by Aston, Alexa
“I have no idea what it entails,” she admitted. “What is it like to couple with another?”
“At least the earl has experience,” Landon began. “He should treat you gently since you are a virgin. If you are attracted to your partner, it can be a very pleasant experience.”
She bit her lip. “I already know it won’t be. I dread it, Landon.”
“Well, it has to be better than your life in the nunnery,” he pointed out. “You will have to allow him to bed you. A wife has no choice in these matters. He’s old, though, so he won’t have as much stamina as a younger man.”
“That’s good?” she asked.
“In this case, it will be,” he confirmed. “You will suffer some pain the first time you couple because he must break through your maidenhead. There will be a small amount of blood. Not much and the pain is only the first time.” He brightened. “The good thing is that you will be a countess. You will be in charge of the keep and make numerous decisions each day in how it is run. You will belong to a great, powerful family, one respected and admired. When the earl is away defending his property, you will be left in charge of the estate.”
“I suppose it’s an improvement on the life that I’ve led up until now. At least no one will beat or starve me.”
His eyes reflected pity. “I’m sorry you were treated poorly by the nuns.”
“I wasn’t docile enough for Mother Acelina’s taste. The nuns frequently administered punishment for my imagined sins.”
He wrapped an arm about her shoulder and pulled her into him. “Then this will be a wonderful life, sweet sister, one of your own making. You may even birth children, though the earl already has his heir.” Landon kissed the top of her head. “You are the best parts of our mother and father. I know you would make a good parent. I hope that comes to pass.”
Katelyn smiled. “I would raise them to ride as Father taught us. And I would tell them stories as Mother used to do when it was time for bed. Do you remember her stories, Landon?”
He frowned. “Vaguely. It’s been a long time. Sometimes, that life at Blackwell doesn’t seem real to me. It’s as if it happened but it didn’t.”
“Do you remember Quill?” she asked softly. Being with Landon had brought back memories of the third child that completed their circle.
“I do. I never asked the king to look for him, though. He has no idea Quill exists.”
“Why? If you told the king about me and searched for so long, why would you not do the same for him?”
“Father’s last words to me were to look after you—and never tell them about Quill.”
“Why? Quill was a part of us.”
“Did you know that he was our half-brother? Since he was older than I am, Father must have bedded another woman prior to his marriage. Quill was the result. I did learn years later that Mother was supposed to marry Father’s brother, who was the heir to Blackwell. He died and she wed Father instead.”
Katelyn chuckled. “No wonder she hated Quill so. He was a constant reminder of Father bedding another woman.” She paused. “It surprises me that Quill was even brought to Blackstone Castle.”
Landon shrugged. “Mayhap his mother died giving birth to him. Or Father might have wanted his son nearby, even if he was a bastard.”
“I wonder where Quill is now,” Katelyn mused. “Everything was so chaotic that night. I wonder if he might still be at Blackwell.”
“I doubt it. Father would have protected him. I’m sure he sent Quill away. Where, I’m sure we’ll never know. Mayhap it’s for the best.”
“Does thinking of Blackwell make you sad?” she asked. “Those lands should have gone to you. You should have been the Earl of Blackwell, not merely Sir Landon de Blays.”
A fierce light came into her brother’s eyes. “I have worked my entire life to restore our family’s good name,” he said vehemently. “’Tis my fondest wish to be rewarded for my service to the king by one day gaining my own title and lands.”
“You’ll get both,” Katelyn assured him. “The king has a great affection for you and respect for your bravery.” She took his hand. “When you do acquire your own estate, promise that you will come for me if this husband of mine is dead. By the way he huffs and puffs and is constantly red in the face, I believe that will be sooner rather than later. Please, Landon, swear that you’ll take me away from Northmere and let me live with you, wherever you are.”
Landon pressed a kiss to her brow. “I swear it, Sister. I will always take care of you.”
*
Nicholas opened his eyes and listened. He heard the soft, even breaths of his sister coming from the bed. Last night, she had come to him, terrified, incapable of words. As always, he explained that she’d merely had a bad dream but Bethany insisted he come back to her chamber. The pattern had been established long ago. After Bethany awoke from a nightmare, Nicholas would sit on the bed beside her, holding her hand, until she fell asleep. Then he would remain throughout the night.
He’d learned his lesson the first time it had happened. Sleeping in the chair next to her bed only left him with a sore back and a crick in his neck. Stretching out on the floor proved far more comfortable. As a soldier, he was used to nights spent slumbering on the ground.
Sitting up, he pushed himself to his feet and went to the bed. He placed a hand on Bethany’s shoulder and shook her gently.
“’Tis almost morning. I will see you later.”
She mumbled something and rolled over so he felt free to leave. Returning to his own bedchamber, he shed his wrinkled clothes and readied himself for the day. At mass, he wondered how long it would be until his father returned. The trip to Windsor and back usually took a month if the weather was fair and much longer if the roads were clogged by mud and debris. Fortunately, it was still summer, though August would soon be done. Nicholas expected the monarch had sent for Lord Cedric to receive a report on the status of the border. He hoped that his father would return with additional soldiers. King Edward had promised when he last left Scotland that new troops would be sent at some point. Both Northmere and Ravenwood could use them.
Nicholas left the chapel after mass ended and went to break his fast in the great hall. Only he and his aunt sat upon the dais. Ellyn Mandeville was a quiet woman and, after greeting him, she left him to his own thoughts. He’d just finished eating when an unfamiliar soldier ran across the room and came to a halt in front of him. The man wore Ravensgate colors so Nicholas knew he came from their neighboring estate.
“My lord, Lord Terald sent me,” the soldier blurted out and then paused to draw a few breaths. “Ravenwood has been attacked by the Scots. They burned part of the harvest still in the fields and made off with some livestock. Lord Terald wanted to warn you to be watchful of Northmere and asked if you might lead his men in pursuit of the bandits.”
Nicholas sprang to his feet. “Sir Rafe!” he called and his uncle came hurrying toward him. As captain of Northmere’s guard, Rafe Mandeville preferred eating with their men.
Quickly, Nicholas explained the situation and then said, “I will take ten men with me, Uncle. They will remain to help guard Ravenwood while I lead a party of the Earl of Ravensgate’s soldiers. Have my horse saddled and the soldiers readied.”
Rafe Mandeville left to do Nicholas’ bidding.
Turning to the messenger he said, “Meet me in the stables. You can ride with my men and me back to Ravenwood.”
“Aye, my lord.”
“Henfrey!” Nicholas shouted.
“Right here, my lord,” said his squire, a smart lad of ten and three who watched and listened to all around him. He seemed to anticipate what Nicholas needed before he himself knew.
“Come with me. I need to don my armor.”
Within minutes, Henfrey had him suited up and Nicholas mounted Sunset. He pushed aside the bitterness that rose in him. Only a few months ago, if an attack would have occurred on Ravensgate lands, Favian would have led the Savill men against the Scots. Now
with his friend dead and Lord Terald ailing, Nicholas knew it was his duty to chase down the Scots who had dared cross the border and disrupt the peace.
He and his men rode quickly to Ravenwood. Lord Terald, looking frail and ill, met them in the inner bailey. Catherine stood at his side, holding his elbow to steady him.
“I will leave my soldiers here to look after your people and bolster your defense,” Nicholas informed the nobleman. “They can join your soldiers who remain behind along the wall walk and out on the estate. I will command your men as we hunt down those responsible for damaging Ravenwood.”
“Thank you,” Lord Terald said, his voice feeble. “I appreciate what good neighbors the Mandevilles are.”
“We must all bind together in times of trouble,” he said, knowing if he were gone Favian would have done the same for Nicholas’ family.
“Godspeed, Nicholas,” Catherine said. “I will pray for your safe return.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Nicholas turned toward his men. “You know what to do. I will return as soon as I can. Protect Ravenwood and its people to the best of your ability.”
Motioning to the Ravensgate soldiers who had arrived, he bid them to follow him. Once they left the castle walls, he set a brisk pace toward the north.
They arrived at the Scottish border without spotting anything else amiss, following the tracks left by the sheep and cattle that had been driven from Ravenwood. He raised a hand and the party came to a halt.
“We cross into Scotland now. Though we possess better weaponry and are better armed, most of you know from experience how wily the Scots can be. Keep alert at all times. We’ll recover the missing livestock and find the men responsible for burning the field.”
Nicholas explained the formation they would ride in and the soldiers fanned out across the road. He wanted them to have room to maneuver in case they were attacked and yet still be close enough to one another for protection. The band of troops quickly assembled as requested. With a swift prayer to Saint Michael for protection, Nicholas urged his force onward, sending one man to ride ahead as their scout.
Three-quarters of an hour later, the soldier returned. Nicholas rode out to meet him, wishing to hear what the man reported in private.
“I spied the Ravensgate animals ahead, my lord,” the scout confirmed. “I counted ten and five men driving them. Eight of those were on horseback. The others are on foot, urging the animals onward.”
Gazing at the landscape around them, he decided to send half of his party to the west. They would ride around the Scots and then head south toward them. In the meantime, the remainder of the men would continue to push north. Eventually, the Scots would be pinned between the two groups. Nicholas returned to the soldiers and explained his strategy then divided them into two equal groups. He led the ones riding west, having them ride fast at first and arc around before slowing to a moderate pace as they joined with the road and rode southward.
The confrontation took only minutes. The Scots were ill-equipped as usual but fought fiercely. By the time the encounter ended, every one of the invaders lay dead. It took another hour to round up the frightened animals that had scurried away from the hoarse cries and smell of blood and another three hours until they reached Ravenwood, their pace much slower with the livestock in hand.
As they headed toward the castle, Nicholas heard the cheers from the men stationed on the wall walk. Some of the soldiers veered off to return the sheep and cattle to their pens while he led the rest of them through the castle’s gates. The men trotted their horses to the stables as he went straight to the keep to report to Lord Terald.
Catherine met him as he entered the keep, her belly more rounded than the last time he had seen her, making it obvious she was with child.
She threw her arms around him. “Oh, Nicholas, I’m so glad you’ve returned.”
He heard the anguish in her voice and pulled back, searching her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Lord Terald collapsed after you left. The healer is very concerned.” Tears welled in her eyes.
Though he had planned to return to Northmere immediately, he asked, “Would you like me to stay?”
“Could you? I know your father is away.”
“I will remain with you until the morning and then return to Northmere. By then, we might know more of how Lord Terald fares.”
“Thank you.” She lifted his hands and kissed them.
“Let me tell my men.”
“Come to the solar when you are done,” she urged.
Nicholas returned to the bailey and found the Northmere soldiers had gathered, waiting for his instructions.
“Go back to Northmere,” he ordered. “Lord Terald is gravely ill. I’ve decided to remain at Ravenwood overnight and will be back home sometime tomorrow.”
He watched his men mount their horses and ride away. With a heavy heart, he returned inside the keep. Lord Terald had been more of a father to him than his own, both patient and understanding. Nicholas had enjoyed time spent with Favian and his father throughout the years. Especially with Favian now dead and Catherine with child, Ravensgate needed Lord Terald’s leadership more than ever.
Hurrying to the solar, Nicholas entered and went straight to the bedchamber within. He pushed open the door and came to stand at the foot of the bed, Catherine and the healer on each side of the nobleman. One look told him Terald Savill was not long for this world.
Chapter Seven
They arrived at Northmere just before the noon hour. Lord Cedric seemed to come alive once they entered the gates, showing more enthusiasm than he had since she’d been introduced to him.
The nobleman came and helped her from Landon’s mount. “I hope you like what you see, my lady. I am very proud of Northmere.”
“It is a most impressive estate, my lord,” Katelyn told him.
In truth, Blackwell had been the only English estate she had seen, other than the ones they’d passed by on this journey. She had few memories of her former home but she did understand how large Northmere was. As they’d ridden in, Bryce pointed out the boundaries, which stretched as far as the eye could see. Katelyn now looked up at the immense keep, which rose high in the air. To think she would soon be mistress of all of this dazzled—and frightened—her at the same time.
“We will wed today,” Lord Cedric continued.
“Today?” Katelyn squeaked.
His eyes gleamed. “Aye. I am ready to have a wife to once again warm my bed. Come. I will let my sister-in-law know. She can have Cook plan a modest feast and have the solar prepared for our wedding night.”
The nobleman strode off, leaving Katelyn dizzy at the speed of events. By the time Landon escorted her into the great hall, servants bustled about. She saw Lord Cedric in conversation with an older woman.
“Let’s meet this woman,” she suggested to her brother.
They made their way over and heard the woman say, “But Nicholas is gone, my lord. Surely, you don’t wish to wed without your son being present for the ceremony?”
“Is he on border patrol?” Lord Cedric asked.
“Nay,” she replied. “Ravenwood was attacked by a band of Scots early this morning. Lord Terald asked for reinforcements to be sent to help him and for Nicholas to lead Ravensgate men in pursuit.”
The earl noticed Katelyn and Landon had come to stand nearby and motioned them over. “Lady Katelyn, this is my brother’s wife, Lady Ellyn Mandeville. Her husband, Sir Rafe, is my captain of the guard. And this is Sir Landon de Blays, my bride’s brother.”
Greetings were exchanged and then Lady Ellyn said, “I still think you should wait a day or so for Nicholas to join us.”
Lord Cedric dismissed the idea. “It’s not as if he’s missing his own wedding. Besides, these border skirmishes break out with frequency. He could be gone several days. I prefer going ahead. Find Father Gregory and let him know the nuptial mass will take place in two hours’ time.”
He strode off, leaving
them startled. Finally, Lady Ellyn said, “Let me take you to the solar, my lady. Sir Landon, if you will have a few soldiers bring Lady Katelyn’s things upstairs.”
“Of course.” Landon bowed and left the great hall.
The noblewoman instructed for hot water to be brought in order for Katelyn to enjoy a bath. As she accompanied the older woman up the stairs, she caught Bryce smirking. Instantly, the knight’s appeal vanished. It was as if Katelyn saw his true colors for the first time. Any trust she had thought about placing in him fled. She’d thought when Landon left, Bryce might become a friend to her. Now, she wanted nothing to do with him.
Within minutes, hot and cold water appeared, brought by a bevy of servants. Lady Ellyn mixed oil into the water and the scent of vanilla permeated the solar. She washed Katelyn’s hair and unpacked her things as Katelyn bathed and then wrapped herself in a large bath sheet.
“Sit here, next to the fire,” Lady Ellyn instructed. “I’ll comb your hair. Oh, my. ’Tis so long and dark. You have beautiful hair, my dear, and your pale skin and green eyes only add to your beauty.”
Katelyn enjoyed the luxury of sitting by the fire, something rarely enjoyed at the convent and certainly not in summer. Still, she’d noticed the chill as they’d entered the keep and felt it now. She would be glad for the fire’s warmth come evening. The thought of tonight caused her to shiver.
“Is something wrong?”
“Nay,” Katelyn said weakly.
Lady Ellyn gave her a knowing look. “Are you worried about your wedding night? Did your mother explain what the marriage bed involved?”
“My mother is dead,” she said flatly. “I lived at the Convent of the Charitable Sisters from the time I was five.”
“Oh. I suppose ’tis my place to inform you of what is expected. Shall I share with you what I know?”
Katelyn started to tell the noblewoman that Landon had prepared her but didn’t think it would be deemed suitable. She merely nodded, hoping more pieces of the puzzle might fall into place.
