Page 12 (1/2)

I can’t marry him, she screamed silently I can’t do it!

Her eyes fled his countenance and chafed lightly across the audience in search of someone to save her from this debacle Bess sat in the rear pew, eyes closed in supplication

Adrienne flinched and closed her eyes in kind Please God, if I’ve gone one rateful for the twentieth century I’, and I promise I’ll be a better person if you just GET ME OUT OF HERE!

When she opened her eyes again she could have sworn the leam in his eye

"Help me," she mouthed silently

Quickly, he lowered his eyes to the floor He didn’t raise theed her reluctant gaze to the room, then upward even farther, to his darkly handsome face

He arched a brow at her as the flutists piped away, the rhythaiety and teard when a ruckus erupted and she heard the furious voice of her "father" carrying to the rafters

"What say you he couldna come himself?" Red Comyn shouted at the soldier

" ’Twas a bit of a problem in North Uster The Hawk had to ride out in haste, but he hasna forsaken his pledge He does no dishonor to the clans" The soldier delivered his rehearsedhere!" Lord Comyn roared Then he turned to the man at Adrienne’s side "And who are you, to couard I cohter as his proxy--"

"A pox on proxy! How dare he not coal The king will recognize it and the troth is thus fulfilled"

Adrienne couldn’t prevent the joy that leapt into her face at his words This man wasn’t her husband!

"Aly, notone ounce of her relief