“Colin is right,” Eric said. “The lad deserves praise for a job well done and I myself will raise a glass or two with him.”
A chorus of “ayes” circled the hall and tankards began to flow with ale and wine and were passed from hand to hand until one reached Hope.
She took it without hesitation, knowing the drink would dull her senses and the pain.
Eric raised his tankard high. “To Harold, a lad of courage.”
“Harold,” the crowd echoed his name, raised their glasses and swallowed back their drinks.
Hope joined them, the wine spilling from the corners of her mouth, though she did not care. She was too sore to care about anything. She wondered how anyone could survive being a young lad. She had suffered more bruises, cuts and pains since assuming a lad’s identity than she ever had in her entire life.
The drinking and feasting continued with Faith casting a questioning eye to Harold as he downed glass after glass of wine.
The night activities grew more boisterous, or so Hope thought. The singing grew louder, the laughter more robust and voices seemed to resonate throughout the hall, which was a good reason for Hope to continue drinking the offered wine. Wine was known to dull the senses—or was that heighten the senses?
She shook her head at her own confused thoughts.
“What troubles you, lad?” Colin asked, leaning closer to Hope.
Hope smelled the sweet wine on his warm breath and felt the swell of his arm muscle next to her … and then there was the scent of his hair—like spring rain.
“Nothing,” Hope said with a sense of disappointment for what would never be. Holding hands. A first kiss. A tender touch.
“You need a woman.”
Hope choked on the wine she had just swallowed.
Colin hit her on the back.
When she caught her breath, she spoke. “I need nothing.”
Colin lowered his voice to a whisper. “The first time is always the most difficult, but you learn after that, and besides—after a fight you need a woman.”
Hope lowered her voice, too embarrassed for anyone to hear them, but too curious not to ask, “Why?”
“A rush of excitement. It follows any fight or battle. It rushes the blood and stimulates the senses and makes your passion run hot and heavy until you want nothing more than to drive yourself into a woman.”
Strangely enough, she understood him. After her unexpected encounter she felt she was ready to face down the Devil himself with a sense of determination that could not be denied.
“Pick a pretty woman for yourself, lad. You deserve a night of fun.”
Hope was fast to respond with an adamant, “Nay.”
Colin grinned. “There is always a first time, Harold.” She gave a careless shrug like a lad indifferent to his remark.
“I know you are not ignorant of the act itself. You are too intelligent not to know the intimacies of a man and woman. So I assume you are nervous about your first time… a common enough reaction.”
Nervous?
If he but knew how she looked forward to sharing the intimate union with a husband of her choice. Someone she cared for and loved and someone who felt the same about her. And love made a difference when two people shared intimacy. She had learned that by listening to the men and from watching the Devil and his wife and Borg and Bridget. Aye, love certainly did make a difference.
“Perhaps a good talk man to man would ease your worries,” Colin suggested when no answer was forthcoming.
It was an interesting prospect… learning about intimacy from a charming rogue.
She purposely gave pause before answering, allowing Colin to believe that the lad was seriously considering his suggestion but was reluctant to agree.
Colin placed a hand on his shoulder. “I think a talk would do us both good.”
Hope was about to agree when Colleen worked her way between them to refill their tankards, an action that was also a blatant effort to capture Colin’s attention.
And how could she not succeed, with her full breasts practically shoved in his face.
Colin turned on his charm and with a touch here and a kiss there and a pat where his hand had no business being Colleen bent to whisper in his car, and he agreed with a laugh and a shake of his head.
He looked around Colleen at Harold. “We will talk soon, lad.”
Hope could not hide her disappointment or annoyance. “I need no talk from you.” She stood and shoved her way past a surprised Colleen. Ignoring all around her on the dais, she stormed off to the kitchen.
Several glances followed the lad’s departure, including that of a concerned Colin. He was about to tell Colleen that another time would be better when Faith stood up.
“The lad’s wounds need cleaning and tending,” she said and with a kiss to her husband’s cheek and a whispered promise of her hasty return, she walked off.
Colleen captured Colin’s attention once again and with a quick promise to himself to speak with the lad soon, he and Colleen left the hall.
Faith discovered that Harold had left the kitchen as fast as he had entered it, commanding Lady to follow him. Rook of course went along with them both since he followed after Lady wherever she went. It was becoming more and more apparent that they did not wish to be without each other.
Love had struck them both. Faith found Harold at the healing cottage. He was sitting at the table, his face in his hands, softly crying. Lady whined just as softly in sympathy with her head on his lap and Rook looked completely helpless sitting beside her.
The dogs did not announce her entrance nor did Harold realize he had company. He simply continued to cry.
Faith entered the cottage and soundlessly shut the door, closing the world out so that Harold would have his privacy. She approached him slowly. Though the tears were gentle ones Faith recognized the sorrow behind them, and it was with a kind voice she asked, “You care for him as only a woman can, do you not, Hope?”
Chapter Fifteen
Hope raised her head slowly and with a gentle swipe of her finger wiped the tears from her eyes. “How long have you known?”
Faith smiled at the feminine lilt in her cultured voice. “Since first we met.” She joined Hope at the table, taking the seat opposite her. “I cannot understand how Colin mistakes you for a lad. Your wide eyes alone speak of femininity.”
“It has nothing to do with my appearance. A man simply would not think that a woman of good breeding would do something as shocking as disguising herself as a young lad and taking off on her own. The ridiculous thought is not even considered, so therefore Colin would accept how I present myself—a scrawny young lad alone in the world.”
Faith nodded in understanding. “And a man would also think a woman too vain to cut her long hair.”
“That was difficult.” Hope grimaced. “I did it in haste before I could change my mind.”
“Was it worth it?”
Hope wiped at the last tear that slipped down her cheek. “I have learned much about life and have learned what it is to truly have a friend.” Her tears started again. She could not stop them, nor did she want to.
Faith reached a hand out to her and Hope grasped at the comfort she offered. “I understand how you feel. My husband is my best friend and I would have it no other way. He and I care for each other in ways many would not understand. And I can only assume that Colin touched your heart by befriending the lad.”
Hope nodded and took a moment to collect herself. “He was so kind to him, feeding him when he had stolen his food, protecting him and seeing to his care when he was injured. Other men and women I met couldn’t care less if the lad lived or died. Colin has taught me much about friendship.”
“And by having a chance to come to know him, you have come to care for him.”
Hope shook her head at herself. “Foolish. I think myself in love and I barely know the man.”
“Do you?”
“Why of course,” Hope protested. “The thought
is ridiculous. I am probably just enamored by him, as so many women are.”
“There is that possibility,” Faith agreed, “though you do not speak of his good looks or his charm. You instead speak of his true nature, which you have come to recognize and understand and admire.” Faith smiled and patted Hope’s hand. “You looked past that charming mask he wears and saw a man worth loving.”
“I always thought that when love struck it would be sharp and that my emotions would soar to such dizzying heights I would not be able to deny it. But this?” she shook her head, trying to make sense of her own confusion.
“I sometimes think that love sneaks in when we least expect it.”
“Did it with you and Lord Eric?”
Faith grinned like a young girl in love. “Aye, it sneaked up on me and then struck full force until I thought I would go mad for the want of him. But I am glad for the way love found me. I came to know my husband and I discovered he was a good man whom I could easily love.”
“There is a kindness to the Devil that many do not see.”
“Your disguise as a lad has afforded you a rare insight into people; men in particular, I think.”
Hope laughed, recalling her journey with the men. “Aye, that it has and I do not regret a moment of my adventure.”
“How long do you plan on continuing your charade?”
Hope looked puzzled. “You do not intend on informing Lord Eric of my identity?”
“Heavens no,” Faith said with surprise. “I would not betray your confidence, and besides—” She giggled. “I wish to see Colin’s face when he learns you are the young woman he searches for.”
Hope’s own smile faltered. “I did not plan on revealing my identity to him. I thought it best if he never knew.”
“Why?”
“He would think I made a fool of him and then I would lose his friendship, and that would hurt not only him but me.”
Faith sounded upset. “But you care for him. How can you simply walk away?”
“What choice do I have? I must wed according to my uncle’s arrangements.”
“Eric would intercede on your behalf. You must at least give Colin a chance to come to know you as a woman, as Hope.”
“Hope is not that different from the lad. She is stubborn and determined like him.”
“Then she must also possess the courage and strength the lad demonstrates,” Faith insisted.
“Some call it foolishness.”
“Fools all of them,” Faith said with a laugh.
Hope laughed in spite of her mixed emotions. “Will your husband not grow angry with you if he discovers that you kept my secret?”
“Honesty means much to Eric and I would not lie to him, but I see no reason for him to question me about the lad’s identity. He assumes you are who you say.”
“Then he would be angry with me if he discovered my deception,” Hope said, growing upset.
“Aye, it would probably disturb him. You have, after all, caused many to worry.”
“It was not my intention to cause worry. My uncle and aunt know me well, and I had often expressed interest in taking off on an adventure. And many times they attempted to dissuade me.”
“But you were determined,” Faith said.
Hope attempted to explain her rash actions. “Even as a child I felt the need to explore and learn. I was forever curious and forever asking questions. My parents indulged me and encouraged me. I was lucky that when I went to live with my aunt and uncle they did likewise. But for all my adventurous ways I also knew that I must do what was expected of me. I suppose that was why this particular adventure was so important to me. I realized it most certainly would be my last. And I so wanted to taste life at its fullest.”
“And have you?”
Hope thought a moment and shook her head, her eyes gentle in their sadness. “I feet I have barely begun and my heart is heavy with regret, for I know my time is limited.” Her expression turned serious. “You will not stop me when I decide it is time to go?”
Faith was honest. “I must know your intentions first.”
Hope understood she only wished to protect a friend and so she confided her plans to her. “I will return to Croom Abbey and have the sisters send word to my uncle.”
“I must insist that you allow me to have someone accompany you to the abbey so I know that you are safe.” Faith sensed her reluctance, and added, “Someone I trust and who will keep your confidence.”
Hope nodded. “I thank you for caring and for your help and friendship.”
“You would do the same for me; of that I have no doubt.
“Aye, I would, you need only to ask.”
Faith smiled. “Then we are true friends, are we not?”
Hope reached out and they grasped hands. “Aye, we are and I am grateful. I have so missed speaking with a woman.”
They were sharing an herbal brew when Eric entered the cottage and Hope instantly reverted back to the guarded stance of the young lad.
“You told me you would not be long and I grew worried,” he said, his potent size filling the small room.
Faith was honest in her response. “Harold needed a friendly ear to listen.”
Eric went to his wife, his hand resting on her shoulder. “Then you are lucky, lad, for my wife listens well.” He paused and smiled. “That is, to all but me.”
Hope laughed softly. The love the Devil had for Faith was so obvious it was palpable and the strong emotion helped ease the ache in Hope’s heart.
“I listen,” Faith said, feigning indignation.
Eric enjoyed teasing his wife; she proved to be a worthy adversary. “Aye, and then you do as you wish.”
Faith leaned her head back to rest against her husband’s solid stomach and to look up at him with a smile that stirred his blood. “I wish to do something now.”
“Be careful what you wish for, wife,” he warned in barely a whisper, as if he fought to control his passion.
Hope, realizing their exchange grew heated, decided her presence was not needed and stood. “I think I need the night air.”
“You do not feel well?” Faith asked, concerned.
“Leave the lad be; he knows of what he speaks,” Eric said and nodded his silent appreciation.
Hope returned his nod and hastily left the cottage, Lady and Rook on her heels.
The dogs decided her direction, heading straight toward the cooking area for a night treat.
No chill touched the night air, making it clear that spring had come to stay. The dark sky was clear with a partial moon and hundreds of stars winked repeatedly across the sky.
Hope hugged her arms and smiled. She had learned to appreciate the night’s beauty, especially the night sky; it never failed to please the eye or warm the heart with its majestic splendor.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she had not eaten much at the evening meal. “A fruit tart would do well right now.” She picked up her pace to catch up with the eager animals.
A charming voice in the darkness stopped her as she was about to follow the dogs into the large cooking room.
“I have tarts to share. Come join me.” Colin stepped out of the darkness to hand the lad a warm wild berry tart.
The sweet scent made Hope’s stomach rumble in appreciation and she eagerly reached for it.
“Covet it, lad; Mary’s tarts are worth their weight in gold and many a man would risk all to have one. I have taken the last two.”
Hope smiled and hugged the tart close to her. “Then we should let no one know of our prizes.”
Colin lowered his voice and continued to conspire. “Where should we go with our treasure?”
“The darkness conceals.”
“Wise, lad,” he said and together they made their way to the large tree that in the daytime partially shielded Faith’s herb garden.
Hope sat cross-legged beneath the sheltered branches and Colin sat beside her, his knee resting against her thigh. She wondered over Colleen. Ha
d he hastened his time with her? Had he not spent time with her at all? And why had it seemed that he lay in wait in the darkness? Had he been expecting someone?
She asked him none of the questions that filled her head. She remained silent and ate the delicious tart.
He unknowingly surprised her with an answer. “I thought you might venture this way. I noticed you barely touched your food this evening.”
With a mouthful of tart she was unable to answer, but he supplied it for her.
“Your split lip must have made it difficult to eat.”
She nodded, thinking it a perfect excuse. Her lip was tender but it was her emotions that caused her lack of hunger. And now she wondered if perhaps he had dismissed Colleen to tend to Harold. The thought brought a smile to her face.
“Enjoying the tart?”
She was about to nod when she caught Colleen’s anxious approach. “Colin, my patience wanes. The lad appears fine and he does not need you worrying over him.”
He worried over the lad? And made Colleen wait while he saw that Harold was well? She liked the thought that he cared enough for the lad’s wellbeing to place his passion on hold. And besides, the idea that he would spend an evening pleasuring Colleen and being pleasured by Colleen suddenly did not sit well with her.
“A few minutes, Colleen,” Colin coaxed, his hand running along her calf.
“If you must,” she said reluctantly, “but only a few. I grow hungry.” She ran her tongue slowly over her lips before turning to walk away.
Colin offered Harold his uneaten tart and Hope knew he had taken both tarts for the lad. “I wish to talk with you.
“About what?” she said, her mouth half full and her eye on Colleen, who sat nearby on a stack of chopped wood, seemingly counting the minutes.
“I realized that I never did bother to ask you what you wished of life.”
Hope stopped chewing the tart and stared at him.
Her perplexed expression brought a smile to his face, as did the berry stain around her mouth. “When we are young we have dreams and sometimes those dreams are possible if we but try. I would like to know about your dreams.”
Lords of the Kingdom Page 87
