Page 25 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“I’m here to collect what is due to me!”
Rosalind jumped at the booming voice. She turned to Marta, and Marta looked back at her with an expression that was oddly angry and full of fear at the same time.
“Rosalind is coming with me! She’s coming with me! Now!”
And then silence.
Alden stood ready. A tense moment passed, and then another.
Finally, Devlin rounded the corner back into the great hall. He was followed by a man. He stood slightly taller than Devlin but had a slim build. The hood of his cloak covered his headand half of his face. Rosalind knew who it was the moment he bellowed from the foyer. Roland Kirkeby. Bile rose to her throat.
Calm yourself.
From the brief time she’d known Sir Devlin and Alden, she was sure they would not let this man unleash his fury in this household. But she needed tell them why Roland was there. She had hoped Roland would drop his petition, but no. He wanted what he thought was rightfully his.
****
When Devlin entered the dining area the children backed against the hearth, huddled together. And Rosalind looked like she would lose her dinner at any moment. He noticed, too, a slight tremble in her hand as she nervously fingered the collar of her tunic.
“Milady,” Devlin began calmly, “This, uh, gentleman claims that you and he are betrothed and that you are to leave with him post haste. Can you explain?”
Before Rosalind could say a word, Roland cut in. “Edmond Capell arranged the betrothal. He said she was mine to take as my wife. He sent the contract to the king for approval.”
“I know nothing about any betrothal contract,” Rosalind replied with certainty in her voice.
Red anger traveled up Roland’s neck and into his face. “You lie!” he yelled.
However, Grim stepped forward to stand next to his mistress. With ears forward, he crouched low in his haunches, and the fur on his neck rose. A low growl erupted from deep in his throat. Devlin knew this posture well. Grim was ready to pounce. If Roland took one more step toward the lady of the house, his throat would be ripped out.
Alden now stood next to Rosalind and in front of the children, effectively showing his support and protection for them all.
“If you value your life, Kirkeby, I suggest you back away.” Devlin was cold but calm.
Roland glanced at the dog, then Alden, and he stepped back slowly. He then turned to Devlin. “Edmond and I had an agreement. Rosalind is to be mine.”
Rosalind shook her head, and Roland’s rage spilled out again.
“You knew. Yes, you did! I was here the night Edmond told you of the contract. You did know of the betrothal!”
Devlin’s stomach sank each time Roland contended that Rosalind was his to marry.
Rosalind’s anger now matched Roland’s. “You listen to me, Roland Kirkeby. After a night of gaming, when both you and my uncle were so drunk you could barely walk, I was told I was the prize of a card game! Now, if you think that is a binding agreement, I beg to differ! I stand by what I said. Lord Edmond never told me or showed me a contract. Ever!”
“The lady has spoken to her side,” Devlin said. “I think you need to leave now. If you believe this contract exists, then you can inquire with the king’s clerk.”
“How dare you. How dare you speak to me in that manner. You dirty whore! You’ve lain with these men, haven’t you? Bewitched them into believing your lying mouth? You wait, Rosalind Capell, I’ll teach you your place.” He raised his arm and shook his fist.
Rosalind flinched and stepped back. And that was all it took for Grim. The dog leaped at Roland. In only a second, Roland was pinned, and Grim clasped his throat in his massive jaws. Roland screamed in pure fear. He tried to get out from under the dog, but his efforts were futile.
Devlin noticed immediately that Grim only held Roland. The dog’s teeth had not penetrated the soft flesh of his neck. Devlinwondered briefly if he should just give Grim the kill command. This particular problem would disappear in a matter of seconds.
Roland writhed under the dog, and finally, Devlin told Grim to let him up. As much as he’d like to see this odious man gone, Roland had the motive to see Edmond dead. If Capell had promised Rosalind to him and then broke the deal, Roland would have been angry enough to kill him. Devlin needed to investigate further.
Grim returned to his place by Rosalind, and Ridley and the girls moved to stand next to him. Ridley placed his hand on the dog and gave him a pat. Kaylyn told him what a good boy he was. Luella just wrapped her arms around the hound and hugged him tightly. Grim reached around with his massive head and gave Luella’s cheek a gentle lick.
Devlin assumed his dog was ruined by all the love and attention, but he realized he was wrong. Grim now had more motivation to protect those to which he was loyal.
Devlin turned to Roland, who somehow pulled himself into an upright position. But, it seemed his legs refused to hold his weight as he had propped himself up against the leg of the table. He breathed heavily.
