by Tamara Leigh
The only pity of it was that Christian’s father, Aldous Lavonne, was too infirm to suffer the same punishment. For that, Everard and his family feared for Gaenor. The old man might be laid abed, but when their sister went to live at Broehne Castle as Christian’s wife, Aldous would surely take every opportunity to work ill on her. Meaning something would have to be done about the old man. Given a say in the matter, Everard would have him removed to one of the barony’s sister castles.
“It seems Gaenor is to wed,” Abel spoke across his brother’s thoughts.
Everard slid a hand over his shaved pate. “At least her groom is better able to defend himself at swords.”
“Well enough, I suppose. Of course, if there was some way to make him forget all that was poured into that monk’s head of his, he might do better than merely defend himself.”
Everard clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Then it is good, little brother, that you have a fortnight in which to remedy what ails your pupil.” Providing Lavonne remained at Wulfen Castle until the journey to Stern Castle to meet Gaenor at Beatrix’s wedding.
Abel responded as expected. Lids narrowing, teeth baring, he said, “A month I have given him that should have been used for the betterment of my squires. I am done. If Lavonne requires further training, it falls to you.”
Though Abel surely expected an argument—indeed, was looking for one—Everard had already decided to relieve his brother of the task. “As you would have it.” He strode toward the squires whose hand-to-hand combat had progressed to the far side of the enclosure, and his brother’s surprised silence followed him.
“Everard!” Abel shouted.
Everard looked around.
“You”—Abel jabbed a finger in his direction—“are worse than Garr.”
“Aye. Anything else?”
Abel pivoted, causing a cloud of dust to rise in his wake.
Everard glanced at the donjon visible above the castle walls. Wondering if today’s contest between Abel and Baron Lavonne had boasted an audience beyond those who patrolled the castle walls, he returned to his squires.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tamara Leigh holds a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology. In 1993, she signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books. Her first medieval romance, Warrior Bride, was released in 1994, followed by Virgin Bride, Pagan Bride, and Saxon Bride. Tamara continued to write for the general market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester and earning awards and spots on national bestseller lists.
In 2006, Tamara’s first inspirational contemporary romance, Stealing Adda, was released. In 2008, Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie and Splitting Harriet won an ACFW “Book of the Year” award. Both books were released as audiobooks. In 2009, Faking Grace was nominated for ACFW “Book of the Year” and RITA awards. In 2010, Leaving Carolina was featured in Target stores’ “Emerging Authors: New, Notable, Red-Hot Reads” section. In 2011, Tamara wrapped up her “Southern Discomfort” series with the release of Restless in Carolina.
When not in the middle of being a wife, mother, and cookbook fiend, Tamara continues to write. Recently, she returned to the historical romance genre with the release of Dreamspell, a medieval time travel romance. With The Unveiling and The Yielding, the first and second books in her new Age of Faith series, she once more invites readers to join her in the world of the middle ages.
Tamara lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons, a Doberman that bares its teeth not only to threaten the UPS man but to smile, and a Shih Tzu with a Napoleon complex and something of an eating disorder.
WEBSITE:
www.tamaraleigh.com
www.thekitchennovelist.com
EMAIL:
[email protected]
GOOD OLD SNAIL MAIL:
Tamara Leigh, P.O. Box 1298
Goodlettsville, TN 37070