Ruth A. Casie (8 page)

“Alice. Well thank you. Empty the trunk and help me organize this room. I’ll be here longer than I first thought.”

The sound of tramping feet caught Lisbeth’s attention. She bent her head to see its source. Two men stood at her door. Alice took control.

“Put the tub by the hearth and light the fire.” Alice turned to Lisbeth. “I’ll organize the room and your things. I’ve ordered a hot tub for you, m’lady, to soak some of the grime off.”

Boys arrived with buckets of hot water and splashed them into the tub.

“Careful now.” Alice scolded the boys. “Don’t go making a mess.” The boys left and closed the door behind them.

Lisbeth stood there staring at the tub. The steam settled on the surface. The hot water looked velvety and inviting.

“Here, m’lady, let me help you out of those things so you can take a nice soak.”

Too tired to think, Lisbeth let Alice direct her. She removed her grimy clothes and stepped into the tub. She stretched out and let the hot water leach out the stress of the day.

“Ah, m’lady.” Alice began to empty the chest and put things away. “I found some fine lavender soap.” She handed Lisbeth the fragrant bar.

The scent of the soap brought her back to another time. She wrinkled her nose and took a deep breath and relaxed. While she soaked, she gathered her energy and focused on what needed to get done. The Great Hall had been in such poor condition, she could imagine what the rest of the rooms were like. She lathered up and ticked off a list in her head. If Alex wanted her people to trust him, she would start by making certain he had a place worthy of a great leader. Restoring Glen Kirk to its former splendor would make everyone proud. The fact the king, and Alex’s family were coming—well, they would reap the benefit.

* * *

“Alice, where is my dress? I can’t wear this.” Wrapped in linen and ready to put it on, Lisbeth stared at the simple amber gown trimmed in magenta ribbon that lay on her bed. It was the one she had planned to wear to court before her parent’s accident.

“M’lady, I found it among your things. Your everyday gown was too soiled. I’ll have it back to you in the morning. Here, let me help you.” It went on easily. Alice stood back and looked at her. “You look wonderful, m’lady.”

Lisbeth gazed at her reflection in the polished metal. She had planned the gown carefully with her mother and Laura. The lines were sleek and becoming. The neckline strained to contain her ample breasts but was tasteful.

“I found slippers to match, m’lady.” Alice put them on Lisbeth’s feet.

Lisbeth looked at the soiled black dress that Alice held. Guilt weighed down her. How could she wear the bright colors? For a moment she heard her mother’s voice.
You look like a princess
. She let out a sigh.

She glided down the stairs, her mind preoccupied. There were so many things to do. The chandelier in the entry way needed cleaning, the tapestries needed to come out of storage and the woodwork needed to be scrubbed. Rooms needed to be prepared for the king and his courtiers. Someone had to send the hunters out to fill the larders. Menus needed planning and entertainment must be arranged. Did they have enough ale?

“Good eve, Lisbeth.” A startled expression on Alex’s face quickly faded. He dipped his head. “I hope your day went well.”

She entertained the notion of listing her grievances to him but fell silent. The touch of his eyes sweeping from the tip of her tiny magenta slippers to the deep plunge of the amber gown’s neckline unnerved her.

“You do me a great honor wearing my colors.” He nodded in a graceful short courtier’s bow.

His voice was deep and velvet-edged. Her checks flushed, and a chill sped up her spine. She nodded at his compliment. Her mother had specifically chosen the fabrics. Lisbeth hadn’t realized they were his colors. “It’s good to be home. I have been remiss.” She hoped her remoteness covered her struggle to control her emotions.

He gave her his hand to escort her into the Great Hall. “I understand there was a lot of activity here today.”

Lisbeth heard his quick intake of breath when they entered the hall. She glanced in silence as his gaze darted around the room.

His mouth curved into a brilliant smile. “I see your hand in this.” He slid a sideways glance at her. “Well done. It’s a Hall to make a man proud.”

His sensuous smile sent a ripple of awareness through her. Deciding to focus on his words rather than the warm sensation they caused, she reveled in his open admiration. She too was pleased with the work the servants completed.

New rushes were strewn on the floor, mingled with sprigs of lavender. The soft clean fragrance was a decided change from the smell of rotting food. Ever since she had returned, she found that the stench overpowered the room and made eating an already tasteless meal difficult. The tables were scrubbed and cleaned of grease. The scratches were filled or colored to blend with the wood. Clean linens dressed the table. Cushions with the Reynolds family crest were on the large chairs waiting for Lord Alex and Lisbeth.

She noticed Alex’s shoulders relax and his free fist unclench. She studied him and observed a variety of emotions flitter across the knight’s face. They approached the dais and took their seats.

His men swaggered into the hall loud and noisy, but stopped when they noticed Alex and Lisbeth seated and waiting. The surprise on their faces did not escape her. They filed into their seats and sat quietly—for Alex’s soldiers.

Duke wandered into the hall, his large head sweeping the lower tables looking for scraps. Lisbeth snapped her fingers and gave the dog a hand signal. His response was immediate. He slinked away and curled up at the hearth.

Out of the corner of her eye she noted Alex’s disbelief. Inwardly she smiled. The dog had taken advantage of the situation. She wasn’t surprised. Duke had played the same game with her and her father.

Alex leaned over to her. “He growled every time we approached him to get him away from the table.”

She turned to him. “He’s a little imp.”

“Little! Lisbeth. He’s a mastiff and as big as my horse.”

His eyes were bright with laughter and his smile was warm and inviting. She gave him a thorough look. He had dark wavy hair and gray eyes with a sparkle of humor. His casual smirk gave him a charming devilish look. Her gaze roamed down his shoulders to his broad chest and muscular arms. He may not have maintained the castle as he should, but what man would? He focused on taking care of the farmers and villagers. They thrived. She wondered if his broad shoulders ever tired of the burden he carried. He looked like he could take on anything. How did the dog put him off?

The mastiff’s head popped up. He let out a gentle woof. Lisbeth snapped her fingers and the dog laid back down.

The aroma that filled the hall made her mouth water. No one had to announce the arrival of dinner. Her mother’s kitchen had been renowned for its delicious meals, and she was her mother’s best student. The meals she’d eaten these last weeks were not unfit. The cook had done a good job—for a field cook. She had shooed him out and, with Ann and Eve, put the evening meal together. Now she sat back and waited.

Servers brought platters of fresh game into the hall and set them in front of Alex and Lisbeth. The artful yet conservative presentation of the food along with the delicate aroma of spiced meat grabbed everyone’s attention.

“I hope the food’s to your liking. You told me I could do anything. I gave you back your field cook.”

Lisbeth nodded to the server. He carefully placed pieces of game with a honey and ginger glaze onto Alex’s trencher.

His nostrils flared as he savored the spicy and tart fragrances. “Delicious.”

“You’ve not tasted a thing yet,” she teased.

“If the meal tastes anything like it smells, it could only be delicious.”

Her smile deepened into a rich laugh.

* * *

Alex did not miss how Lisbeth directed the dinner service with barely a nod. She would do him well when the king and his family arrived. He held his cup, which was magically kept full. He sat back, soaked in the atmosphere, drank his ale, and observed her over the rim of his tankard.

With her eyes closed, she popped a piece of meat into her mouth and savored the morsel. The tip of her tongue ran along her lips to capture the glaze.

He froze. He found himself studying her mouth. His eyes raked boldly over her. He downed the ale and held out his cup for more. There was little time left. Sooner or later he would have to tell her she was his wife.

Chapter Seven

In the late evening, Alex closed the last of the estate journals. One task done. He could hear the pounding of his heart in his ears. He hadn’t confronted Lisbeth about their marriage. He put up every obstacle in order to delay. He raised every excuse he could find but in the end he knew what stopped him. Fear she would reject him. How had he gotten in this mess?

The king’s message on the top of a very orderly pile of papers on his desk caught his eye. The bold red seal screamed for attention. He thought about the last time he saw King Edward.

“
Alex
,
are you still here?
”
King Edward came out of his private apartment.

Alex uncurled to his full height from the hard bench.
“
Yes
,
Your Majesty.
”

Early in the morning a royal messenger had pounded on his door and rousted him out of bed.
He had handed Alex the summons.
The king demanded Alex attend him.
But that was hours ago.
He had planned to leave this morning as soon as the castle gates were open
,
and instead had spent the day suffering in the small antechamber.
The room filled and emptied several times while he paced
,
cursed and finally sat and waited.
His anger long gone
,
he was resigned to the whim of his king.

“
Where is everyone?
”
The king looked around the room.
He had a surprised look on his face.

Alex followed the king’s gaze.
“
It seems
,
sire
,
I’m the last one left.
You wanted to see me—this morning.
”
Alex approached the king.

Edward’s face gave nothing away.
His slow
,
mischievous smile annoyed Alex.
What was the man up to?

“
Yes
,
Alex.
Come with me.
”
The king treaded the well-worn carpets with a lively step and led Alex up one hall and down another until Alex was certain they would end up back at the king’s chamber.
“
Ah
,
here we are.
”
The king threw the doors open revealing a large party.
Everyone quieted and made way for His Majesty.

One courtier’s voice rang out.
“
To the bridegroom.
”
Alex looked startled.
Who was the bridegroom?
Then the chaos began.

Alex
,
accompanied by King Edward through the tumult
,
was the center of attention.
His back was pounded and his arm pumped by anyone close enough to touch him.
When they got through the room
,
the king’s man brought the crowd to silence when he pounded his staff on the floor.

“
Lord Alex
,”
said Edward.
“
Say goodbye to your bachelor days.
Tonight you marry.
”

Alex felt the blood drain from his face.
He quickly summoned up his control to stall the display of any emotion.

“
You’ve succeeded where the others have failed.
Every other protector I’ve sent to Glen Kirk has gone missing.
Was it Lady Lisbeth’s beauty and charms that kept you there?
”

The mention of Lisbeth’s name among this crowd made his temper rise.
The room exploded in loud laughter.
A
flurry of activity left Alex draped in flowers and propelled onto the small dais where a veiled woman stood attended by two others.
Alex glared at the king.

Edward leaned close to ensure only Alex heard.
“
If only you could see your face.
”

“
A
word
,
sire
,”
Alex asked in a controlled quiet tone.

“
You have my full attention
,”
the king said softly as he nodded recognition to courtiers.

“
There was no mention of a marriage.
”

“
And your point?
”

“
Sire
,
I’m certain I will marry
,
but it will be to a woman of my own choosing.
”
Alex held to a thin glimmer of hope that this was all a bad hoax.

The king’s expression turned hard.
“
Do you doubt my judgment?
”

Alex looked at his king and knew all was lost.
“
No
,
sire.
”
He bowed his head slightly in submission.
“
But would you reconsider?
”
He could hear the desperation in his voice.

“
You know I have your best interest at heart.
”
Edward paused.
“
Would you give me Glen Kirk as forfeit?
”

He imposed an iron control on his face.
“
I
am grateful for your choice of wife
,
sire.
I
am a fortunate man.
”
Alex bowed.
He would never give up Glen Kirk.

The king straightened
,
clapped him on his back
,
and boomed in a loud voice
, “
Come
,
you’ll be married to your Lisbeth by proxy.
I’ve arranged everything.
”

Alex was certain he had.
He smiled through clenched teeth.

“
Lord Alex.
”
The king ushered Alex in front of a meek little man who hardly fit the elegant robes he wore.
Two of Alex’s brother’s
,
Bennett and Cameron
,
moved out from the crowd and joined him.

“
Easy
,
Alex
,”
said Cameron.
“
The king’s entertainment will soon be over.
”

Alex stood there seething.
The robed man went on and on but Alex stood rigid and remote.
Glen Kirk was worth the inconvenience of a wife.

“
Kneel
,
sir
,”
the robed man
,
sword in hand
,
demanded of Alex.
“
Kneel and prepare for the sword of courage.
”

“
Watch that sword of yours
,
Alex.
You won’t need courage
,
more likely stamina.
I
suspect you’ll be thrusting it all night
,”
shouted someone
,
sending the crowd into peals of laughter.

Every muscle tightened but Alex forced a bland disinterested expression on his face while deep down he raged.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Bryce standing by the door.
A
silent signal passed between them.

“
Steady
,
man
,”
cautioned Bennett.

“
Take your rightful place and humble yourself before your king and maker.
As you bravely and solemnly come here today
,
you have shown to all present that you are worthy and ready to care for this woman your king has chosen for you
,
from this day forward.
To take thy woman’s hand is an act of bravery only supplanted by the call to arms
”

“
Is it war he enters or Lady Lisbeth?
”
Another roll of laughter passed through the room.

Husband or not
,
Lisbeth was Wesley’s daughter.
Her name would not be dragged into this farce.
He turned to the crowd and gave them a hostile stare.

The effect was immediate.
The raucous talk quieted at once.

“
Do you understand and accept this
,
sir?
”
The little man couldn’t hide the fear in his voice.

“
Sure he does—now get on with it.
There’s no wine until this is over.
”

The king gently nudged Alex.

Alex glanced at Edward and saw something honest in his gentle smile.
The edge smoothed off his anger.
He turned to the holy man.
“
Yes
,
I
understand.
”

The sword was too heavy for the man to handle.
The tip came dangerously close to Alex’s neck but he didn’t move.
Cameron quickly interceded and helped place the blade on Alex’s shoulder.

Alex gave his brother a scathing look.

“
Mother would never forgive me if I let someone lop off your head
,”
he whispered.

“
Three times I tap thee
,
once in the name of our King
...”

A
shout rang up from the attending audience.

“...
once in the name of our bishop
,
and once in the name of our holy protector.
Now that you have knelt and been christened and tapped
,
I
declare thee ready to receive your bride.
”

The king squeezed his shoulder.
The veiled woman approached.
“
My dear.
”
The king took her hand and drew her next to Alex.

With all the solemnness the little man could muster he began.
“
We are gathered here to join this man and this woman in a binding of life.
At this day of binding
,
if any man declares any reason why they may not be coupled together
,
speak now.
”

“
It is all well with us—let them marry
,”
responded the crowd in unison.

The man turned to Alex.
“
Sir
,
do you take this woman who represents Lady Lisbeth Reynolds
,
daughter of the late Lord and Lady Reynolds to wife?
”

Alex gave the obligatory response but he didn’t hear the rest of the ceremony.

“
Lord Alex
,
I
said you can kiss the bride
,”
said the frightened man.

The room was quiet.
Whispers went through the room.
“
Who is she?
”

“
Well
,
Lord Alex?
Do you need instructions?
”
The king’s words sent a ripple of laughter through the room that soon turned into a tidal wave.

With a smile on his face that didn’t reach his eyes
,
Alex gently unveiled his proxy wife.
There staring at him with wide blue eyes and a lovely smile was Lady Barbara Kincaid.

She looked at him boldly.
Another roll of laughter filled the room.

He gave her a nod.
She was still a beauty after all the years.

“
I
know you did not brood when I declined your proposal.
”

“
No
,
m’lady.
There was nothing to brood over.
You were merely a youthful dalliance that was quickly forgotten.
”

Barbara’s eyes widened at the insult.
“
Alex
,
is there someplace we can speak?
”

“
No
,
m’lady.
I
know of none.
”

“
Did you really vow to never take a wife?
”
asked another faceless voice in the room.

He looked at Barbara.
She had a pleasant smile on her face.
How well trained she had become in the ways of the court.
She covered his affront with poise.

“
I
stand here ready to marry Lady Lisbeth.
Does that answer your question?
”
Indeed he had vowed to never marry.
The humiliation of his youthful blunder and her not-so-private rejection spread through court like a spring storm.
He hadn’t enough words to thank his father for quickly getting him a commission with a regiment that left for Wales.

“
We heard all about your brave deeds in Wales.
You returned to us much changed
,”
said Barbara.

“
Come on
,
Alex.
Kiss the bride so we can get on.
”

After four long hard years he had returned to London to find Barbara willing to renew their friendship.
He had no interest.

Barbara moved with lightning speed
,
threw her arms around him
,
and kissed him deeply
,
to the enjoyment of the crowd.

He stood cold as a statue against her assault.
“
Let’s finish this entertainment
,
m’lady.
I’ve important matters that need my attention.
”

The spectacle over
,
the bride and groom mingled with the crowd.

“
Alex
,”
his brothers Bennett and Cameron pulled him to the side.
“
We had no idea you were the intended groom.
If we’d known
,
we would have gotten you away.
We thought you and Bryce had left for Glen Kirk early this morning.
”