Authors: Shari Anton
Did his “intention” make Carolyn deserving of a bed in the family apartments? Likely, Edwin would take a pallet in the hall. Which left the tent to her and the girls.
“Lady Marian, if I may be of assistance?”
Edwin stood ready to help her down from the wagon. She could barely look at him, either, remembering her threat flung at Stephen to show Edwin her
gratitude
. The driver unloaded the girls. Determined to get through whatever she must until she could escape to the tent, Marian gathered her skirt of rough-weave brown, slid her feet more firmly into overlarge black felt slippers borrowed from Carolyn, and climbed out of the wagon.
With as much dignity as she could manage, with gracious Edwin’s arm for support, she crossed to the bottom stair where Stephen and Carolyn waited. Climbing the steep stairway proved no mean feat. The twins, of course, scampered right up.
Stephen grasped the brass handle on the huge oak door and swung it open. Marian entered the great hall with a shuffle, then stopped abruptly to avoid bumping into Carolyn.
“’Tis magnificent,” Carolyn told Stephen, awed.
“Impressive.” Edwin’s nonchalance didn’t ring true; his eyes reflected concern.
Marian perused the hall and understood. Edwin now witnessed the full wealth and power of the baron of Wilmont, against whose brother he contended for Carolyn. ’Twould knock the wind out of any man—or woman.
Wilmont’s great hall was designed to impress all who entered. Torches lit up the vast room. Marble carvings graced towering pillars that supported the vaulted ceiling, from which streamed gold-flecked scarlet banners. Weapons of war vied for space with exquisite tapestries along the whitewashed stone walls.
’Twas near time for the evening meal, and though no meat roasted within the massive hearth, Marian could envision an entire cow turning on the thick spit. Due to the heat, the cooking would be done in the outdoor kitchen.
Behind linen-draped tables on the dais sat two throne-like chairs of heavily carved dark wood. Behind them stood several perches, only two occupied by magnificent falcons.
Everywhere milled finely clad nobles, their jeweled chains and brooches atwinkle, gold or pewter goblets in
hand, either awaiting the meal or the baron’s return from hunting.
Marian released Edwin’s arm and whispered, “You have duties to attend. The girls and I will be fine.”
He looked at her askance. She shooed Edwin toward his rightful place beside Carolyn, then held out her hands for Audra and Lyssa.
From near the dais, a woman broke away from a group and headed for the doorway at a brisk pace. Gowned and veiled in saffron, her auburn hair pulled back in a single braid, she was utterly lovely. A genuinely pleased smile lit her face.
Stephen released Carolyn’s arm and bowed toward the woman. “Ah, Ardith. My dear, I do believe I can once again get my arms around you.”
The woman laughed lightly and stood up on tiptoe to hug Stephen. “Did I not know you meant that as praise, I would have the guards toss your handsome hide out the door. Gerard will be sorry he missed your arrival.”
“Only if his hunt proves unsuccessful, and we both know how unlikely that is. He could have waited for me.”
Ardith backed away. “Oh, you will have your chance. Come now, introduce me to your guests.”
As rank dictated, Stephen presented Edwin, then Carolyn, then Marian and her daughters to his sister-by-marriage.
Marian’s opinion of the woman rose higher when her smile never faltered for the “lady” clad as a ragamuffin.
“Gerard and I are most pleased you could attend,” Ardith said, her statement meant for all but mainly addressed to Carolyn.
Carolyn gave a slight bow. “I fear there are more of
us than you bargained for, my lady. I hope ’twill cause no hardship.”
Ardith waved a dismissing hand. “With so many about, what matter a few more? ’Tis of no import, I assure you.” Then she bent over, heedless of ceremony and her saffron gown, to face the girls. “And who have we here?”
“This is Audra.” Marian gave Audra’s hand a slight tug. Taking the hint, Audra immediately dropped into a curtsey. “And Lyssa.” Who followed her sister’s lead.
“How adorable!” Ardith said, glancing between them. “But how shall I ever tell you apart? Ah, here.” She reached out to touch Lyssa’s forehead. “You have a mark…oh, dear, a dirt smudge.” Ardith chuckled. “Never fear, I shall find some telling sign so I do not mistake your names.”
Lyssa shrugged. “Most people cannot tell which is which. Only Mama always gets it right.”
Stephen crossed his arms. “Now hold a moment. Have I ever called either of you by the incorrect name?”
Audra smiled. “Not as yet.”
A shiver slithered down Marian’s spine. Not even those who’d known the girls since birth always named the girls correctly, not even Carolyn. Bah! ’Twas merely through acute observation that Stephen had no trouble identifying the girls, not by some mystical knowledge simply because he’d sired them.
Lady Ardith tilted her head. “Mayhap that is because Stephen has some experience with twins. I am a twin, you know, though my twin is a brother.”
“Any news on Corwin?” Stephen asked.
Ardith straightened. “He and Lady Judith left here for London yesterday. Gerard thought to send a messenger
to you, but then realized you would be here nearly as soon as someone could reach you.”
“Been here and gone already?” he asked, both disappointed and visibly relieved.
“’Tis quite a story, but best left until Gerard returns. We tarry overlong in the doorway when you must all be weary and parched from your journey. The meal will be served upon Gerard’s return, but until then, please partake of the wine and ale.”
Ardith took a step, then stopped and stared at Lyssa. Marian’s stomach flipped at the intensity of the lady’s scrutiny.
“You look puzzled, Lyssa,” Ardith commented. “Is something amiss?”
Marian told her racing heart to slow down. A mother herself, Ardith had only noticed a little girl’s puzzlement, not the raven hair so close a match to Stephen’s. Sweet heaven, if she didn’t tamp down her terror at every innocent look or comment, she’d go mad within hours, or possibly give her fears away by her reactions.
Indeed, Lyssa wore an expression of fierce concentration. “I wondered…” she began, then glanced upward. “Mama, would it be bad manners to ask her ladyship if we could see the new baby?”
“’Tis never bad manners to ask a mother to show off her children,” Ardith answered. “Is that not right, Marian?”
The phrasing made Marian smile. “Never. You must be very busy with your guests, so perhaps another time would be best.”
Ardith shook her head. “Now would truly be a good time, since I should check on Matthew anyway. The tyke is adamant about timely meals. Stephen, dear, would you do me the favor of extending Wilmont hospitality to
Lord Edwin and Lady Carolyn while Marian and I take the girls upstairs?” She glanced toward the hearth. “Your mother is looking this way. Best you do the honors there, too.”
Stephen’s eyes rolled upward. “Duty calls.”
“Be gracious, Stephen. She tries hard to change her ways.”
“Only because you insist.”
Ardith’s expression turned stern, but she said not a word of reprimand. She didn’t have to. Stephen’s hands soon rose in surrender.
“Oh, very well. Carolyn, Edwin, shall we?”
Ardith’s features softened as the three left. “I hope I did not overstep, Lady Marian. I merely assumed you would prefer to come with us.”
Marian did, for several reasons, not the least of which was her state of improper dress, which bolstered her desire to get out of the keep quickly, encountering as few people as possible. Perhaps this might also be a good time to discuss Lyssa’s headaches. With that over, she and the girls could go to the tent and not have to come back into the keep.
“You assumed correctly, my lady.”
Ardith led the way toward the stairway. Marian released the girls to follow and brought up the rear, shuffling along as best she could. Curiosity turned her head toward the hearth, where Stephen presented Carolyn and Edwin to a raven-haired woman of middling years. The resemblance between Stephen and his mother was striking. His reluctance to greet her indicated the two didn’t get along well. Marian wondered why, then decided ’twas none of her affair.
Ardith called over her shoulder, “Have a care on the stairs. They are narrow and steep.”
Built for defense against intruders attempting to gain the upper floors, the stairway spiraled tightly upward. Marian couldn’t imagine trying to fight one’s way up them with a sword in hand, encumbered by heavy chain mail. ’Struth, she had a hard enough time climbing them with her only encumbrance her floppy slippers.
Halfway up, after nearly falling, Marian kicked the slippers off and carried them. Better the embarrassment of Ardith seeing her guest barefooted than having her tumble down the stairs.
Marian slipped them back on at the top of the stairs. To Ardith’s raised eyebrow, she explained simply. “Borrowed.”
“Mama lost her boots when she nearly drowned in the river,” Lyssa added.
“Lost her gown, too. Stephen saved her, but not the gown,” Audra continued.
“Stephen took off his sherte before he jumped in the water so Mama wore his tunic back to camp.”
“But she could not find her boots so she borrowed Carolyn’s slippers.”
Ardith’s eyes went wide, her jaw slackened.
Marian’s cheeks burned. “Enough, girls.”
Ardith composed herself. “My word, you did have a wearisome journey. No wonder…well, we shall have to find you better fitting footwear, at the least.”
“Oh, please, do not take the trouble.”
“’Tis no bother at all! And you must tell me the whole of this tale.”
Marian’s reluctance to relate any of the story caused her to hesitate. Too long.
“Lyssa scared me with a snake, so I ran into the rushes.”
“Mama ran into the water. Then Audra came out.
Then Mama fell over. Stephen told us to
stay put
and he dove in the river to rescue Mama.”
“So we obeyed and screamed ’cause we were scared.”
Ardith glanced from twin to twin. “I imagine you were terribly frightened.”
Lyssa nodded. “Then men came running to the river from camp and they looked for Mama but they could not find her. Then Mama came out of the woods. Stephen, too. And then we were not scared anymore.”
“Stephen said he was proud of us because we
stayed put
. Oh, and Mama, too, ’cause we were all so brave.”
Ardith smiled and put a hand on Audra’s head. “You were very brave and obedient. I am proud of you both, too.” The twins fairly beamed. “I must say I am proud of Stephen, as well. He can be very comforting to have around when one is frightened. You see, he once gave me courage when I was badly in need.”
“Did you almost drowned?” Audra asked.
“Nay, but I was in danger.” The lady’s smile faded, her eyes clouded, as if haunted. “I have been ever grateful Stephen was with me and Daymon that day to give me hope and courage. And even though he was terribly wounded, he came to help rescue us. Would that I could convince him I consider him a hero.”
“Did you tell him?” Lyssa asked.
“Oh, aye, many times, and will continue to do so until he truly hears.” Ardith’s smile returned. “I love him as dearly as my own brother, but the man can be obstinate! Now, shall we go see if the babe is awake?”
Terribly wounded
.
Marian followed along, envisioning Stephen’s scarred shoulder, the notch in his earlobe. If he’d suffered those wounds in Ardith’s defense, then why didn’t Stephen
accept his due? Most men thrived on praise for their daring.
He’d certainly performed heroically yesterday. She owed him her life, her praise and thanks, but not her
gratitude
.
S
tephen swirled the wine in his goblet, playing the part of attentive suitor, half listening to Carolyn and Lady Ursula, his mother, prattle on about the high cost of silk.
What matter? Some goods commanded a high price. A suit of chain mail, a steadfast horse, a well-honed sword. Salt, jewels, a length of silk. Since both Carolyn and his mother possessed coin aplenty to afford whatever luxuries they craved, why complain?
He envied Edwin, who’d had the good sense to offer to see to the setting up of Branwick’s tent and thus escaped this inane discussion. Armand had escaped, too, probably gone to the armory to check on his own pallet and belongings.
Oh, he could probably wander over to some other group of nobles. As a member of the family, he’d be heartily greeted—then fawned over by someone wishing to ingratiate himself to the baron through his brother. No fun there.
His gaze wandered over to the stairway, as it had several times in the past little while. Marian hadn’t yet come down. He didn’t worry over her, not while she visited privately with Ardith. Marian would ooh and aah over
the baby, then Marian might talk to Ardith about Lyssa’s headaches, the reason she’d come to Wilmont.
’Twas afterward that worried him, the only reason he remained near his mother, hoping for a private word. If not for Marian’s needs, and Carolyn’s apparent disinterest in her cousin’s plight, he wouldn’t bother.
When was the last time he’d
wanted
to speak to his mother? Not in forever. The woman had been the bane of his life since his birth. She’d not wanted to bear him, hardly spoken to him as a child, tried to manipulate him as a young man. He avoided her sharp, merciless tongue whenever possible.
Lady Ursula may have gentled somewhat over the past few years, but Stephen remembered too many shouting matches, too many vicious insults to trust her “changed” nature entirely. She’d agree to aid Marian out of a sense of duty, not compassion, but as long as Marian benefited, Stephen wouldn’t quibble over why or how.
Now, if he could only think of a way to tell Carolyn to take herself elsewhere.
“Is that not right, Stephen?”
His attention snapped back. “My pardon, Carolyn. I fear my mind wandered. You were saying?”
She smiled and waved a dismissive hand. “’Tis of no import.”
Lady Ursula tilted her head. “Indeed, Stephen, I am surprised that
you
have not wandered off. Our conversation was beyond the realm of your usual interests.”
Stephen had to admit the reprimand for his inattention a rather gentle one for his mother.
“I admit distraction. I fear I am simply not accustomed to witnessing so large and agreeable a gathering in Wilmont’s hall. ’Tis quite a change from…before.”
Before Gerard became baron and established his rights, before he married and installed his wife as chatelaine. It had galled his mother to hand over the keys, but Gerard hadn’t given her a choice. Ursula lived at Wilmont at Gerard’s sufferance. Stephen firmly believed that fear of Gerard’s power over her, not a change of heart, checked his mother’s behavior.
Lady Ursula managed a tight smile. “You must admit we have more to celebrate now than when you were young.”
She may have a point, but now wasn’t the time to ponder over past hurts, his or hers.
“Actually, I was thinking Carolyn might have some interest in returning to her tent before evening meal, to refresh herself. The roads to Wilmont were dry and dusty.”
Carolyn glanced down at her gown. “Oh, my.”
“As I thought.” Delighted with his flash of insight, Stephen signaled for the nearest serving wench. “Maeve, Lady Carolyn’s tent should be set up by now. Be a dear and show her the way, and assist her if need be.”
Maeve’s eyes widened in wonder. His mother’s eyes narrowed.
Carolyn glanced toward the stairway. “Marian—”
“She will be down when Lady Ardith deems it convenient.”
Carolyn glanced from Maeve to the stairway. “I would not wish to disturb her ladyship.” She gave his mother a slight curtsey. “My thanks for your forbearance, Lady Ursula.”
Carolyn nearly ran out of the hall to change her gown.
“Stephen, you just sent a kitchen wench to play maid
to a lady. Whatever were you thinking, especially when her own maid is upstairs and could have been fetched?”
“Marian is not Carolyn’s maid, Mother, but her cousin, with rank to match.”
“But her clothing!”
’Twas exactly as he’d feared, that people would take one look at Marian and deem her beneath regard because of her less than elegant garb.
“We suffered a mishap on the road, and I fear Lady Marian’s belongings bore the worst of it. Is it possible to find her a suitable gown and footwear before supper? I do not want her subjected to more embarrassment than she has already endured.”
She stared at the stairway. “Lady Marian must be sorely tried to find herself in such straits. Now I know why Ardith took her upstairs to the family quarters. Mayhap Ardith has already seen to Lady Marian’s needs.” Her brow furrowed. “A cousin of Carolyn’s you say?”
“Marian is a de Lacy.”
“Ah. Well, then, I shall find something decent for her to wear for tonight, at least.”
Ursula headed for the stairway.
“Mother.” When she stopped and turned around, he uttered words he rarely used where she was concerned. “My thanks.”
She looked at him for a long time before her slight nod acknowledged the unaccustomed civility.
After she disappeared up the stairway, Stephen once more perused the room, contemplating which group might provide the most entertainment or simply cause him the least trouble.
The great hall’s huge doors burst open, and in walked
his brother, a falcon perched on his arm, several men trailing in his wake.
Saved
.
Gerard, baron of Wilmont—big and blond and obviously in a good mood—searched the room, likely looking for his wife. Stephen angled across the hall to stand square in Gerard’s path.
Once spotted, Stephen bowed to Gerard’s widening smile. “I fear Ardith is upstairs caring for the babe. You will have to settle for me for company.” He noticed the splotches of blood staining Gerard’s gray tunic and hands. “What happened?”
“A rabbit should know better than to challenge a horse for right to the road. Stupid creature got stomped on and then flipped up onto my lap.” Gerard handed his bird off to a falconer, then punched Stephen’s arm. “Come up while I change. You can play my squire.”
“Where is Thomas?”
“Cleaning the blood off my horse.” Gerard made for the stairway; Stephen kept stride. “How went your journey?”
“Eventful, but I want to hear about Corwin first.”
Stephen allowed his brother to lead up the stairs and down the hall to the lord’s chambers, slowing his stride when he passed the room used for the children. Muffled giggles told him all was well within.
The largest room on the upper floor, the lord’s chamber reflected the personality of its occupants. The large, four-poster bed accommodated Gerard’s size; the elegant draperies surrounding it bespoke Ardith’s taste. The simple clothing chests mirrored his brother’s forthright manner; the carving of a rose, sitting atop a large oak table, hinted at his wife’s whimsy. A clay washbasin on a simple stand revealed practicality.
As Gerard washed, he told Stephen a fantastical story of how Corwin had ridden off to rescue Judith Canmore and ended up thwarting a rebellion against the crown of England.
“He is in Westminster now to report on events to King Henry, and to ask royal permission to marry Judith.”
Stephen whistled low, shocked at his friend’s daring. “A royal heiress for a Saxon knight? Will Henry allow it?”
Gerard rummaged about in a trunk and came up with a white linen sherte. “We shall see.”
To a rap on the door, Gerard answered “Come!”
Gerard’s squire, Thomas, a brown-haired gangly young man, entered the room and closed the door behind him. Amused, he bowed toward Stephen.
“Talk has it you come home a hero, my lord Stephen. ’Tis not often you jump into rivers to rescue near naked women.”
Gerard’s eyebrows shot upward. Stephen groaned, wondering how Armand and the wagon drivers had related the tale. Damn, he should have told them all to keep their mouths shut.
“Marian fell in the river and got caught in the current. I was closest at hand to go after her, is all.”
Gerard crossed his arms. “I see. Bathing, was she?”
Stephen recognized the stance and tone of voice, accusatory and disapproving. Hellfire, the last thing he wanted was one of Gerard’s lectures.
“Nay, Gerard, I was not spying on a woman at her bath. She was fully clothed when she fell in, but ’twas necessary to remove her gown so I could haul her in to shore.”
“Necessary?”
“Aye, necessary.”
“Hmm. Marian? I thought your intended’s name is Carolyn.”
“Marian is Carolyn’s cousin. I invited her to come with us to talk to Ardith. One of her daughters suffers from severe headaches. She and the girls are with Ardith now.”
Thomas handed Gerard a deep blue tunic stitched in silver. “Armand says Lady Marian is exquisite.”
Utterly exquisite, whether fully clothed or in a wet chemise. Armand should have averted his eyes when Marian stood up in the water, but how could he be angry at the man for looking when he’d feasted on the sight himself? Stared hard and long at Marian’s lush curves, at rose-tipped breasts and the shadow at the juncture of her legs. Instead of divesting her of the chemise and taking what she so blatantly offered, he’d covered her with his tunic.
He knew he’d read her state of mind aright, but perhaps stated his case badly. She’d misunderstood. At no time did he mean to imply she would swive any man who might have come to her rescue. Still, for acting nobly, he now suffered her scorn.
“Armand should mind his tongue!”
Taken aback, Thomas tilted his head. “Armand also says her daughters are pretty, and that Lady Carolyn is quite beautiful. Is he wrong to so describe them?”
Stephen reined in the temper he hadn’t realized he’d let show. Why should he be angry because Armand paid the women compliments? But for some reason he objected to the squire voicing his opinion about Marian, probably because of how much of Marian Armand had seen.
The woman was driving him mad, scrambling his
wits. Last eve she’d offered herself up to him and today she wasn’t speaking to him.
He wanted Marian so badly the very thought that another man found her attractive fired his jealousy and churned his innards. One way or another he had to banish this craving for Marian. The best way to ease a craving was to satisfy it. He knew every private nook within Wilmont’s walls and a few without. ’Twould not be difficult to find a place, only arrange a time.
Except he suspected the lady he craved was no longer willing.
Stephen put his hand on the door latch. “Both women are beautiful, both girls pretty. Armand, however, should not be speculating on the attributes of his betters. Until later, Gerard.”
He left the chamber and slammed the door behind him.
Gerard slipped the tunic over his head, wondering what in the devil had gotten into Stephen.
“Thomas, does my imagination run amuck, or is Stephen overly sensitive on the subject of Lady Marian?”
“If so, then our imaginations run the same way.”
“I wish to talk to Armand.”
“At once, my lord.”
Ardith laid the babe in the cradle, then returned to her chair to rearrange her disheveled gown. “There. That should keep him happy for another few hours. I cannot fathom having to nurse twins. You must have been sore and exhausted all the time.”
Marian leaned back in her chair, the only other large piece of furniture in the children’s room. “I was. ’Struth, I no sooner finished calming one than the other needed feeding or changing, or so it seemed.”
Marian glanced over at Audra and Lyssa, who’d taken up position on the thick pallet belonging to Everart, Ardith’s three-year-old son. Everart sat with his half brother, six-year-old Daymon, on Daymon’s pallet. With wooden soldiers arrayed all about them, the girls warred with the boys, taking turns capturing the nursemaid’s pallet that lay on the floor between the contending armies.
While she wasn’t sure playing at war a good idea for the girls, the two so rarely had the chance to play with other children that Marian didn’t take issue.
Ardith chuckled softly. “Look here. Daymon considers himself a master strategist. He is scheming again.”
Indeed, mischief sparked the boy’s green eyes, as green as Stephen’s. ’Twas a mark of the males of the family, Ardith had explained. Both blond-haired, green-eyed boys resembled their father, while the newest babe, Matthew, bore his mother’s auburn hair and azure blue eyes. While one might think Ardith would show a marked preference for the children of her body, she seemed to love Daymon as much as her own.
Unusual for a noblewoman to lovingly accept her husband’s illegitimate offspring. But then, Ardith and Daymon had been through some trial together, so perhaps had grown close because of it. Ardith hadn’t elaborated on the event for which she considered Stephen a hero.
Unusual, too, for a noblewoman to nurse her babes. Most preferred to hire a wet nurse. Stephen considered the woman remarkable and Marian was inclined to agree.
Daymon let out a war cry and swooped down on the nursemaid’s pallet, scattering wooden soldiers over all three pallets and the floor. A thorough victory. The girls squealed their delight.
“Gets it from his father,” Ardith commented wryly, then stood up. “As much as I would prefer to hide out up here, I have guests below. First, however, we must find you better-fitting footwear.” Marian opened her mouth to object; Ardith raised a staying hand. “I will not have one of my guests falling on her face in the hall. Indulge me.”
Marian didn’t have time to answer. At a rap on the door, Ardith open it to admit three beautifully garbed women. Marian didn’t recognize the two who carried boots, but the third, with a sky-blue gown draped over her arm, was Stephen’s mother.