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The promise of the bedchamber
After glimpsing a softer side to the stern Sir Roland of Dunborough, Mavis of DeLac is filled with hope for their arranged marriage. So when the wedding night explodes with an exquisite passion, she dares to dream that their newfound bliss will last forever.
But the following morning, convinced he could never make this beautiful woman truly happy, Roland becomes cold and aloof once again. And as the newlyweds journey across England to protect Roland’s birthright, it’s up to Mavis to prove him wrong—and unlock the compassion this noble knight has buried deep inside.
“Moore. Moore. Moore. Fans will love her newest medieval romance.” —RT Book Reviews on Castle of the Wolf
A fierce hunger that was more than lust seized him as his bride walked towards him with slow, deliberate steps, her head high, a smile on her luscious lips, her shining bright blue eyes holding his.
Roland scarcely breathed throughout the entire ceremony—until the priest spoke of sealing their vows, then looked at him expectantly.
The kiss.
He took Mavis in his arms and kissed her to show them all—including Mavis—that he knew how to love a woman. She slid her arms around him and parted her lips. Thrilled, excited, he forgot everything except her. When he drew back he saw that although Mavis blushed with suitable maidenly modesty a little smile played about her lips. It made him wish they could be alone.
And in the bridal bed.
Praise for USA TODAY bestselling author Margaret Moore:
‘Moore. Moore. Moore. Fans will love her newest medieval romance about a knight in tarnished armour and a damsel in distress. Readers can count on the author for realistic settings, authentic dialogue, lots of action and hot sexual tension.’
—RT Book Reviews on CASTLE OF THE WOLF
‘Moore taps into the culture and mores of Scotland to create a colourful Highland love story.’
—RT Book Reviews on HIGHLAND HEIRESS
‘The talented Moore has penned another exciting Regency.’
—RT Book Reviews on HIGHLAND ROGUE, LONDON MISS
‘The story is fresh, fun, fast-paced, engaging and passionate, with an added touch of adventure.’
—The Romance Readers Connection on THE NOTORIOUS KNIGHT
‘Readers continue to ask for “Moore”.
Her latest book is a sparkling, dynamic tale of two lonely hearts who find each other despite their pasts and the evil forces surrounding them.’ —RT Book Reviews on HERS TO DESIRE
‘Colourful and compelling details of life in the Middle Ages abound.’
—Publishers Weekly on HERS TO COMMAND
Bride for a Knight
Margaret Moore
For my parents, Donna and Clint Warren, who’ve been married for over 65 years.
Award-winning author MARGARET MOORE actually began her career at the age of eight, when she and a friend concocted stories featuring a lovely, spirited damsel and a handsome, misunderstood thief. Years later, and unknowingly pursuing her destiny, Margaret graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.
Margaret began writing while a stay-at-home mum, and sold her first historical romance to Mills & Boon® in 1991. Since then she’s written over forty historical romance novels and novellas for Mills & Boon and Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Children’s Books. Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India.
Margaret currently lives in Toronto with her husband and two cats. She also has a cottage on the north shore of Lake Erie, in an area that first became home to her great-great-grandfather.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
England, 1214
Surrounded by wooden chests packed with dower goods, two young women faced each other in the chamber they once shared. One was dark-haired and dressed in soft, doe-brown wool. The other, fair and lovely, wore her finest gown of green silk, for this was her wedding day.
“You don’t have to marry him, Mavis,” Tamsin said to her beloved cousin. “Whatever your father’s told you, or however he’s threatened you, you have the right to refuse. Neither he, nor the church, nor the law can force you to marry against your will. Rheged and I will be happy to offer you sanctuary or take you anywhere—”
“No, please, that won’t be necessary,” Mavis interrupted, smiling as she shook her head. Tamsin hadn’t been in the solar when her father had proposed the marriage between his daughter and Sir Roland of Dunborough. Because she had, Mavis spoke with confidence. “I gave my consent to marry freely, Tamsin, and was pleased to do so. I think you’re wrong about Sir Roland. I know what his father and brother were like, but he’s not the same.”
“How can you be certain?” Tamsin asked. “You’ve only just met him.”
“When we were in the solar with my father, Sir Roland asked me if I would marry him. He gave me the choice, Tamsin, and I’m certain