Proud Hearts: Proud Hearts

Although the superfluous appearances of `` 'twas,'' `` 'twould'' and `` 'twere'' jar as they intrude into what is otherwise a pristine modern text, Rogers's ( Wary Hearts ) romance will amuse those who like their reading light and their endings happy. It is 1216, and French forces are invading England, ruled by the child-king Henry III. Cassandra Gavre, a French lady promised to Guy de Faux, whom she despises, is traveling to join him and his troops besieging Dover Castle. Ambushed en route, Cassie is abandoned by her escorts and becomes the hostage of Sir William of Kensham, virtual ruler of the vast English forests of the Weald. Guy has little interest in Cassie's welfare, but he is enraged by William's ransom demands, and intends to see the knight ``pay dearly'' for the effrontery of the abduction. Meanwhile, as the gently bred Cassie adapts to the hard but rewarding life of the Weald, learning the rudiments of cooking and maintaining a household; she makes friends among members of the close-knit community and grows ever fonder of William. As Guy plots his revenge, captor and captive realize that neither may want the dubious freedom a ransom can buy. (Nov.)