“And you, Lord Jacob.”
“Pray call me Jake.”
Lucy’s lips twitched as she darted a glance at Dominic. Dare she take such a liberty when she had already denied Dominic as much? A look at his confident expression sealed her decision.
“Jake,” she said amiably. Dominic’s eyes narrowed but he gave her a smirk and a faint shake of his head. Och, she had not succeeded in riling him. Instead he seemed amused. “I hear I am to give my congratulations on your betrothal,” she continued.
Jake’s face split into a grin and the change it made struck her. Though he was not as handsome as Dominic, he was a fine looking man.
“I thank you, my lady.”
“Lucy,” she corrected. “Will your wife not be joining us?”
“Alas, nay. She is with child and I wished not for her to make the journey. I will return on the morrow to spend Christmas with Isabel.”
She watched Dominic carefully. Though servants gossiped about Jake’s appearance, his marriage caused a greater stir. His wife, Lady Isabel, had been betrothed to marry Dominic but before the banns had been announced, she had ended up marrying Jake instead. Lucy frowned as Dominic showed no reaction.
Dominic motioned to his brother. “Come, Jake. Lord and Lady Montgomery will be eager to see you.”
“Aye, as you will. I will see you this night, Lucy. Good day to you.” He bowed his head and headed over to greet her parents.
Dominic lingered behind, securing her with his eyes. “As will I. I look forward to it, Lucy.” He lowered his voice. “Very much.”
Lucy stiffened as her chest tightened at the tone of his voice. “Good day, my lord,” she said coldly as she dipped to him.
Keeping her gaze fixed on Winnie’s back, she followed her out, ignoring the dip of Dominic’s head towards her as she left. A shiver danced over her spine and she was convinced he watched her leave.
Sucking in the cold air as they stepped out into the courtyard, Lucy stared up at the four towers in front of her. Knowing the effect that Thornewall’s lord had on her made the keep even more intimidating.
Winnie motioned with her hand. “Follow me, milady.”
They entered the dark confines of the stairwell and Winnie’s huffing echoed against the cold stone as they ascended the spiral stairs. The corridor brightened as they reached the top and Lucy followed the maid in silence as she pushed open an oak door.
The guest chambers stretched across one side of the castle and were surprisingly bright and airy. The green tinged glass gave the room a luminescent glow and the heavy blue curtains added to this effect. The cloud of trepidation that lingered on her chest eased as she stepped in and ran a finger across a sea green tapestry that occupied the entire back wall.
Lucy noted that two beds occupied the chamber, both adorned with the same blue of the curtains. “Will I be sharing with another lady?” she asked Winnie.
“Nay, milady. The younger lassies are sharing with their parents and Lord and Lady Beaumont’s daughters are visiting with their aunt. The Earl and his wife have just had a son so they did not wish to travel, though I hear tell their daughter is heartbroken. ‘Tis said she had hoped to garner the affections of our lord.” Winnie gave her an impish smile.
Snorting, Lucy dropped onto the bed and gave a little bounce, testing it. “Aye, well if she is pretty, she would likely have garnered his affections easily. Whether she could have kept them is another thing.”
“Milady, ye should not speak so. Ye sound like a bitter old maid. And ye should not listen to gossip. My lord is a good man, if a little virile.”
Lucy’s eyebrows darted up a she studied the plump old woman and she smothered a giggle at her words. She appeared honest and forthright, but Lucy liked that. She gave a small nod and grinned. “Winnie, I am an old maid. Do not let my smooth skin deceive you, I am one and twenty.”
“Och, my sister was five and twenty when she married. Ye have plenty more years left to find yerself a husband. Mayhap ye’ll find yerself one here. The other guests will be travelling in shortly and no doubt there will be plenty of fine men joining in the festivities.” Winnie bustled forward and perched on the bed next to her. “Shall I tidy yer hair, milady?”
“Aye, as you will.” Lucy twisted to give Winnie access to her hair. “I do not wish for a husband really, Winnie,” she admitted.
“Why ever not?” Winnie loosened her hair and thread her fingers through it.
“I should not like to settle for a man that merely tolerates me and I hold no hope of finding love. Men are but fickle creatures.”
“Not all men, milady.”
“I’ve yet to meet one that could persuade me in matrimony.”
“Ye’ve just not met the right one yet. Ye’d be surprised what ye’d be willing to do for the right man.” With a tug, Winnie pulled her ribbon tight and stood to admire her work. “There ye go, milady. Yer stuff will be brought up shortly.”
“My thanks.”
“Ye are a beauty, milady. I’d wager you’ll catch someone’s eye this night.”
Lucy shook her head with a wry smile. “Winnie, I should like that we become friends. I fear I have need of an ally, especially one as capable of flattery as you.”
“‘Tis not flattery, milady, just the truth, but I should be happy to attend to ye, if it pleases.”
“Aye, Winnie, I should like that very much.”
She had begun to think she would need all the friends she could get now she was under Lord Dominic’s roof. A shiver wracked her as she remembered the lord’s gaze fixed on her. Thank goodness she didn’t like him or she would be truly lost.
Chapter Three
Stepping into the Great Hall, Lucy glanced around, drawing in a sharp breath as her gaze immediately settled on Lord Dominic. His piercing eyes snapped straight to her as he talked with his brother, tracing over her gown before come to rest on her face, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Fingering her skirt, she turned away and cast her gaze over the room. Greenery had been strung up from the rafters and twisted around the minstrel's gallery and large clusters of holly sat on top of the huge fireplace and the long tables, standing out against the crisp white linen. No expense spared here, then. Holly was hard to come by in the local woods, so Dominic had likely sent out for it.
The flickering candles warmed the white walls and created an almost cozy atmosphere in the huge hall, but Lucy shuddered as she made her way to her father's side. Dominic's eyes tracked her movements and as much as she endeavored to ignore him, she could not resist flicking her gaze to him. Why did the man have to be so handsome? Her father greeted her with a nod and a fond smile as her mother fussed over her gown before Lucy pushed her hands away.
"How are your chambers, my dear?" her mother asked.
"Very fine." Stop looking at him.
"And the maids? You have someone attending you?"
"Aye, Mother. One of the maids has offered her aid for the duration of our stay." She glanced over again. Stop it, Lucy.
The clatter of plates and the scurry of servants announced the start of the meal and everyone took their seats. Lucy found herself guided towards the main table as her mother and father sat at one end and Dominic motioned for her to sit between him and Jake.
Gulping, Lucy lowered herself into her chair and the two men seated. Her body instantly heated as broad torsos enclosed her and she darted a look from side to side as her bodice tightened. Why did she have to sit here? Noting the narrowed eyes of some of the noble women, she focused on the embroidery on the linen as the warmth in her body surged up into her cheeks.
The rest of the guests settled along the long tables that ran the length of the hall, the bustle of silk and the clatter of eating knives drowning out the minstrels that played in one corner. Lucy could see the servants laying out the food on the serving table from the corner of her eye as she kept her gaze trained on the table.
“Good eve to you, Lucy.” Jake leaned over, forcing her to
bring her head up. “Are you settled in your chambers?”
“Aye, thank you, Jake.” She remembered to use his first name but didn't risk glancing at Dominic to see if he had taken note. “The hall is looking very fine,” she added, inwardly cursing her lack of social skills.
“Aye, ‘tis all Winnie's doing. No one takes more pleasure in the decorations than she. If it were left up to my brother, I fear it would not look nearly so grand.”
Dominic chuckled, shifting forward. Lucy pressed herself back into her chair. Lord, all this masculinity! It was enough to make even the strongest of women faint.
“If it were left to me, we would have but a few guests and little formality. Drinking, eating and dancing, that is my idea of a joyous Christmas.”
“Oh, indeed?” Lucy plucked at her napkin and laid it across her lap as the servants placed bowls of water on the tables. Dipping her fingers delicately into one, she wiped them on the napkin and met Dominic’s watchful gaze. “I am sorry that we interfere with your merriments, Lord Dominic.”
“Och, you mistake me, lass. A few guests, I said. You would most certainly be one of them.” He stroked a hand across his chin. “Nay, in truth, I would gladly do away with the company of everyone but you.”
“Even your dear brother?" Jake interrupted.
Laughing, Dominic rinsed his hands in the bowl and flicked some water at Jake. Lucy observed the exchange with interest. Her brother had been fostered at the age of seven to train as a knight, so she had little understanding of the bond between siblings. It was a strange thing to witness the obvious affection between them, particularly when she knew them to be half-brothers.
“Jake,” He fixed a serious expression on his face, “do you ask me if I would choose between your company and that of the lovely Lucy? For even you must agree that her company is surely far more preferable than yours.”
Jake grinned and slapped down his napkin in surrender. “Aye, I concede. Forgive my brother, Lucy, he knows not how to compliment a woman subtly.”
“And you do?” Dominic asked.
Jake opened his mouth to respond but was cut off as a servant lent over and offered some sliced veal. They lifted their plates and Lucy drew in the smell of the steaming meat.
“I’m saving the boar for Christmas day,” Dominic told her.
She nodded. Boar. Of course. Another demonstration of his wealth. She laughed at herself. It was not as if she lived the life of a pauper. Why was she being so bitter? He’s too perfect, that's why. I am looking for faults. He had them, she knew that, but he had yet to reveal them. If she could only see some evidence of everything she understood to be true about him. Lord Dominic was surely a master of disguise.
Dominic interrupted her thoughts as a servant piled food onto her trencher. “May I serve you?”
“Nay!” She bit her lip. “I mean, nay, ‘tis not necessary. I-I thank you.”
Sweet Mary, she could not handle him serving her. The thought of his blazing eyes watching her every move as he brought food to her lips sent her reeling.
He nodded briskly. “As you will.” Did she imagine the slight slump in his posture?
Pulling her shoulders upright, Lucy fixed a polite smile onto her face. As much as she disliked the man, he was their host. Somehow, she needed to keep up a polite front. “Forgive me. I am little used to being served. I prefer to serve myself. I did not mean to offend.” Did she?
Dominic considered her, that wretched smile flickering on his lips. “I know not, lass, I think you take pleasure in riling me. But ‘tis no matter. You'll not find me easily riled and I enjoy a spirited conversation. I'll not take offense at your behavior, but I know not if you'll allow me the same courtesy.”
“You-you do not offend me, my lord.”
“Not yet...” He laughed. “Pray do not look at me like that, Luce. Whatever you have heard of me, I am capable of behaving like the noble lord that I am.”
Smiling weakly, she brought her goblet to her lips and took a substantial sip of the rich red wine. The warmth of the alcohol quickly seeped into her tense muscles. The hungry look in his eyes convinced her that the gossip she'd heard was indeed correct, but what she couldn't comprehend was why it was directed at her.
~* * *~
With the tables cleared away for dancing, Lucy tucked herself into a corner, praying the shadows would swallow her up. Not only had Dominic’s attention remained on her during the meal, but she could feel the eyes of many of the nobles on her, no doubt watching for some sign of scandal. She shuddered at the thought of being fodder for the gossips. Some shameful tale of their downfall always followed the women linked to Lord Dominic.
Her parents watched her too, her mother with a bright-eyed look of hope. If her mother thought there was some chance to a match between them, then she needed to put her to rights. Men like Lord Dominic did not marry women like her.
Not that she wanted him to.
Speak of the devil. He approached confidently, his natural swagger marking him out from the rest of them men. While they feigned confidence, Dominic exuded it.
Holding out his hand, his dipped his head and eyed her from under his brow. “Will you dance with me, Lucy?”
She hesitated, glancing around as the couples took their positions. “I know not this dance.” In truth, she knew few dances, having avoided them for most of her life.
“I will teach you.”
Dominic snatched her hand and led her to the center of the floor. Her heart slammed into her chest at the touch of his fingers. Why did his touch always incite such a reaction? Glancing around, she realized she could hardly tear herself away from him. Many were watching them. Especially the women.
“Stand there,” he ordered as he stepped back.
Her eyes darted from Dominic to the other dancers who moved confidently around them. He motioned for her to step forward and she did so, bringing herself closer to him. The dancers circled one another and Lucy mimicked them. His sapphire eyes remained on her, bright and alert and her skin tingled under his scrutiny. Why watch her so closely?
Now step back,” he murmured.
She did as he bid, stepping back a little later than the other dancers. Her cheeks filled with heat but she could not tell it if was because of his examination of her or her lack of dancing ability. His eyes continued to follow her avidly and she dropped her gaze. Nay, it was Dominic who was the cause of her blush.
The dancers lined up and Lucy stumbled back, her eyes narrowing as Dominic’s crinkled in amusement. A lord and lady wove between them, working their way up the line. The lady’s hand brushed across Dominic’s chest as she passed, a flirtatious smile on her lips, and Lucy clenched her teeth together. He flicked a disinterested look at the woman before securing his gaze back onto hers.
Lucy and Dominic did the same, weaving through the other dancers until they reached the end of the line. Keeping her spine stiff, she resisted the urge to peek at him as she did so, but as they faced each other one more, his blue eyes caught hers and she could do little else but stare back.
Lord, she was getting lost in those penetrating eyes.
Stepping forward hastily, her eyes widened as his hands came about her waist. He lifted her easily and her heart came into her throat. The ladies around her squealed in delight as they too were lifted and then placed down, but surprise had struck her dumb.
“Move back,” he commanded quietly, his eyes darkening.
She faltered as she retreated, her pulse beating erratically. His look of desire confused her and she pulled her chin up. She would not be toyed with like this. It was time to wrest back some control.
They repeated the first movements and Lucy stepped confidently now. “I hear tell that you are searching for a wife,” she stated archly.
Dominic barely blinked. “Aye, ‘tis true. Why? Are you interested?”
“Hardly.” She released an unsteady laugh. “I thought you were to be married to Lady Isabel of…of Greycroft.”
“I was.
” He circled her, appraising her openly as he did so.
She followed him with her gaze, hoping he could not see through her bold look. “But it seems she married your brother.”
“That she did.”
“Are you not angry? Did she not wound your ego?”
He shook his head with a shrug. “Nay. Jake loves his wife very much, why would I begrudge him that?”
“You did not love her?”
“I love Isabel as a sister. She is a fine woman but she is better suited to my brother. I do not regret that she is not my wife.”
“She probably does not regret it either,” she said with the raise of an eyebrow.
They wove their way in and out of the line and they waited as the other dancers took their place.
“Isabel did not suit me, but a woman like you…you would suit me very much.”
“Ha, you think me foolish enough to fall for such talk? I have heard much of your reputation, Dominic of Thornewall. You would promise marriage just for the chance of a tumble. I would not give up my virtue to such a man.”
His hands came upon her waist. “That sounds like a challenge,” he said before lifting her effortlessly.
He placed her down and Lucy gaped at him, speechless. The people around them clapped as the music ceased but Lucy paid little attention. Raw desire glinted in his expression and her stomach twisted. Surely that look was not for her? He was teasing her, playing with her, luring her in so he could strike her down.
She curled her fists and clamped her mouth shut as she swiveled on her heel. She would not let him make a fool of her again.
~* * *~
Cursing, Dominic watched the sway of her bottom as she stormed up the stairs and onto the minstrel’s gallery. Hell, he hadn’t meant to be so forward, but something about her set him on edge and he couldn’t restrain himself. Montgomery had already warned him that she would not be easily swayed. And he wanted to sway her.
He wanted to sway her very much.
In truth, he had never wanted a woman so badly. As did most of the men in attendance, if their open-mouthed stares had been anything to go by. Lucy was a beauty, with one of the finest figures he had ever seen, but it was more than that. He had bedded beautiful women before, but none had ever incited such a reaction. He wanted to mark her as his. He wanted to tear the smile off every man who even tried to garner her attention.
The Borderland Legacy Page 18
