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

fights to this day.” He swallowed his frustration as he chose his words carefully. “I wish I could be at war again, as well. Yet Father needs me at home more. King Edward insisted I stay here.”
    Aldred sighed. “Both of us long to be again at war, my son. There’s nothing that challenges a man’s skills and prowess more than to be thrust onto the battlefield.”
    The once mighty soldier waved the thoughts away. “We should enjoy our beautiful surroundings, Robert. We lead fine lives here in peace. Remember the cries of anguish? The blood freely spilt? War should be outlawed. If women ruled, it very well would be.”
    The old warrior shivered and pulled the bedclothes more tightly about him. “No talk of this to Elizabeth. I’ll not have her worried about me more than she does already. But when the time comes, give her time to mourn me. I'll ask Edward to do the same. In a year’s time, even six months, when she adjusts to the idea of being alone, approach her.”
    “And if she won’t have me?” Robert narrowed his eyes. “You know how obstinate she can be.”
    Aldred smiled. “Then woo her, Robert. Show her your love. Let your kiss arouse things within her that she never dreamt were there.”
    Suddenly, Aldred’s meaning became clear to him. “You mean . . . ”
    Aldred nodded. “Elizabeth is yet a virgin. I could not perform my husbandly duties. She deserves much more. And if she’s stubborn, take her. Show her how grand love can be with the right partner in your arms.
    “You’re a handsome man, Robert of Fondren, and a good one. Clever, too. I have the utmost faith that you’ll win her over.”
    “She would hate it if she could hear us discussing her in this manner. And despite pretty words and moonlight kisses, I do not know if she would be willing to have me, Aldred. I am more brother to her than lover.”
    “Then I will ask of Edward to give her the year alone to mourn. When ‘tis over, if Elizabeth will not marry you of her own free will, Edward will insure that it happens. She may think she knows what ‘tis best for her, my son, but in the end ‘tis for men to make these decisions.”
    He glanced over at the table next to his bedside. Robert followed his gaze.
    “See those stewed plums? My pain has passed. I could enjoy a bite or two of those now.”
    Robert reached over to the bowl. He glanced down at Aldred’s hands, shaking unsteadily, much as his own father’s now did.
    “Here, let me help you, my lord.” With that, he spooned a bite into Aldred’s mouth, all the while thinking of Elizabeth.
    “Your Majesty?”
    Edward raised his eyes to the adviser. “What now?” he asked irritably. “I will not hear ‘tis King John again. Had I known how much trouble that man would cause, I would have forbade him entrance and slammed the door in his face.”
    The councilor glibly replied, “I’m sure the Black Prince will take that into consideration and locate a more cooperative hostage next time, Sire.”
    He sighed, shaking his head. “Know ye what that French monarch demanded yesterday? Or the day before that?” Edward slammed a fist down. The candle on the table flickered with the movement. “’Tis two years I have put up with the man, yet we are no closer to negotiating his release than the very day of his capture. This much ransom, that many hostages. Sometimes I wish to lop off his head and return it to the dauphin .”
    “War can be lengthy, Sire, as well as expensive. I would advise you to let King John keep his head for now. He’ll be worth more with it attached to his body. Be patient.”
    “I’m tired of being patient!” he roared. “And why are you here? Do you bring word from my son?”
    The councilor replied, “No word from Prince Edward, your majesty. Nor from John of Gaunt. ‘Tis a messenger, though, that I think you would see.”
    The king studied his adviser. The man’s beady eyes gleamed in anticipation. “So give me the missive,” he said