Mistaken For A Lady
Wearing his ring again…When a shocking revelation reveals Francesca’s illegitimacy, she worries that her marriage to Tristan, Comte des Iles, will crumble. Her heart in tatters, she awaits her husband’s return… Will he request an annulment or give their union a second chance?Duty has kept Tristan from his beautiful wife’s side for far too long, but the memory of her touch is seared into his soul. Now, with malevolent forces working against them, it’s more important than ever for Tristan to show Francesca that he’ll never let her go!
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Wearing his ring again...
When a shocking revelation reveals Francescaâs illegitimacy, she worries for her marriage to Tristan, Comte des Iles. Her heart in tatters, she awaits her husbandâs return... Will he request an annulment or give their union a second chance?
Duty has kept Tristan from his beautiful wifeâs side for far too long, but the memory of her touch is seared into his soul. Now, with malevolent forces working against them, itâs more important than ever for Tristan to show Francesca that heâll never let her go!
Duty, Honor, Truth, Valor
The tenets of the Knights of Champagne will be sorely tested in this exciting Medieval mini-series by
Carol Townend
The pounding of hooves, the cold snap of air, a knightâs colors flying high across the roaring crowdânothing rivals a tourney. The chance to prove his worth is at the beating heart of any knight.
And tournaments bring other dangers too. Scoundrels, thieves, murderers and worse are all drawn toward a town bursting with deep pockets, flowing wine and wanton women.
Only these powerful knights stand in their way.
But what of the women who stand beside them?
Find out in
Carol Townendâs
Knights of Champagne
Powerful swordsmen for passionate ladies
Arthurian myths and legends have been popular for hundreds of years. Dashing knights worship beautiful ladies, fight for honorâand sometimes lose honor! Some of the earliest versions of these stories were written in the twelfth century by an influential poet called Chrétien de Troyes. Troyes was the walled city in the county of Champagne where Chrétien lived and worked. His patron, Countess Marie of Champagne, was a princessâdaughter of King Louis of France and the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine. Countess Marieâs splendid artistic court in Troyes rivaled Queen Eleanorâs in Poitiers.
The books in my Knights of Champagne mini-series are not an attempt to rework the Arthurian myths and legends. They are original romances set around the Troyes court and the town of Provins, which is also in Champagne. I wanted to tell the stories of some of the lords and ladies who might have inspired Chrétienâand I was keen to give the ladies a more active role, since Chrétienâs ladies tend to be too passive for todayâs reader.
Apart from brief glimpses of Count Henry and Countess Marie, my characters are all fictional. I have used the layout of the medieval cities to create Troyes and Provins in these books, but the stories are first and foremost fictional.
CAROL TOWNEND was born in England and went to a convent school in the wilds of Yorkshire. Captivated by the medieval period, Carol read History at London University. She loves to travel, drawing inspiration for her novels from places as diverse as Winchester in England, Istanbul in Turkey and Troyes in France. A writer of both fiction and non-fiction, Carol lives in London with her husband and daughter. Visit her website at caroltownend.co.uk.
Books by Carol Townend
Mills & Boon Historical Romance
Knights of Champagne
Lady Isobelâs Champion
Unveiling Lady Clare Lord Gawainâs Forbidden Mistress Lady Rowenaâs Ruin Mistaken for a Lady
Palace Brides
Bound to the Barbarian
Chained to the Barbarian Betrothed to the Barbarian
Wessex Weddings
The Novice Bride
An Honorable Rogue His Captive Lady Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord Her Banished Lord
Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk.
To Kathy and Chris, with love.
Contents
October 1175âPaimpont Manor
in the County of Champagne
Francesca set her quill aside with a sigh. Her maid Mari was setting logs on the fire, muttering darkly under her breath. Mari had been with her for years and her familiar face was creased with lines. Despite the age gap between them, Francesca considered Mari her friend as well as her maid. âMari?â
âMy lady?â
âWill you hear what I have written?â
Mari stabbed at a log with the poker. âIf I must.â
âI would appreciate your views.â
Mari scowled and the poker clattered on to the hearth. âI donât know why you want to read it to me, you will send it to Brittany whatever I say.â
âBe that as it may, I value your opinion.â Francescaâs gaze lingered on her signet ring, the ring Tristan had given her on their wedding day. A lump formed in her throat. Tristanâs features remained clear in her mindâthe startling blue eyes; the thick, jet-black hair; that firm jaw. Tristan was the most handsome of men, so much so that he was often referred to as Tristan le BeauâTristan the Handsome. Unfortunately for Francesca, his image hadnât faded with time, she hadnât been able to forget him.
The wrinkles about Mariâs mouth deepened as she came to the table and looked sourly at the vellum. âMy lady, if you valued my opinion, you wouldnât be writing that letter in the first place. Itâs a waste of ink, the manâs not worth it.â
