Nectar from a Stone A Novel [Paperback]

It is 1351 in Wales, a country subjugated by England, beaten down by superstition, war, and illness. Elise, prone to strange visions and the sole survivor of a plague-ravaged family, has fled her village for distant Conwy with her servant Annora, running from a murder she was forced to commit in self-defense.
On the road, they cross paths with Gwydion, a moody Welshman seeking to avenge his murdered family and reclaim his estate, and are drawn into a bloody confrontation with another traveler. In its aftermath, Elise and Gwydion find themselves shocked by their developing feelings for each other, and they part.
As the women ultimately reach Conwy, a menacing shadow from Elise's past creeps toward her, and she must face it to find the peace she longs for, and help Gwydion recapture his home, and her heart, in the process.
In a dazzling narrative where mysterious visions, powerful desire, and dark secrets from the past converge, Jane Guill spins a masterful tale of romance, revelation, and breathtaking suspense.Chapter One: Gray Hill

North Wales, Summer 1351

Maelgwyn's husbandly attention, as he called it, went on and on. Strange, how time could creep and crawl.

The room grew darker as the fire died.

Have you no answer, Elise?

Had he posed a question? Lying there, all she'd heard was the sighing of the wind, outside, and the faint rush of blood in her ears.

He stared down into her face. Or is this unamiable silence yet another sign of your waywardness?

This required some reply. I have never studied to be wayward to you, sir, she said.

Hah. You require no study, being a born mistress of the art. He reached down to pinch her thigh, his usual way of emphasizing a point. She bit back a cry but knew there would be a bruise. Had you been attending, wife, you would have heard me say your constant lack of response is vexing. Nor am I able to fathom your ingratitude. Who are you to be ungratefull3>