A Bit of Heaven on Earth by Lauren Linwood

cautiously.
    “I think ‘twould be wise to see this messenger in person.”
    Edward was intrigued. “Then bring him to me.” He wondered what was so important that he must lay eyes on the envoy. His curiosity grew.
    Moments later, the courier shuffled in, flustered as so many were in the royal presence. Did they not understand he ate and drank and wenched and belched just like an ordinary man?
    “Your Highness.” The man bowed low.
    “Rise. Bring me your message.” He thrust out a hand to receive it. “Are you to wait for a reply?”
    “Not necessarily, Your Highness. I was told to wait and see if you felt a reply necessary.” The messenger placed the missive in his hand.
    He studied the man, not immediately recognizing the colors he wore. “And you are from?”
    “Fondren, sire. But the message is not from my Lord Robert. Nay, ‘tis come from Lord Aldred of Kentwood instead.”
    Now Edward relaxed and rewarded the messenger with a smile. “Aldred, you say?”
    He sat and placed the scroll upon the table, breaking its seal and unrolling it. Aldred brought fond memories indeed. For two score, the nobleman was England’s premier knight, his bravery on the battlefield matched by his keen intelligence and wicked sense of humor.
    But why not a messenger directly from Kentwood itself? If memory served him correctly, Fondren bordered upon Aldred’s own property. Why a roundabout way of communications? Were there French spies at Kentwood?
    Edward smoothed the parchment and began to read.
    Greetings, my king –
    I trust this finds you well and in good spirits. I miss our exploits on the battlefield as much as a nursing babe misses his mother’s breast.
    War has been my calling in life, and I often long for those days of yore, full of splendor and challenge.
    Now to business, and I will not resort to flattery, though you know the high esteem I hold for you, my liege. You not only bring England glory every day, but you are a good man, one I admire and respect.
    I find I am in the twilight of my years. ‘Tis been a good life, one made even more pleasant by my dearest Elizabeth, whom you have met. I worry about her well-being and what will happen to her upon my death. You know of her beauty and wit, her charm and intelligence. I would ask that you grant a last favor to a faithful soldier, as ‘tis in your power alone.
    As I have no surviving heir, Elizabeth’s fate will be up to you upon my death. Give her time to mourn, my king. Do not make her a political pawn and rush her into another union. For all her strength, Elizabeth is yet fragile. I would request you give her in marriage to my neighbor, Robert of Fondren.
    Our properties adjoin and could thus be united.
    Lord Robert is a good man and familiar to her. ‘Twould be a most advantageous situation for all.
    Think it over, my liege, and remember my years of service to you.
    I hope you will honor my small request. If you feel need to reply, please direct your missive to Robert at Fondren. I would not worry my most beloved wife about such matters.
    As always, your humble servant,
    Aldred of Kentwood
    Edward touched the page, running a finger over Aldred’s name. The signature, written in a different hand than the letter’s contents, was barely recognizable. More than likely, Aldred’s health had deteriorated so much that he dictated the letter and then signed his name to it. The seal had been genuine, though, and the tone was so like Aldred. Edward had no doubt the missive came from his friend.
    He remembered Elizabeth’s great beauty from previous visits to Kentwood. Her quick wit and vivacity only complimented her striking looks. She would be a great prize for any of his knights upon Aldred’s passing. Yet Aldred’s proposal made sense. To merge the two adjoining estates would be wise. Robert of Fondren was a proven, dedicated soldier. With his steadfastness and Elizabeth’s beauty and intelligence, ‘twould result in fine children that would be loyal to