“My duty,” he replied.
His mother’s face brightened. She knew him well, and she knew how much duty mattered to him. She was counting on duty overpowering his feelings for Kezia. Even he didn’t know how the balance would tip.
“So, in the meantime”—she rose and smiled as if nothing had happened—“I suggest you come and greet our guests.” She paused. “It would be unseemly not to. It would create ructions where none existed.”
“Only because you have brought her here! I don’t want her, Mother.”
“You will want her. You’ll want what she can give you, anyway. Your father married me, a woman with no money, and lived to regret it. I’m doing both of you a favor. Go back, meet Alice, talk with her.” She placed her palm against Rufus’s chest, just above where the thudding in his chest quickened with anger. “You will not be sorry.”
“Mother, I’m sorry already. I’m sorry for your pain, for your loveless marriage with my father, and I’m even more sorry that you intend to punish both Kezia and myself.” He pushed himself off the door and opened it. “I’m going to go inside and tell her she’s had a wasted journey.”
“No!” Lady Charlotte said quickly. “You would make a fool of me. Please. At least let her eat with us tonight, and then, if you are still of a mind, then you may tell her to leave.” She pressed her palm harder against his chest. “Will you do this for me, mon fils?”
How could he refuse? One night. That was all she asked of him. And it would stop the family name from being marked as rude and inhospitable. But what about Kezia? He would have to play out a charade in front of her. But he’d make it up to her. Later.
Chapter 14
Kezia had noticed the visitors when she’d first arrived but had made herself scarce. She knew that anyone with her new social status of wife to the eldest son should have come forward to be introduced to the strangers but after a lifetime of avoiding strangers, old habits died hard. In the forests, strangers signaled danger. And she still felt that, even though with each passing day this place was becoming home to her. So instead of joining the family with their guests, she’d managed to slip up to the bedchamber unnoticed.
From her window she could see the sea, and out the other window, the waters of the flat land, and the boats which plied the rivers and waterways. It had been a hot day in this sunniest of English counties. The warm evening breeze was both a balm and a warning at the same time. A balm because the bitter winter and spring were well and truly past, but a warning because she knew the time was nearly upon them when they’d fight their enemy. And what then?
“Milady!” said a maidservant entering the room. “You should be downstairs.”
Hawise had become more of a friend to her than a maid. “Should be? No, I don’t think so. I’ll remain here. What they wish to occur will happen better if I’m out of the way.”
The maidservant made a grumbling sound. “You do know who it is, don’t you?”
“No. Nor what she wants.”
The maidservant stood with her hands on her hips. “She wants your man; that’s what she wants.”
Kezia grimaced and looked away. She might like Hawise but she wanted no one to see the pain she felt at the thought of Rufus with another woman.
“Well?” It didn’t sound as if Hawise was going to let her get away with saying nothing.
Kezia sighed and turned from the window. “Well, what?”
“What are you doing to do about it? You can’t just let this lady come in and take your place.”
Kezia shrugged. “How can she while I’m still here?”
Hawise grunted and began going through the chest where Kezia kept the dresses Katherine had passed on to her. “Don’t you want to know who she is?”
“All right!” Kezia had been dying to know, but had refused to ask. “Who is she?”
“Lady Alice de Courcy.”
Kezia blinked hard. That was the name of the family whose castle the de Montmorencys stole. Lady Charlotte wasn’t wasting any time.
“And apparently Lady Charlotte has invited Lady Alice here to get to know Rufus better, in case you’d like to know.”
Kezia swallowed. “Go on. What else do the castle gossips say?”
“Lady Charlotte believes my lord will annul your marriage once he sees what Lady Alice can bring to the family.”
Kezia turned away and closed her eyes as she imagined the scene below, centred around a woman who was simply waiting for Kezia to leave, before she took her place, and her man.
“I told the gossips they were wrong. I told them that he wouldn’t forsake you, but he will if you don’t put up a fight.”
“Fight!” Kezia brushed away the feminine things which lined the shelf. “I’ve done nothing but fight my whole life long.”
“It is the feminine kind of fighting that’s required now.”
The maidservant held up a dress which Kezia hadn’t seen before.
“Where did that come from?”
“Lady Katherine. She won’t miss it, she has plenty others, besides she’s grown too busty for it now.” She held it up to Kezia. “It’ll suit you. Put it on.”
“What’s the point?” she said, taking the dress and laying it on top of the chest.
“The point is to fight for what is yours!” Hawise said. She pointed to the floor, beneath which the sounds of voices could be heard coming from the hall. “That woman is nothing compared to you. She’ll be nought like you in my lord’s bed.”
Kezia spun round, startled. “How do you know about what goes on in my lord’s bed?”
The woman grinned. “We have ears, my lady. You think your pleasures escape us?”
She closed her eyes at the memory of their lovemaking—at the way Rufus made her feel, and the way she made him feel. None of that was imaginary. They were meant for each other, even if he knew it not. But he would. She felt the stirrings of her warrior spirit. She had to fight on two fronts, that was all. One out there in the world, fighting for her new home and family, and another, personal fight within, fighting for her man, and her place within that home. She had no other choice.
Without turning, she beckoned Hawise. “You’re right. Dress me, Hawise. And make sure I look stunning enough to seduce my husband from under the nose of the woman who everyone wishes to be his wife.”
“Aye, my lady.” Hawise called another maid, obviously believing help was required if she were to manage that feat.
And it wasn’t until Kezia stepped into the gown—a rich ruby red, with an undertunic of pure white, that she began to think that she might, just might, pull this off.
“Ow!” Kezia clamped her hand against her head, as Hawise pulled and twisted her hair into a plait.
“If you want to look like a lady, then you have to suffer, just as they do.”
Kezia had never imagined a lady suffering so. But did as she was bid and hoped that whatever she was doing with her hair wouldn’t make her look a laughingstock.
“There.” The maid stepped back and looked at her critically.
For a horrible moment Kezia thought she hadn’t pulled it off. Then the maid’s face broke into a wide smile, and she nodded. “You’ll do. You’ll give that wench downstairs a run for her money.”
She passed Kezia a mirror. At first glance, Kezia thought she was looking at someone else, and she was pleased. Because while she didn’t think the old Kezia, the insignificant woodland version, could compare to the peerless beauty downstairs, this new stranger just might.
Without her loose hair framing her face, this stranger’s face reflected back at her was revealed in full sunlight. Eyes that were intelligent, with a feline slant, and the red of the dress brought out the green in her eyes. Her skin was unfashionably colored by the sun, which stopped her from looking completely ladylike, but it brightened her eyes, making the green eyes stand out further. And her lips, with the stuff which her maid had added, looked plumper, and her cheekbones with the hair tightened behind were high and sharp. She
looked imperious and fierce. She looked like someone who would win.
Kezia grinned at Hawise. She handed back the mirror and embraced her. “Thank you. You’ve made a lady of me.”
“Not me. All I did was add a slick of beeswax lip balm on your lips. I brought the lady out in you. She was there all along.”
With Hawise’s words echoing in her head, Kezia swept out the room. It wasn’t until she stood on the bottom steps, her hand on the iron latch which led into the hall, that she hesitated, nerves sweeping over her. The last time she’d tried this, on the very first night she’d arrived at Wanham Castle, she’d made a fool of herself. Since that time, she’d tried to stay invisible to everyone other than Rufus. She clenched her hands into fists. But it seemed her time for invisibility had run out. She needed to be seen if she were to retain a hold on the life, and the man, she wanted.
With her heart pounding more than it ever had before and her mouth dry as she swallowed hard, she hesitated. Hawise gave her a little nudge.
“Go on. You’ll be all right. I’ve told Sam to make sure you get a glass of the best for courage. But from then on, you mustn’t let a drop touch those sweet lips. He’ll ply the others, but you must keep your wits about you.”
Kezia nodded, thanking heavens for the unexpected kindness of the people she’d befriended since she’d arrived. She took a deep breath, stood as tall as she could and swept into the room. She could feel the heat flush her face as all eyes turned to her, but she lifted her chin higher in response. Sam, the manservant, bowed and offered a glass of wine, which she took with a sweeping gesture and turned to the group.
Her rival sat beautiful and poised in the center of the hall with the others, looking like she owned the place, in a way Kezia never could. Kezia had never felt quite so insignificant before. She felt her confidence quaver.
Katherine came up behind her and followed her gaze.
“Lady Alice is indeed very beautiful,” said Katherine.
Katherine’s words made the bile rise to her mouth. She twisted away. “Yes. Very.”
But Katherine grabbed hold of Kezia’s hand before Kezia could pull away. “And so are you.” Katherine tugged Kezia toward the group who sat around the strangers. As soon as she approached the other woman turned to her, her face an impassively beautiful mask. Kezia was shocked at how separate the young woman looked, as if she were suffering and had placed her mind at a distance for protection.
Someone spoke, but the young woman ignored her. She looked aloof, and yet Kezia could see that there was fear in those eyes. She suddenly felt sorry for the other woman. She smiled and walked up to her. There was a collective gasp from around them which she ignored. Instead she kept her eyes on the woman who Kezia guessed to be around her own age, but had the appearance of someone much younger. Kezia bowed. “Lady Alice.”
Lady Alice’s aloof exterior broke little by little, a flutter around the eyes, and a quirk of the lips, and she smiled, a warm smile which showed what she kept hidden. William sighed and nodded his thanks to Kezia. She frowned a little, confused at William’s thanks. Kezia was about to turn away but Lady Alice looked panicked.
“Lady Kezia. It is an honor to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you. Please, be seated beside me,” she said quickly, looking around.
Kezia wondered about this girl-woman who looked so beautiful, and yet was so contained. She went to sit, but the girl indicated the other side. Kezia was intrigued, and so did as she was bid.
For that moment they were alone. People were talking but no one else was close. It seemed the girl was brought here for a purpose but was ignored.
“My lady,” said Kezia, shifting her robes, which were more voluminous than she was used to. “Welcome to Wanham.”
Lady Alice gave a short, brief smile. “I doubt you truly welcome me.”
Kezia wasn’t used to nobility speaking their minds and instantly warmed to Lady Alice. She swallowed. She wasn’t yet ready to entirely take Lady Alice into her confidence. “And why would you say that? You are a guest in our”—she hesitated slightly over the word before continuing—“our castle.”
Kezia instantly regretted not meeting honesty with honesty. Alice’s lips contracted ruefully and she shook her head sadly and looked forward. Kezia followed her gaze to William who was watching them both.
She wondered how she could backtrack and talk openly with the lady again. Such an approach would be preferable to trying to compete.
“You are right, my lady. When I heard why you were here, I didn’t welcome you.”
Lady Alice leaned in to her with a concentration which puzzled Kezia. “Ah, yes. And I am sorry for it. If I could have had my way, I wouldn’t have come.” Her gaze flickered to William once more. “Even…”
“Even?” prompted Kezia.
Lady Alice smiled at Kezia. “It doesn’t matter. But what does matter is that I must tell you that what my mother and Lady Charlotte want will not come to pass. It is obvious that Lord Winterton is in love with you.”
Kezia opened her eyes in surprise.
Lady Alice’s smile broadened. She dipped her head even closer to Kezia. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you walked into the room.”
Kezia turned and met Rufus’s intense gaze. It sent a shot of heat deep inside her, as she understood his gaze. She suddenly felt like a lady for the first time since she’d arrived at the castle. He was taken aback by her appearance and wanted her in a new way. She could sense it. She struggled in a jerky intake of breath and turned back to Lady Alice, whose eyes crinkled with recognition.
“You see? My mother’s plans will not eventuate. You are safe from me.”
“I… I am sorry then that you are suffering at the hands of your mother’s plans.”
Lady Alice looked straight ahead with her own special smile. “I am not suffering. I am glad I came.”
Kezia followed her gaze and found William once more standing at a distance from them, meeting Lady Alice’s gaze with warmth.
“Do you know William?”
“Aye,” was her only reply.
Suddenly Lady Alice’s mother could be heard talking to Lady Charlotte.
“She appears icy but I’m sure she’ll warm under your son’s care.”
The words were easily heard above the other murmured small talk and Lady Alice colored and stiffened. The ice around her froze once more, the warmth in her gaze for William retreating in an instant.
Lady Charlotte muttered soothing words and changed the conversation but it wasn’t long before the visit came to an end and Lady Alice and her mother left the castle.
Kezia stood and waved to Lady Alice as they rode away, feeling she was bidding farewell to a friend, rather than the rival she was supposed to be. She shook her head and sighed and walked straight into Rufus.
He took hold of her hand and pulled her to him, claiming her mouth in a kiss that wasn’t a kiss, but a branding. She pressed her hips to his, satisfied to feel his instant arousal at her touch. His hands shifted to her bottom, his fingers fanning out over her gown and drawing her even more fiercely against him, as his kiss deepened.
Eventually they drew apart, breathless with desire, his hands cupping her cheeks, his forehead pressed to hers. “I want you now.”
She tried to shake her head, to deny him what he wanted but he wasn’t to be denied. He took her by the hand and they ran, unnoticed, up the back stairs to their room where they were too impatient to undress completely. With the gown loosened and her breasts open to the exploration of his mouth, she jumped up and curled her legs around his hips. He thrust into her, as she gripped his shoulders, with the oak door for support, which banged a little with each thrust, increasing in regularity until she cried out and his mouth suckled her neck. In that moment she’d have done anything for him. He was hers, and she was his. They were one, lost in a united, infinite pleasure.
Slowly their breathing returned to normal, and her legs slid between his hands back to the floor. She qu
ivered, deep inside, with the aftershocks of her pleasure, and her thighs were wet from his seed. Even this aroused her. And she wanted more.
“Christ, to think Mother wants me to forgo you for that milk-fed girl, more ice than fire,” he murmured against her neck.
“She is not icy, Rufus!” exclaimed Kezia, frustrated on her new friend’s behalf. “She’s deaf! Could you not see that?”
“Deaf?” Rufus frowned and shook his head, as he let her go. “Nay. I would have heard.”
“Ha!” she said, readjusting her clothes. “Are you trying to jest? Because if you are, it’s not working.”
“No, woman!” he said. “I’m saying that there has been no rumor of her deafness.”
“And why is that, do you think? Maybe something to do with her mother not wanting people to know? She is hard of hearing, Rufus, especially on one side. She had to lean in to hear anything. Didn’t you notice how her mother repeated things and how Alice watched her lips?”
Rufus shrugged. “It matters not.”
“Not to us, maybe,” said Kezia, her neck arching back to receive yet more of Rufus’s kisses. “But to Alice… I feel sorry for her.”
“Do not waste your feelings on Alice. She has wealth; she will be all right.”
But as Rufus continued to explore her body with his lips, her mind drifted to William, and how Alice looked at him, and he at her, and she did feel sorry for her. Until Rufus’s lips met a part of her body which blew any thought from her body. Then, it was just Rufus and Kezia. And pleasure.
Chapter 15
Kezia looked up into the sky, shot with pale orange with threads of fiery red edging the fluffy clouds, and knew that yet another clear day lay ahead.
The recently built church—the tallest building around—picked up the first glow of sunrise. It was a thing of wonder, taller than anything she’d ever seen before, and sturdily built with the flints from the local beaches. It was a beautiful place to live with lands that were naturally rich and could be prosperous again, especially under William’s loving care. She’d never imagined she’d find such a home. But—her gaze lifted once more to the sea—it was the sea which fascinated her, the sea which held her attention and made her mind wander, imagining what the lands beyond it were like, how the people lived and whether they had kings who were better than their own.
Defending His Lady (Norfolk Knights Book 4) Page 15
