Noble Knights Historical Romance Collection

by Jody Hedlund

  “That is absolutely ridiculous.”

  “I suppose you’ll also deny trussing me up in new gowns and your best jewelry so that I’d catch Bennet’s attention?”

  With a flick of her hand, Grandmother motioned for the guards to open the doors. Her lips twitched with the beginning of a smile before she pinched her lips into the shape of a wrinkled apple. As the doors opened and revealed a chapel full of parishioners, I leaned to her cheek and pressed a kiss there. “You know I love you in spite of all your craziness.”

  “Of course you do. That is because I put up with all of your nonsense.”

  I tucked my hand deeper into her arm and stepped into the doorway with her. Behind me, my lady’s maid spread the train of my gown out into a scalloped fan shape. It was the finest cream silk, embroidered with seed pearls, and it had cost Grandmother a small fortune to have tailored. But she’d insisted. The long veil was trimmed with tiny pearls as well.

  “And now, my child,” Grandmother whispered, looking down the long aisle as the congregation arose, “I give you the life you were born to lead.”

  I followed her gaze to the altar, to the tall, stately form of the man I loved. He held himself with a noble bearing, his chin slightly lifted, his broad shoulders stiff. Dressed in his finest sapphire-blue mantle, his eyes radiated the same hue, mesmerizing and enveloping all at once. Even if I hadn’t been eager to walk the aisle, I would have been helpless to resist him. He was a fine-looking man, and I marveled again, as I had many times since his proposal, that he wanted to marry me.

  In the two weeks since my near drowning, he’d spent most of the time in his chamber recovering from his wounds, which he’d indeed reopened in his desperate race to free me from Captain Foxe. Once again, he’d lost a great deal of blood, and for a while the physician wasn’t sure if he’d regain the full use of his shoulder. I’d spent all of my time in a chair at his bedside, reading aloud to him, discussing interesting topics like the benefits of dung beetles and the possibility of unexplored civilizations at the far corners of the earth. Of course, we spent endless hours discoursing the history behind several famous lost artifacts and speculating on their whereabouts.

  We’d completely bored everyone else. And it proved to be a challenge to keep our chaperones awake with our stimulating conversations.

  However much fun we’d had during Bennet’s confinement, since the morning the physician had released him from bed, he’d done nothing but plan our wedding. Now three days later, he was waiting for me at the front of the chapel, ready to make me his wife.

  For a long moment, I was too mesmerized by the love radiating from his eyes to move.

  Grandmother tugged me forward toward the Duke of Rivenshire, who was waiting to walk me down the aisle. “Although I assume you could technically wed him at this distance, I suggest we move to the front and stand a bit closer to Sir Bennet.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” I said wryly. “I appreciate that I can always count on you for your astute suggestions.”

  “I suppose you will be bereft without them now.”

  “I certainly don’t know how I shall get by. In fact, I have the feeling I shall be absolutely desolate without your continuous advice in all matters of my life. Perhaps you’ll have to come live at Maidstone while I’m here.”

  “Perhaps.” Grandmother stopped in front of the duke. Her hands shook as she lifted my veil. Her watery eyes met mine, and I was surprised to see them shining with pride. When she bent in and pressed a kiss against my cheek, I could feel her lips tremble as well.

  “You’ve always been precious to me, my child,” she whispered. “Everything I’ve ever done has only been to protect you.”

  Tears sprang to my eyes. I saw then what I’d failed to see all along because of my insecurities—that Grandmother loved me unconditionally too. I kissed her leathery cheek in return. “I love you, my lady.”

  She backed away and turned her face. “Now go on,” she said brusquely, wiping at her cheeks. “If you do not make haste, I am afraid Sir Bennet may lose all patience and come for you himself.”

  I smiled and blinked back my tears, attempting to clear my vision.

  The duke offered me his arm and a tender smile, and we began the procession.

  At our movement, Bennet straightened. Aldric stood beside him and squeezed his shoulder as though to reassure him that I was indeed coming. Lord Pitt had released Aldric from his servitude, giving him the week off to celebrate with us. But Aldric insisted he was bound to return early on the morrow. The thick muscles in his arms and the brown sunrays absorbed in his skin made Aldric look much healthier than the weak man I’d seen the first night of my visit to Maidstone. There was also a peace in his expression that hadn’t been there before. I prayed that eventually he’d be satisfied that he’d paid his debts, and that he’d learn to forgive himself and be able to forge a new life.

  Next to Aldric stood Sir Derrick and Sir Collin. They too were leaving on the morrow. It had become clear, with each passing day they helped to restore Maidstone’s crumbling walls and defense works, that they were missing their new brides and were anxious to return to them.

  As the duke and I neared the front altar and Bennet, my heart thumped a wild, almost exotic rhythm, especially every time I met Bennet’s glowing gaze. Finally, as we reached him, he bowed to Grandmother, who’d followed behind me. He escorted her to a place of honor in a nearby chair and then returned to me. He reached for my hand, caressed the bare skin across my knuckles, and bent to kiss my fingers.

  For the first time, I’d ventured into public without my gloves, without even long sleeves to cover most of my arm. In fact, I’d purposefully had the tailor puff the sleeves and taper them just below my elbow, leaving the purple skin plainly visible for everyone to see. The cream hue of my gown made the wine color stand out even more.

  If anyone had doubted my blemish before, there was no denying it now.

  But for a reason I couldn’t explain, I didn’t care what anyone else thought. I didn’t pay attention to their reactions. I couldn’t have said if anyone mumbled or whispered in fear. I’d finally accepted this part of myself that was different from others.

  As Bennet tucked my hand into the crook of his arm, we turned to face the duke, who’d taken his place next to the priest. The priest handed the duke an ancient book from among Maidstone’s collection. The tall lord beamed down at Bennet, clearly pleased that the last of his handpicked knights was safe and happy. Then he opened the book to a section that he’d marked. “Before we begin today, I’d like to ask if Lady Sabine would do us the honor of leading us in the Lord’s Prayer.”

  I lifted my brow in surprise. Only the priest was supposed to pray aloud in the chapel. But at the slight squeeze from Bennet, I suspected he’d known this request would be forthcoming and that he supported it.

  I nodded. “Very well, your Grace.”

  The duke’s eyes were kind upon me, giving me reassurance that whatever he was doing was in my best interest. “Perhaps you could turn and face the people as you speak the prayer.”

  I glanced at Bennet, and he nodded his agreement. Slowly, I turned to face the room of noblemen and women who had come to witness our marriage. Attired in their best finery, they filled the nave with a sea of bright color and texture. Some of their faces registered surprise and others wariness.

  There at the back of the chapel, on the high wall above the door, hung an antique cross made of bronze and overlaid with crimson jewels that represented Christ’s blood. I recognized it as one of the artifacts from Maidstone’s collection, one that I’d seen the night Bennet had shown me the collection.

  Had he put it there just for me?

  His fingers wound through mine, intertwining and possessing me as though reassuring me that both he and God were on my side.

  “Let us pray,” the duke said from behind me.

  I knew that was my key to begin. And so with my eyes on the cross, I lifted my prayer before the people and to Go
d, thanking him for the new chance at life he’d given me, especially with this man by my side.

  When I finished reciting the Lord’s Prayer and before I could turn, the duke spoke. “Only a child of the Almighty God could pray the holy prayer with such passion and without any mistakes. If anyone is still in doubt of the condition of Lady Sabine’s heart, you may lay to rest your concerns this day and be assured that she is a child of God.”

  I understood then what the duke had done. He’d blessed me with further proof of my innocence. Although I’d sunk during the swim test and still survived, thus showing myself to be innocent of being in league with the devil, the duke had apparently discovered one more test to show that I wasn’t a witch.

  “The ancient text I hold in my hand offers this prayer as a test,” he spoke again, confirming my suspicions. “Although it’s my firm conviction that Lady Sabine has never needed any testing, I offer it to you as a final proof of her innocence.”

  I had the feeling that I would still face difficult days ahead as a result of the spot on my skin. There would always be people who would scoff at my difference. But I was grateful, nonetheless, for the duke’s aid in finding this test. Perhaps I would have need of it again. It was certainly much preferable to burning or drowning.

  Bennet released my hand and turned to Aldric, who slipped something to him. Then with a tender smile, Bennet lifted a pearl necklace—the priceless blue pearl necklace I’d given him on the day I’d been captured by Lord Pitt and condemned to burn at the stake.

  “My lady,” he said so that all those gathered could hear. “You are a jewel of the rarest and greatest value. And I claim you for my bride.”

  With that he draped the pearls around my neck, clasping them with a lingering brush of his fingers.

  As he bent to kiss me, my heart swelled with overwhelming joy for this man I would have the privilege of loving the rest of my life.

  Discussion Questions

  A Daring Sacrifice

  1. What are some of the characteristics that drew Juliana and Collin to each other? What are some of the qualities that they had in common? What made them a good fit for each other?

  2. While physical attractions can be strong, why do you think it’s important to be drawn to someone for more than their outward appearance?

  3. Juliana and Collin spent time getting to know each other by immersing themselves in each other’s world. Why do you think it’s important for couples to spend time really getting to see the other person in their daily life (rather than always prettied-up on dates)?

  4. Juliana was honest with Collin about his shortcomings. She challenged him to become a better and more caring ruler. How can couples be honest with one another without being hurtful?

  5. Juliana and Collin first kiss was on the tower after she opened up about her past suffering. Why do you think we crave intimacy when we’re hurting? Why is it even more important during those painful times to be careful about putting ourselves in risky situations?

  6. When Juliana sees Collin’s bare chest in the cave, the sight affects her. Usually, we think visual stimulation only affects men—but visual images can also stir up lust in women. Why is modesty so important for both men and women? And what does modesty mean for you?

  7. Feeling physical reactions to the opposite sex is completely normal. However, it’s what we do with those reactions that counts. Why is it important to set boundaries ahead of a situation, rather than waiting until you’re faced with the temptation?

  8. Juliana and Collin had chaperones most of the time, due to the historical time period. Should couples today ever be alone? When can being alone become dangerous?

  9. Collin literally gave up everything in order to save Juliana from burning at the stake. In what ways did his sacrifice for Juliana resemble Christ’s sacrifice for us? Would you have made the same decisions?

  10. In the end, Juliana, too, realizes that she can sacrifice for the greater good of her people, and for Collin. How important is sacrifice in a relationship? What does the Bible say about relational sacrifices? How does that contradict the current me-first philosophy of the world?

  For Love and Honor

  1. Sabine thinks of herself as plain and unattractive compared to the other young ladies in her world. Why do young women so often compare themselves to others? What’s the danger in doing so?

  2. Sabine has a skin blemish that embarrassed her. She doesn’t want anyone to know about it. What flaws do you have that you find difficult to accept?

  3. In addition to hiding her flaw with a glove, Sabine also puts up walls with her wittiness and eccentricities so that she won’t have to get too close to people. Do you hide the real you? Do you ever pretend to be someone you’re not? What are some ways that you can embrace your uniqueness?

  4. What do you think when Sabine says, “Each one is imperfect in some way. Perhaps God designed it so. Then none of us can claim to be like him, the only true being”? Even when someone else looks perfect, they usually aren’t. None of us are perfect. Some are just better at hiding their imperfections. What would our world be like if everyone stopped striving to fit the “perfect” image and instead we strove to be ourselves?

  5. Honor is a huge theme of the book. What does honor look like in a practical way in this day and time? What are some ways young men could show honor to women?

  6. Early in their relationship, Sabine thinks about letting Bennet kiss her. She wonders if perhaps Bennet would like her more if she allows him to be physically intimate with her. Why does such a tactic rarely work in making someone like you? Why does physical intimacy usually bring about a false sense of closeness?

  7. Sometimes when women give away kisses and physical intimacy too soon in a relationship, they give the impression to young men that they’re “easy” or “loose.” What is the benefit of establishing a solid friendship first?

  8. When Sabine is alone and hanging in the cage after being accused of being a witch, she finds it easy to give herself a pep talk about accepting herself. But after she is rescued, she returns to her old patterns of putting herself down. Why is it hard to stay strong when we’re around others? What are some ways we can remain confident and brave?

  9. Bennet is disappointed in Aldric’s destructive behavior, which causes all kinds of problems for Maidstone and the Windsor family. He doesn’t understand what Aldric is going through until he faces loss of his own when Sabine is captured by Lord Pitt. When someone is going through a hard time, why is it important to show sympathy and kindness rather than condemnation?

  10. Bennet lives by a strong code of honor. What do you most like about him? What do you like least? Why are honor and integrity so important in a healthy relationship?