Connie Mason (36 page)

Sir Maynard intercepted her at the door. “Lady Mariah, since you have no male relative, I would be honored to escort you to the chapel. This is a happy day for Mildenhall; I know Lord Edmond would be pleased to see you wed to such a fine man.”

Pleasure suffused Mariah’s face. “Thank you, Sir Maynard. I dare say you’ve earned the honor after your years of faithful service to Mildenhall.”

Placing one hand on Maynard’s arm and holding Robbie’s hand with her other, she allowed them to escort her out the door.

A great crowd spilled out of the chapel into the courtyard. A loud cheer went up when Mariah appeared. The crowd parted, creating a path for Mariah to the chapel door. Her gaze went to Falcon the moment she entered the small chapel. Sir Dennis stood beside him, but it was Falcon who captured her attention.

He looked magnificent in a light blue doublet that emphasized
the powerful span of his shoulders, and gray hose that hugged his muscular legs and thighs. Holding tightly to Robbie’s hand, Mariah started down the aisle on Sir Maynard’s arm.

When Falcon saw Mariah and Robbie walking toward him, he wanted to rush forward and sweep Mariah and his son into his embrace. The only thing stopping him was Dennis’s restraining hand on his shoulder.

Mariah looked like an angel in a gown of pale ivory silk with long sleeves, a fitted bodice and an embroidered skirt. A short veil trailed from her shining blond locks, held in place by a gold circlet studded with pearls. His gaze shifted to her face. She was literally glowing, her happiness there for everyone to see.

Then Falcon’s eyes descended to Robbie . . . his son, a lad any man would be proud to claim. He was dressed in his finest and looking as pleased as Mariah. They walked side by side, both of them his to love and cherish forever.

A sigh rose up from the assembly as Mariah floated down the aisle. And then she was beside him. Sir Maynard slipped away as Falcon took his place. When Sir Maynard attempted to steer Robbie into a nearby pew, Falcon shook his head.

“Let the lad stay,” Falcon said. “He’s a part of this family.”

Falcon took Mariah’s hand and they both knelt as Father Francis began the nuptial mass. When the time arrived for the vows, Mariah and Falcon spoke theirs clearly and without hesitation. A titter went through the assembly when Robbie tossed in an “I do” before Father Francis pronounced them husband and wife.

Falcon turned toward Mariah, smiled and gently kissed
her. Then he lifted Robbie onto his shoulders, grabbed Mariah’s hand and left the church amid great rejoicing.

An elaborate wedding feast had been prepared by cook and her staff. Tables had been set up in the hall for the guests, who crowded into the keep behind Falcon and Mariah; nearly everyone from the village had turned out for the event. Falcon seated Mariah at the head table, settled Robbie on her left, then took his place on her right. Moments later, servers brought in the platters piled high with three kinds of meat, fish, oysters, a variety of vegetables and freshly baked bread.

They were halfway through the feast when a guardsman burst into the hall. He skidded to a halt before the head table.

“Sir Falcon, my lady, the king is approaching Mildenhall. A messenger just arrived with the news. King Henry will arrive within the hour.”

Falcon leapt to his feet. “The king? Here? Where is the messenger?”

“I am here, Sir Falcon.” A knight approached the head table. Falcon recognized him immediately.

“Sir Percy, welcome. As you might guess, we are in the midst of a feast to celebrate my marriage to Lady Mariah of Mildenhall.”

“Hearty congratulations, Falcon, my lady. Does Henry know?”

“Nay, but he will soon enough. Why is he honoring us with a visit?”

“You will have to ask him that yourself,” Percy said. “He will be here soon.”

“How many men accompany him?” Falcon asked, fearing there wouldn’t be enough food for all the newcomers.

“He brings but ten of his royal guard,” Percy replied. “He anticipated no trouble in this part of England.”

“Join us, my friend,” Falcon invited. “We shall await the king together.”

They didn’t have long to wait. King Henry and his entourage showed up a scant forty-five minutes later. Surprise illuminated Henry’s face when he walked into the hall and saw a large assembly of merrymakers. Immediately Falcon and Mariah rose. Falcon bowed deeply while Mariah executed a perfect curtsey. Then the crowd went silent, many too awed to react to the sight of their king while others scraped and bowed.

“What’s going on here?” Henry boomed. “The celebration cannot be for me, for I sent no word of my impending visit.”

“Sire,” Falcon said, bowing. “Welcome to my wedding feast. Lady Mariah of Mildenhall has done me the great honor of becoming my wife. Today is our wedding day.”

Henry’s gaze swept over Mariah before returning to Falcon. “Could you not wait for the heiress I promised you?”

Falcon smiled at Mariah. “Some things cannot wait, Majesty.”

“So that’s the way of it,” Henry replied. “I must say I’m surprised, but who am I to stand in the way of true love.”

“Then you approve, sire?” Mariah asked.

“I can think of no reason to object. Are you going to invite me to the feast or must I remain standing?”

“Forgive me, sire,” Falcon said, motioning to a servant to set another place at the head table.

The king sat down beside Falcon while his entourage
found seats among the other guests. Fresh food was brought from the kitchen and the feast recommenced.

“What brings you to Mildenhall, Your Majesty?” Falcon asked.

“You did, Falcon. I heard some surprising news when I returned from France. I was told you did not wed Lady Rosamond, even though she was eager for the match, and that Sir Osgood did not remain in exile as I ordered. When I did not hear from you or see you in London, I decided you must be at Mildenhall and came to see for myself what was transpiring.”

“Falcon was seriously wounded by one of Osgood’s mercenaries,” Mariah revealed.

Henry sent Falcon a sharp look. “He looks healthy enough to me. Certainly healthy enough to take a bride.”

“Mariah’s healer is without compare. And Father Francis’s prayers didn’t hurt,” Falcon explained.

No one saw Robbie slip up to the King until he tugged on Henry’s sleeve. Startled, Henry looked down at him and smiled. “Well, if it isn’t little Lord Robert. What can I do for you, lad?”

“You’re not going to take my new papa away, are you? Mama and I need him.”

Henry raised an eyebrow in Falcon’s direction. “The lad is well-spoken, Falcon. It seems you have won him over as well as his mother.” He ruffled Robbie’s hair. “Rest easy, Lord Robbie, I’m not taking Falcon away. Not unless I am forced to war again and need him to protect England.”

Becca hurried over to her charge and led him off. Conversation ceased while Henry ate. When he had eaten his fill, he sat back and sighed. “Excellent meal.”

“Musicians from the village should arrive soon,” Falcon said. “There will be dancing, if you care to join in. If not, your chamber is being prepared as we speak.”

“We shall see, we shall see. But first, I would speak privately to you concerning the real reason I came to Mildenhall.”

A frown marred Mariah’s smooth brow as Falcon rose and led Henry to the guest chamber the king was to occupy. A maid, who was delivering a decanter of wine, dipped into a curtsey and scurried off when they entered.

Henry dropped into a chair beside the hearth and held his hands out to warm them. “Sit down, Falcon; I don’t like you looming over me.”

Falcon pulled up a bench and perched on the edge. Whatever could Henry want?

“I know you needed to wed for land and wealth, but I suspect you followed your heart. But all is not lost, Falcon.”

What was Henry trying to say? Falcon knew the king well enough to know he did not speak idle words. “Sire, I am happy with my marriage. Robbie needs a father who can guide him into manhood. I can teach him how to be a good and just earl.”

“Aye, you can, Falcon, of that I have no doubt. Does it not annoy you to know you are a mere knight while the lad you will raise is an earl?”

“It might have at one time. Ambition often drives a man to wish for more than he deserves.”

“You are an honorable man, Falcon, and an exemplary knight. You have fought bravely for king and country and are long overdue for the reward I promised you. Did you know that Lady Rosamond’s father had died, and that she recently wed the Earl of Kincade, a Scottish nobleman?”

“Nay, I did not.”

“Her father’s dying wish was that she wed Kincade. She has since settled in Scotland with her husband. After a thorough search, no male heir was found to claim the Norwich title. Your years of faithful service deserve an elevation in rank and circumstance. Therefore, I have appointed you the Earl of Norwich. Norwich lands are extensive and reach to all corners of England. The tithes from the villages and everything that goes with the title now belong to you.”

Falcon dropped to one knee. “Sire, I cannot believe . . . Your generosity overwhelms me.”

“You deserve it, Falcon. Now you will have something of value to leave to your children with Lady Mariah. Rise, Lord Norwich. We shall return to the hall and inform your wife and guests of your new station in life.”

King Henry made the announcement when they returned to the hall. The musicians had already started playing, but stopped when Henry raised his hand for silence. A loud cheer filled the hall after the king publicly bestowed Falcon’s new title upon him. Falcon looked at Mariah; she appeared even more stunned than he had been. He reached for her hand and lifted her to her feet.

“Shall we retire, my love?”

“The king,” Mariah whispered. “It wouldn’t be proper to retire before His Majesty.”

Henry waved them off. “In this instance, I give you leave. It would please me to remain in the hall and enjoy the musicians before I retire.”

A toast was made in their honor by Sir Dennis and another by Sir Maynard before Falcon and Mariah were allowed to leave. When they reached the staircase, Falcon
paused, took Mariah into his arms and kissed her. The cheering continued long after they reached their chamber.

Falcon closed and locked the door. “Finally,” he sighed, pushing himself away from the door. “I thought the day would never end.”

The chamber looked magical. Someone had lit an abundance of candles and placed them around the room. A decanter of wine awaited them, and the bed had been turned down.

Mariah stared thoughtfully at Falcon. “I cannot believe the king came all the way to Mildenhall to bestow a title on you. At last you have everything you’ve ever desired—a title, wealth, several estates. The king is a generous man.”

Falcon reached for her. “Forget the king, this is our wedding night.”

“We already had our wedding night this morning, or have you forgotten?”

“How could I forget? We did more than make love this morning. We both revealed what was in our hearts.” He pulled her into his arms. “Are you too tired to let me love you again?”

She pressed herself against him, lifting her face up to his. “I’m never too tired for you, Falcon.”

His mouth was smiling when he lowered his head and claimed her lips. One kiss was all it took to set off a firestorm inside them.

“I love you in that dress, but I prefer you without it,” Falcon whispered.

Mariah turned her back so Falcon could undo the row of tiny buttons down the back. “ ’Tis the same dress I wore when I wed Edmond. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all; you are mine, naught else matters.”

The dress slid off her shoulders. Falcon lifted it up over her arms and tossed it aside. Her shift followed. He knelt, rolled down her stockings one leg at a time and removed them along with her shoes.

“Now your turn,” Mariah said, reaching for him. Once she had him naked, he took her hand and led her to the bed. Moments later, she found herself lying flat on her back, not quite sure how she got there. She reached up her arms to draw him down with her. Passion flared between them. He kissed her face, her throat, her breasts. Her fingers tangled in his hair as she lifted herself to rub against him, bare skin to bare skin.

He kissed and caressed her breasts, rubbed his thumbs over her nipples and then suckled her until she moaned with mingled pleasure and need. She could smell soap, his body heat, his masculinity, and went wild beneath him.

He worked his way back to her mouth and kissed her again and again as his hand found her core and teased through the folds to stroke her. She could feel her own wetness. His fingers pressed inside her while he used the heel of his palm to stimulate the sensitive bud of her desire. His fingers pressed deeper; her muscles clenched around them. And then his fingers left her.

She braced her feet against the bed and waited expectantly as his erection probed her entrance. She tilted her hips; he came into her with a single powerful stroke. He withdrew to the brink of her, then entered again, over and over, until she could hear the liquid heat of their joining, smell the scent of their passion.

Their coupling lacked the frenzy and sense of urgency of this morning; this time it was slow and sweet and thorough,
engaging all the senses. It was not just a man taking his pleasure from a willing woman. It was the joining of two people in love, sharing excitement, need, sensation and pleasure.

That knowledge raced along her nerve endings and pooled in that place where Falcon was embedded, until love overflowed and she felt herself shattering, sending her spiraling to the stars.

Falcon drove inside her in a frenzy of need; he thrust deep and then held. She heard him call out her name, felt him release inside her, and then he came down heavily on top of her, panting.

They fell asleep in a tangle of arms and legs.

The king did not leave Mildenhall immediately after the wedding feast, but decided to avail himself of a few days of hunting. On the final day of his stay, Sir John returned from Southwold, accompanied by Elizabeth and her mother. Dame Martha, supported between two guardsmen, was barely able to walk. When John saw the king sitting in the hall with Falcon, he dropped to one knee before him.