by Fiona Neal
“It gets better,” he whispered and continued to hold her.
“I don’t see how,” Alice replied, feeling the most wonderful peace and complete contentment.
“Do you want me to continue?” he asked.
“Yes, I do,” she replied. I suppose there is more,” she said.
“The best is yet to come,” he replied.
“Then show me, dearest man,” she said.
He kissed her deeply and then he woke her desire again. He took his engorged member and slid it into her until he felt it would go no more.
“Does that hurt, Alice?”
“It is more like pressure than anything,” she replied.
He pressed deeper and then something gave way and he entered her completely.
“Are you still all right, Alice.”
“Oh, yes. You feel wonderful inside me.”
Edmund then slowly withdrew almost all the way and then pressed forward.
She gasped. “That feels so lovely and so arousing.”
Edmund repeated the maneuver many times, his rhythm getting faster and deeper, causing her pleasure to burgeon once again. They began moaning and gasping, and he aroused her to new heights.
Alice lifted her hips to receive his thrusts because she loved the way his flesh felt against hers. She reached her second zenith as she felt him find his release.
Edmund reclined on top of her, his face in the juncture of her neck and shoulder. He kissed her soft neck again. “Are you all right, Alice?”
“Oh, yes, I more than all right. I feel wonderful. It was all so immensely pleasant,” she answered.
“I was so afraid to hurt you,” he admitted.
“You didn’t, and I feel foolish for fearing being a wife to you.”
“Now, we are really husband and wife,” he whispered.
“Yes, Edmund, and I am so glad.” She also knew she could never petition for an annulment now, but she never wished to do that. That was the escape she thought he would take. Alice just hoped to be a good and dutiful wife to this wonderful man.
“Thank you for the best Christmas present I have ever received,” he whispered and kissed her.
“I should thank you,” she said. “The physical part of being a wife is most enjoyable, but you have done this before.”
“I have had marital relations before, but never with anyone that I loved.”
“You didn't love Isabel?” she asked.
“No, Alice, I did not love her as I love you. I respected her, I honored her, and I married her to give her a home, but I never loved her as I love you.”
She pondered his words. “So...are you happy?”
“Yes,” he agreed. “I have never been so happy.”
“I am glad,” she said. “I hope you will always be this happy.”
I love him dearly. I always shall.
* * * *
The pale light of a winter morning crept into their room subtly brightening it, as Edmund held her close in the big comfortable bed.
They had physically consummated their union a while ago, and he felt so happy, so complete. He had desired his beautiful, redheaded wife for weeks. Now, he had actually felt the deep passion that existed under her calm, composed facade. Edmund had experience the strength of her love, her ardent passion, and he could barely believe it.
Her love warmed and thrilled him. He had suspected her ardor, but now he had experienced its power and its warmth, he was overwhelmed by it. He had never been as happy as he was at this moment—except that he wished he had more money and a greater social standing.
Edmund did not wish for material things for himself. He wanted to shower Alice with all the good things of the world. Still, he did not wish to think about that right now.
Alice was his—completely his, only his—as she stayed, wrapped in his arms. He had loved her from the moment he saw her, but he knew then he could never possess her body. But fate intervened, and by some miracle he became her husband!
Now, after a little over one month's time, they had consummated their marriage and Edmund loved her more than anything else. He wished he could give her something significant—like a possessions.
Nevertheless, she did not object to marrying him. He would have heard if she did.
Alice stirred and opened her lovely green eyes. “Good morrow,” she whispered.
“Good morrow, wife.”
“I had the loveliest dream,” she said.
“It was no dream,” he replied. “We really did consummate our marriage.”
“Yes, I remember the event. It was the most pleasant thing I ever felt, but the dream was about a son that was born to us.”
“That would be a great gift,” he said.
“Well, we are both healthy, so I think it is possible gift.” She stroked his cheek.
“Yes,” he agreed, “it is very possible.”
“Would you like a son?” she inquired.
“Yes,” he whispered and kissed her brow. “I have always wanted a son and a daughter. I should love to have a family.”
“I think we’ll have a fine family.” She kissed his cheek.
Edmund suddenly felt his male member swell.
“Alice,” he said and he kissed her.
She responded and returned the kiss, and he felt that she was the greatest gift he had ever received.
“I need you very much, Alice.”
“And I need you, Edmund,” she whispered.
His hand went to her smooth breast, and he found the nipple erect. He kissed her gently, but his kiss became ravenous, and she responded to him. He caressed her, feeling that she was the most wonderful creature in the world.
The passion he felt for her became overpowering, and when she caressed his male member, he gasped with pleasure.
“That feels so good, Alice.”
“Yes, and I am glad,” she responded, “and I need you, my love.”
The anticipation of their bodies merging made his erection swell to greater lengths. He loved her so much.
He took possession of her, and shortly he felt her powerful climax. Knowing she was satisfied, he then sought his own release, which came quickly and strongly. He gasped and rested on top of her.
Edmund loved her so much, and he kissed her with all the passion in his heart. If only he could give her some possessions of worth. Not being wealthy was a great problem for him.
* * * *
Later, the next day, Edmund and Alice sat in their suite of rooms when they heard a knock, and Edith came in, looking excited and so happy.
“Alec has asked me to marry him!” Edith blurted out. She held up her hand, which bore a large, sparkling sapphire. “His father approves of the match,” she announced, her face a picture of perfect joy. “We wish to wed the second day after he becomes a knight because the day after he will take place in a joust.”
“The joust gives the new knights a chance to display their prowess,” Edmund said, walking to his sister, a smile on his face. He then gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, Edith. I wish health, wealth, happiness, and healthy children for you and Alec.”
Alice rose and put her arms around her sister-in-law. “That is wonderful news.” She kissed Edith’s rosy cheek.
“Oh, I am so happy,” Edith proclaimed. “At long last, I shall be a bride. I can barely believe it.”
“That is the best news,” Edmund replied. “Where will the wedding take place?”
“Well, I suppose I should wed at Moreton Hall, since that is my home, but Alec wants is take our vows here, so we will wed in De Winter Castle, unless his father wants to have the celebration at his estate.”
“Oh, yes,” Alice said. “Let the wedding be here. Grandfather will love it. You can always have a celebration at Alec’s home when he takes you to live there.”
“Yes, that is true.” Edith nodded. “I will suggest that. And we will ask his parents to come here, of course.”
“But first he has to take his knigh
tly vows,” Edmund reminded them, “and that will be next week.”
“Yes, it will,” Edith confirmed. “It is a solemn occasion, but that doesn't give us much time to prepare a wedding feast.”
“I don't think that will be a problem. We have an efficient staff, but I have never seen a man become a knight,” Alice admitted.
“It is sacred ceremony,” Edmund stated. “But first, Alec and the other squires who are to become knights must observe the night vigil in the chapel of the castle.”
“But while the squires prepare to become knights, we can get ready for your wedding,” Alice suggested.
Edith smiled. “Yes, I can hardly believe it. I am so happy. I love Alec so much, Alice.”
“My young sister will become a bride,” Edmund said. “It is a grand thing.”
* * * *
A week later, Edmund and Lord De Winter sat in the chapel to observe the young squires become knights. Several of the young men were heirs to fine estates, Alec being one of them. The others were landless knights from good families, as was Edmund.
The preparation for the ceremony had started the day before. All the young men took baths. Their bodies must be cleansed as a symbol of purity. The vigil had lasted ten hours at least, and even the clothes of the candidates were white. A red robe denoting nobility covered the white garb, but the men’s shoes and hose were black, a representation of death—a fate from which no man could escape.
Edmund remembered his own ceremony some years ago. He had taken the solemn vows that ruled his behavior and his life. He still faithfully adhered to the rules of chivalry and would for his whole life. It was not an onerous task. He loved his vows and held dear the code of a knight.
The night before the ceremony, while the squires had prayed and kept vigil in the chapel, their shields and swords had been placed on the altar.
Now, the candidates had just heard mass and a long sermon, which pointed out the duties of a knight.
Each candidate took his sword, pledged allegiance to his lord, and swore the following oaths and vows. The knights must never associate with traitors, never give bad advice to a lady, treat her with respect, and defend her against all. He must observe all fasts and abstinences, hear mass each day, and contribute to the church.
Lord De Winter then presented the sword and shield and ‘dubbed’ each squire who was pronounced a knight when his lordship struck the side of the sword and said, “I dub thee Sir Knight.”
Lord De Winter placed the spurs and sword on each new knight
Edmund wanted to cheer when the young men were given the title of sir. He and rest of the men then joined the ladies for a celebration.
* * * *
The next day, wrapped in heavy clothing, Alice sat with Edith in the tiered stands, shaded by heavy canvass, waiting for the joust to begin.
“This is rough sport,” Edith remarked. “I pray no one is hurt.”
“I feel the same way, but the men seem to enjoy showing off their skills,” Alice replied. “I suppose it is the same with us when we sew or embroider something we like. We like to display it to our friends.”
“Yes, I know you are right about wanting some affirmation on our good work, Alice, but I wish this event had less danger,” Edith said, and her lovely face appeared tense with concern. The betrothed woman looked frightened.
“I agree, Edith, but let us be silent because the men are about to compete,” Alice said, wanting to console her sister-in-law.
Still, the young blonde had a point. For most of the joust, Alice noticed that Edith stayed tense, and the young blonde gripped her fists tight when Sir Alec competed. The young woman became more relaxed after the new knight bested his opponent, and no one was injured.
For that fact, Alice was quite happy.
“Oh, I am glad that is over.” Edith blew out a long breath.
“Yes, I am, too,” Alice agreed, but she would be happier when Edmund finished his part in the joust.
Alice hoped the men would never have to face danger of battle, but she knew that conflict broke out, so it was a fruitless wish. Furthermore, she knew that Camden would take his revenge on Edmund and her grandfather.
Edmund won his contest, but when Sir Nigel fell in another match, Alice rose to her feet. The crowd groaned, but Sir Nigel did not stir. No one wanted to see anyone hurt, but blood stained his mail shirt. Apparently, some of the links of mail gave way, and Sir Robert had plunged the point of the lance deep into Nigel's shoulder.
“I must go to him.” Hands to her heart pounding, Alice declared and ran to the spot were Sir Nigel lay.
A group of knights lifted him on a stretcher and carried him to a large tent.
Lord De Winter and Edmund were already there with Sir Nigel’s wife, Lady Eleanor. Sir Crispin, and his wife, Lady Martha, were also present.
“I am so sorry,” Sir Robert said, tears in his brown eyes. “I did not do it deliberately. Sir Nigel is my good friend.” Sir Robert’s face was pale, and he said, “I did not mean to hurt, Sir Nigel. He is a good knight and a good man. I don’t know what happened.”
“It is not your fault,” Sir Edmund assured the man. “It could happen to anyone. Lady Alice,” Edmund called out when he saw his wife, “can you help Sir Nigel?”
Alice saw from the expression on his face that her husband was worried.
“I hope so,” she said, unsure she could. “I must assess the injury and see what must be done.”
If anything can be done, Alice thought. Nervous and frightened, she hid her emotions.
“I want a physician to examine him,” Lady Eleanor declared, bright tears streaming down her lovely face.
“Let Lady Alice just look at him,” Lord De Winter, who had been on the scene, advised her. “She worked with the apothecary nun at the abbey. She is versed in how to treat wounds.”
“All right, my lord, but when she is finished, I want the physician to tend to my husband.”
“As you wish, my lady,” Lord De Winter said.
Alice called for the men to remove the mail shirt. She also asked for hot water and clean linens. “I need to cut away his shirt. Someone give me a pair of scissors.”
A servant placed the scissors in her hand.
After she cut away the shirt, Alice saw a point of the lance had been driven deep into the muscle of Nigel’s shoulder. This was no small injury. If was severe. The force of the blow must have been tremendous to penetrate the mail shirt and the thick padded jack beneath.
Thank God, he is unconscious.
“I require my box of remedies,” Alice said, feeling nervous. She had always had a nun to advise her in the past. Now, she was completely alone. She must rely on her own judgment, which meant if she made a serious mistake, she could unwittingly kill the knight
That thought chilled her to the bone.
“The Lady Alice needs her box of remedies,” Sir Edmund said to a servant. “I believe they are in our suite of rooms.”
A servant went for her basket, and in the meantime, the hot water arrived.
Alice lost no time and quickly cleansed the wound,.
Sir Nigel moaned, even though he was unconscious.
She wondered if he had a severe head injury. He wore a heavy helmet, but he had hit the ground very hard when he fell from his horse. She must examine him for a head trauma. So Alice pulled back his lids and studied his eyes. Thank God, his pupils were the same size. She then felt his head. She felt no fractured bones in his skull. She also examined his limbs.
The servant brought her box of herbs and remedies, and Alice put the oregano in the water. The nun in the abbey had said that this herb, from the southern areas of Europe, killed any bad effects from the miasma and prevented any festering.
With difficulty and great care, Alice extracted the spearhead from his muscle, and Sir Nigel moaned again most piteously. She then washed the wound with the water in which she had put the oregano.
The wound bled, but he did not have any severed arteries, but
Alice knew she must stop the flow of blood. She took a clean needled and thread and sewed the muscle closed. She did the same to the skin. She knew some healers cauterized injuries, but she had seen better results with stitches—and much less scarring. She then covered the area with a salve the nun had given her, which was supposed to prevent infection, and then she bandaged the whole area.
“I have done all that can be done for now. His pain will be strong. This is poppy seed powder.” She gave Lady Eleanor a small vial with a cork stopper. “He will need some of this during his convalescence. There are just two doses. After they are gone, give him willow bark powder mixed with water. He must rest and have good food.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Lady Eleanor said. “You have been most kind.”
“If he should need me,” Alice said. “You know where I am. No strong drink with the medicine, or he could die. He may vomit. Poppy seed can sometimes do that to a patient.”
“Now, if you wish the physician or barber surgeon to examine him, I have no objection,” Alice said.
“I think you have done everything the physician or a barber-surgeon would have done,” Lady Eleanor said.
“He will need caregivers,” Alice told her.
“I will stay with him day and night,” Lady Eleanor let them know.
“But you will need to sleep,” Alice said.
“I will stay with him.” Sir Crispin stepped forward.
“I will also tend him,” Sir Robert volunteered. “It was my fault that he was hurt.”
“It was an accident,” Edmund said. “You meant him no harm, Sir Robert. We all know that.”
“I didn’t,” Sir Robert said, the tears in his eyes overflowing. “I should changes places with him if I could. I truly would.”
“We all know that,” Edmund reassured him. “It was an accident, Sir Robert. Stop blaming yourself.”
“We need to let Sir Nigel have some peace and quiet. Take him inside the castle. I am sure Lord De Winter would want him there,” Alice ordered. “The cold here is not doing him any good.
“Yes, indeed, I do. The man needs warmth and rest,” Lord De Winter agreed.
“I am proud of you,” Edmund said to Alice when they walked from the scene and into the castle. “You worked so quickly and so efficiently. I feel you saved Sir Nigel’s life.”
