Stephen stepped off the dais and in one long stride, reached her father. Much shorter, Althenson was fairly quaking in his old, flat boots as Stephen glared hard at him. “Finally, you’ve spoken the truth.”
Then he ordered Gilles to be brought into the hall. After he was led in, bound and still dazed from his head having smacked the stone floor earlier, he dropped to the floor beside Hundar. The Saxon spat on him.
Rowena held her breath. What was Stephen doing? Her father quivered openly and refused to look upon the bound men at his feet.
“Althenson, do you know this man?” Stephen asked.
Again, her father shook his head. “Nay, milord. I know none of these men. Though I met this third man last night.”
“Then tell me how you learned that Rowena was here.”
Sweat beaded on Althenson’s forehead. “I don’t remember. A minstrel troupe passed my way. I think it was they who mentioned her. My wife has similar hair.”
Stephen’s expression darkened. “Nay. The minstrels would not have had the time to reach you from here. Nor would they visit a lonely farm.”
“Nay, milord, ’tis true.” His gaze darted about. “But I saw them in the village nearest my home!”
“You are lying again, Saxon.”
“I’m not, milord. I swear it openly! How would I know about the minstrels being here if they had not met me?”
A slow, mirthless smile grew on Stephen’s face. “Lady Josane said she would put you where the minstrels slept when I told her last night to find a place for you.”
Blood rushed into Althenson’s face, and Rowena knew Stephen had caught him in his lie. But she still held her breath.
Stephen pierced her father with a glare. “’Twill not be hard to discover who went to your farm. I suspect we will find out soon. I have also sent for the records of finance from Lord Taurin’s estate, for he would record the purchase of a slave, because Rowena was not a Christian then and he considered it legal to buy her.
“And from London, I will receive proof that you have purchased back your land from the king, for there will be a record of it, also. In the meantime, you can give me another lie about where you were able to acquire the funds to buy many hides of land.”
“Nay, milord, I had only enough for one hide of land. ’Tis many acres and—”
“Another lie! In this county, land is divided in multiples of five hides. You would need only one hide to support your family, and even with that, you would not be able to afford its purchase. But to buy all of your land? Where would you get the coins for that?”
Rowena’s heart swelled. Her father’s breathing quickened as his throat bobbed and his nervous gaze darted about. “I sold—”
“A woman, your own flesh and blood, to be a slave to your enemy? Know this, Saxon—I will compare the monies missing from Taurin’s estate with the amount given to the king. I will scour your estate for the receipt of purchase of your land back from the crown, for even a fool Saxon as you are would not dare to destroy the proof that you own your land.”
Althenson’s shaking increased. “Milord, have mercy on me!”
Stephen turned away, gesturing to the guards. “Arrest this man for assisting to overthrow my estates. We’ll let Picot, the sheriff of Cambridge, decide your fate. I hear he is a crafty old fox who nurses a hatred for all Saxons.”
The guards grabbed Althenson as he cried out, “Nay! Milord, nay, I have done nothing wrong! I have been tricked by Master Gilles to come here!”
“Stephen!”
Stephen turned to Rowena. She shook her head. “My lord, there is no love lost between my father and me, but I ask you not to hurt these men. Please ask the king for mercy. Send them all away. Fine them, also, for an empty purse hurts more than a lashing. But to have them flogged or worse...”
Stephen shook his head in disbelief. “He has wronged you all your life, Rowena.”
“Aye, he has. But Udella, whose son was killed at Senlac, forgives all. And haven’t you also told me to trust that God forgives and I must forgive, also?”
She drew a long breath. “I...I am trying to forgive my father for what he did to me. I cannot move forward in my life until I close this part of it. Take his lands again and his plow oxen. ’Twill make him have to work harder if he must plow his small plot by hand. Mayhap he will be too tired for any more trickery.”
Stephen stared at Rowena until a slow, smooth smile grew on his lips. He nodded as he took her hand. “Very well. But I reserve the right to banish them all. The king will trust me on this matter and order them never to enter this village again.”
To the guards, he gave instructions to detain the men until the charges were recorded and read to them. Then he ordered the remaining people to the chapel for morning services.
When they were alone, Stephen drew Rowena into his arms and kissed her soundly. After he’d lifted his head, he tipped it to one side. “You are a wise young woman.”
“Not always wise.”
“I disagree. You showed me how to forgive myself for Corvin’s death.”
“I only said what was true, my lord.”
“Please, call me Stephen. I want to...” He drew a breath. “Rowena, my life is not complete without you. I think you will teach me something new each day. Will you stay with me here?”
“In this manor?” Her heart squeezed as she whispered. “As what?”
“As the lady. Josane wishes to return to Normandy, and I will send her husband there, as well. ’Twill be difficult for her, but I think she wishes for a happy marriage and is willing to work on hers to make it so.”
“With Master Gilles, after all he’s done?”
“None of us is perfect, Rowena. But in time, mayhap Gilles will see his wrongs.”
“He nearly fooled us completely.”
“He has watched how I work for many years and could hide his feelings.”
“How did you know ’twas Master Gilles who conspired to kill me?”
“A number of things hinted at this. I began to realize I must not ask why your attacker chose you, but rather what would happen if you died. If something happened to you, Gilles would see that King William learned that I have not been able to find any rebels who would plot against the crown. He could easily take this holding from me and give it to someone else. But who would be the most likely person to receive the manor? Gilles, of course, since he had been sending missives to London, and I will find out what they say soon enough.”
“How?”
“Aubrey de Vere may have considerable influence, but I am not the captain of the King’s Guard for no reason. I also have the king’s ear, and de Vere knows this. He will deny conspiring to remove me, but it matters not. He will not cross me again.”
“Why would he conspire with Master Gilles to remove you?”
“Most likely de Vere was interested in holding this village, as well. It lies between London and Ely, and could become influential.”
Rowena shook her head in awe. “How did you guess this?”
“Aubrey de Vere would not be informed if the missives were only queries on the financial logistics, but he would be informed if they held something that would affect him or the king.”
“’Tis all so hard to believe.” Rowena looked up at Stephen shyly. Her breath left her again as he smiled down on her. A smile so filled with love, she found herself returning it. “As is the idea that you want me to be the lady here,” she whispered.
“’Twill take some time for you to learn how to run a manor and to be the lady for the villagers, but Udella and Josane will help you. I know the villagers will accept you in time, especially once they learn the truth and see that Udella is on your side.”
“But how will I become the lady?”
Stephen laughed. “So many questions! By virtu
e of marrying me, because I love you with all my heart and soul.” He lifted up her hand as he bowed on one knee. “Rowena, will you marry me?”
Tears sprang into her eyes. “Aye, Stephen, I will marry you. I put my love and my faith in you forever.”
He stood and leaned forward to kiss her again, this time deeper, stronger and so filled with love she knew that she would be sheltered in his arms always.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A DAUGHTER’S RETURN by Janet Lee Barton.
Dear Reader,
When I began this story, all I had was a very simple premise. What if someone asked you to trust him when all your experiences told you that you shouldn’t?
Rowena was introduced in my previous story as a woman who had suffered under one Norman soldier. Now another Norman was asking her for trust. Naturally, it would be hard to give.
So often we have to relearn our own trust in God, especially after suffering. Trust is something that is earned, yes, but consider this: while one who trusts must take a leap of faith, when this kind of faith is given to us, we should not take it lightly. Are you doing that?
I hope I have delivered a heartwarming story of faith, responsibility and, of course, love.
Blessings,
Barbara Phinney
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.
You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.
Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!
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Chapter One
Heaton House, New York City,
January 1897
After helping her mother take down the last of the Christmas decorations, Rebecca hurried upstairs to check on her napping daughter. It was the Monday after New Year’s, and she still found it hard to believe she and Jenny were finally moved into her mother’s boardinghouse.
The past few months had sped by—reuniting with her family, staying with her brother, Michael, and his wife Violet, to help out with her sweet nephew, who had been born two weeks before Christmas, and the weddings of several of her mother’s boarders.
Here it was, 1897 already—a new year and a whole new life for her and Jenny. What would the Lord have in store for them this year?
Rebecca entered the suite her mother had given them and still couldn’t believe the space they each had. Compared to the tiny apartment in the tenements she’d left only a few months ago, the suite seemed huge and sumptuous. Her room was done in the blues and yellows she loved and the colors in Jenny’s were her favorites—pink and lavender. After living in the colorless tenements, she loved having color around them once again. The two rooms were connected by a bathroom they shared—a real luxury after having to share a bathroom with everyone on one floor of the building they’d lived in.
“What do you think, Jenny? Are you going to like living here at Granma’s?” she’d asked that very morning. Rebecca had smiled, realizing she’d begun to say granma like Jenny did—without the d.
“Oh yes, Mama.” Jenny’s eyes had sparkled. “I love being with Granma every day and I like all the others here, too,” Jenny had said. “And you won’t be so sad anymore. We’re going to have good days now, aren’t we, Mama?”
Rebecca’s breath had caught and her heart twisted in her chest at Jenny’s words. Suddenly, she’d realized her child’s daily moods in the past had been a reflection of her own. O Lord, please forgive me. Again.
Determination had risen up strong and swift and Rebecca had bent down, gathered her young daughter in her arms and hugged her tight. “Yes, Jenny. We are going to have much better days from now on.”
If she had a bad day, she’d make sure she didn’t drag her daughter down with her. “I love you so much!”
“I love you, too, Mama.” Jenny’s small hands patted her on the back.
Rebecca was always amazed at how comforting her daughter’s hugs and pats could be.
Now, she crossed her room and went through the bathroom to sit on the side of Jenny’s bed. She gave her a gentle shake and kissed her forehead. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We need to wash up and go see what Gretchen and Maida are cooking for dinner. Something smells really yummy downstairs.”
Jenny stretched, smiled and opened her eyes. “I hope she’s making chocolate cake!”
“Oh, I’m sure Gretchen will make something you’ll like.” Dessert was a real treat for Jenny. Living in the tenements, Rebecca could rarely afford any kind of indulgence for them. She’d done well most days to provide the basic meal, which had been awfully skimpy at times. She still found it difficult to believe she didn’t have to worry about where their next meal would come from. “Let’s go wash your face and hands.”
Once they’d both freshened up, Rebecca took her daughter’s hand and left her room. What a wonderful feeling not to have to lock her door or worry about someone breaking in. She and Jenny swung hands and then the child giggled, let go of Rebecca and ran to the staircase.
“Jenny, not so fast!” Rebecca watched in horror as her daughter grasped the newel post and swung a leg over the side, leaving her in a kind of lopsided position as she started to slide. “Jenny! No!”
Jenny’s descent built up speed while Rebecca ran down the stairs on legs that had suddenly gone weak, terrified she wouldn’t reach her in time. The front door of Heaton House opened and Benjamin Roth, one of the boarders, walked in. Rebecca yelled, “Ben, catch her, please!”
She saw him glance up and run to the bottom of the staircase just as Jenny flew off the end and plopped into his arms. Her child’s delighted giggle helped Rebecca breathe once more as she reached the foyer, took her child from him and hugged her close. She looked up at the man who’d kept her from getting hurt. “Oh, Ben, thank you!”
He let out a huge breath. “You’re welcome. That was a bit frightening.”
“I was terrified.” Rebecca turned her daughter’s face to hers. “Jennifer Dickerson! I told you not to ever slide down the banister. You nearly scared the life right out of me and Mr. Ben.”
She set her daughter down and grasped her hand. “You deserve a paddling for disobeying me, Jenny!”
“What’s all the commotion about?” her mother asked, hurrying down the hall from her study.
“Granma!” Jenny reached out to her grandmother, sounding as if she’d been saved from the sound spanking Rebecca knew she needed.
Rebecca relinquished her to her mother and let out a huge sigh before explaining. “Jenny decided to slide down the banister and Ben caught her right before she flew across the foyer, Mama.”
She still trembled at the thought of what might have happened had Ben not arrived when he did.
“Oh, my sweet Jenny, we don’t want you to get hurt. Granma has a rule in this house. Never, ever slide down the banister. You won’t try it again, will you?”
Rebecca watched her blond-haired, blue-eyed child shake her head.
“You promise?”
Jenny hesitated only a moment before nodding.
“Now what do you need to say to your mama?”
“I’m sorry, Mama.”
Rebecca felt torn between hugging her close again and punishing her for disobeying. “I forgive you. But you still deserve a spanking. You slide down again and you’ll get one, you hear?”
Jenny’s head bobbed up and down once more.
“You received a reprieve this time, sweetheart,” Mrs. Heaton said, patting her granddaughter’s back. “I’m not sure you will a second time. May I take her to the kitchen to check on dinner, dear?”
“I suppose, but no treats before dinner.”
“Of course not.” She turned and headed for the kitchen. “You heard your mama, Jenny. You have to wait until after dinner for dessert.”
“I know, Granma.”
Rebecca shook her head, let out a shaky breath and looked up at Ben. Her trembles had only now begun to subside. “Oh, Ben, I am so glad you came home when you did. My legs felt like water as I tried to hurry down the stairs and I was sure I wouldn’t make it down in time.”
“I wasn’t too sure I’d be in time, either.” He ran a hand through his blond hair, then chuckled and shook his head. “She thought it was great fun.”
“And it is. I tried the same thing when I was around her age.”
“Was anyone there to catch you?” His blue eyes twinkled as he waited for her answer.
“Thankfully my papa heard Mama yell, much the same as I just did, and he caught me.”
“Then what happened?”
Rebecca chuckled. “The outcome was about the same as now. Mama came running down the stairs and Papa said almost the exact same things Mama told Jenny.”
“Like mother, like daughter?” He grinned at her.
She thought for a moment and then sighed. “I’m afraid so. I pray she’s not as rebellious as I was when she gets older.”
“Well, it appears you turned out fine. I’m sure Jenny will, too.”
“I pray so. I hope our move hasn’t changed life at Heaton House too much for all of you.”
Ben grinned. “You and Jenny have livened things up a lot around here. It’s wonderful to see your mother so happy. So don’t worry about changing life around here. We’re all enjoying whatever changes you and Jenny have made.”
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