A Bit of Heaven on Earth by Lauren Linwood Page A

the Crown.
    He decided to give Aldred peace of mind and honor this reasonable request. Upon the knight’s death, his widow would have sufficient time to grieve before she received word from her king to marry Robert of Fondren.
    He called for ink and clean parchment and wrote a quick response to Aldred before charging the messenger to return the missive to Robert.
    “’Tis for your lord to deliver to Lord Aldred. Take it to no other,” he warned as he handed the freshly sealed letter over.
    As the messenger left, Edward found himself in much better spirits. So good, in fact, that he decided he would call upon his prisoner. King John enjoyed visitors, especially those who played chess.
    He smiled to himself. The French monarch was abysmal at chess. And Edward was in the mood to win.
    As always.

 
    CHAPTER 9
    “Wife, will you stop fretting over me? I am fine, just stiff from all the time spent in bed. I need to be up and about. Now let me be.”
    Elizabeth hid her smile from an exasperated Aldred. He’d been up several times in the last few days, practicing on how to get around with his new walking stick of fine mahogany, a gift from Robert.
    “Tell me if you are not feeling well or if you are simply overtired. I will hustle you back to bed, my lord, and make all the proper excuses afterward.”
    He snorted and leaned upon the stick. “I missed the last judgment day. I look forward to this one. Nothing will keep me from my people today.”
    “Especially now the Lenten season has passed? I know how you miss your sweets during fasting.” She walked to him and kissed his wrinkled cheek. “Besides, the people knew you suffered from chills and fever. All understood. ‘Tis been a dreadful winter these past few months. I am happy spring is finally here.”
    She walked and gazed out the small window, a luxury Aldred had added to the solar at her request. “The earth turns green again, my lord.”
    Aldred joined her at the window. He brought an arm about her waist. “I hear you have a new tapestry finished that will keep the blustery spring winds from invading our Great Hall.”
    His eyes had their old sparkle back. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, Aldred. I hope ‘twill please you. You may even recognize a scene or two from your past adventures woven upon it.”
    He gave her a squeeze. “You always please me, Elizabeth. You have perfect sense in every way. Whatever changes you have made since I last saw the Great Hall will no doubt be wise ones. I wonder why I even bother to accompany you to these judgment days. You do so well on your own.”
    She turned and laid a hand upon his sleeve. “I need you, my husband. I will always need your guidance.” She smiled gently at him. “You made me what I am today. I wish to please you in every way. Make you proud of me.”
    Aldred returned her smile and took her hand. “You will please me by getting me downstairs and settled before the proceedings begin.”
    “Then take your new stick in hand. Do not rush. And do not think I will miss seeing if you favor your right leg. I will be watching for that. You may have your strength back, but you must—”
    “No fussing,” he retorted. “No hovering. Simply let me be.”
    She heard the affection in his voice, despite the gruff words. Sweet Jesu, how this man had become her entire world. She thanked God Almighty at mass every morning for bringing Aldred into her life.
    The doubts crept in at night, though, as she lay next to him, listening to his labored breathing. What would happen to her after his death? Would she finally come face to face with her long-awaited date at the nunnery? Or would she be forced to return to her father’s castle until the king saw fit to pawn her off onto another nobleman, one that would demand his marital rights?
    And who would receive Kentwood? No one could care for it as she had. The property thrived now in no small part due to her excellent management skills. She’d made Kentwood what it