The Countess Bride

Catherine was de Severin’s sister? ’Twas difficult to accept that her goodness was connected to that villain, who had nearly succeeded in destroying everything here in Greystone Castle, including its lady. No, this did not make sense. How could Emalie befriend Catherine, indeed even create a link that did not exist, with the sister of the man who had dishonored her and tried to seize her lands and titles on Prince John’s behalf? How could Catherine keep the truth from him?

“But how could Emalie accept her if she is de Severin’s sister? I do not know all of it, but I know that he tried to claim Emalie and Greystone….”

Chris sighed and met his gaze. “Emalie feels a kind of bond with Catherine, since both of them were caught in John’s web of deceit. She is content in her life and would see that same contentment in Catherine’s, so she works with the reverend mother to encourage her and give her the opportunities that were stolen from her.”

“And all of this in secret?”

“It must be so, Geoff. John is not known for accepting defeat well nor for allowing his plans to fail. He is ever questing for revenge on those who cross him. Until now, John believed that I’d had her killed on the same morning I killed her brother in battle.”

“Until now?” A sick feeling grew in his stomach.

“One of Evesham’s vassals was involved in her imprisonment and one of his men recognized her yesterday. Evesham saw her last night and even now sends a messenger to John. Her only safety is at the convent.”

“There is another way.” Geoff knew marriage to himself could protect her as well. “I could—”

“Nay,” Christian shouted. “Do not even say the words, for I will not consider them.” He pushed himself up from his chair and began to pace the room. “She has no wealth. She has no family. She brings nothing to a marriage but herself and the small dowry I have set aside for her. She is unsuitable. You must marry one of the women from the Continent in order to strengthen our claim and our position between the Plantagenets and the Capets.”

“The de Severins were a noble family. I could do worse in choosing a bride.” Geoff could feel the emotions seething in his brother. How could he convince him of the rightness of a match with Catherine?

“The de Severins were wiped off the face of the earth three years ago by me, in order to protect what is mine and what will be yours. To admit now that she lives will be exposing my actions and my honor to disrepute, and that is something I will not do. I risked my life and saved yours to regain all that we lost because of our father’s treachery against Richard. I will not stand here and see you threaten all I have worked for because you think that love is sufficient reason to bring her back from the dead.”

Christian had it right, at least in part. He had risked all to reclaim their name, their lands and their honor. If Chris was correct, the unstable situation on the Continent would continue and worsen. The pope had made his feelings about the unrest and fighting and destruction known, as had most of the various princes, dukes and counts who ruled the lands. Now, a strong alliance with one of the heiresses from one of the provinces held by Capet vassals would allow the Dumonts to keep their lands and titles no matter which king controlled the country.

But if this was at the cost of a woman’s past and future, how could it be honorable? Why did Catherine have to suffer and lose all because of the battle among the royal families?

“I do love her, Chris. I know that for a certainty.”

His brother stopped and stared at him from across the room.

“And it is not right nor honorable to make her to pay for the sins of her brother.” Geoff glared back, his anger over Catherine’s treatment growing. But he tried to offer a compromise. “If we tell no one her true identity, she will be acceptable as Emalie’s relation. The de Severin girl died three years ago and can remain dead.”

“I have done all that I can to keep her safe. She has been educated and thrives in her new life, Geoff. She has accepted her future, and now you as well must make your decision.”

“I have made my decision, Chris. I would have her to wife. And if I must relinquish that which you hold for me now, so be it. She may not be suitable for the Comte de Langier, but she is more than acceptable for the second son of Guillaume Dumont.”