The Velvet Promise by Jude Deveraux Read Free Book Online Page A

hung, and running from the door to the far side of the room was a thick path of rose petals and lilies. These she would walk on when she returned from the church—a married woman.
    Maud walked behind her mistress, holding aloft the long train of the fragile gold dress and the ermine-lined mantle. Judith paused just before she left the house, taking a deep breath to steel herself.
    It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the bright sunlight and see the long line of people who had come to attend the celebration of the marriage of an earl's daughter. She was unprepared for the cheer that greeted her; a cheer of welcome and of pleasure at the sight of the splendid young woman.
    Judith smiled in return, nodding her head toward the mounted guests and at the serfs and merchants who also had come to the festivities.
    The procession to the church would be like a parade, meant to show the wealth and importance of the king's earl, Robert Revedoune. Later he could claim so many earls, so many barons, came to honor his daughter's wedding. The jongleurs headed the procession, heralding the way enthusiastically for the beautiful bride. Judith was lifted onto a white horse by her father, who nodded approval at her dress and bearing. She rode sidesaddle for this auspicious occasion; the unaccustomed position felt awkward, but she did not show it. Her mother rode behind her, flanked by Miles and Raine. The multitude of guests followed in order of importance.
    With a great clash of cymbals, the jongleurs began singing and the procession started. They progressed slowly, following the music makers and Robert Revedoune who walked, leading the reins of his daughter's horse.
    In spite of all her vows and promises, Judith found herself growing more nervous with each step. Now her curiosity about her new husband began to eat at her. She sat erect, but her eyes strained toward the church door where two figures stood; the priest and the stranger who was to be her husband.
    Gavin was not so curious. His stomach was still uneasy after the description that Raine had given him. It seemed the girl was simpleminded as well as ugly. He tried not to look at the rapidly approaching procession but the noise of the jongleurs and the deafening cheers of the thousands of serfs and merchants who lined the way to watch, kept him from hearing his own thoughts. In spite of himself, his eyes were drawn to the procession. He had not realized they were so close!
    When Gavin looked up and saw the auburn-haired girl on the white horse, he had no idea who she was. It was a full minute before he realized that she was his bride. The sun flashed off her as if she were a pagan goddess come to life. He stared, his mouth slightly open. Then he broke into a grin.
    Raine! Of course Raine would lie. Gavin was so relieved, so happy, that he did not notice that he was leaving the church portal, taking the steps two and three at a time. Custom dictated that the groom wait for the bride's father to lift her from her horse, escort her up the steps, then present her to her new master. But Gavin wanted to get a better look at her. He did not hear the laughter and cheers of the onlookers as he shouldered his father-in-law aside and put his hands on his bride's waist to swing her off her mount.
    At close view, she was even more striking. His eyes feasted on her lips, soft, full and inviting. Her skin was creamy and pure, smoother than the finest satin. He nearly gasped when he finally gazed into her eyes.
    Gavin smiled at her in pure pleasure, and she smiled back at him, exposing white, even teeth. The roar of the crowd brought him back to reality. Reluctantly, Gavin set her on the ground and offered his arm to her, clasping his hand over hers as if she might try to flee. He had every intention of keeping this new possession.

    The onlookers were thoroughly pleased by Gavin Montgomery's impetuous behavior, and they gave voice to their approval. Robert scowled at being pushed aside then saw that