Free Love and Deception: a Clean Medieval Historical Romance by Emily Woods

Chapter 1
    L ady Rosamund looked out from beyond the curtains, hardly able to suppress the smile that was threatening to break free of her rigid composure. Her father had allowed her to attend the wedding celebration of her favorite cousin, Lady Catherine. She had not seen Catherine in a long time and she was in dire need of female companionship.
    At an early age, Rosamund had lost her mother to an illness that had swept over the castle. Her parents had sent her away to live with Lady Catherine and her family and the two girls had remained the very best of friends even after she was summoned back to her father’s side.
    Lord William looked on at his daughter with affection. If all daughters were just like his Rosamund, fathers all over Europe would have no cause for worry. She was a quiet little thing with piercing blue eyes that reminded him of his beloved wife every time he looked into them. She also had her mother’s wit and, despite the reserved nature she often portrayed before company, he did so enjoy their banters over every subject under the sun.
    One such subject he had broached delicately was the subject of marriage. Among the nobility, it was not uncommon for marriages to be arranged in order to secure alliances. Lady Rosamund was aware of this but as a father, he worried that she might harbor some romantic ideas regarding marriage as some young women were prone to do. His wife’s brother had already expressed concern that Lady Catherine grew even more melancholy as her wedding approached.
    “Lady Catherine is getting married to Baron Ingram in the summer,” he’d mentioned casually as they played chess after dinner one evening.
    “Cathy is of marriageable age,” Rosamund had replied as she made a move. She smiled a little and glanced at her father. “Most girls dream of being wed and I have heard many good things about Baron Braxton. They say it is a good match.”
    “Your uncle worries for her. She has taken to eating less lately.”
    The truth of the matter was that Lady Catherine had remained in her rooms for nigh on a month and refused more food, relying mostly on fruits for sustenance. Henry had mentioned that his daughter was becoming a ghost before his eyes and he feared that a slight chill would prove fatal for his third daughter.
    “She must be excited,” his daughter surmised. “It would be difficult to stomach anything, should that be the case.”
    He moved his knight and checked his daughter’s facial expressions. Rosamund was the picture of serenity as she surveyed the chessboard.
    “Would you be as anxious if you were in her place?”
    Rosamund smiled. “Have I any cause to be anxious? I am certain my father will find a man who will be a good match for me in every way. He is quite a wise man.” She made her move and raised an eyebrow delicately. “Checkmate.”
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    L ord William sighed as he escorted his daughter out of the carriage and into the castle where Henry and his wife were waiting to welcome them. The strain of the wedding celebrations seemed to weigh heavily on them both so much so that they seemed to be attending a funeral rather than a festive occasion.
    Nonetheless, they received him and Rosamund warmly. A glassy shine came over Lady Lucinda’s eyes as she clasped her niece’s hands.
    “Catherine will be so happy to see you,” she said hoarsely.
    Rosamund glanced questioningly at her father but an imperceptible nod from him had her turning her attentions back to her aunt.
    “I am quite excited to meet her again as well,” she said with a smile. “Would she mind it so terribly if I visit her now? I do not mean to intrude upon her preparations but I feel that I must at least give her my warmest wishes.”
    “Nonsense!” Lucinda laughed, a sound that seemed a little too shrill. “She would be ecstatic to see you. Come, I shall take you to her right now! Heaven knows that girl needs someone her age at this moment.”
    Rosamund felt a heavy feeling settle in her