The YIELDING (45 page)

“Send word that, with much loathing, I concur that Christian Lavonne does not appear to be the same as his father or brother.”

It was as Everard had concluded from his own observations this past month. “You are surprised?”

Abel shrugged. “As you know, I
was
present when Baron Lavonne came to Beatrix’s aid.”

Mention of the attempt on the life of their youngest sister caused Everard’s insides to coil. Though it was true he had not been present, charged as he was with overseeing the training at Wulfen Castle since Garr had wed four years past, he knew all that had transpired.

The worst of it was that Christian Lavonne’s illegitimate brother, Sir Robert, had done their father’s bidding to work revenge on a Wulfrith. If not for the dagger Christian had thrown, Beatrix would lie dead. Instead, it was Sir Robert who had fallen. But just as Christian could not seek death now, neither could he then. Thus, the wounded Sir Robert languished in a London prison and would likely remain there until the end of his days.

The only pity of it was that Christian’s father, Aldous Lavonne, was too infirm to suffer the same punishment. For that, Everard and his family feared for Gaenor. The old man might be laid abed, but when their sister went to live at Broehne Castle as Christian’s wife, Aldous would surely take every opportunity to work ill on her. Meaning something would have to be done about the old man. Given a say in the matter, Everard would have him removed to one of the barony’s sister castles.

“It seems Gaenor is to wed,” Abel spoke across his brother’s thoughts.

Everard slid a hand over his shaved pate. “At least her groom is better able to defend himself at swords.”

“Well enough, I suppose. Of course, if there was some way to make him forget all that was poured into that monk’s head of his, he might do better than merely defend himself.”

Everard clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Then it is good, little brother, that you have a fortnight in which to remedy what ails your pupil.” Providing Lavonne remained at Wulfen Castle until the journey to Stern Castle to meet Gaenor at Beatrix’s wedding.

Abel responded as expected. Lids narrowing, teeth baring, he said, “A month I have given him that should have been used for the betterment of my squires. I am done. If Lavonne requires further training, it falls to you.”

Though Abel surely expected an argument—indeed, was looking for one—Everard had already decided to relieve his brother of the task. “As you would have it.” He strode toward the squires whose hand-to-hand combat had progressed to the far side of the enclosure, and his brother’s surprised silence followed him.

“Everard!” Abel shouted.

Everard looked around.

“You”—Abel jabbed a finger in his direction—“are worse than Garr.”

“Aye. Anything else?”

Abel pivoted, causing a cloud of dust to rise in his wake.

Everard glanced at the donjon visible above the castle walls. Wondering if today’s contest between Abel and Baron Lavonne had boasted an audience beyond those who patrolled the castle walls, he returned to his squires.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamara Leigh holds a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology. In 1993, she signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books. Her first medieval romance,
Warrior Bride
, was released in 1994, followed by
Virgin Bride, Pagan Bride,
and
Saxon Bride
. Tamara continued to write for the general market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester and earning awards and spots on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, Tamara’s first inspirational contemporary romance,
Stealing Adda
, was released. In 2008,
Perfecting Kate
was optioned for a movie and
Splitting Harriet
won an ACFW “Book of the Year” award. Both books were released as audiobooks. In 2009,
Faking Grace
was nominated for ACFW “Book of the Year” and RITA awards. In 2010,
Leaving Carolina
was featured in Target stores’ “Emerging Authors: New, Notable, Red-Hot Reads” section. In 2011, Tamara wrapped up her “Southern Discomfort” series with the release of
Restless in Carolina
.

When not in the middle of being a wife, mother, and cookbook fiend, Tamara continues to write. Recently, she returned to the historical romance genre with the release of
Dreamspell,
a medieval time travel romance. With
The Unveiling
and
The Yielding,
the first and second books in her new
Age of Faith
series, she once more invites readers to join her in the world of the middle ages.

Tamara lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons, a Doberman that bares its teeth not only to threaten the UPS man but to smile, and a Shih Tzu with a Napoleon complex and something of an eating disorder.

WEBSITE:

www.tamaraleigh.com

www.thekitchennovelist.com

EMAIL:

[email protected]

GOOD OLD SNAIL MAIL:

Tamara Leigh, P.O. Box 1298

Goodlettsville, TN 37070