The Rebel Heiress and the Knight
By Melissa Oliver
She must marry the knight.
By order of the king!
Widow Eleanor of Tallany Castle knows her people are broken by the taxes demanded by King John. So when she’s ordered to marry Hugh de Villiers, a knight loyal to the king, she’s furious—even if he is handsome! As gallant Hugh begins to heal the scars of Eleanor’s abusive first marriage, she’s even more determined to keep her secret: she is the outlaw the king wants to send to the gallows!
Excerpt
Hugh de Villiers threw her wry, detached look, probably wishing he were far away. She too wished she were anywhere but here in her hall having to listen to Father Thomas. She’d rather be knee–deep in pig manure, or made to stitch a dozen linen shirts or mulch a dozen barrels of apples for cider or to…
An audible collective gasp echoed in the hall and snapped her to attention. She tried to recall a few snatched words heard moments ago. Did she hear correctly or could it be her imagination?
What had Father Thomas just said? ‘Lady Eleanor Tallany...As decreed by King John…Marriage…’
By God she hoped she had imagined it but knew instinctively that she hadn’t. Marriage? Marriage? But to whom? Heart pounding, Eleanor glanced around the room and landed on Sir Hugh de Villiers who looked ashen.
No, no, no! Please not him.
There had to be a mistake! Someone else seemed to voice that…
‘Pardon me, Father, what did you say?’ she whispered as she turned to face her kindly priest, a shadow of concern conveyed in his eyes.
‘Our Lord and sovereign King John has decreed a betrothal between you, my lady, and….’ Father Thomas gulped. ‘Sir Hugh de Villiers. The bringer of this joyous message.’
Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes darted back to Hugh de Villiers, horrified. A ringing noise in her ears drowned out all other sound in the room. She could feel sweat on her brows; her palms clammy. Dear Lord, this could not be happening! Not again. She closed her eyes trying to find an inner strength, her inner calm. She could faintly hear someone calling her, through the dull roar in her head.
‘Lady Eleanor?’ It was Father Thomas’ soothing voice from far away.
‘My lady?’
She opened her eyes and searched his old lined face for support and assistance.
‘Do you understand what this means, Lady Eleanor?’
She dug her fingers into her palm, embracing the sharp pain. She took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders and straightened her spine.
‘I do!’ she ground out in a clear voice, as the hall erupted into cheers, except it seemed, her husband to be. Hugh strode towards her; his jaw clenched tight and knelt in front of her, bowing his head. Just as quickly he got up and without a backward glance stormed out of the hall.
Pick up your copy of
The Rebel Heiress and the Knight
Mills and Book • Harlequin • Amazon UK • Amazon US
Melissa Oliver
Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her gorgeous husband and equally gorgeous daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical.
When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.
Connect with Melissa:
Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads.
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Take Care,
Mary Anne xxx