself onto one elbow. Her anger and bitterness were gone. They would do no good and she was too wise a woman to bid farewell to her friend and lover in resentment. “But Ranulf Ravenspeare would betray his dearest friend if it suited his purpose. And he’s not known to be a forgiving man. It’s said he’ll carry a grudge to his grave . . . or to the grave of his enemy.”
    Simon smiled. “For one who never goes to court, you’re remarkably informed of gossip, my love.”
    “Deny it.”
    He shook his head. “I cannot. But it’s not as if we plan toembrace each other as beloved family. After the wedding, after this month of celebration, I will take Lady Ariel to Hawkesmoor, and Ranulf and his brothers will never have to lay eyes upon me again. But the marriage will have put an end to the old enmity, once and for all.”
    “You are an extraordinary man, Simon Hawkesmoor.” Helene touched his cheek with her free hand, tracing the path of the livid cicatrix.
    He put up his hand to clasp her wrist. There was a look of uncertainty in his eye, a strange and unusual diffidence about him. “Do you think a young girl will find me repulsive, Helene?”
    “How could you think such a thing?” she gasped, sitting up, clasping his face between both hands.
    “I have a body and a countenance covered in scars,” he said with a hesitant little laugh. “I must walk with a stick. I have thirty-four years to her twenty.”
    “You are beautiful,” she said.
    “And beauty, as we know, is in the eye of the beholder.” He laughed again, taking her hands, turning them palm up and kissing each one. “But I am grateful for your confidence, my dear.”
    “If the Lady Ariel Ravenspeare cannot see you as you really are, then I’ll open her eyes for her,” Helene stated.
    “Such a champion!” He took her face and kissed her mouth hard. “We must say farewell, my love. But you will always be my dearest friend.”
    She slid off the bed, accompanying him to the door. “Have a care, Simon. Do not trust too easily.”
    He laughed, and this time his laugh was harsh, an abrupt change from the diffidence and tender humor of a minute earlier. “I do not go alone under Ranulf Ravenspeare’s roof, Helene. I shall be well attended, and well on my guard.”
    “Ah.” She gave a little sigh of relief. “For a moment I was afraid you were so intent on your mission that you had lost caution.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “You will visit me in friendship, even after your marriage?”
    “Of course,” he replied simply. “You will always have a place in my heart, Helene.”
    “And it’s not as if you’re marrying for love,” she murmured, standing back as he opened the door.
    He turned to look over his shoulder at her, and his eyes darkened. “There can never be a place in my heart for a Ravenspeare, Helene. But I will do my duty by the girl, and if she does her duty by me, she will receive all the kindness and consideration of which I’m capable.”
    The door closed behind him. Helene went to the