Captive mistress. English-language novels. Elaine Neksli

river Seine.

      Jesse cried. Ugly sight appeared before her eyes…

      The sight of a maid was chained to the coast, where two strong men dressed in the garb of cops, dragged over the rocks woman. From the mouth of the unfortunate tried to escape the terrible screaming. The poor thing was down to the river and put him on his knees. As if she had not escaped, two strangers threw her on the neck with silk cord and tightened it up. After a few minutes the woman was already dead. Her lifeless body was put in a bag and thrown into the cold waters of the Seine.

      From the mouth of a lady’s maid once again cry, but this time he’s muffled and quiet. From what I have seen of nightmare from an English girl felt dizzy, dark eyes. As she staggered, she raised her gaze to the nobleman: – why kill her?

      – This girl was a highly respected special, the daughter of a Norman nobleman. The last years she lived at court, and was engaged with the count Bekinski. Once in the hallway the maid saw her in the arms of the Viscount of Anjou, my best friend. That is what the poor thing was executed, strangled and drowned in the water.

      – What happened with the Viscount?

      – He was sent into exile in Milan. From now on, there he is in the estate of Risoy.

      – Why did You call me? – the tears gushed from his eyes, Jesse.

      – I wanted You to look like ladies punish the guilty.

      The young woman’s lips twisted in a sarcastic smile: – And You kill me so naturally, like just did that the heartless gendarmes?

      – It was not me, and the king. And on Your m the shame will be known all over France. I will be nothing. I am the chief Advisor of our master, I – man, You’re just a pathetic woman, "Mr. ran her hand across the cheek of the maid.

      Mocenigo, spoke these words threateningly and viciously. From his words, gaze and touch, she felt fear. With downcast eyes, she depressed voice said: – What do You want from me?

      – Jesse, my moonlight, you know you’re about to get a penalty, maybe a link, or marriage. Are you ready for it?

      – I’ll do anything you want. Just please, don’t tell anyone about this shame – whatever it was, the British feared for his life.

      «That’s better, – a nobleman squeezed the wrist Jesse with such force that she cried. «Now listen to me carefully, girl. Miss Arabella trusts you fully. You know all its mysteries and secrets. Now you’re going to follow her every move and report to me.

      Jesse froze. In her eyes there were tears shining: – what do You take me: a traitor or a spy? I’ll never spy on his mistress!

      – Jesse, if you forgot, I’m not only a loyal friend, my lady, but also a subject of our king. Now she’s in a terrible condition and I fear that in anger she might commit some mistake. I want to know about every act, to prevent trouble. If you disagree, then you expect a penalty.

      The young woman meekly nodded, trying to smile in agreement. But inside raged a storm. Grey eyes were blank and bottomless.

      – Your smile is a sign of consent?

      Jesse closed his eyes, trying to hold back tears: – I do not have the right to oppose Your instructions, my Lord.

      Signor, leaning close to the girl, he ran his fingers over her cheek. – But be careful. At every step You can trap the trap.

      – I understood everything. Don’t worry. I… I will be loyal to You until the end of his days. Do not doubt my loyalty to You, sir.

      Hearing desirable, the Advisor nodded at the door, ordering the maid to leave the bedchamber. Quickly bowing, Jesse hurried off. In the eyes of she «stood» tears, heart unpleasantly pricked. The maid had a feeling like she needs to betray the whole world. Now she was between two fires. All the way the lady’s maid, with downcast eyes, pressed her hands to his chest…

      Chapter 7

      Entering the room, the Englishwoman saw Arabella. A young woman sat at a glass table and combing her brown hair and her face froze.

      Fear gripped Jesse. The maid bowed in reverence, trying to hide his excitement. Mistress walked over to the lady and examined her from head to toe. From her gaze on the back of the pallet just got a chill.

      – Where have you been? – the voice of the rejected mistress sounded like thunder from a clear sky.

      – Mademoiselle… I…

      – Immediately answer my questions! cried Mademoiselle de Frase.

      «Madam… I… in the garden was walking, "said Jesse, lowering his eyes shamefully.

      – Don’t lie to me, girl! I see what you’re up to bad things! Speak! I listen to your excuses!

      – Madam, what are You? You doubt my loyalty?

      – I have enough evidence, "said Arabella.

      – Mademoiselle, if You do not believe in my devotion, then listen up: I was called Mr. Mocenigo.

      – And what did he want?

      – Told you… I …followed You. And all reported to him. I had no other choice and I agreed. But know this, I’m true to only You.

      With a heavy sigh, Arabella walked over to the table and laid a Golden comb, and said: – You’re very smart, Jesse. But be attentive and extremely careful. Our enemies have already begun to act. It’s time for us to defend.

      – What kind of enemies You say, my lady?

      – Maybe Anne of Austria already learned that in the Palace of her bridegroom lives a certain mistress at the time who had power over him. Of course, my powerful rival has already started to take action. And her first step was shadowing me through Mocenigo. And he, as you know, is too cowardly to rebel or to disobey the Infanta of Habsburg. Now one thing is clear, sir betrayed me and sided with the Spanish flu.

      I don’t think so, my lady. As You said, his grace is too fearful. He did not dare to organize a conspiracy against You. Because he knows and feels Your strength and superiority. I think it is better not to quarrel with him. Don’t forget that Mocenigo is the best friend of his Majesty and the chief adviser to the high post. Gentleman knows all the Affairs of state. Besides, he recently held talks with the ambassadors of the Spanish king Philip III. Please note the fact that Anna’s father is Portuguese and the Lord. Have you ever thought of becoming the ruler of the French lands? Theoretically, You have that right. After all, Your late father, the Duke de Frase Renski was Lord Marcel, Leon and Bern. You, as his legitimate daughter, could control those cities, to establish County and to become master of those estates.

      Arabella was struck by the witty maid. She was an expert in political matters no worse than the miss. – That may be so, but I’m not Duchess are Lanskoy. All my inheritance went to my older brother Geoffroy Overseas. And he, as you know, the husband of lady Martinez de Hired, awnings Worswick, the most influential and rich woman in Western Europe. Yes, and I don’t know where he is now. When I was little, and lived in Bern, Geoffroy often came to me, gave expensive gifts, together we walked throughout the province. I remember I’d sit on his lap, listening to his fascinating stories. But he treated me like a poor orphan who in his eyes was pity. And I hated that feeling. I wanted to be his sister, but not trust. When I was growing up, our relationship became cold. Proud of my brother dared to tell me to be rude and sometimes even raised a hand to me. We fought a lot. But after he left, my foster mother scolded me, saying that I implicitly obeyed my «kindred master.» I was a naughty girl.

      On the cheeks of a young woman tears flowed. She sighed and said: «After the incident, I realized that even the people you think are closest and family, any minute can bring, to change, to cause pain and suffering. It’s been too many years. Unfortunately, my proud