Free Margo Maguire by The Perfect Seduction Page A

will provide,” said Oswin. “Not for any fondness for your Norman wife.”
    Edric shrugged. That much was obvious, but tradition would be observed. He did not condemn Oswin for his hostility toward the Normans. They had caused untold damage to the man’s family, but Oswin had to understand that no amount of hatred would bring back his sons, and rebellion was useless. The reign of the Saxons in England was done.
    Musicians stood near the staircase, tuning their instruments, and the aroma of roasting pig wafted through the hall. Yet Cecily’s wake was conspicuously subdued. ’Twas nothing like the sorrow shown by raucous song and loud weeping that had followed the funerals of Siric and Sighelm. Instead, the servants went quietly about the hall, pouring mugs of ale and placing platters of meat and bread on the tables. When Oswin left, no one approached Edric, all apparently uncertain what to say to him.
    He caught sight of Kate, wearing the blue gown she’d tossed across her legs the night before for modesty’s sake. He’d taken note of her at thefuneral, giving care and consolation to the old Norman nurse, a woman she did not even know.
    To Edric’s knowledge, Cecily had never shown kindness to a stranger…But mayhap he was giving too much credit to Kate. The old woman was Norman, and the only other one of her kind at Braxton. ’Twas possible they were conspiring together, planning to wreak havoc somehow on the man responsible for Cecily’s pregnancy and death, and for her unhappiness this past year.
    Yet as Kate made her way toward the stairs with Lora, he felt a pressing urge to go to her, to take hold of that thick plait of rich, brown hair and bury his face in it. It seemed impossible that she could be just as alluring fully dressed as when he’d burst unannounced into her chamber. She was fresh from her bath, and he’d been struck yet again by her feminine perfection.
    He should not have lingered in her room. His brain must have been addled when he touched her, when he slid his fingers across the fullness of her breast while she fed his son.
    God’s blood, she was Norman, and he’d vowed to have naught to do with any of them, beyond what was utterly necessary. There was no point in entertaining any thoughts about taking her to bed.
    “Many condolences for your loss, my lord.”
    Edric turned away from Kate’s retreating figureto the first person to approach him. ’Twas Felicia, daughter of Wilfred the tavernkeeper. Many a time had Edric sported with this lusty blonde, but those trysts had ended as soon as he’d said his marriage vows and Cecily had made her demands. Even so, Felicia had always made it known she would welcome him back to her bed at any time.
    “’Tis said your lady wife bore you a son.”
    “Aye.” He wondered where Lora was taking Kate. Mayhap ’twas time to feed Aidan and they were going to a place with fewer distractions. She would loosen her bodice and—
    “Things have been quiet at the Silver Dragon, my lord.” She gave him a wicked smile and leaned into him, pressing her body against his. “I won’t be missed if I disappear a while.”
    Edric had thought of this so many times during the past year, he could not believe he was hesitating now. But this was not the time. With all that had recently transpired, Edric was in no mood to frolic in Felicia’s bed.
    “My lord?”
    Edric looked into her eyes. She was as comely as any woman in the town and knew how to satisfy a man’s lusty appetites. Yet she smelled of cabbage and sour hops.
    “Once my brother is out of danger and thingsare settled here, I’ll send someone for you.” When he finally bedded her, he wanted no worries to detract from the moment.
    He disengaged his arm from her grasp. Taking his leave, he headed toward the stairs. ’Twas past time to check on Bryce.
     
    “Come, Bryce wishes to see you,” said Lora.
    “He is awake now?” asked Kathryn.
    “Aye, and complaining of being confined to his