by Alexa Aston
“He is the man I speak of. The man I wish to wed.”
“Kenric Fairfax?” boomed Michael. “But you haven’t even known the man for a week!”
Avelyn steeled herself. “Nevertheless, I have strong feelings for him and I believe those feelings are returned.”
“I cannot begin to see how—”
Elysande reached for her husband’s hand, entwining her fingers with his. “It does sound familiar, my love.”
His jaw dropped. Then understanding lit his eyes. “You mean like us?” He shook his head. “Nay, ’twas much different for us.”
“Was it?” Elysande asked, giving him a knowing smile.
The look on her sister’s face let Avelyn know Elysande would support her in this endeavor. She breathed a small sigh of relief. Michael might take a little convincing, but Elysande already had him wrapped around her finger.
Michael huffed. “I feel protective of Avelyn.”
“And you sent Sir Kenric to London to retrieve her because you knew how important she is to me,” Elysande said. “You told me yourself what a steadfast soldier Sir Kenric is. How you could think of no better knight to bring Avelyn back to Sandbourne. You expressly told me how much you trusted him.”
“I did say those things. But I thought of him as a protector to Avelyn as he escorted her on the road. Not as a future husband.”
Elysande gave him a pointed look. “Is there something wrong with Kenric Fairfax? If so, you wouldn’t have him on Sandbourne grounds in the first place. You’ve surrounded us with the best of the best, Husband, and if that is the case,” she said gently, “then he should be fit to marry my sister. After all, I want the best for her.”
“True,” Michael grudgingly admitted. He turned to Avelyn, a grin spreading across his face. “It happens quickly, doesn’t it?”
She bit her lip and nodded. “More quickly than I could have imagined. One minute, I thought Kenric Fairfax was the most arrogant man I’d met. And the next?” She could not hide her smile. “He seemed like the only man in the world for me.”
“Then I will need to speak with him. Lord Geoffrey, too, of course.”
Avelyn groaned. “We do have a slight problem. Sir Kenric seems to be wedded to his duty as a knight and tells me he is not in the market for a wife.”
“He rejects my sister?” Elysande said angrily.
“I wouldn’t put it so strongly,” Avelyn said.
Michael spoke up. “He wants you but doesn’t know quite yet that he does. He must reconcile his mind with his heart.”
“You do understand,” she said.
He lifted Elysande’s hand to his lips and pressed a fervent kiss against her fingers. “Oh, I certainly do.”
Her sister giggled. “For now, we’ll let things remain as they are.” Elysande’s eyes lit with mischief. “But I’m sure we can think of a few ways to help matters along.”
“I’ve considered that,” Avelyn said. “I’ve decided that I want to learn to ride.”
Joy filled Elysande’s face. “You do? I’m thrilled to hear that.”
“You know I’ve always been reluctant around horses, but Kenric’s mount, Firefall, was actually quite sweet.”
“That giant beast?” Michael questioned.
“The very one. And I felt comfortable riding him. With Kenric, of course.”
“Of course,” Elysande agreed. She thought a moment. “Then I believe that Sir Kenric needs to give you riding lessons. You can excuse him from training in the afternoons, Husband,” she suggested to Michael. “That will give them a couple of hours together each day.”
“I have a favor to ask,” Avelyn said. “I may need you to find things for Sela to do during my riding lessons.” She began wringing her hands again. “Though Sela is a natural flirt and had only mentioned once in passing that she found Kenric handsome, when I told her of the attraction between us, she grew quite upset. In fact, she’s pouting in bed right now. I fear she’ll interrupt my time with him and throw herself in his path at every opportunity.”
“Hmm, that would be awkward. Do you want her to return to London?” asked Elysande.
“Nay, for she truly looked forward to her visit here. I think it’s just a petty quarrel between friends. I know we can resolve it.”
“Then I’ll think of ways to keep Lady Sela Runford occupied,” guaranteed Elysande.
Michael stood. “I leave such devious matters in your capable hands, Wife.” He bent and kissed her cheek. “I’m off to train with my men.”
Avelyn started to speak, but he raised a hand.
“And I will let Sir Kenric know that he’s to be your tutor in riding, starting this afternoon.” Michael laughed as he exited the chamber.
Avelyn looked back at her sister, who had a mischievous look in her eyes.
“So, dearest Avelyn. Now that Michael is gone, we can speak of the most important matter of all.”
She frowned. “I’ve shared the deepest matters pressing on my heart.”
Elysande smiled. “Tell me about how you feel when Kenric Fairfax kisses you.”
Avelyn burst out laughing.
Chapter 16
Kenric wolfed down his noon meal, glad to be back into a routine at Sandbourne. The morning’s training exercises had gone well. He’d worked with a young soldier who, though naturally left-handed, wished to learn to fight with his sword in his right hand. It would take many hours, but he thought the man possessed a strong work ethic and good attitude, which would be half of the battle of learning swordplay with a new hand.
He glanced up again to the dais, empty except for Lord Michael. None of the family’s women had arrived for the meal in the great hall. Kenric supposed they chose to dine together in the solar and catch up on their news. He should be relieved by not having to keep his glance away from Avelyn Le Cler’s fine figure, but her absence actually made him restless.
Kenric had thrust the beauty from his mind that morning, though he was finding it harder to do as time passed. Avelyn drew his eyes when she was in his presence, much as a magnet did. When she was gone, his thoughts constantly turned to her.
And nights?
Falling asleep proved to be an arduous task. Where once he’d been a man who dropped quickly into sleep, nowadays his thoughts lingered on the image he conjured up in his mind. Kenric longed to take Avelyn into his arms again and feel his lips upon hers. He desired her ample breasts pressing into his chest.
He slammed a hand down on the table in frustration. Reaching for his ale, he downed what remained in the cup in a single swallow. He refused to meet the eyes of those soldiers seated around him, for he feared he would appear as a love-struck fool.
Kenric glanced around the table and saw that most of the trenchers were bare and the seats around him empty. He stood and stepped away from the trestle table as a servant came and began to clear the remnants away.
“Sir Kenric—a word?”
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Lord Michael beckoning him. He headed to meet him.
“You wish to speak with me, my lord?”
Michael Devereux hesitated. The very action was so unlike his liege lord that Kenric took a small step back. Then the nobleman nodded to himself as if he came to some decision.
“Lady Elysande has need of you this afternoon. Report to her in the solar. She will elaborate upon your duties.”
“Aye, my lord.”
Kenric strode from the great hall, certain that the countess needed something regarding her beloved horses. He had never seen anyone—man or woman—as horse mad as Elysande Devereux. It wouldn’t have surprised him if she gave birth to a horse and proclaimed it the most splendid creature on earth. As her time to deliver drew near, she’d asked Kenric to be her eyes and ears in the stables since she wasn’t there as often. Now that he’d been back at Sandbourne for a day, she probably wanted a detailed report from him regarding the state of the stables.
He reached the solar and knocked. He entered when commanded and found
Lady Mary and Lady Orella on their feet, making their goodbyes. Both noblewomen gave him a smile as they exited. Kenric closed the door behind them and presented himself to the countess.
“Lord Michael said that you had need of me this afternoon, my lady. How may I be of service?”
Her lips pursed as if she were secretly amused. “Please, have a seat, Sir Kenric.”
He did as requested and waited.
“I hope you’re keeping an eye on all of the horses for me as I asked,” she began. “It’s hard for me to spend as much time with them as I would like.”
“Every horse is doing well since my return, my lady, save for one. Sir Martin’s horse was found to have a pebble in the crevice of its hoof when we arrived. The stone’s been removed. Martin and the groomsmen will keep a watch on it.”
“See that they do.” She thought a moment. “If it remains tender after tomorrow, I’ll inspect it myself and decide what should be done.”
“Very well.”
She quickly inhaled a breath of air and shifted in her chair. Stroking her belly, she said, “This one can kick as strong as any horse I have met.”
Kenric watched as her cotehardie moved, the material poking out as if someone hid under it and nudged it playfully. He’d never noticed this about a woman due to give birth and stared in fascination.
“The babe can put on quite a show at times,” she said, as her gown jumped again. “When awake, it can kick until I’m weary. But we have other matters to discuss.”
“I am at your service, my lady.”
“I wish for you to teach my sister how to ride a horse.”
This time he felt as if he had been kicked.
“You . . . wish me to teach . . . Lady Avelyn? To ride?”
“I do,” she said, nodding firmly. “I believe everyone in the country should know how to do so. Avelyn has expressed little interest. Until now.” Her eyes gleamed. Kenric wondered if she suspected—or knew—of what had passed between him and Avelyn.
“She is a tiny thing and horses are incredibly large beasts. I think she’s always been intimidated by their size. But Avelyn admitted to me that she has become fond of your horse.”
“Firefall? She . . . likes Firefall?”
Lady Elysande smiled. “She does, indeed. She said the horse was well behaved and that she trusted him when she sat atop him. And she trusts you, as well. Avelyn thinks you’re a fine horseman, my lord. So when she expressed interest in finally learning how to ride, I thought you would be the perfect tutor for her.”
“But it could take many hours—”
She waved his words away. “I’m not concerned with how long it takes, only that she’s taught correctly and feels comfortable. I agree that you’re the one who could teach her how enjoyable riding is. Naturally, you’ll be excused from training this afternoon to begin your lessons together at once.”
She gripped the arms of her chair and pushed herself against them in order to rise. “I think that Starlight would be the perfect mount for her. She has a sweet temperament and her mouth is not overly sensitive. Do you agree?”
Kenric rose. “Starlight is an excellent choice for a beginner, my lady.”
“We can see how Avelyn fares today. Report back to me regarding her progress. ’Tis one thing to ride in front of you on the way back from London and quite another to sit astride and learn to control a horse. She may be very sore by tomorrow. So we’ll see if you need to work with her each day or every other day.”
He started to protest, not wishing to miss the time training with his friends, then caught himself. Why should he speak up and prevent the one thing he wanted more than anything in the world?
Time alone with Avelyn Le Cler.
Kenric wanted it desperately, but he didn’t think any good would come of it. Still, it would give him the perfect excuse to spend part of his day with the woman who haunted his dreams and drove him to distraction. Besides, she’d be returning to London at summer’s end. Why not enjoy her company till then?
“I’d be honored to tutor Lady Avelyn in riding,” he said.
“Excellent. I thought you’d say as much.” The countess gave him a long look. “My sister means the world to me. She is my closest friend, as well as my kin. I’m trusting her well-being with you, Sir Kenric.”
“I won’t disappoint you, Lady Elysande. I promise she will become a confident rider.”
The noblewoman smiled. “She’s confident in many things, my lord. Avelyn awaits you in the stables.”
He bowed his head and made his way from the solar and out of the keep. The blood roared in his ears with each step he took that brought him closer to the stables. To be alone with Avelyn seemed like manna from heaven and Kenric swore not to waste a moment of it.
Entering the stables, he greeted a groomsman as he made his way to Starlight’s stall. Avelyn stood stroking the horse between her ears, outlining the white star that rested there against the black of her coat. One glance told Kenric that the groom had almost finished readying the horse.
“Greetings, my lady.”
“And to you, my lord.”
She dropped her hand and faced him. Kenric saw that she wore one of the riding gowns that Lady Elysande favored when she rode. It was cut so the sleeves were tight against the arms and wrists, but the skirts ballooned out in order to give freedom to ride astride. He glanced down and saw the cotehardie dragged the ground by several inches.
Avelyn caught him doing so and laughed. “This is something Elysande gave me to wear. She said my hands will be most important and that I needed to be able to see them. I had to hem the sleeves since they dipped below my fingers. I didn’t have time to cut off and hem the gown to my height, though.” She smiled. “I fear I’m a strict seamstress and couldn’t have abided a poor job.”
She gripped the cotehardie and lifted it. “It won’t matter once I’m seated atop Starlight. Elysande said if my feet are in the stirrups properly, my gown hanging over my feet won’t matter. But after today’s lesson, I’ll retreat to my room and make sure it doesn’t drag the ground when we ride the next time.” Avelyn laughed. “It was cumbersome making my way from the keep to the stables without tripping over it.”
“Your sister is right. Once atop the horse, you’ll be fine.”
The groom opened the stall door and led the horse past them. They turned and followed him, though Avelyn struggled with the gown. They reached the open area just outside the stables and the stableman handed Kenric Starlight’s reins.
“Normally, I would teach you to saddle your own horse, but I fear you’re too small to lift the heavy saddle. In the future, though, you’ll be the one to lead Starlight outside.” He grinned. “Once you’re properly attired.”
“Must we always come outside for me to mount her?”
“That’s a good question. A horse can become frightened and try to bolt if you climb on in a confined area.”
“So if I lead her myself, we can both become used to each other.”
“Aye. I’ll also teach you to check the girth before you mount, but we’ll save that, too.” He handed her the reins. “Take these in your left hand. Gather them with a tuft of the mane.”
She did so and reached with her right hand to turn the stirrup.
“Good. That’s the next step. Now hold here on the back of the saddle with your right hand so that you’re steady. Place your left foot in the stirrup. Let the ball of your foot rest comfortably on the bottom. Your right leg is balancing your weight now.”
Avelyn did as instructed.
“I’ll help you, but I want you to spring forward as I lift you.”
“And toss my leg over,” she added.
He nodded. “The last thing is to ease down. Don’t drop your weight heavily, for you might startle your horse. Think of yourself as a feather, floating down from the sky to land in the saddle. Ready?”
With a push, she took off. She weighed very little, so lifting her caused no problem. Avelyn threw her leg over
and came down gently, settling in nicely.
“Perfect. Starlight could not have asked for a better mount from you.”
She grinned. Kenric could tell she was pleased with herself.
“Keep holding the reins gently and leave a bit of the mane in your hands. That will tell Starlight that you know you are the one in charge.”
“And what will you be doing?” He heard a bit of nervousness in her voice.
“I’m going to adjust your stirrups. Don’t look down while I do so. In fact, never look down. If you do, you can’t see where you’re going. And with your head down and bent, ’twill stiffen your spine. Any stiffness in your body makes it more difficult for Starlight to carry you.”
“’Tis good to know.”
He saw her gaze steadily to the front and quickly adjusted the stirrups. “And as far as where you look? Keep your chin up and your eyes forward.”
Kenric let her sit a few minutes to grow comfortable atop Starlight and also allow the horse to become used to a new rider.
Then he said, “Close your eyes.”
“Oh!” Her eyes went wide at his command. She bit her bottom lip then squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“No,” he said gently. “Relax. Just accustom yourself to Starlight.”
Avelyn did as he asked. He allowed her to stay that way for a while.
“Now, with your eyes closed, I want you to think on this. When in the saddle, you should be able to draw a straight line. Start at your ear. Move it down to your shoulder. Then to your hip. And finally, your heel. Can you see it?”
She nodded. “I can. I can feel it,” she said eagerly.
“Open your eyes. Next time, I’ll take you out riding Firefall, so you can see my example. You want to keep your shoulders even and your back upright and straight.”
He studied her. “Very good. Never round your shoulders, especially on a long ride, for you’ll regret it the next day.”
Kenric thought a moment. “I can’t see your toes because of your gown. Point them toward the sky.”
“Why?”
“If you keep your heels down and toes up, that absorbs some of the shock of the ride.”
