Protected by the Warrior

FOR HONOR’S SAKE

When Clara became a midwife, she vowed to preserve life above all. She’ll keep that vow, even if it means defying a Norman baron by hiding a Saxon slave and her child. Yet when the ruthless lord threatens Clara’s village—and her life—she’s forced to rely on another Norman to keep her safe.

Kenneth D’Entremont is a soldier, one who takes lives instead of healing them. Clara despairs of finding any common ground with him. But when he begins guarding her, she learns to see him in a new light. His care and compassion make her feel safe…even loved. Can she bring herself to put her secrets, and her heart, under the protection of the warrior?

“Be thankful that even though I threw you in the dungeon yesterday, I will also lay down my life for you, for this I have pledged to my lord to do.”

Clara would not be lured away by the sudden turn of his temper. Scoffing, she tossed up her bandaged hand. “What nonsense! I am but a Saxon midwife. You make me sound like a precious princess to be protected.”

“I know nothing of fine ladies and fancy princesses,” Kenneth answered. “I only know that I will protect you.”

A part of her leaped inside, but she would not be like a young girl taken by charming words. “Until Lord Taurin arrives.”

“Thanks to your stubbornness, woman, Lord Taurin may be on his way here right now! Led here by the townsfolk of Colchester. Your people.”

She stilled, then swallowed. Aye, she’d pledged to keep Rowena safe, and her baby with her, and aye, she’d die in order to keep such a pledge, but what if Taurin was on his way? What would happen then?

BARBARA PHINNEY

was born in England and raised in Canada. She has traveled throughout her life, loving to explore the various countries and cultures of the world. After she retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, Barbara turned her hand to romance writing. The thrill of adventure and the love of happy endings, coupled with a too-active imagination, have merged to help her create this and other wonderful stories. Barbara spends her days writing, building her dream home with her husband and enjoying their fast-growing children.

Protected by the Warrior

Barbara Phinney

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

—Matthew 19:26

Dedicated to those who enjoy Love Inspired Historicals.

Aim to make the future better, and live in the present, but keep your heart in the past, for there lies the clues to who you are. B.P.

This author acknowledges the hard work of the late Pam Strickler. Rest in Peace.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Acknowledgments

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Essex County, 1068 AD

“Push, milady, push!”

Though Clara had been the midwife in Dunmow, a small keep and village west of Colchester, for a few weeks only, she’d already learned Lady Ediva’s determined personality. But at this point in milady’s labor, the mother-to-be definitely needed strong encouragement. “Push harder! Harder!”

Lady Ediva scrunched up her face and glared down from the birthing chair. “I’m pushing as hard as I can! Stop shouting at me!” Her words ended with a growl and another hard push.

Already situated at milady’s feet, Clara gave her forehead a fast wipe with her forearm. She had long since pulled back her own thick red hair and now felt it start to slip free, but could do nothing at that moment. The babe’s head had crowned, and with deft movements, and more bearing down on the new mother’s part, she soon assisted in delivering a healthy son. “It’s a boy!”

Lady Ediva fell back against the chair. Clara knew their work was not yet complete, but for a few minutes they could revel in the joy of new life.

Clara prepared the babe for his mother, even though they weren’t finished with the birthing yet. All the while, Lady Ediva’s maid, Margaret, wiped her mistress’s face. Tears of joy streamed down each woman’s cheeks. Clara stopped a moment to admire the beautiful, squalling child in her arms.

Praise God! A new babe! New life when lately she had felt only the threat of death.

A surge of excitement washed over Clara as the indignant howl of the healthy babe bounced off the thick oak door of the solar. She knew that beyond, in the corridor, the father waited impatiently, along with his men.

As Margaret tended to Lady Ediva, Clara swaddled the babe in a soft cloth, snuggling him close as she walked over and opened the door.

Closer to the door, Kenneth d’Entremont, sergeant at arms for Dunmow Keep, whirled. Behind him, Lord Adrien stopped his pacing. Each man’s face split into a broad smile at the sight of the child in her arms.