Free Marriage Under Siege by Anne O'Brien

be beset by a multitude of
faceless but vicious personal demons.
    Finally he released her and
with a formal little bow turned towards the door. He pulled it open and then
halted to turn back towards her still figure. 'We shall make it work, Honoria.'
    'Yes, my lord.'
    'Francis.'
    'You are very determined,
my lord.'
    'I believe it is in my
nature to be so. Does it disturb you?'
    'Perhaps. I do not know you
well enough.' She raised her chin a little. 'I will consider it.'
    He smiled at her solemn
pronouncement. 'Then whilst you consider such a momentous matter, I must inform
Lawyer Wellings of our decision before he leaves. And I think that I shall
invite Josh Hopton for the occasion. He can give me some much-needed support in
this den of Royalism ! It should be soon. Would next
week be acceptable to you, if I arrange for a special licence from the Bishop
of Hereford? More expedient than calling the banns in this instance, I think.'
    'Yes, my lord.' Honoria
felt as if she were being swept along by an irresistible force, against which
she was helpless.
    'And I will suggest that
Josh bring his youngest sister with him. Perhaps you might value some female
companionship. Mary is close to your own age, I would think. Would it please you?'
    'Why, yes. I think it
would. I...I am very grateful.' She failed to hide her surprised pleasure at
his thoughtfulness.
    'Then I will arrange it.'
He was intrigued at her low opinion of him—or perhaps it was of men in
particular. It would be interesting to learn.
    'Thank you, my lord.'
    'It is my pleasure. I
believe I have one more request of you. Notice my choice of words!' He grinned,
a sudden flash of pure charm that lit his stern features and forced Honoria to
take another deep breath. 'I would be grateful if you could persuade that
animal, which guards your every step, that I am not the enemy. I sometimes feel
that it would enjoy me for breakfast, particularly when I touch you. She is
well named as the fiercest of battle goddesses. I hope that both you and the
dog would come to an understanding that I intend you no harm.'
    As he left the room, he
actually heard her laugh, a soft, pretty sound that lifted his heart. He had
been wrong. The widow could indeed laugh. So there was one victory.
    What
have I done? Honoria pressed her hands to her mouth, excitement
warring with anxiety, anticipation with fear, causing her stomach to churn and
her pulse to race. Will I regret it?
    She pressed her lips
against her fingers, to the exact place where his mouth had burned against her
skin. She could find no answer.
    Francis Brampton, in his
new authority as Lord Mansell, rode hard and fast over the following days.
Sometimes alone, more often accompanied by the estate's agent, Jonathan Leysters , underemployed by Lord Edward, now much in demand
and grateful for it. The new lord learned little that was not already obvious
to his keen eye and inquisitive mind. The land that he had inherited provided
good pasture, fertile soil for grain and a wealth of timber. It should bring in
a high yield and high rents, but the neglect was shameful. The land was
underused, weeds rife, wooded areas overgrown and neglected, hedges and roads
allowed to decay; tenants lived with leaking roofs, crumbling walls and voices
raised in complaint against a landlord who demanded much and gave nothing in
return. Nothing good was to be heard about the old lord.
    The weather was chill and
changeable, but Mansell was not to be deterred from his self-imposed task.
Sometimes he spent a night away from Brampton Percy. More often than not he
returned wet, muddied and more than a little depressed to refuel, catch a
night's sleep and set off again next morning. He would see the extent of his
new possessions, their strengths and weaknesses, and make himself known as a
landlord who would be involved in the well-being of his estate.
    The manor of Leintwardine
was much as he expected and had been warned, a pretty timbered manor house with
gardens