Borderland Beauty (6 page)

“Your father kept the contract a secret because he did not wish to pressure you. Neither he nor I will force you to do aught against your will, surely you must know that?”

“Aye,” she muttered. “I know that.”

“Then give Lord Dominic time. This contract has come as a surprise to him as well.”

Lucy traced the window absently with her finger, following the dark line of iron between each pane. “Why have we not heard of this before?”

“You know well enough of Lord Dominic’s repute and your father is protective of you.”

She turned to face her mother and crossed her arms over her chest. “And you, Mother? Do you not fear for your daughter’s virtue at the hands of such a man?”

Eleanor let out a light laugh. “There are far worse things in the world than a man with notoriety.
Exaggerated
notoriety, at that.”

Lucy pursed her lips as she thought on her mother’s words. Exaggerated? From what she had seen, he was wholly capable of seducing every woman in the borderlands…including herself. If a man had the ability to bed a woman with little more than a few words and sweet touches, then surely he would.

Her mother continued. “I will ask that you remain here for the festivities. Naught will happen while I am here to chaperone you—”

“Naught? Did you not see him kiss me? You did little to prevent that!”

Eleanor arched an eyebrow. “Aye, and I did not see you protest overmuch either, my dear.”

“Well, I…I…” Lucy spluttered.

Her mother gave her a knowing smile. “Lord Dominic is a virile man and few women could resist. He is quite taken with you and I think, if you allowed yourself, you would find that he has many virtues. Virtues, I’d wager, that far outweigh his faults.”

“Mother!”

“There are few faultless men in this world, Lucy, and even fewer with the charm and looks of Lord Dominic. Be civil and keep an open mind. Should you find you still despise him by the end of our stay then we shall speak on it no more.”

Gritting her jaw, Lucy eyed her mother who returned her stare with a bold one of her own. For all her mother’s gentle manners, her strength of will far exceeded her own. And Lucy considered herself to be as stubborn as they come.

Lucy huffed. “As you will, then. But I warn you, Mother, do not expect a love match from this. I know not why Lord Dominic has expressed an interest in me, but I would not presume to believe that a man like Dominic of Thornewall is capable of loving one woman, especially one like myself. And I would not wish for that love, for what more could I expect than heartbreak? Nay, loving a man like him is surely a dangerous thing indeed.”

“Mayhap you are right, my love, but not loving at all is surely far worse.”

Lucy could not resist the twitch of her lips as her mother’s face took on a dreamy haze. “Oh, Mother, would that we were all as romantic as you. The world would surely be a far better place for it.”

Her mother gave her an indulgent smile. “‘Twould not do you any harm to be more romantic, Lucy. Just be open to possibilities, that is all I ask.”

“I am staying, am I not?”

Her mother stepped over and enfolded her into her arms. Lucy bristled initially but eventually relaxed into her mother’s hold and patted affectionately at her back.

“I’m only doing this for you, Mother,” Lucy mumbled against her shoulder.

“I know, dear. Will you do me one last favour?”

Lucy stiffened. “What?”

She drew back and grinned. “Appease your father. He is ready to take Dominic’s head off.”

Chapter Four

Spotting the gentle swing of Lucy's fair hair, Dominic hurried after her as she walked behind her parents towards the stables. He paused for a moment to watch the outline of her hips underneath her mantle. Even under the thick wool, her generous hips were visible. Ack, what was he doing? He should be proving himself a better man.

For the first time since his brother’s marriage, he wished Jake was here, but he had left in the early hours, hurrying back to be with his wife for Christmas. For all his surly manners, Jake had managed to win over Isabel. Dominic snorted. As if he wanted relationship advice from his big brother.

Shaking his head, he caught up to Lucy. He didn't miss the stiffening of her shoulders as he came to her side but she refused to acknowledge his presence, keeping her gaze fixed on her mount as the stable hand brought it forward.

Dominic motioned impatiently to the young lad and he scurried off to get his master’s mount. Dominic didn’t want to give Lucy the chance to ride off without him. She avoided him at the morning meal, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to miss this opportunity.

“Good morrow,” he greeted her when it was clear she was intent on ignoring him.

“Good morrow, my lord,” she replied stiffly, not even turning to face him.

“Merry Christmas.”

“And to you.”

“May I escort you to church, lass?"

Her chin jutted out for a moment before relaxing and a thin smile stretched across her face. “As you will, my lord.”

Holding out a hand, she kept her gaze from him and Dominic bit back a laugh. What a stubborn lassie. Instead of simply allowing her hand to sit on his, he grasped it, tucking her slender fingers in through his. She jolted her head towards him, her eyes wide. It pleased him to see the rush of colour that flushed across her chest. His touch affected her, just as hers did him.

She climbed into the saddle with ease and Dominic took the opportunity to press her small foot into her stirrups. She visibly flinched and he wondered briefly if he was going to get a kick in the mouth but he relied on her obvious dislike of drawing attention. If it hadn’t been for her, he didn’t doubt that Montgomery would have called him out for a duel last night.

The lad hastened towards him with his black destrier and Dominic mounted quickly, noting the way Lucy’s eyes followed his movement.

“Come then," she said coolly, turning from him and starting towards the gatehouse. Her horse picked up pace abruptly before she hauled it to a quick stop and he almost missed the sudden grin that flickered across her face as he urged his horse after her.

They trudged carefully down the steep hill and wove into the narrow streets. A heavier dusting of snow had fallen during the night and the roofs of the cottages matched their whitewashed walls, but the paths were still passable. Peasants strolled along the streets, hampering their progress, but Dominic was grateful for the delay. It could only mean more time alone in Lucy’s company.

The church sat near the edge of the village and though Thornewall Keep had its own chapel, Dominic always went to the church for mass and celebrations. He could keep a close eye on the mood of the village that way, and it usually meant he could head off problems before they started.

Lucy’s parents travelled behind them and her father flicked the occasional disproving look at them but Dominic noted the challenging tug of Lady Eleanor's arm and realised she would keep the old lord from dismembering him.

Peeking at Lucy, Dominic acknowledged that he would feel the same if she were his daughter. No man could look at her without thinking all manner of sinful imaginings. But he had to retain a grip on his own imaginings, especially if he intended to prove himself a better man. His past behaviour towards her had done him no favours. Ack, foolish lad that he was. Now he would have a way to go to make up for his misdeeds. And to force her to look past her judgements.

“Luce.” He reached over and touched a hand to her arm, forcing her attention to him. “Will you forgive my rash behaviour?”

“What behaviour would that be?” She smiled sweetly. “Your behaviour as a young lord, mayhap? Or do you beg forgiveness for keeping our marriage contract a secret? Or mayhap you wish me to forgive you for your impertinence?”

He chuckled. “My impertinence?”

“The k-kiss.” She stared ahead as they trotted through the narrow street.

A smug grin threatened to split across his face but he forced his expression to remain serious. “I would beg forgiveness for my behaviour as a young lad and I regret that I did not share my knowledge of this contract with you. Your father feared your reaction and asked that I keep it from you. Though ‘twas not my idea, I should never have agreed to keep it silent. Would that I could have informed you differently.”

Her mouth opened as her eyes clouded with uncertainty and she snapped it shut.

“The kiss,” he continued, “I cannot beg forgiveness for. I do not regret it and you will remember that
you
kissed me.”

“I did not! You kissed me first.”

“Ah, but you kissed me second. Though my kiss was in the heat of the moment, your kiss was not.”

She sniffed. “Ack, I thought not of what I was doing. ‘Twas a mistake.”

“Nay, ‘twas no mistake, lass. And I think you knew full well what you were doing. You wanted to kiss me.”

“You, Lord Dominic, are arrogant. You think that every lass wants naught more than to share a kiss with you. Let me assure you, that I am not one of them. ‘Twas a mistake. And one that I barely remember at that.”

She yanked her horse away from his but he snatched at her reins and held the mounts close, their fingers brushing as he gripped the leather. She stared at their hands as her chest rose and fell, her cheeks flushed with barely concealed anger.

Leading her along the street, several villagers walked past them and greeted them. Dominic responded cheerfully, aware of Lucy’s observation of him. Mayhap she was awaiting further example of his arrogance. He needed to tread carefully if he was going to disprove her theories of him. Damn gossips. He had never been bothered by the tales that followed him before. Those who knew him, knew well enough the truth behind them and he cared not what those who didn't thought of him. Until now.

They neared the flint-walled church and stopped outside the gates. He dismounted first and hurried to Lucy’s side after tying his horse. She bristled and glanced around at her parents but accepted his offered hand as she slid down. Dominic stroked his thumb absently over her skin and leaned in towards her as they turned to approach the church, the stained glass windows bearing down on them.

“I will not forget that kiss, Luce. And from the flush on your cheeks, I think you will not either.”

Raising a brow, she stared at him for a moment but said nothing. He helped her through the heavy doors of the church and relinquished her hand as Montgomery came up behind them and eyed him from under his brow. Pressing a hand to her back, they walked down the aisle as he nodded a greeting to the villagers. They settled on the front pews and Lucy promptly picked up a hymn book and ducked her head down in the pretence of reading it.

He continued to watch her until she dropped the book into her lap and fixed him with a determined expression. “Tell me one thing, Lord Dominic. Why declare an intention to marry me? My father had made it clear that he would not hold you to the contract. I could not see you wishing to be forced into marriage to a woman you do not know. And to a woman like me, no less.”

“A woman like you?” Whatever could she mean? She simply arched her eyebrow as she waited for his response. “In truth, I know not.” Her determined expression sagged and he recognised the sadness there. “I do not know you, just as you do not know me.” He held his hand up as she went to protest. “As much as you wish to believe that you already do, you do not. Whatever lies between us is stronger even than my will. While my sensible mind bids me to be cautious, it appears that I cannot be so around you. I should like very much to get to know you, lass. And I should like for the chance to win your hand."

Lucy shook her head slowly. “I believe it not. Your words are charming as ever and they are spoken like the truth, but a man like yourself does not marry lightly. I know not if you speak to appease my father but you will only succeed in angering him further when you choose to withdraw from the contract. If you were a wise man, you would relinquish all thoughts of marriage now and seek a wife elsewhere. One that will tolerate your games, mayhap.”

“I play no games. I seek amusement as much as the next man, but I would not toy with you, Lucy.”

“You do not toy with me, my lord. You assume much.”

“You are determined to keep your opinion of me, are you not? Will you not give me the chance to prove you wrong?”

She shifted in her seat, the wood creaking, as the priest took his place at the altar. Her leg brushed against his and she grabbed at her skirts and eased away from him. It mattered little to Dominic. Just remaining next to her was enough. At least for now.

The priest opened his bible and coughed. The churchgoers quietened and waited expectantly. Lucy leant over, lowering her voice. “You may try and prove me wrong, Lord Dominic. I will give you that much. I have already agreed to remain for the festivities and I would wish to pass the time comfortably, but I hold no illusions as to our marriage. Whatever this folly is, I know well enough it shall pass.”

Dominic considered her. Her determination to believe he had no genuine interest in her only served to increase his own. “I shall take you up on that challenge, lass,” he whispered. “This may be folly, but I’d wager ‘twill not be long before you too are consumed by it.”

She laughed and caught herself as Montgomery gave her a stern frown. Clapping a hand across her mouth, she shook her head, murmuring from beneath it, “‘Tis indeed folly, for any woman becoming involved with you must surely be a fool. But to be consumed by you? Forgive me, my lord, but I fear I shall wound your ego. 'Twill not happen.”

“A chance is all I ask.”

“And a chance you shall get, but not to garner my hand, merely to prove that you are not what you seem.”

Dominic nodded, crossing his arms over his chest as he rested back against the bench. He would prove her wrong, and he would garner her hand. “A chance is all I need, Luce,” he told her confidently.

Her eyes narrowed briefly and she snapped her gaze forward as he pressed his leg gently against hers. Dominic chuckled inwardly. As much as she wanted to deny her attraction to him, every move she made spoke of her desire for him. And the more he spoke with her, the more he was convinced that his decision had been the right one. He had never met a more spirited and intelligent woman. Aye, a chance was all he needed.