Joanna Lindsay: Love doesn't wait. Love Doesn't Wait novel by Joanna Lindsay read Love Doesn't Wait
Joanna Lindsay
When love waits
Dedicated to Vivian and Bill Valle, my second parents
England, 1176
Sir Gibert Fitzalan, leaning against a thick tree trunk, watched as two maids collected the remains of an open-air lunch. Sir Gibert was moderately handsome, but was not tempted by the attention of women, and even his mistress's maids sometimes irritated him. It was at that moment that the younger of the two maids, named Wilda, glanced at him. Noticing how defiantly she was holding herself, he quickly averted his eyes, and his face flushed.
Spring was in full swing, and Wilda was not the only woman casting ardent glances at Sir Guibert. But she didn’t turn her charms only on him. Wilda was undeniably pretty, with a dainty little nose and rosy cheeks. Her brown hair shone, and nature also endowed her with a magnificent figure.
However, Guibert considered himself a confirmed bachelor. Besides, Wilda was too young for a man of forty-five. Indeed, she was as young as Lady Leonie, whom they both served, and the lady was only nineteen years old.
Sir Guibert thought of Leonie of Montvin as his daughter. At that moment, when before his eyes she was moving into the forest from the meadow, where she had begun to collect spring herbs, he sent four warriors from afar to protect her. He brought ten men to guard his mistress, and the warriors were smart enough not to grumble because they had to perform such a duty, which was in no way among their loved ones. Leonie often asked them to collect the plants she specified. This occupation was unworthy of men.
Before the onset of spring, three warriors were enough to accompany Lady Leonie, but now a new owner settled in Kruel, and Leonie went to his forest domain to collect herbs. Sir Guibert was seriously worried about the new owner of all the lands of Kempston.
The old owner of Kempston, Sir Edmond Montigny, was not sympathetic to Guibert, but at least the old baron did not make life difficult for his neighbors. The new owner of Kempston constantly complained about the serfs of Pershwick from the moment he took possession of the Cruel fortress. And the point is not at all that the complaints were really justified. The worst part was that Lady Leonie felt personally responsible for the misdeeds of her servants.
Let me sort this out, Sir Gibert,” she pleaded, when she first learned about these complaints. “I’m afraid my serfs think they are doing a good deed for me by committing outrages in Kruel.” - Explaining her words, she admitted:
I was in the village that day when Alan Montigny came to tell me what had happened to him and his father. Too many serfs saw how upset I was, and I'm afraid they heard me wishing misfortune on the Black Wolf, who now owns Cruel.
Guibert found it hard to believe that Leonie could curse anyone. Leonie is not capable of this. She is too good, too kind, too quickly strives to correct mistakes, to ease the worries of others. No, Sir Gibert believed, she was not capable of bad deeds. She was spoiled by his care. But, he asked himself, if he didn’t do it, who would? Certainly not her father, who sent Leonie away from his home six years ago when her mother died. He sent her to the fortress of Pershvik along with Beatrice, her mother’s sister, because he could not bear to constantly see the one who so resembled his beloved wife.
Gibert could not comprehend this act, but he did not have the chance to know Sir William of Montwyn closely, although he settled in his house with Lady Elizabeth when she became Sir William's wife. Lady Elizabeth, the earl's daughter - and she was the fifth and youngest child - was allowed to marry for love. Sir William was by no means her equal, but he loved her, perhaps too much. The death of his wife destroyed him, and he apparently could not bear the presence of his only child. Leonie, like Elizabeth, was petite, graceful, fair-haired; nature generously endowed her with extraordinary silver-colored hair and silver-gray eyes. The word “beautiful” was not enough to describe Leonie.
He sighed, thinking about these two women, mother and daughter; one died, the second was as dear to him as her mother. Suddenly he froze: his blissful thoughts were interrupted by a battle cry coming from the forest, a furious cry.
For just a second, Gibert stood motionless - grabbing his sword from its sheath, he rushed into the forest. The four warriors who had been waiting nearby with their horses rushed after him, and everyone hoped in their hearts that the warriors who had left with Leonie stayed close to her.
Leonie Montvinskaya, who had gone deeper into the forest, also froze for a moment when she heard this inhuman scream. As usual, she moved a considerable distance away from the warriors accompanying her. Now it seemed to her that some monstrous, devil-like beast was nearby. And yet, natural curiosity, so unusual for a lady, prompted her to head towards where the cry came from, instead of returning to her warriors.
She smelled smoke and ran as fast as she could, pushing through bushes and trees until she discovered where the smoke was coming from - the lumberjack's hut had burned down. One of the knights stood looking at the smoking remains of the dwelling, and five other knights and fifteen warriors in full armor on horseback also silently looked at the destroyed structure. A knight clad in armor walked between the ashes and people. While Leonie was looking at this scene, he burst into furious abuse, and then she realized where that terrifying scream came from. I also understood who this knight was. She retreated behind the bushes where she could not be seen, grateful that the dark green cape hid her.
However, the hiding place ceased to be secret when her warriors rushed after her. Leonie quickly turned to them, begging them to remain silent, and motioned for them to leave. She silently approached them, the warriors surrounded her with a ring and headed towards the castle. A moment later Sir Gibert and the rest of the warriors joined them.
There is no danger,” she confidently told Sir Guibert. - But we have to get out of here. The owner of Kempston discovered the gamekeeper's hut burnt to the ground and seemed very angry.
Have you seen him?
Yes. He's completely furious.
Sir Guibert snorted and hurriedly pulled Leonie away. It is impossible for her to be discovered accompanied by squires next to the burnt hut. How can she then prove her non-involvement?
Later, when the danger has passed, the serfs will return to the forest and take the herbs Leonie collected. Now Lady Leonie and the armed warriors had to be taken away from this place.
Love Doesn't Wait Joanna Lindsay
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Title: Love Doesn't Wait
About the book “Love Doesn't Wait” by Joanna Lindsay
Do you like romantic stories written in the historical genre? Then you have come to the right place. We invite you to read the book “Love Doesn't Wait,” in which Joanna Lindsay described the incredible love story of a young couple. What better way to reconcile warring families than the wedding of their children? But the problem is that the children are against it and each of them has their own personal motives. What will come of this? You can find out from the book.
Joanna Lindsay deserves special attention because from the first pages of her novel we can see her literary talent. The author's light and harmonious style allows us to completely immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the 19th century and witness the development of rather difficult relationships between the characters.
The main characters of the novel are Tiffany Warreny and Hunter Callahan. Tiffany lived with her mother Rose in a rich mansion in New York, which her mother inherited from her parents. Tiffany hasn't spoken to her father for many years, but now it's time for her to meet him. Rose and her daughter go to Montana, where the girl will have to meet her future husband, whom she has never met. By chance, Tiffany ended up at his ranch and got a job as a housekeeper in order to get to know him better, but the guy has no idea about anything and perceives her as a simple housekeeper. Hunter is not too eager to marry an unfamiliar, pampered city girl, whom his parents are forcing on him, because he has already fallen in love with a simple housekeeper. Will they be together when the whole truth is revealed?
Joanna Lindsay draws the reader's attention to her work for good reason. The plot of the novel captivates its readers with intrigue and unpredictable twists. There are no unnecessary images, details or descriptions here. Everything in moderation and every action has its own logical explanation. The author periodically returns us to certain compositions in which there is a pressing question and immediately answers it. Thanks to the excellent and talented description of the situation around the characters, the reality of the events is felt. Every action, every fact is predicted, but still never ceases to amaze with its originality. The heroes of the work are revealed very well, so you feel sympathy for them and believe in their feelings. The main character impresses with his persistent and courageous character.
Joanna Lindsay
Love doesn't wait
Even before her daughter, Tiffany, opened the front door of the city mansion, Rose Warren had stopped crying, but she could not get out of her mind the words that had upset her to the point of tears: “Come with her, Rose. Fifteen years have passed. Haven’t you tortured us all long enough?”
She usually let her daughter read letters from Franklin Warren. He always kept his tone neutral so that Rose could share them with her daughter. But not this time, and Rose hastily crumpled the letter and put it in her pocket as she heard Tiffany's voice coming from the hall. The daughter did not know why her parents did not live together. Even Frank didn't know the real reason that made Rose leave him. And after so many years, it seemed that it was better to leave everything as it was.
Tiffany, please come into the living room! - Rose called her daughter before she went upstairs to her room.
Entering the living room, Tiffany took off her hat, her reddish-blond hair flashing in the midday light. Then she pulled the short, light cape off her shoulders. Although the weather was warm, decency required that respectable ladies dress appropriately when leaving the house.
Looking at her daughter, Rose once again realized that her dear baby was no longer little. Tiffany turned eighteen this year, and Rose prayed that her daughter would stop growing. At five feet eight inches, she was already well above average height, and she often complained about it. Tiffany took after her father in height, and inherited emerald green eyes from him, she just didn’t know about it. From Rose she inherited graceful features that made her extremely pretty, and red hair, but more of a copper color.
I received a letter from your father.
There was no answer.
Tiffany used to be happy about Frank's letters, but that time was long over - around the same time she stopped asking when he would arrive.
Rose's heart broke at the sight of the indifference with which her daughter began to treat her father. Of course, Tiffany had no memories of Frank. She was too young when they left Nashart, a small town in Montana. Rose knew she should have allowed them to date. Frank was generous enough to send boys to her in New York, and she felt guilty for not repaying him by not allowing her daughter to visit him in Montana. But she was too afraid that Frank would not allow Tiffany to return home. It was her nightmare, and not at all groundless. In his anger, Frank threatened to take her daughter away from her. This was not the only threat he resorted to in trying to reunite his family, and he could hardly be blamed for his efforts. But Rose knew that would never happen. And now she had to face what she feared most: if Tiffany ended up in Montana, she, Rose, would never see her again.
She probably should have insisted that Tiffany's fiancé come to New York and court her here. But for Frank this would be the last straw. For fifteen years, he respected her wishes and stayed away from his daughter. But the time has come, and Tiffany must return under his roof. Mother promised this to Frank and cannot in good conscience keep them apart any longer.
Walking closer, Tiffany held out her hand for the letter. But Rose pointed her to the sofa.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled, but sat down opposite her mother. The room was large, like the house itself. Rose's parents came from wealthy families who came from the Old World, and now the entire fortune belonged to her. Returning from Montana with her three-year-old daughter, Rose found her mother recovering from illnesses that had left her disabled during the five years Rose had been away. Her mother only lived four years, but at least Tiffany recognized her grandmother.
It was a painful time in Rose's life. She had to give up her husband and three sons, and then she lost her only parent. But at least she had Tiffany. She would probably go crazy if she had to give Tiffany away too. But this day has come...
Important conversation again? - Tiffany inquired in a bored tone.
You've been cocky since you turned eighteen,” Rose noted.
Well, if that’s what you call the indignation that gnaws at me, then fine. Let me be bold.
Tiffany...
I'm not going to Montana, Mom. I don't care if it means bloodshed. I won't go there even if I never see my brothers again. “I refuse to marry a man I’ve never met,” Tiffany said, crossing her arms over her chest and lifting her chin defiantly. - Well, finally I have expressed everything that I think, and I will not change my decision.
I completely agree with you.
Tiffany's eyes widened in surprise and she squealed happily.
Thank you! You have no idea how worried I was about this...
Let me finish,” Rose interrupted. - I agree that you should not marry a person you have never met. You'll go to Montana and meet him. You will have several months to get to know him better. And if, after this period, you come to the conclusion that you do not like him, you have the right to end this engagement and return to New York before the cold weather. I give you my word, Tiffany.
Why didn't you ever say that I could refuse this marriage that you and my father arranged when I was very little?
Because I hoped that you would willingly agree with the choice I made for you. I wanted you to get used to this idea and maybe even strive for this moment.
But Montana is a very wild place!
Can't we talk without shouting? - Rose inquired and added with a slight grin: - Montana is not at all as wild as you think. It seemed to me that the brothers convinced you of this. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is quite possible that you will like it there.
I like it here, where I grew up, where my friends live, where you live,” Tiffany muttered and continued louder: “And where men don’t carry a revolver on their belts, always ready to shoot a person.” How could you even agree to this, Mom?
This was my proposal.
Rose had never admitted this to her daughter, and now, looking into Tiffany's emerald eyes, widened in surprise, she regretted that she had not found a way to explain herself earlier. However, this was hardly possible.
So you're the one throwing me to the wolves?
For God's sake, Tiffany, let's avoid the melodrama. It was the only thing I could think of to end the feud between the Callahans and the Warrens. And although it did not begin over a strip of land with a water source located between two ranches, both sides use this land to fuel discord, claiming it as their own. I have never seen such brainless stubborn people. As soon as they are at the source at the same time, the shooting begins. Including this property in the prenuptial agreement between you and Hunter Callahan would put an end to any mutual claims.
And you decided to end the enmity that was not started by you, by sacrificing your only daughter?
For your information, young lady, Zackery Callahan is one of the most handsome men I have ever met. And given the fact that he married a very pretty woman, there is no doubt that his sons will grow up to be just as beautiful. So I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing you at all. On the contrary, I was quite sure that you would be delighted to receive one of the Callahans as your husband. And then, being an outsider, I looked at things with different eyes. Of course, ranchers are quite aggressive, especially when it comes to their property, but I don't think that's that uncommon in that area. Frank and Zackery are just two stubborn people who don't want to give an inch. The discord began with an unpleasant story, and disputes over a stream on the border between two ranches do not allow it to end. But this does not mean that the Callahans are complete scoundrels. Zachery may have a short temper and a cocky personality, but he is a devoted husband and a good father, which says a lot about the family.
Two families that have been at war for a long time have finally decided to reconcile. And of course, the most successful move is to marry your children, Tiffany and Hunter. True, the bride, due to certain circumstances, never saw the groom. Of course, no one is going to force Tiffany if she doesn't like Hunter. By chance, a girl ends up at his ranch and poses as a housekeeper. Hunter is also not eager to marry what he considers a pampered city girl. He falls in love with a young housekeeper, not suspecting that this is his fiancée...
Joanna Lindsay
Love doesn't wait
Chapter 1
Even before her daughter, Tiffany, opened the front door of the city mansion, Rose Warren had stopped crying, but she could not get out of her mind the words that had upset her to the point of tears: “Come with her, Rose. Fifteen years have passed. Haven’t you tortured us all long enough?”
She usually let her daughter read letters from Franklin Warren. He always kept his tone neutral so that Rose could share them with her daughter. But not this time, and Rose hastily crumpled the letter and put it in her pocket as she heard Tiffany's voice coming from the hall. The daughter did not know why her parents did not live together. Even Frank didn't know the real reason that made Rose leave him. And after so many years, it seemed that it was better to leave everything as it was.
Tiffany, please come into the living room! - Rose called her daughter before she went upstairs to her room.
Entering the living room, Tiffany took off her hat, her reddish-blond hair flashing in the midday light. Then she pulled the short, light cape off her shoulders. Although the weather was warm, decency required that respectable ladies dress appropriately when leaving the house.
Looking at her daughter, Rose once again realized that her dear baby was no longer little. Tiffany turned eighteen this year, and Rose prayed that her daughter would stop growing. At five feet eight inches, she was already well above average height, and she often complained about it. Tiffany took after her father in height, and inherited emerald green eyes from him, she just didn’t know about it. From Rose she inherited graceful features that made her extremely pretty, and red hair, but more of a copper color.
I received a letter from your father.
There was no answer.
Tiffany used to be happy about Frank's letters, but that time was long over - around the same time she stopped asking when he would arrive.
Rose's heart broke at the sight of the indifference with which her daughter began to treat her father. Of course, Tiffany had no memories of Frank. She was too young when they left Nashart, a small town in Montana. Rose knew she should have allowed them to date. Frank was generous enough to send boys to her in New York, and she felt guilty for not repaying him by not allowing her daughter to visit him in Montana. But she was too afraid that Frank would not allow Tiffany to return home. It was her nightmare, and not at all groundless. In his anger, Frank threatened to take her daughter away from her. This was not the only threat he resorted to in trying to reunite his family, and he could hardly be blamed for his efforts. But Rose knew that would never happen. And now she had to face what she feared most: if Tiffany ended up in Montana, she, Rose, would never see her again.
She probably should have insisted that Tiffany's fiancé come to New York and court her here. But for Frank this would be the last straw. For fifteen years, he respected her wishes and stayed away from his daughter. But the time has come, and Tiffany must return under his roof. Mother promised this to Frank and cannot in good conscience keep them apart any longer.
Walking closer, Tiffany held out her hand for the letter. But Rose pointed her to the sofa.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled, but sat down opposite her mother. The room was large, like the house itself. Rose's parents came from wealthy families who came from the Old World, and now the entire fortune belonged to her. Returning from Montana with her three-year-old daughter, Rose found her mother recovering from illnesses that had left her disabled during the five years Rose had been away. Her mother only lived four years, but at least Tiffany recognized her grandmother.
It was a painful time in Rose's life. She had to give up her husband and three sons, and then she lost her only parent. But at least she had Tiffany. She would probably go crazy if she had to give Tiffany away too. But this day has come...
Joanna Lindsay
Love doesn't wait
Even before her daughter, Tiffany, opened the front door of the city mansion, Rose Warren had stopped crying, but she could not get out of her mind the words that had upset her to the point of tears: “Come with her, Rose. Fifteen years have passed. Haven’t you tortured us all long enough?”
She usually let her daughter read letters from Franklin Warren. He always kept his tone neutral so that Rose could share them with her daughter. But not this time, and Rose hastily crumpled the letter and put it in her pocket as she heard Tiffany's voice coming from the hall. The daughter did not know why her parents did not live together. Even Frank didn't know the real reason that made Rose leave him. And after so many years, it seemed that it was better to leave everything as it was.
Tiffany, please come into the living room! - Rose called her daughter before she went upstairs to her room.
Entering the living room, Tiffany took off her hat, her reddish-blond hair flashing in the midday light. Then she pulled the short, light cape off her shoulders. Although the weather was warm, decency required that respectable ladies dress appropriately when leaving the house.
Looking at her daughter, Rose once again realized that her dear baby was no longer little. Tiffany turned eighteen this year, and Rose prayed that her daughter would stop growing. At five feet eight inches, she was already well above average height, and she often complained about it. Tiffany took after her father in height, and inherited emerald green eyes from him, she just didn’t know about it. From Rose she inherited graceful features that made her extremely pretty, and red hair, but more of a copper color.
I received a letter from your father.
There was no answer.
Tiffany used to be happy about Frank's letters, but that time was long over - around the same time she stopped asking when he would arrive.
Rose's heart broke at the sight of the indifference with which her daughter began to treat her father. Of course, Tiffany had no memories of Frank. She was too young when they left Nashart, a small town in Montana. Rose knew she should have allowed them to date. Frank was generous enough to send boys to her in New York, and she felt guilty for not repaying him by not allowing her daughter to visit him in Montana. But she was too afraid that Frank would not allow Tiffany to return home. It was her nightmare, and not at all groundless. In his anger, Frank threatened to take her daughter away from her. This was not the only threat he resorted to in trying to reunite his family, and he could hardly be blamed for his efforts. But Rose knew that would never happen. And now she had to face what she feared most: if Tiffany ended up in Montana, she, Rose, would never see her again.
She probably should have insisted that Tiffany's fiancé come to New York and court her here. But for Frank this would be the last straw. For fifteen years, he respected her wishes and stayed away from his daughter. But the time has come, and Tiffany must return under his roof. Mother promised this to Frank and cannot in good conscience keep them apart any longer.
Walking closer, Tiffany held out her hand for the letter. But Rose pointed her to the sofa.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled, but sat down opposite her mother. The room was large, like the house itself. Rose's parents came from wealthy families who came from the Old World, and now the entire fortune belonged to her. Returning from Montana with her three-year-old daughter, Rose found her mother recovering from illnesses that had left her disabled during the five years Rose had been away. Her mother only lived four years, but at least Tiffany recognized her grandmother.
It was a painful time in Rose's life. She had to give up her husband and three sons, and then she lost her only parent. But at least she had Tiffany. She would probably go crazy if she had to give Tiffany away too. But this day has come...
Important conversation again? - Tiffany inquired in a bored tone.
You've been cocky since you turned eighteen,” Rose noted.
Well, if that’s what you call the indignation that gnaws at me, then fine. Let me be bold.
Tiffany...
I'm not going to Montana, Mom. I don't care if it means bloodshed. I won't go there even if I never see my brothers again. “I refuse to marry a man I’ve never met,” Tiffany said, crossing her arms over her chest and lifting her chin defiantly. - Well, finally I have expressed everything that I think, and I will not change my decision.
I completely agree with you.
Tiffany's eyes widened in surprise and she squealed happily.
Thank you! You have no idea how worried I was about this...
Let me finish,” Rose interrupted. - I agree that you should not marry a person you have never met. You'll go to Montana and meet him. You will have several months to get to know him better. And if, after this period, you come to the conclusion that you do not like him, you have the right to end this engagement and return to New York before the cold weather. I give you my word, Tiffany.
Why didn't you ever say that I could refuse this marriage that you and my father arranged when I was very little?
Because I hoped that you would willingly agree with the choice I made for you. I wanted you to get used to this idea and maybe even strive for this moment.
But Montana is a very wild place!
Can't we talk without shouting? - Rose inquired and added with a slight grin: - Montana is not at all as wild as you think. It seemed to me that the brothers convinced you of this. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is quite possible that you will like it there.
I like it here, where I grew up, where my friends live, where you live,” Tiffany muttered and continued louder: “And where men don’t carry a revolver on their belts, always ready to shoot a person.” How could you even agree to this, Mom?
This was my proposal.
Rose had never admitted this to her daughter, and now, looking into Tiffany's emerald eyes, widened in surprise, she regretted that she had not found a way to explain herself earlier. However, this was hardly possible.
So you're the one throwing me to the wolves?
For God's sake, Tiffany, let's avoid the melodrama. It was the only thing I could think of to end the feud between the Callahans and the Warrens. And although it did not begin over a strip of land with a water source located between two ranches, both sides use this land to fuel discord, claiming it as their own. I have never seen such brainless stubborn people. As soon as they are at the source at the same time, the shooting begins. Including this property in the prenuptial agreement between you and Hunter Callahan would put an end to any mutual claims.
And you decided to end the enmity that was not started by you, by sacrificing your only daughter?
For your information, young lady, Zackery Callahan is one of the most handsome men I have ever met. And given the fact that he married a very pretty woman, there is no doubt that his sons will grow up to be just as beautiful. So I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing you at all. On the contrary, I was quite sure that you would be delighted to receive one of the Callahans as your husband. And then, being an outsider, I looked at things with different eyes. Of course, ranchers are quite aggressive, especially when it comes to their property, but I don't think that's that uncommon in that area. Frank and Zackery are just two stubborn people who don't want to give an inch. The discord began with an unpleasant story, and disputes over a stream on the border between two ranches do not allow it to end. But this does not mean that the Callahans are complete scoundrels. Zachery may have a short temper and a cocky personality, but he is a devoted husband and a good father, which says a lot about the family.
You didn’t start this feud, and it’s not for you to end it, mom. Why did you even interfere?
Rose had no intention of burdening Tiffany with the horrors she had to endure. Shooting happened very often, and she was afraid that her children would run into bullets. And then a simple thought came to her mind: to end the hostility through marriage. When Rose shared the idea with Frank, she couldn't imagine that she and Tiffany wouldn't stay in Montana. She imagined that Tiffany and Hunter would first become friends and then naturally fall in love with each other...