Free Destiny Lies Waiting by Diana Rubino

lord?"
     
     
    The idea of her calling him 'my lord' in his present state of undress amused her. But she had to find out as much as possible about him—to prove he was real and she hadn't just willed him out of her fancy.
     
     
    "Naught more than knight at present, although I trust my proficiency with axe and sword will gain favor with King Edward. I inherited my title from my father, who was killed in battle. The Lord knows I have worked hard enough to deserve it.
     
     
    "I was but nine when my father was killed and the Plantagenets took me to live with them. They are my family in every sense save our blood ties. In essence, that's one reason I am here."
     
     
    "They dared you to go swimming nude?"
     
     
    He laughed and the moonlight glinted off his teeth. "Nay, but hadn't it been for the unreliability of a third party, I never would be here, talking to you. So, I am right grateful to that third party. Had the third party arrived as scheduled, I would be in there…"
     
     
    He waved his arm in the direction of the palace, "Forced to make merry and charm my way through the eve with a smile affixed to my lips that I just don't feel inside."
     
     
    "You seem in a jovial enough mood. What is it that makes you sad?"
     
     
    Now that was enough! She was going too far. She quickly lowered her eyes.
     
     
    "Sorry. I must not pry. I am just asking out of curiosity. My thirst for enlightenment, of every kind, is one of my most serious flaws—so I'm told." She hoped that excused her rudeness well enough.
     
     
    "'Tis not a flaw at all, but a most admirable trait. 'Tis a sign of an active, intelligent mind. I have hidden naught from you so far! Well, nearly. I daresay there is much more I would know about you. I am obliged to court a lady who needs a suitable parti ."
     
     
    "Ohhh." Disappointment snatched away her excitement, leaving her voice flat as her heart plunged. She forced her poise to remain in place as she said, "Alas, that's but one drawback of royalty and nobility. This lady, as you call her. Have you ever seen her miniature?"
     
     
    She didn't want to ask who the lady was. She just didn't want to know. The fantasy was already dispelled.
     
     
    He shook his head. "Nay, unfortunately, I am going into this without benefit of a glance at her countenance."
     
     
    She gasped. "You and she are already betrothed?" No! No, don't let it be!
     
     
    She begged the fate that brought them together— let him be free, please!
     
     
    "Nay!" Droplets flew out as he shook his head. "I would be on the next vessel back to France lest anyone force me to marry a wench sight unseen. 'Tis only out of honor that I am meeting her at all! And 'tis all that I agreed to do—make her acquaintance. If our souls aren't resounding with compatibility in an eve's time, I shall bid her adieu . I shall have fulfilled my part of the bargain."
     
     
    "Ah." Her sigh of relief must have been heard clear across the Thames. Oh, he's free! Her spirit soared, bringing her heart along. "Ah, so 'tis a bargain."
     
     
    "Naught more, for certes. To me, the worst way to begin a courtship. 'Twould be doomed from the start. I'm a staunch believer in love. I intend to fight the odds and make a love match, not succumb to a loveless liaison just to seal a political alliance or save a homely wench from spinsterhood."
     
     
    "'Tis very noble indeed, but rather presumptuous of you to brand her homely without having beheld her." She was already feeling sorry for the poor woman, who'd no doubt become hopelessly smitten with him.
     
     
    "I've heard a description, albeit a sketchy one, from an objective party. With that I've formed a picture in my mind's eye, and I daresay 'tis not a pretty one."
     
     
    "Well, it couldn't be King Edward or George. They can't be objective about any creature in a bodice and skirts."
     
     
    "Nay, a much more indifferent, detached, and dispassionate source."
     
     
    She nodded. "The Duke of