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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] could be of help. She had some skill in the stillroom and with healing. Anton might hate her, but she must remain calm and hide the pain his anger caused her. Anton was in the hall speaking with Claire when Marietta went down to enquire if she might do anything to help. She was wearing a gown of pale blue cloth, her hair dressed back from her face and secured with combs, and amethyst earrings suspended from her lobes. His eyes dwelled on her for a moment, narrowing, it seemed to her, in deep suspicion. You look well, lady, he said, inclining his head, a flicker of approval in his eyes. Better than when I saw you last. Marietta, my love, Claire said, smiling at her. We are tending the wounded and there is nothing for you to do but you may talk to Anton. I believe you have something to say to him& As Claire walked away, the train of her dress brushing over the marble floor, Marietta found Anton s eyes on her once more. You wished to speak to me? Her stomach clenched with fear. When he looked at her so sternly she was afraid of his hatred and his anger, and the hurt struck deep into her heart. Dreams died hard, and she had cherished hers for so long, but the man of her dreams was a gallant youth and this stony-eyed man was someone different. Claire thought that I should have asked you to intercede for me with His Majesty. She swallowed back the foolish tears. I ask nothing for myself but for my son& You ask me to plead for you? Yes& Marietta s breath was expelled nervously as his gaze narrowed, becoming harsher. He looked at her so coldly that she trembled inside. I know it is a great deal to ask of you, but Claire thought you the best person because of your position with the King. You have told me you are innocent, and I believe you, but I cannot promise that the King will find in your favour. He has commanded me to bring you to him and I must obey. What would you have me say to him on your behalf? I am guilty of neither witchcraft nor murder. It is true that I sent medicine to my husband that night, but it was the same that had eased him many times. He asked me for it in front of everyone. One of my ladies took it to his chamber, but Jeanne would not have dared to tamper with it. Yet I believe someone did, for I am sure that he was poisoned. Who added the poison the Bastard? His eyes seemed to burn into her. Did he have opportunity or reason? Perhaps. My husband intended that he should sign a paper relinquishing all right to the name and estate. Montcrief thought it the best way to protect our son, because his own health was uncertain and he feared for the future. Perhaps it made Rouen angry and he killed my husband rather than sign away what he believed his. I do not know. Anton looked at her thoughtfully. Rouen accused you and you accuse him. Where is the proof? I have none. Marietta raised her clear eyes to meet his. If you or others think me guilty I cannot prove otherwise but I would never murder anyone. I sought to be a good wife and mother. I have made cures to help people but I do not use witchcraft. If these things are crimes, I am guilty. Anton met her unflinching stare. The rogues that attacked me said I would die if I harboured the Witch of Montcrief. I believe you innocent, lady but His Majesty has commanded me to take you to him. Marietta looked at him apprehensively. Supposing the King does not believe me? An icy shiver ran through her. What will happen to me? I shall plead your case. I think it likely the Bastard killed your husband for his wealth but the King is the law. If he finds against you there is little I can do. Anton reached out to touch her hand. I would take you away to safety, but unless your innocence is proven you could be accused wherever you go. You would never truly be safe. Marietta inclined her head. Tears burned behind her eyes but she refused to weep or beg for mercy. I do not mind so much what happens to me, but I fear for my son. Your son shall remain here. If you are cleared of blame I shall bring you back to him if not I swear on all I hold sacred that he shall be cared for. I know that Lady Claire would care for him, but if you wish it I will take him into my household and he may grow up with my own children. His words were generous, but to Marietta his manner seemed remote, as if he were deliberately keeping her at a distance. Thank you& Marietta s throat felt tight. She gave no sign of the fear or the hurt his coldness aroused in her. I know that Claire would care for my son, but he should be the Comte de Montcrief. You might be able to help him regain what has been stolen from him. If I die will you do what you can to restore him to his rightful inheritance? Anton hesitated, then, You have my word. We shall leave for court tomorrow. As you wish, sir. Marietta turned away. She needed to be alone so that she could weep. Pride would not let her show weakness before this man, but the need was great. Stay one moment. Your husband had a special ring he wore often a large ruby set in heavy gold? Marietta was puzzled, but answered truthfully. Yes, he never took it from his finger. He said a good friend gave it to him some years before. Why do you ask? Do you have the ring? No. Marietta frowned. I took some gold and my jewels when I fled, but his ring& it was not on his finger or in his chamber. Someone else must have taken it before I saw him. You are telling me the truth? Anton s gaze narrowed. I swear it on my life and my son s. Then I know you do not lie. Very well, lady. You must rise early, for I wish to set out soon after first light. My uncle will send some of his men with us as an extra guard, though I think we shall not be attacked again for we routed the rogues who planned to murder us in the night. I am sorry for what happened to your man, sir. So am I, Anton said. He died for your sake, lady. If I ever discover that you have deceived me I shall kill you with my bare hands. Marietta looked into his hard eyes, gave a sob and fled up the stairs to her own chamber. How could he say such things to her? How could he think it? He was cruel, and she should hate him, but he was breaking her heart! She locked the door behind her, flinging herself on the bed to weep. Would she never know happiness again? Her husband had been so much older, but at least he had loved and trusted her. There were times when Anton of Gifford looked at her as if he hated her. Marietta could not rest. Her mind was in torment. She wished that Claire had given her [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |