Page 98 of Anice’s Bargain

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ELLA’S DESIRE

Chapter 1 Preview

April 1338

Brackenhill, England

Ella Barrington,the third daughter of the Earl of Werrick, knew there was trouble the moment she entered her solar and found her older sisters waiting with her father. A parchment was pinched between Marin’s fingers. It had been months since she’d seen either of her sisters, and from the sternness of Marin and Anice’s faces, this wouldn’t be a pleasant reunion.

“What is it?” Ella asked, her words slow and wary.

Her father’s forehead crinkled above his worried gray-blue eyes. “I’ve received a missive from the king. He is questioning my loyalty after the many decades I’ve faithfully served him.”

Ella’s mouth gaped. Never had there been a man more loyal to the crown than her father. It was why they lived on the dangerous border between England and Scotland. It was why Ella and her sisters been trained to fight as warriors. It was why her mother was dead.

Heat flared in Ella’s cheeks. “How dare the king question your loyalty?”

“It’s our fault.” Anice put a hand to her stomach, which was now flat after the recent birth of her new son. Not that one would be able to tell from her face, still lovely and glowing with good health. But then, Anice had always been the most beautiful of all of them.

The news must be grave indeed if it had lured her from Carlisle with her new baby. And if they were having this conversation prior to Ella being introduced to the babe.

Anice continued on with a pained expression on her delicate features. “With Marin and I both having married Scotsmen, our dowry lands are now in their possession. Lands that were meant for Englishmen.”

“The war against Scotland is not going well.” Marin set the parchment onto the surface of the desk. A lock of her pale blonde hair fell forward, but she brushed it back absently. “Most of England’s strongholds in Scotland have been taken back by the Scottish. He is…” she paused, considering her words carefully. “…not pleased.”

“But the circumstances of your unions were extraordinary,” Ella countered. “What will happen to Papa, then?” She looked to her father’s weary face. “Will you be arrested?”

He lowered his head.

“It’s possible,” Marin replied.

Ella’s heart dropped into her stomach. If Marin had to be the one to share this news, if it was more than Papa could bring himself to say, the situation must be truly dreadful.

“There’s an alternative that will keep him from such a fate.” Marin put a supportive hand on their father’s shoulder.

If Ella had been wary before, she was absolutely on edge now. “What is it?” She looked about for her younger sisters. “Why aren’t Cat and Leila here?”

The air went heavy with anticipation.

Anice hesitated and nodded toward Marin, who finished with the news both were struggling to unveil. “Father’s eldest unwed daughter must marry the Earl of Calville.”

Ella stiffened. No wonder they had not wanted to speak, when they brought such unwanted news. As Marin and Anice were both married, the eldest unwed daughter was Ella.

“Nay.” She shook her head. “There must be other options to prove your loyalty, Papa. A witness to tout your glory on the battlefield in England’s favor. Mayhap Geordie when he returns from his pilgrimage. Or even Drake could…” The words died on her tongue, slain by the flat expressions reflecting the futility of her suggestions.

None of Werrick Castle’s soldiers would be able to sufficiently vouch for their lord. Even she knew that.

But marriage? Her heart threatened to race from her chest. This was not how her marriage was supposed to be.

“I could join a convent,” she offered weakly. Desperation might save her yet.

“Oh, pish.” Marin spoke tenderly and moved around the desk to approach Ella. The blue silk of her kirtle rippled around her ankles from the sunlight coming in through the precious glass window. “You’d be miserable in a convent. The rules are far too strict.”