The Everlasting Covenant Read Online Free Page B

almost consoling. “ He is a rich man, petite. And powerful. It is fortunate that he has noticed you, but that does not a perfect husband make. He is also good and kind, a man I admire. ” With that final endorsement, Ferris squeezed her hand.
    “ But Father, the convent ... ”
    “ You are too good for the convent, Anne. And the earl ’ s offer is too good for this family to be ignored. ”
    “ Then ‘ tis done? ”
    Ferris looked at her sympathetically. “ Nearly done, lass. Your mother has been busy. ” His eyes drifted toward Marcella, and Anne could see that her father was unhappy. Marcella was ac customed to taking control whenever she pleased, and she often assumed tasks that should belong to her husband, though she had failed to completely control Ferris. Lord Gifford ’ s influence was at test here, for Anne was the only one of their five children who did not hang on Marcella ’ s every word. “ Your mother did not consult me, but it is true that the earl ’ s influence is important to us all. ”
    Marcella rushed toward Anne and swiftly draped a gold neck lace laden with diamonds around her neck. “ At least you have a comely figure, if a little thin. ”
    “ She is not thin, madam. She is young. And the gown is too small for her growing bosom. ”
    Anne flushed scarlet as a knock sounded at her parents ’ cham ber door. Marcella lifted a brow as she considered Anne ’ s chest, then grabbed the tight waist of Anne ’ s gown and tugged it down with a sharp yank, exposing more of her breasts. Ferris ’ s face slowly grew purple. Marcella turned to open the door, and Ferris ’ s rough fingers pinched the fabric of Anne ’ s gown at her cleavage and yanked it up. Anne looked at her hands in her lap, helpless tears smarting in her eyes.
    “ Good morningtide, my lord, ” Marcella simpered, curtsying low, her wide velvet skirts lying in even pleats on the rushes.
    “ Madam, ” the earl returned.
    Lord Gifford slowly stood up, and Anne cautiously glanced at the man whom her parents wished her to marry. She watched as the earl and her father approached each other in the small room, each bowing at the waist, wordless. Then the earl offered his hand. His lips curved in what seemed to be a shy smile.
    Anne instantly saw what had excited her mother, and indeed, what might be the answer to the prayers of any other marriage able maiden. The earl was a stately man of well over forty years, his clothing rich and newly sewn, his neatly trimmed dark hair barely kissed by new silver at the temples, and his physique that of a much younger man. Anne was impressed, for money and power did not guarantee manners, cleanliness, nor hand someness. But he was nearly as old as her father.
    “ And is this Anne, your lovely daughter? ”
    Ferris stepped aside that the earl could look at her. She saw his intention in his eyes. They turned from a hazy to a deep, smoldering blue as he looked at her. A smile slowly formed on his lips and he held out a hand. Anne cautiously put hers into his, and she felt him tremble. Or was it herself? He bowed low over her hand, gently brushing his lips on her cold flesh. “ I am honored, mademoiselle. ”
    “ The honor is mine, my lord, ” she said softly, nervously.
    “ Your parents have told you, I trust, that I am interested in a bride? ”
    She nodded weakly, looking into his eyes. He did not appear to be cruel ; in fact, there was a certain gentleness in his de meanor. But just the same, her chin quivered. When she was in Dylan ’ s arms, she felt beautiful. At this moment she felt like livestock at barter.
    “ Are you frightened of me, maid Anne? ” he asked, his voice soothing and kind. “ Or is it the prospect of marriage that fright ens you? ”
    “ I ... I was to go to the convent ... ”
    His complexion seemed to darken as he gave an embarrassed chuckle, and he squeezed her hand softly. “ I realize that I do not have the appearance of a young swain, nor that of a