Her Noble Lords Read Online Free Page A

Sir Ralf will most certainly abandon any notion of making me his bride.
    During the time I spent at Egremont I do not recall either of the brothers earning a reputation for cruelty or vindictiveness. Once they appreciate their mistake they will most likely allow me to go free, perhaps even drop me off in the nearest village. I will be able to make my way back to Wellesworth and hopefully Lady Eleanor will accept my explanation for her missing items. I might even be allowed to return them to her since the brothers’ motive for trespassing in her castle was most certainly not robbery. Encouraged by my analysis I swallow hard, stiffen my spine, and make my announcement.
    “There has been a misunderstanding. I am not the lady you are seeking.”
    “I beg your pardon. Did you say something, madam?” Ralf manoeuvres his mount closer.
    “I am not Lady Eleanor.” There, it is out.
    He regards me for several moments, his gaze assessing. At last he speaks. “I see. Yet still you were to be found sleeping in her bed, decked out in her finest silks, scented with her delicate perfumes. And you expect us to believe you are not she? I suggest you relinquish this attempt at deception, my lady. It ill becomes you.”
    I stare at him, open-mouthed. It never occurred to me I would not be believed. “But, it is true. I am Lady Eleanor’s maid. My name is Linnet Routh.”
    “And lady’s maids sleep in featherbeds at Wellesworth castle, I suppose? You will find we are less grand at Egremont, I fear.” His tone is mocking, yet carries a note of irritation.
    “Please, you must believe me. Lady Eleanor was—elsewhere—this evening and she instructed me to take her place in her chamber. I understand why it appears as it does but truly my lord, I am not she.”
    “Elsewhere?” Piers joins in the exchange.
    “Yes. She is…” I hesitate, wondering whether to tell the entire truth or not. I opt for a version of it. “She had cause to inspect our store of weapons and the task took her longer than she must have anticipated.”
    “Even if that story were not false, which I am convinced it is, it would not account for the fine quality of your rather delightful attire, my lady, nor your enticing aroma. Lavender, is it?”
    I curse my liberal use of my mistress’ oils and soaps as I bathed earlier. “I, she allows me to…” I fall silent. The account sounds farfetched even to me and I happen to know it is true.
    Ralf leans over to take my chin in his hand. He turns my head so I face him, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Unless you want to be gagged until we reach Egremont, I suggest you desist from this course at once. I will not abide lies, my lady, as you will soon learn.”
    “But—”
    “Be silent, madam, or I will silence you.”
    I stare at his stern visage and stifle any further attempt to explain.
    The next two hours pass in relative quiet. My own lack of conversation is born of sheer terror. I had been so sure they would release me. The only shred of comfort I can find in all this is the certainty that the truth will emerge soon enough. Perhaps then…
    But what will happen to me in the meantime?
    “My lady, answer me if you please.” Piers taps the back of my hand, the touch firm though not hard enough to hurt me.
    “Sir? I’m sorry… what?”
    “I said, do you need a moment’s privacy before we reach the camp? There will be none to be had once we are there.”
    “We are near, then?”
    “Perhaps ten minutes more. You may take a moment in yonder bushes though, if you need it.”
    “I, yes. Thank you.” My mind races. This could be a chance to escape. It might be my only chance.
    “You are woefully transparent, my lady.” Again Ralf draws near. “If you so much as contemplate making a run for it you will be caught, stripped, and given twelve strokes with the switch for your trouble. Do I make myself clear?”
    I gape at him. I am no stranger to a switching, usually at the hands of my volatile mistress, though