Free A Bit of Heaven on Earth by Lauren Linwood Page A

of clothes. Into a burlap sack hanging from the saddle, Gavin slipped the clothes and the food.
    “We’ll accompany you to the gates, my lord.”
    Gavin nodded, words failing him, his throat thick with emotion. They reached the entrance to Ashgrove. Eben himself opened the gate, glaring at the watchmen upon the tower above.
    “Godspeed, my lord.”
    Gavin gave a wave and managed a smile. No matter how heavy his heart, he must put on a good face for the rest of the world.
    For the rest of his life.

 
    CHAPTER 8
    “I’m dying. Let us face that fact before we begin this discussion, eh, Robert?”
    Robert found it hard to agree with Aldred. This man had been the hero of his youth. Invincible. Like a god. Yet upon closer study, he noticed how much weight Aldred no longer possessed. Strong muscles had turned to frail arms. His beard, once neatly trimmed, now looked scraggly. A haggard look hung about his features. Still, strength of will and character shone in the warrior’s eyes.
    He gripped Aldred’s hand. “We all die at some point, my lord. You have lived a hale and hearty life. Who is to say when ‘twill end?”
    Aldred glared up at him. “I don’t want you to placate me, boy. Just agree with me. I’m dying. My strength ebbs away. I’m uncomfortable in any position I stand, sit, or lie in. My bones ache. My stomach seems forever noxious. My breath has turned foul. I’m a man with little time. Agreed?”
    Robert bowed his head and then nodded, not able to look at Aldred. When did this change occur? He visited Kentwood every month or so. When had Aldred begun to fade away? Why hadn’t he noticed? Or better yet, why had he ignored all the signs?
    “Fine. Now that we’ve established that, I have a request to make of you.”
    He raised his head. The old warrior’s eyes bore into his own. A grown man, and he still could tremble from a single glance given by Aldred. “How may I assist you? You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, my lord.”
    “I want you to marry Elizabeth.”
    “Marry . . . Elizabeth?” His voice came out a whisper. He swallowed. “Surely ‘tis the king’s decision as to what happens to her and Kentwood. Once you are gone.”
    Aldred snorted. “Edward owes me. He will honor my request. Besides, our two lands could be joined as one. That alone will appeal to our king. We are close to the coast. An invasion is unlikely, but a united property would make for a strong defense.
    “Besides,” Aldred finished, “you love her. A great deal.”
    Robert felt a flush of guilt rise in his cheeks. “We are but good friends, my lord. I have never gone behind your back. I have never—will never—touch Elizabeth in a familiar fashion.”
    Aldred smiled benignly. “I know that. But I’ve seen you look at her when you thought no one watched. True, you have a special friendship already, and that will make for a firm foundation for your marriage.”
    The old man cleared his throat. “Elizabeth needs a younger man in her life, one that can give her children. She has so much to give the man she marries. She’s been a best friend to me, a boon companion in my old age. She’s smart, quick as lightning, and I would have loved to put her up against any one of my knights from years past had she been born a man. I think she might have presented a great challenge. Even to Gavin.”
    Aldred paused. “I miss that boy. He was one of the bravest soldiers I’ve seen. Certainly the best that ever fostered at Kentwood under me.”
    “I miss him, as well,” Robert agreed. “I’ve not seen him since our imprisonment in France. I sent three missives to his home in the north. The first two received no response. I suppose the messages went astray. Finally, his father answered the third.”
    “Berwyn?” Aldred snorted in disgust. “That pompous ass never deserved a son as fine as Gavin.”
    “Lord Berwyn wrote to me that Gavin remained in France. I assume he stayed on after his ransom was paid and