Courtly Love Read Online Free

He speaks as if he hates me and we just met.
    The four women on the stairs turned as a body and fixed their eyes on Serena. Aurelia's sister, Beda, was simple to identify by her coloring and her resemblance to Aurelia. The other two women were the old lord's wife, Lydia, and his daughter, Mara. It was plain to see that both resented Gyles's presence and the fact that he was now lord of Camden. But Serena was sure that she had missed something in the exchange between Beda and Gyles. There was a certain predatory gleam in Beda's pale blue eyes when she looked at Gyles, and he treated her with a mocking formality that hinted of intimacy.
    "Serena is tired, I'm sure. Mara, show her to her chambers." Gyles made the merest sketch of a bow and turned to join Lord Geoffrey.
    Mara threw a look of disgust at her half-brother's back as he disappeared into the castle. "You will have to excuse Gyles, he's dreadfully lacking in manners. But you'll find that out for yourself." Serena said nothing, so Mara continued chattering as she led Serena through imposing, high-ceilinged halls and corridors. "I really don't know what Father was thinking of. 'Twas bad enough when Kier was alive, but now that Gyles is lord of the manor he's positively insufferable. I've had your chambers made up in the women's quarter; you have a beautiful view of the lands, and 'tis one of the coolest rooms in the summer."
    "That's very nice, Mara, but I thought . . . well, I shall be sharing Gyles's chambers starting tomorrow." Serena's cheeks burned hotly and she avoided Mara's gaze.
    Mara threw Serena an odd look. "Oh, yes, of course. Well, we shall see. In the meantime, Gyles said these were to be your rooms. Here we are."
    The door to the chamber was open, and Serena's breath caught in her throat. A fire crackled in the huge fireplace, the large bed was covered with an emerald green velvet that reminded Serena of Gyles's eyes; tapestries hung on the walls, and wardrobe chests lined the outer wall. Serena dropped her cloak onto one of the chairs by the fire, scuffing the rich fur pelt beneath her feet as she did so.
    "There is a private chapel in here." Mara opened a door and pointed. "There is a friar in the village so you can make arrangements for him to say Mass or hear your confession at your convenience. Is there anything you wish? No? Well then, I'll see you at the meal. One of the servants will come for you. I suggest you try to rest; you will need it before the night is over." With a faint smile Mara withdrew, the door closing softly behind her.
    Serena threw herself upon the bed and pouted at the ornately carved headboard. What kind of a household was this? Mara and her mother obviously hated Gyles; there was a strange undercurrent between Beda and Gyles; and she, Serena, was to marry this cold, remote man. Gyles himself, well, that looked like another problem. Was he attracted to her, Serena wondered? The top of her head barely reached the middle of his chest, and she knew it would take little effort on his part to lift her in his arms and carry her to his bed. Serena's eyes widened at the thought. W hat was she thinking of ? How could she even consider. . . . She didn't even know Gyles, and, yet, what would it be like to have that lean body pressed firmly against her own? Would those green eyes soften when he gazed down at her? How would his lips feel as they played freely over her own mouth? Enough! Serena's mind screamed at her. Rest now; time enough later, to sort out your thoughts.
    * * *
    The great hall was filled with the smell of roasting meat and the sound of the knights' ribald laughter as they speculated about Gyles's future wife.
    "I've heard she's little more than a mite." One grizzled veteran laughed, and at Gyles's silence and raised eyebrows he continued. "White as linen, too, one of those fine ladies who are afraid the sun might damage their precious skin. All in all, she doesn't sound like a tasty morsel for you." The surrounding men