The Governor's Man by Jacquie Rogers (best beach reads TXT) 📕

the local landowners. He would have welcomed a love match, of course, being very fond of his sister. For her to be seduced and abandoned by a young Roman legionary he had never set eyes on—that would be more difficult for Marcus to accept.

She was relieved when Britta offered to fetch Julia’s sister-in-law from Bo Gwelt. Together they came up with a plan regarding the unexpected infant. The sweet-hearted Albania was just the friend Julia needed. She overcame her husband’s initial shock and hesitation, pointing out the truth in her gentle way: Marcus and she had no children, despite a decade of marriage. Though they rarely spoke of it, no amount of prayer, sacrifice and pilgrimages to Aquae Sulis had improved their fertility. This child was undoubtedly of the Aurelianus blood, and they could give it the best possible start in life and still protect Julia from scandal. The old grandmother in Eboracum need never know, either. Secretly, Albania knew Marcus would soon need the comfort of a child, and she was right. Barely a year after they had announced the birth of their daughter Aurelia, Albania died.

Over the years since, Julia occasionally wondered at how she had coped. She had been so young, of course, barely sixteen. To have such a love and lose it and to give up the child of that love, felt at times more than could be borne. But she had borne it, and had been rewarded by seeing Aurelia grow into the spirited much-loved daughter of the doting Marcus. It was obvious to Julia that Aurelia was blossoming at Bo Gwelt. Marcus deserved all the happiness the young girl brought him.

Once the blow of giving up her child had subsided a little, Julia took up the dual roles of independent matron docta and indulgent aunt. With a handsome legacy left by her Brigantian mother she set up her own household in Aquae Sulis, completed her healer training, and never regretted her single life. Being independent, learned and well-respected in her community suited her in a way a conventional marriage to a noble husband probably would not have done. She did, though, keep a close eye on Aurelia. The loss of her child was an ever-present burden, though for Aurelia’s sake she never let her distress show. The pain of telling her daughter about the betrayal by the young Roman officer was more than Julia could face.

She never knew whether to be delighted or heartsick that Aurelia had the same grey eyes as Quintus.

Julia re-read Velvinna’s letter. Midnight in two days. Just enough time. She asked Britta to have their packing done and the carriage prepared for a trip to Bo Gwelt the following day.

‘An early start. I need to consult my brother urgently. Pack for you and me, and Aurelia, of course. My maid. And two grooms. And spare horses for Aurelia and me. Unless you…?’

‘No, thank you, my lady.’ Britta spoke forcefully. Country girl or no, one thing she did not hold with was sitting on large dirty beasts, bouncing up and down in mud and dust. Obviously they had to use mules or horses to pull the carriage, but at least then the animals were a good breathing distance away and had postilions to control them. And there was a canvas roof of sorts over their heads to keep out the worst of the weather. ‘My gratitude to you, Lady Julia, but I prefer to ride in the carriage with the maid.’

Julia laughed. She did not mention why they were leaving in such a hurry. That knowledge could be dangerous, and Britta was one of the people she wanted to protect. Along with Aurelia.

Grey eyes, dark hair, slight wiry build, compact energy betrayed by constant impulsive movement, all these reminded her of Aurelia’s father. But this older Quintus was changed — restrained, measured, disciplined … cold.

Damn! Why didn’t he just stay out of my life? I’d finally begun to make peace with the past, and now he’s back here and causing more trouble. I won’t be dragged down into all that pain again — I’m not a silly lovestruck girl anymore. Any trouble coming to my people, including Catus and Enica, we’ll deal with ourselves without his interference. The Aureliani are still the tribal leaders here. By the Goddess, I swear I’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of Quintus. Even if I have to single-handedly scotch a rebellion to do it.

Chapter Ten

Velvinna’s home was a small stone house in a respectable neighbourhood of the city, not far from the Sacred Precinct walls. Her elderly household was clearly upset.

‘It was me who found the mistress this morning, sir, when she didn’t answer the maid’s knock. She’s had a cold for a few days. Complained she couldn’t taste her dinner last night. So at first I wasn’t too worried. I thought she was sleeping late after a bad night coughing. Then the maid came back to me when she still couldn’t get an answer,’ said the steward, Silvanus. He was red-eyed and his hands shook as he led the three officers up to the old lady’s bedchamber. She was wearing a night-shift and lying in a relaxed pose on the floor, head turned to one side. There was no distress on her calm face.

Quintus crouched down, taking her hand. It was still warm, but there was no detectable pulse. ‘Was she alive when you found her?’

‘Yes, sir, but barely. Her breath was very faint, and her heart beating exceptionally slowly. I did my best to rouse her, calling her name and trying to sit her up.‘  The steward’s eyes filled with tears. ‘She died in my arms, sir. She just stopped breathing.’

Quintus looked around. ‘Tiro, could you take Silvanus downstairs and sit him down with a drink?’ As soon as they were gone, Quintus motioned to Marcellus to show him the grounds for