A Lost Touch of Bliss
Chapter One
Wareham Castle, Cumberland, 1196
"Please come to Falcon's Craig," the note read. "I am in need of your unique
services. I own Villa Delphino on the Italian coast. It is yours if you will aid me."
Amice de Monceaux read the Earl of Hawksdown's boldly scrawled letter for the second
time and crushed the vellum in her fist.
Then she started shaking. How could Cain ask this of her? Tempt her with the
one thing he knew she had always dreamt of ever since her brother told her stories of the
sun-drenched land. And why did he own the villa? That was her dream.
Her stomach churned with memories, too many, too clear even now. After five
years, she could still feel Cain's arms around her. And could still hear his calm voice
saying, "I am betrothed," before he walked away.
The door to her chamber opened slowly. "Amice, dear? Are you in here?"
"Aye, Mother." Amice stuffed the vellum under her mattress and crossed the
rush-covered floor to take her mother's arm.
Lady Eleanora pulled free and paced across the chamber, her pale fingers
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