He ran to their chambers, praying she would be there. He saw her sitting on the window seat staring at the horizon. She didn’t look up when he entered.
“Eleanor.”
Her eyes were shiny from tears. Of their own volition, his arms extended toward her. Sobbing, she flew into them. His heart swelled with the need to be close. He pulled her in tightly. Stroking her back, he quietly whispered the words he should have spoken earlier.
“I’m sorry for acting the way I did today” He squeezed her tightly. “You were so brave. I’m so lucky and very thankful that I married a woman of such cunning and spirit.
“I was not brave,” she insisted between sobs. “I had never been so scared.”
He pulled her away, and bent far enough to look her in the eye. “Bravery isn’t doing something you’re not afraid of. It’s rising up to the challenge and doing it in spite of your fears.”
She laid her head back against his chest. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For saying such kind words.”
“I only speak the truth. You’re as brave as any of my soldiers. You stood up against McPhearson’s men and prevailed. To my shame, it wasn’t until now that I realized just how strong you are.”
She pulled away. “I wasn’t so brave at the cave.”
Dominick pulled her back to him. “That was not weakness, Eleanor but something entirely different.” He stroked her back once more. “You’re fighting an evil you can’t see or touch. Painful memories can’t be killed. They leave you unaware and unprepared to deal with them. The only weapon we have against them is time.”
“Then you’re no longer angry with me?”
“I was never angry, just disappointed and confused, but all we need is time.”
She squeezed him tighter. “Thank you so much for understanding.”
He pulled her back and gave her a wicked grin. “But that doesn’t mean I will give up trying.”
A smile spread across her face sending rays of warmth to his heart. “Please don’t.”
He placed a kiss on her lips. She responded warmly. Despite his vow to keep trying, he didn’t wish to push her after all she’d been through. He lifted his head. “Are you hungry? The evening meal will be served soon.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to face anyone tonight.”
“That’s fine. We will take our meal in here. Quite frankly I would like some peace and quiet, as well.”
They settled in for the night and talked into the wee hours of the morning. He knew that a war was coming with McPhearson, but for those few hours Dominick’s heart felt peace.
Chapter Twenty
“Why have you returned without Lady Eleanor?” he barked.
The soldier kneeled before him. McPhearson noticed the gash on his arm and his blood-soaked breeches.
“We nearly had her, my lord, but she got away. Murray was killed.”
“Killed?” Robert stopped pacing. “Killed by whom?”
“The woman, sir.”
“By saying the woman, you mean Lady Eleanor.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I see.” Anger brewed in him. Casually he picked up an eating dagger, toying with its tip. “Can you tell me how a girl half his size managed to kill him?” He approached the soldier, Errol who now stood straight as a pole.
“I don’t know, sir. We became separated, and I didn’t see what happened. Perhaps she caught him by surprise.”
“Perhaps.” McPhearson tapped the tip of the dagger against the man's chest. “Can you also tell me how you received your wounds?”
The Errol swallowed hard. “She stabbed me with her dagger, my lord.”
“So this slip of a girl managed to wound you and get away.”
“She was riding an Arabian. I almost had her but her horse was faster.”
McPhearson circled him once more. “So your excuse for your failure was that her horse was faster?”
Errol’s posture changed to a stance of pleading. “My lord, I will not fail you again. Please send another man with me. Together, we will capture her.”
Like lightning McPhearson buried the dagger in his assassin’s heart. He gave the knife a final twist, his victim’s body jerked. “You only get to fail me once,” McPhearson hissed, then kicked the lifeless body.
A woman screamed. His red rage hadn’t been satisfied yet. Looking around he found a scullery maid bent on her knees, covering her face from the horror. He was hard from the kill. Now he needed to satisfy his lust. In three long strides, he’d grabbed the maid’s wrist and pulled her off the floor, dragging her toward his bedchamber.
She struggled to pull away. “No, my lord, no, please.”
The more she pleaded the harder he became. He slammed through the chamber door and threw the girl on the bed. She pleaded for him to stop. Her tears irritated him.
“Silence!” He brought his fist down on her face.
The girl no longer protested. She silently laid still while he lifted her skirt and tore away her undergarments.
He slammed his manhood hard into her. Satisfaction pierced his consciousness when he punched through the girl’s maidenhead.
A virgin, even better, he thought as his excitement grew.
Her whimpering was getting louder, distracting him from reaching his climax. Angry, he placed a pillow over her face to deaden the noise. He pumped in and out of her while she struggled. Finally, climax was reached. He pressed his cock hard into her one last time.
When he pulled out he saw her virgin’s blood staining the bed robes. It was then he noticed the maid wasn’t moving. Removing the pillow, he realized the young girl was dead.
He shrugged his shoulders. “Pity. I could have used you more than one time.” He laced up his breeches, straightened his tunic, and left, not giving the girl another thought, except to tell his servants to remove her body.
He had to find Liam, and create another plan to bring Eleanor to Aurora Castle. He smiled. The image of Dominick the Immortal surrendering Godwin in humiliation and defeat was a fantasy he would not deny himself. And the thought of tasting the sweet Eleanor increased his black humor. With Godwin taken there would be no end to his power.
“King William beware, the black dog is about to bite.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Eleanor and Dominick broke their fast early, then parted company to do their own errands.
She spent most of the day tending the people of Godwin. McPhearson’s siege taxed the elderly community more than any other. She visited each of their homes making sure they had plenty to eat and sufficient firewood. After visiting four houses, Eleanor ran into Ruth who had Abigail in hand.
“Good day,” Eleanor said brightly.
“Good day to you, my lady.”
Eleanor bent down to Abigail. “How are you, little miss?”
With a child’s lack of inhibition the young girl broke from her mother’s hand and wrapped her arms around Eleanor’s knees, nearly knocking her over. “I’m fine, Lady Eleanor. See my new shoes?” The four year old showed them off as though they were princess slippers.
“Why Abigail, I think those are the finest shoes I have ever seen. You must tell me where you got them, so I may buy a pair just like them.”
“The master bought them for me. Over there at the cobbler’s.”
As she looked down at the girl, Eleanor’s heart swelled with pride for the act of kindness her husband had showed the child. “Well, you know Abigail, we must find you a pretty frock to go with those fine shoes.”
“Oh no, my lady.” Ruth interrupted. “That will not be necessary. His lordship has done so much for us already, what with taking Ethan and Matthew under his wing and all.”
Eleanor grasped Ruth’s shoulder. “Nonsense, Ruth. We all owe a great debt for what you and your husband sacrificed to save Godwin.”
Tears pooled in the young woman’s large brown eyes, which made Eleanor’s throat tighten. “He was just doing his duty, my lady.�
�
“And he paid the dearest price.” Tears threatened to spill over in her own eyes. Not wishing to cause Ruth more pain, she changed the subject. “I was just visiting some of the elders’ homes. Would you care to come and keep me company?”
“That would be lovely,” Ruth said, brushing the tears away.
“Good.” Eleanor took Abigail’s right hand as Ruth took the left, and the three of them walked to the next house.
The women spent the entire day feeding, cleaning houses, and building fires for those who could not help themselves. Many of the villagers just needed someone to talk to. Abigail charmed them with her stories and flights of fancy. Eleanor and Ruth stifled giggles at her wild tales.
They walked toward the market, Eleanor and Ruth chatting like old friends. It felt good to have a friend. Most of her childhood had been spent hiding from her father. After her mother’s death, she had to work hard, and there was no time to generate any type of friendship. But now, this felt good. They had so much in common despite their stations. Eleanor learned more about Ruth’s husband, Ralph. They had loved each other very much. When Ruth talked about him her eyes lit up, and a smile spread across her face. Eleanor hoped that some day she and Dominick would be the same.
They discovered they shared a love of gardening. Baking was another passion. And more than anything, they loved the people of Godwin.
Eleanor spotted colorful ribbons hanging from a merchant’s tent. “Come, let’s reward this wee one for all the effort she made today.”
Abigail snapped to attention. “Me. I want the red one.”
“Then it’s the red one you shall have.” Eleanor turned to Ruth. “Which one would you like, Ruth?”
“Oh, my lady, you don’t have to—”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. You have been a big help to me today, and one good turn deserves another.”
Ruth looked overwhelmed by all the pretty colors swaying in the breeze. “I don’t know, my lady, they are all so lovely. Why don’t you choose for me?”
Eleanor surveyed the many colors that waved before her and quickly spotted one of the deepest violet. “What about this one?” She fingered its satiny surface.
“It’s beautiful, my lady. Thank you.”
Eleanor paid the merchant, then took the ribbons and tied one in Ruth’s and then Abigail’s hair. When she was finished she looked at her handy work. “There. You look very beautiful. Both of you.”
“You’re very gracious, my lady.”
“Think nothing of it. I know about your gardening and baking skills. Tell me more about yourself."
“When I married Ralf I left my village. All my friends and family are still there. I have a few friends here, but it’s not the same.”
“You can consider me a friend.”
“My lady that would be wonderful.
“Yes, it would.” Eleanor was reminded that other than her children, Ruth was completely alone. “It will be good for me, too.”
The three of them walked back to Ruth’s small cottage. It smelled of spices and fresh baked bread. Eleanor and Ruth sat drinking tea while Abigail had a nap. She learned more of Ruth, her family, and the village she came from.
They were still gossiping when Ethan and Matthew entered. Both boys sat at the table and slumped in their chairs.
“What’s the matter with you two?” their mother asked.
“Lord Dominick had us working all day,” Ethan said.
“Really, what did you have to do?”
Matthew piped in. “We had to shine his and Sir Randolf’s armor. Then we had to clean out their horses’ stalls. After that was all done, we had to skin a dozen rabbits.” He sighed with exaggerated emotion.
“I don’t care if I never see another rabbit for as long as I live,” Ethan said, plopping his head on the table.
Eleanor stifled a chuckle.
Ruth put her hand over her lips to hide her smile. “Well, you’re home now boys and I have a nice hot stew to build up your strength.”
Ethan’s head popped back up. “What kind?”
“Rabbit.”
Eleanor nearly fell off her stool. Peals of laughter bubbled up from her chest. Looking over, she saw that Ruth’s hand was pressed tightly to her lips and her shoulders bobbed with mirth. The boys stared at each other in disbelief.
Once Eleanor composed herself, she realized it was time to go.
“Well it’s time I should be heading back to the castle. Thank you for a most enjoyable day. She waved to the boys. “We’ll see you tomorrow at the castle.” The boys were less than enthusiastic. On her way back to the castle she remembered the two boys and Ruth’s stew. New laughter escaped from her. She giggled all the way back to the castle.
That’s where Dominick found her, laughing as she came up the hall steps. “You know, I think that is the first time I have ever heard you laugh.”
She took his hand. “I just came from Ruth’s cottage. We were having tea when Ethan and Matthew came in. You should have seen those boys. They were completely worn out.” Humor threatened to keep her from telling her story. “Did you really have them skin all those rabbits?”
“I did.” He chuckled at Eleanor’s infectious laugh.
Eleanor told Dominick the story of the two boys. “You should have seen their faces. It was priceless.”
Dominick couldn’t keep himself from laughing. He led her to a chair and handed her a tankard of ale. She wiped away the tears and chuckled once more in her cup.
“I take it you had an enjoyable day?” He knew where she’d been because he’d had her followed throughout the village. One of his more discreet soldiers kept track of her, making sure she was safe. But she didn’t need to know that.
“Yes, it was a very good day.” She recounted everything she’d done, including her nice visit with Ruth.
Her dedication to her people made him proud. Her kindness won their loyalty, as well. He had seen so little loyalty from nobles toward their villages. “Is there anything the people need now until the harvest comes in?”
“Some of them could use more firewood. The food is plentiful. It’s just a matter of making sure the elderly eat it.”
He took a seat close to her. “What do you mean?”
“Some of them have grown too old to care for themselves. They need someone to visit them every day to see to their needs. Due to the carelessness of my father and McPhearson’s siege, some of them no longer have family to care for them.”
“This sounds like something that could best be done inside the castle.”
“I’m not sure some of them want to leave their homes. But certainly some of them have no choice. They are too old and sick to care for themselves.”
Dominick agreed. “We should find places for these people to stay. The castle interior is nearly complete, and we have more rooms than we could fill.”
“Oh, Dominick, that would be wonderful. Ruth and I can assess each person and decide who needs to come to the castle and who can stay in the village.” She looked up as a thought occurred to her. “We will need to find someone to take care of them.”
“I will leave that up to you. You have the more compassionate nature. You will know whom to select.”
“I’m glad you’re taking care of Ruth’s boys. I’m sure they will learn a great deal from you."
"I’m not sure they feel the same way after today though.”
“But you’re guiding them into manhood. That is important.”
He paused a moment before drinking his ale. “Should we find someone suitable for Ruth? Those children would be much better off with a father.”
Eleanor looked up with alarm. “Oh no, Dominick, don’t do that.”
“Why not? She’s unprotected in the village."
She bent her head in thought. “I don’t think she’s ready for another husband right now. She still hasn’t gotten over the pain of losing Ralf.”
Dominick patted her hand. “We will wait, but Ruth is much t
oo comely a woman to be left alone for long. Marriage would be for her own protection, or maybe it would be best if she were to come and live in the castle. It would only be right since her husband died for Godwin. But let’s leave this discussion for later.” Dominick rose from his chair and offered her his hand. “Let’s prepare for the evening meal.”
Eleanor hesitated. “Dominick, there is one question I must ask you.”
Her serious expression made him sit back down. “What?”
“Did you see my mother yesterday?”
Dominick paused before he spoke. “Yes. She stood next to you at the stables.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she didn’t speak for some time. “How did she look?”
“Worried. She always looks worried when I see her.”
“It must be a horrible existence, not to rest after your death. You wander around with no direction and alone.”
Dominick watched clouds of sadness cross her face. Placing his hand over hers he spoke softly. “Eleanor there is nothing you can do. Your mother must find her own peace.”
“But how?” Shooting out of her chair she walked to the hearth and stared into the fire. “How does one find the portal to Heaven? Is she trapped on this earth in a personal hell because of me?”
He reached for her. “Don’t think on this anymore. You can’t change what has happened, and one day she will find her way home.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “You’re right, but I can’t help feeling sad for her.”
“When you think of her, think of her as your guardian angel.” He could see she liked that notion. He chucked her gently under the chin. “Come, let’s change for the meal.”
“That has to be one of our better meals, I have to say.” Dominick said rubbing his stomach.
“I have to agree,” Randolf said.
They all dropped into their chairs near the hearth in the great hall, full and content. The four of them discussed the future plans of Godwin Castle and its people. Eleanor’s input gave Dominick and the others much to think about. She was surprised that the men considered her thoughts valuable. Their attention encouraged her to express her ideas for the people of Godwin. The night slipped into late evening hours. Eleanor couldn’t hide her yawn behind her cup.
Immortal Love Page 17
