by Aston, Alexa
Marielle smiled. “I am happy to accompany Faylinn to Stanbury. It will give us a chance to know one another better and I can play with Cynric and Lyssa to my heart’s delight.”
“Then it’s settled,” Lord Garrett said. “We will go to London first, since it is closer, but I doubt we’ll find the king and queen in residence. Most likely, they are at Windsor Castle making plans for their summer progress.” He turned to Faylinn. “Does this plan meet with your approval, my lady?”
“It does,” she said firmly.
A brisk knock sounded and a servant entered. “Lady Marielle, we await your presence in the hall.”
The group rose and followed the servant, where they ate their fill and then returned to the solar.
“I’ve been here a few hours now and I still haven’t learned how you gained Newbury Manor,” Faylinn said. “Lord Garrett and Lady Madeleine refused to tell me the story.”
Ashby, with Marielle and Garrett interjecting from time to time, told of going to France on Garrett’s behalf and falling in love with Marielle, though he left without voicing this since she was wed to the Comte Jean-Paul de la Tresse at the time. Marielle explained how she soon became a widow, thanks to her evil brother-in-law, who said he would make known Marielle had poisoned Jean-Paul—unless she wed Marc.
“That’s horrible,” Faylinn said, shuddering in disgust.
Marielle shivered. “You don’t know Marc. He was born wicked. When I disappeared from France, thanks to Ashby bringing me to England and Stanbury, Marc took my parents and some of my siblings prisoner. When I learned they languished in Monteville’s dungeons, I knew I must return and wed him.”
“We couldn’t let Ash and Marielle go off alone, so Madeleine and I accompanied them,” Lord Garrett said.
“It’s an ugly story, Faylinn. I won’t go into detail. Suffice it to say that the four of us managed to free the captives and seek sanctuary inside a church,” her brother said.
She frowned. “But how did that win you an estate?”
“Ash is being modest, as usual,” the earl said. “Marc seized Cardinal Corot inside the church, holding a blade to his throat.”
“My Ashby managed to save the cardinal, whom I’d known as a child,” Marielle said. “He wanted to reward Ashby for saving his life—and I suggested land was the best way to honor such a debt.”
It made sense to Faylinn. She knew Ashby had always wanted land of his own and wouldn’t think of wedding without it. Especially since Marielle had been a comtesse, he would believe she would need a home of her own.
“How did a French cardinal have land in England?” Drake asked. “I’m curious about that part.”
“Cardinal Corot has an English half-brother. The Earl of Lambert. Lambert looked after the property and helped arrange its transfer to me,” Ashby explained.
“I know you’re pleased to have your own estate, especially one so fertile and beautiful,” she said.
Her brother captured his wife’s hand and kissed it tenderly. “Nothing has meaning without this woman by my side.” He grinned. “And our babe.”
“We expect our little one in mid-October,” Marielle said. “When does yours arrive, Faylinn?”
“Near the end of October.” She yawned. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“And an incredibly long journey,” Ashby pointed out.
“Let me show you to your bedchambers,” Marielle said.
“I will sleep in the hall with the other men,” Drake said. “I bid you a good night.”
He left and Lord Garrett gave her a long look before saying to Marielle, “Am I to be in the chamber Madeleine and I used before?”
“Yes,” Marielle replied.
“I can see myself there. Mayhap you can say goodnight in private with Lady Faylinn.”
The earl exited the solar and the couple looked at her expectantly.
“What haven’t you told us, Faylinn?” Ashby demanded.
Marielle clucked her tongue. “Oh, Ashby, sometimes you are hopeless.”
His puzzled expression caused Faylinn to chuckle as he asked his wife, “What? Why do you say that?”
Marielle gave him a knowing look. “Your sister wants to speak to us about being in love with Sir Drake.”
Ashby choked. “What?” He glanced to Faylinn. “Is this true?”
She nodded. “Marielle is very perceptive, as are Lord Garrett and Lady Madeleine. Yes, I am in love with Sir Drake Harcourt—and we’re in an impossible situation.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Drake accompanied the others to the small chapel for morning mass. His mind wandered during the service. He thought of seeing Faylinn safely back to Stanbury and his trip with Lord Garrett and Sir Ashby to seek an audience with the king. Surely, King Edward would listen openly and heed advice from Lord Garrett, as well as take Faylinn’s missive into account.
He could only wonder what would happen then. How the king might punish Lady Sabelina. Then, most likely, Faylinn would return to Mallowbourne. Where would that leave him?
Mass ended and the group went to the manor house in order to break their fast. Lady Marielle said she still needed a few minutes in which to gather what she wanted to take to Stanbury. Sir Ashby had already met with his steward regarding being absent from Newbury Manor. The Stanbury soldiers left for the stables so they could ready their horses. Two grooms had already brought Starlight, Ebony, and what Drake assumed was Sir Ashby’s horse to the front of the manor house.
The three stood in a circle with their horses and he felt he needed to speak to these two men now, while he had a chance, with no others around.
“I want to thank the both of you,” he began. “You, Sir Ashby, for understanding why Faylinn needs to return to Stanbury and you, Lord Garrett, for sheltering her. I also appreciate both of you accompanying me to see the king. I realize I am a lowly knight and if King Edward has already read Lady Sabelina’s missive, he would have believed her lies. He might have even had his royal guards seize me and the missive from Faylinn might never have been read, so I am doubly grateful for your presence by my side for this journey.”
The two men exchanged a look and the earl said, “I will go and collect the women.” He handed Ebony’s reins to Sir Ashby, who watched his friend leave and then turned to Drake.
“Do you love my sister?”
“If you cut me open, my blood would sing of my love for her,” Drake said. “She’s an extraordinary, caring woman. I would do anything to have her in my life though I realize that decision is not in my hands. We both understand the babe’s welfare must be placed above all others, as it should be.”
Sir Ashby said, “If Faylinn has a son, they will live at Mallowbourne. I know it would be hard on you to see her wed to another. Garrett and I discussed it and you’d be welcome to remain at either Stanbury or Newbury Manor. It would be your choice.”
The offer touched Drake’s heart.
“I am thankful, my lord. Even when the truth comes out, there still might be some at Mallowbourne who would always look at me suspect.” He shrugged. “Besides, how could I watch another man wed my beloved Faylinn? How could I see her every day, yearning for her, and watch her as wife to another man? How could I see her belly swell with his children? It would be impossible. So I appreciate your gracious offer.”
“Faylinn could have a girl,” Sir Ashby pointed out.
“True,” he agreed, “but I cannot pin my hopes on that.”
Left unsaid was that, even with a daughter, Drake hadn’t the means to wed Faylinn and support her as a noblewoman of her stature should live. The temptation, though, to remain at Stanbury or Newbury Manor opened the door to the possibility of a life with Faylinn. If it came to that, he would allow her to make the choice.
Sir Ashby placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “If she does birth a girl, mine and Garrett’s offers still stand. You’d be welcome to live with either one of us. We can always use a knight of your skills and stature.” He paused. “If
that happened, could you love another man’s child?”
“I love Faylinn,” Drake said. “I would love her babe as my own. I would wed her the same day if that was even possible. I assure you, the child would know me as her loving father.”
“Then that is enough for now. Thank you for your honesty, Sir Drake. I will pray my sister gives birth to a daughter—for I believe you are the man for her. Faylinn had a difficult time being sent far away to wed a man so old. She deserves someone who will care for her and always place her first in his heart.”
The Stanbury soldiers rode up at that point and Lord Garrett and the women exited the manor house at the same time. The three men mounted their steeds and Drake pulled Faylinn from the ground and settled her in front of him. He wrapped an arm about her and inhaled deeply, enjoying her lavender scent. If they must separate, he would always keep a sprig of it under his pillow, taking it out and smelling it in remembrance of her.
They kept to the same pace from the day before, aware that both women carried babes within their bellies. When they arrived at Stanbury, Lady Madeleine and the two children greeted them. The countess looked surprised to see Faylinn back so soon but embraced her and invited everyone inside the keep. Lyssa and young Cynric clung to Lady Marielle’s hands, the girl chatting away as the noblewoman smiled.
He noticed Lady Madeleine give her husband a special greeting, a lingering kiss. Their love was obvious to all and Drake knew the same was true with Sir Ashby and Lady Marielle. It made him desperate to experience a life with Faylinn. His eyes met hers and her longing for him was evident. He was certain she saw the same in his, as well.
Drake went to her and whispered, “Have hope.”
He went with the other soldiers to the stables and helped care for Starlight before returning to eat in the great hall at a table with other soldiers. He did his best to keep his eyes on his food and his companions and not constantly on Faylinn where she sat upon the dais.
After the evening meal ended, Sir Ashby proved popular upon his return. He and Lady Marielle circulated around the great hall, talking to many others. Lady Madeleine said she was tired and Lord Garrett agreed to accompany her to the solar. Faylinn asked about writing her missive to King Edward and the earl directed her to his steward. She motioned for Drake to accompany her and they followed the steward to a small office, where he retrieved parchment and a quill and ink before departing.
“Will you stay with me?” she asked.
He laughed. “As long as you don’t expect me to write the missive for you. My handwriting is atrocious. I never enjoyed reading or writing but I did love when my mother read aloud to me.”
She smiled. “Then just sit with me. I need the writing to be legible so that the king doesn’t struggle to read it.”
Drake took a seat and watched her compose the missive. He enjoyed seeing her nibble on her bottom lip in thought. Then she would frown. Finally, she smiled when satisfied. She set the quill down and poured sand over the writing.
“I think I have worded it correctly. See what you think.”
She handed the parchment to him and he handed it right back.
“Read it to me,” he urged, wanting to watch her lovely, luscious lips as she did so.
“All right.”
Placing the missive in front of her, she read it aloud and then looked to him for approval.
“You have a talent with words, Faylinn. With what you have written and the three of us able to bear witness and support your story as the truth, I’m certain the king will act swiftly and see that justice is done.”
“I wonder what will happen to Sabelina?” she mused.
“As long as she’s far from you and your child, that’s all that matters,” he said firmly.
She set the parchment aside and came from behind the desk to stand before him. He rose, wishing he could kiss her.
“What if you are far from me, Drake? How will I survive if I give birth to a son?” Tears welled in her eyes.
“You are the strongest woman I know, Faylinn. If God gives you a son who’s to be the new baron, you will have your child to live for. Fight for.”
“I know,” she said, resignation in her hazel eyes. “I already love this babe so much and I have yet to see it. There’s a bond that binds us together and I would die for my child. But Drake, what if—”
“Save the what ifs, Faylinn. There’s no sense in borrowing trouble or even thinking about tomorrow, especially when we have no control over what is to come. It is up to God’s will, not ours.”
She gazed at him steadily. “We have control over now, Drake. We have tonight. Would you share it with me? Please.”
“I want to,” he admitted, placing his hands on her slender shoulders. “More than anything, I want to love you.”
“We may never have a tomorrow,” she said. “Give me this night. One night for me to know what love truly is. One night to honor what is between us. Will you do that, Drake? For me? For us?”
Faylinn’s hands cupped his cheeks and drew his lips to hers. The kiss was tender. Powerful. Beautiful.
He broke it. “I cannot resist your kiss.” Drake squared his shoulders. “One night, Faylinn. One night to share our love.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Their fingers entwined and she led him from the room and up the stairs.
*
Faylinn hadn’t known she would ask Drake to come to her bed. She knew she’d spoken from her heart, though. She loved this man.
And might never be granted a life with him.
It was up to her to capture a few stolen moments and make the most of them. Who knew how the king would respond—or where she might even be a few months from now? She must live in the here and now. Tonight might be the only time she could ever be alone with Drake again.
What they did tonight in the dark would be a shining beacon of happiness that she would retreat to for the rest of her life.
They saw no one on the stairs. An empty corridor lay before them. His fingers tightened on hers as he led her past the flickering sconces.
She came to a halt. “This is my bedchamber.”
Faylinn waited to see if he might change his mind. When he didn’t speak, she grasped the handle and opened the door. They entered and she saw a lone candle burning beside the bed, courtesy of her thoughtful hostess. She released Drake’s hand and moved toward it, bending to blow it out.
“Don’t.”
She wheeled as he strode toward her. His hands encircled her waist.
“I want to see you, Faylinn. All of you.”
She swallowed and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Suddenly, she felt awkward. Foolish for asking him to come to her bed. Already, her belly protruded and her waist thickened. She doubted he would find her body to his liking.
“May I undress you?” he asked.
Faylinn nodded again, her thoughts whirling. Drake led her to a chair and had her sit. He knelt before her and slid the baselard out before he unlaced her boots. Her mind flashed to stabbing the thief and she pushed it aside. She would not let that criminal become a part of tonight’s memories.
His fingers slid up her legs and removed her stockings, rolling them down her calves and pulling them from her feet. He placed them neatly beside her boots and then rose, taking her hands and raising her from the chair. Slowly, he removed every layer of clothing. Faylinn’s heart beat wildly, the blood rushing to her ears. Finally, she stood unclothed before him. His fingers skimmed lightly up and down her arms as he gazed upon her. She hoped he liked what he saw but was afraid to ask.
Drake turned her and then pressed his clothed body against her naked one. His hands splayed across her belly and he rubbed them in small circles.
“You carry a miracle within you, Faylinn. A life who will spring from you. You will be an exceptional mother.”
His words moved her. “Thank you,” she said softly.
One palm remained flat against her belly as the other glided up to cup her b
reast. She’d noticed they’d grown larger and more tender during their journey. He tweaked the nipple playfully as his warm lips caressed the nape of her neck. He continued to kiss her neck and tease her breasts, causing her heart to beat even faster as a throbbing between her legs began.
“I love you, Faylinn. Whatever the future holds, know there will never be another woman for me. You are my everything. My world.”
Still holding her close to him, his hand left her breast and traveled down her belly—and lower. It stopped at her curls and, once again, ran along the seam of her sex, causing her to whimper.
“I like the sweet noises you make,” he said huskily. “The ones you make for me alone.”
With that, he pushed a finger inside her and she gasped. As before, he knew the right amount of pressure to bring and how to touch her. She began moving against his hand as he nibbled on her earlobe.
“Do you like that?”
“Yes. Yes!”
As before, she came undone in his arms, that wonderful feeling of soaring higher than the highest bird traveled. Her body writhed and trembled beneath his touch. She finally went limp, spent. Drake turned her and scooped her into his arms, placing her gently on the bed. She watched as he shed his clothes and then joined her.
“May I touch you?” she asked. “I’m not sure I know how.”
He kissed her tenderly. “I am yours, my love. Do with me as you wish.”
Faylinn raised up and placed her palms against his hard, muscular chest, running them everywhere. She played with his nipples as he had hers and saw the heat burn in his blue eyes. She bent and licked one, causing him to groan. He pushed his fingers into her hair and raised her so that he could kiss her.
Their endless kisses caused her blood to heat. She’d never longed for Amaury’s touch and yet she craved this man’s caress. She couldn’t get enough of him.
Wanting to please him, she slid her hand down his body until she found his cock, already stiff and engorged. Her fingers tightened on it, causing a low groan to come from his lips. She kissed him, teasing his tongue with hers as she continued to move her hand up and down. His breathing grew quick and he broke the kiss.
