The Lost Son Returns as the Duke novel · Chapter 14 of 24
Chapter 14: The Crypt
"He'll sleep with that key under his pillow," Hild whispered. "Like a dog with a bone."
"Then we take it before he sleeps," Merewyn said.
She was already untying her kerchief and shaking out her curls.
"Ranulf wants to see me crawl. I'll give him a seat."
"Merewyn," I said.
"You carry the lamp. I carry the ale. Hild has the knife."
"I do have the knife," Hild said, delighted.
An hour later the Hart and Plough had its door open for the last time in Thornwick.
Merewyn had put out a single barrel and a notice in her own hand: FINAL NIGHT, ONE PENNY A CUP.
Ranulf came at full dark with three of his men, as sure of himself as a cat in a dairy.
He took the bench by the fire.
He set his sling on the table.
"Well, mistress," he said. "Look at you."
"Look at me," Merewyn agreed, and filled his cup to the brim.
"No licence. No roof by Saturday."
"I've heard."
"Might be I'd speak to my father for you."
"That's kind."
"For a price."
She set the jug down.
"Name it."
His hand slid across the table toward hers.
The rest of this chapter is part of the paid portion of the series. Chapters 1–12 of The Lost Son Returns as the Duke are free to read — start from the beginning, then unlock the rest with coins in the app.
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