The Knight's Convenient Alliance
BLURB
When an injured knight arrives on Brida O’Conaill’s doorstep, the village assumes he’s her long-lost husband. But her only previous connection to Sir Thomas Lovent was an intense shared moment at a tournament years ago. Brida maintains the pretence while she nurses him, yet once he’s back to full, virile health, she cannot reveal Thomas is not her husband—or that she’s unmarried!—when everyone is expecting them to act like husband and wife…
EXTRACT
It was quiet and thankfully no one had ventured to this part of the woods.
She pulled down a branch and pushed through as the path narrowed with the lush coppices and thickets on either side and Thomas following behind her.
This opened out to a running stream and there, on the other side, were two young horses tethered to a tree, with Cerwen’s grandson waiting beside them.
Her old friend had surpassed herself in the aid she had given them so that they could gain safe passage out of Kinnerton.
Once more Brida questioned the decision she had made in leaving with Thomas Lovent and felt a ripple of nervous tension run down her body. She hoped it was purely down to nerves, otherwise she might find herself in more trouble than she had bargained for.
‘Here, give me your hand, Brida.’ Thomas held out his hand, in an attempt to give her aid across the slippery stepping stones.
‘I can manage, thank you,’ she said as she tentatively stepped out on to the stones.
‘Are you angry with me, mistress?’ The corner of his mouth twitched a little as it curved, making her want to push him into the stream.
‘Can you honestly blame me?’
His half-smile faded as he shook his head. ‘No. You have every right to be. And if it makes you feel better, I am furious with myself for being so careless. Please believe me when I say that I do not usually behave in such a capricious, reckless manner.’
‘Rest easy, sir. We all make mistakes.’
‘True, and I have been making far too many recently.’ He followed her from behind as they crossed the stream. ‘I must also thank you for not exposing me back there. I hope that you might have faith that I am innocent of the charges I am accused of?’
‘I do.’ She sighed as she jumped off the other end. ‘You may be reprehensible in so, so many ways, Sir Thomas, but a murderer? Plotting against the Crown? No, that I cannot believe.’
‘I’m glad to have your support, at least.’ He nodded in gratitude. ‘And do you not think that we should drop formalities now? We are man and wife after all.’
‘How could I forget?’ A faint smile played on her lips.
He helped her mount the smaller palfrey, sending a rush of heat where his large hands had flexed around her waist. She looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed as he saw to his own mount. ‘Indeed. So please call me Thomas or, better still, Tom.’
‘Very well, Tom, on one condition.’ She turned her head back around to meet his perceptive gaze. ‘Tell me, why are you a wanted man?’
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon UK- https://amzn.to/3haohBT
Amazon US- https://amzn.to/3kWAMlL
AUTHOR BIO
Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.
Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association's Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight.
When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Twitter @melissaoauthor
Facebook @melissaoliverauthor
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