Windsong

by Allison Knight

  “Nay. You must not blame yourself. The blame lies with me. I took you from your home, and de Bain came to take you back.”

  She glared at him. “De Bain has no honor.”

  “Aye,” Alwyn said. “With that I can agree. When a man will not stay and finish a fight he started...”

  “What do you now?” she asked.

  “We will return to Throsle, anon.” He paused and glanced back at the castle doors. “Rhianna will like nothing more than to have another Welshmen at her mercy.” He chuckled and added, “Owain won’t be too happy, but he will stay here and recover. Arvel will see to it.”

  “He means much to you, does he not?”

  “We grew up together. We learned to fight together. He has guarded my back for some time. He was with me when...”

  “Go on,” Milisent said.

  His expression was one of surprise, as if he wished he had said nothing. She was certain he would say nothing more. She was correct.

  “Nay. Some day I will tell you but not tonight.”

  She would not push for an explanation when what he had to tell seemed to cause such pain. She changed the subject. “After Throsle?”

  “Then I must travel to London. I will confess my mistake to Edward, ask his forgiveness and seek permission to wed you.”

  She laughed. “I doubt Edward knows I exist. ‘Tis Gilbert you must ask.” She paused. “I do not think he will be pleased. He insists I marry de Bain.”

  “He must know de Bain is not honorable.” Again Alwyn looked as if he wished he could take back his words.

  “I have told him so.” She stomped toward the curtain wall.

  “Yet he insists?” When he dragged her to a stop, she glared at him.

  “Aye. I think he and de Bain have a plan to divide the fortune my father left me.” Ella told her several weeks ago that she had mentioned the conditions her father left in his will to Rhys and of course, he had told Alwyn.

  “Milisent, such a thing is unheard of. In any marriage the dowry includes the dower property in case the husband dies, but Ella said your estate is tied to your agreeing to the union.” He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. “I doubt such a thing would even be legal, and I know Edward would never sanction such an agreement.”

  “I said I do not think Edward knows I exist. And, my father had the right. He and my mother had a wonderful marriage and he wanted the same for me.” She glared at him. “Her father gave her the right of choice and she chose my father. He gave me that right, thinking I would choose someone with whom I would be happy.”

  “Could I be that someone?”

  His words were so soft she had to lean toward him to make certain she had heard the right words. She stared up at him and knew a moment of confusion. He wanted to wed her? She had not given such a consequence any thought, but it was not an unpleasant idea. Nay, in fact, wedding Alwyn would please her much.

  She placed a hand on his arm and smiled. “I could agree to have you.”

  He smiled back and the next thing she knew she was in his arms, his lips caressing hers. She sighed with pleasure. It had been days since he kissed her as he was kissing her now.

  “We must stop. Rhianna will not approve.” Milisent pulled herself from his arms.

  “‘Tis another reason to hurry to Throsle. I can take you to my bed there. Here, my sister makes it impossible.”

  Milisent giggled and danced away from him. “Then we must leave

  very early tomorrow. I would not want to disturb your sister and if we tarry here, she will be upset.”

  ~ * ~

  Alwyn could not hold the grin now gracing his face as he went in search of Garrett. He needed to talk.

  It lightened his heart considerably to know Milisent would welcome his suit, so at least that was one hurdle to which he did not have to concern himself. Now all he had to do was convince Edward he was worthy of her and approach Chelse. He was not a fool. Chelse would be a problem. Edward understood men’s desires. Was not he married to a woman he appeared to respect, mayhap even love? Queen Eleanor bore him many children although most had died. There was the rumor about the amount he paid her maids when they demanded a ransom to let him into his wife’s bed after Lent. Aye, Edward understood desire.

  He and Garrett spent the rest of the night discussing the trip to Throsle, how many men were needed to protect the party and what Alwyn needed to say to Edward when they met.

  Garrett offered to make the journey to London with him, but Alwyn refused. “My sister would never forgive me if I drew you away from her again. And I would value more your presence here protecting Milisent while I travel.”

  When Garrett nodded his agreement, Alwyn felt great relief surge through him. At least, no matter what happened to him, Milisent would be safe.

  “What is this all about?” Rhianna demanded, interrupting their conversation. Her household chores were finished now that she had sent the servants to their beds. “You took my husband from me to journey to Throsle and now Milisent says you are to leave in the morning, back to Throsle?”

  “Aye, I must return. There is much to do,” Alwyn said.

  “Do you intend to take my husband from me again?” She planted her fists on his hips.

  “Nay, I know you would never forgive me if I dragged him from you once more.” He grinned at her.

  “Milisent must stay here then.” She turned toward the stairs.

  “Milisent comes with me.” Alwyn had risen from his seat and folded his arms over his chest. His sister was interfering with his life—again.

  “She can not!” Rhianna lifted her chin and stared at Alwyn.

  “Rhianna,” Garrett reprimanded. “Your brother wants her with him. He will bring her back to Knockin before he travels to London.”

  “Nay, it is not safe.” She turned her gaze on her husband. “What if the baron returns with an army and takes her from Throsle? Alwyn would not like that!” She nodded and turned back toward the stairs.

  “I have men going with him,” Garrett said. “They will be safe.”

  “Rhianna,” Alwyn said. “Milisent needs to see to the house. I named

  her chatelaine weeks ago and she has tasks to which she must turn her attention. We will return soon.”

  “I do not like this. She would be much safer here.”

  “Aye, but she will be safe with me. We will be only a short time at Throsle. We will return in a week, for I must journey to London and secure my claim to her.”

  “Is she agreeable?”

  Alwyn nodded and grinned. “‘Tis she who suggested we leave tomorrow.”

  She glanced at Garrett. “You agreed to this?”

  He sighed. “Rhianna, your brother is an adult. He knows what he must do and how best to do it. Leave be.” With a glance at Alwyn, he took her arm and moved toward the stairs. “Come, I have been gone a week and I would like to have you in my bed this night.”

  She blushed and Alwyn laughed. Garrett understood a man’s nature, too. He sobered. He could only hope the same would be true of Edward.

  TWELVE

  Their departure from Knockin was delayed a day, because Garrett insisted on sending a man to scout the trail before anyone left the castle. The next morning, as dawn broke over the land, Alwyn tried to guide Milisent, Rhys, Ella, and his small force of soldiers away from Knockin. However, Rhianna delayed them further by urging Milisent to stay at Knockin where she could assist with the children, adding she would be much safer here than accompanying Alwyn.

  Garrett finally called a halt.

  “Rhianna, she will return in a short time. Let them go to do what must be done before they return.”

  Arvel who had joined the group moments before, was laughing.

  “Ho, sister, you have made your point. But she wants to go with him and you will not change her mind.”

  Rhianna gave up, hugged her brother, then Ella and Milisent and stepped back. “Hurry back and be safe.”

  Alwyn led the group a
way, thankful Milisent had not listened to Rhianna. Just glancing in Milisent’s direction caused him extreme discomfort. Never had just looking at a woman produced the kind of arousal that made riding a horse a hurtful task. He could hardly wait to return to Throsle, and privacy. It amazed him, for he had oft times been without a woman’s comfort for months on end. But with Milisent, the need was greater than he thought possible.

  The day passed without incident and because of their delayed start they had to stop for the night. Alwyn posted a guard, raised a tent for the women and assured all they would be at Throsle before the nooning.

  Frustration ate at him all through the night and kept him from a decent sleep. He worried too about how much damage the miscreants had done in his absence. The need for the servants to run the estate was another pressing matter, for he had no idea how many had disappeared and how many had returned to their duties. Without guidance, he suspected he’d have few remaining. The foodstuffs stored in the granary would undoubtedly have been stolen, the larder invaded. He groaned. Would there even be food left to

  feed the people who returned?

  Before the sun had begun to spread light over a new day, he called the men to attention. A few pieces of bread and a hunk of cheese was passed to all, a skin of ale shared and Alwyn mounted his stallion. He woke the women, offered food and gave them a few minutes to refresh themselves.

  “Come! There is a only short distance left in our journey. Let us be on our way.”

  Even Milisent seemed anxious to reach the house.

  The sun, shining brightly for the first time in days, was not yet at its zenith, when the forest came into view. Alwyn spurred his horse in a gallop; soon he entered the courtyard.

  To his surprise a large number of servants greeted him. By a quick count, he thought only two of the young men from the stables were missing. He thanked everyone for returning, and rushed Milisent and Ella into the house.

  Again he was greeted by a surprise. A fire burned brightly in the fireplace, the tables were set for the nooning, and he smiled at the fragrance of fresh baked bread coming from the kitchen.

  Betha stepped forward and greeted Milisent, Ella and then bowed shyly to Alwyn. “Cook and me seen to a meal, m’Lord. Hope it meets with your pleasure.”

  Alwyn opened his mouth in surprise. He never expected this. Never in this lifetime. “Your reward will be great,” he assured her.

  “‘Tis not a reward, m’Lord. Only a thank you for m’Ladies.” She nodded toward Ella and Milisent. “I had to aid them. They would feel upset if the house was not clean and tidy.”

  Milisent stepped forward. “I thank you. You have done well.”

  “Cook sent word you would be sore displeased if your people did not return. In fact...” Betha hesitated. “Mayhap I should not say.”

  Alwyn smiled. “Cook has been with my family for a long time. She commands as well as any lieutenant. Her words would strike terror in any who tried to defy her.”

  When Betha turned Ella squeezed the young’s woman’s arm. “We are proud of you,” she said.

  Betha looked relieved that Alwyn knew about Cook and she beamed with the praise she had been offered.

  “You will be rewarded for your care of my house.” Alwyn took his place at the dias and insisted Milisent sit at his side. The shy glances from the servants did not appear to be disapproving. He sighed with relief, for if she was to be the future mistress of Throsle, the servants would have to offer her their respect.

  As soon as the meal was concluded, he grabbed Milisent’s arm and started toward the stairs, commenting as he went. “‘Twas not the best slept last night. We have need of a rest.”

  “But, m’Lord, we slept well last night,” Ella said as she stepped away from the table.

  Alwyn glared at her and Rhys leaned toward her and whispered something in her ear. She blushed, glanced at Milisent and nodded. “Aye, m’Lady does need her rest.”

  Alwyn gazed at Milisent and her face was redder than Ella’s.

  “Rhys, see to your woman,” Alwyn muttered and continued toward the stairs with Milisent following behind.

  Once in the chamber he examined her reddened cheeks. “‘Twas not said to embarrass you.”

  “I know.”

  “Know you how much I need you? These last few days have been near unbearable. My sister interfered when she should not.”

  Milisent smiled. “Aye, but she did not know what is between us. Do not blame her.”

  “But I do. She was always trying to manage the family.”

  “She cares.” Milisent bit her lip. “But, let us not discuss your sister. How soon must we return?” She did not look happy with that thought.

  “‘Tis important to make certain this property is secure. I must leave instruction with my people. Besides, our leaving here will mean I am on my way to talk to Edward and face your brother.”

  “I do not think he will grant your petition.” Her voice was soft and sad.

  “He must. Do not think he will say no, for he can not.”

  “But, I fear he will.”

  “Come here and let me quiet this fear.” He held out his arms and she came to him willingly.

  The two hours that followed were filled with soft sighs and pleasure greater than any Alwyn had known before. He left her sleeping and wrapped in his blankets. It was time he investigated the condition of the forest and saw to the people in the village.

  There was always this night.

  When he returned from the village, he discovered Milisent directing his servants. The tables were laid for their supper and she was already organizing groups to care for the house following their departure.

  “Tomorrow,” he told those sitting with him at the dais, “we will need to see to the forest. I will send three teams into the wood to check on the deer and of course, we must hunt.”

  The tables were cleared, the torches lit. Milisent accepted the lyre and sang several songs before the household retired.

  ~ * ~

  After she played and sang, she thanked the servants and turned to Alwyn. “Since we have much to do on the morrow, should we not retire now for our rest?”

  Alwyn chuckled. Milisent groaned. Ella blushed and Rhys opened his mouth.

  “Do not say it,” Alwyn glared at his second, his voice stern.

  A dozen voices rose to cover any other comments offered. Milisent stood, thanked everyone again and started for the stairs. She watched as Alwyn, as was his wont, set guards, inspected the light torches and finally followed her up the stairs.

  “I have a great hunger,” she whispered once they reached their chamber. “Is it wanton to say such a thing?”

  He smiled at her. “Nay, for I will be gone from you for some time. And, of course, Rhianna will not allow us to share the same chamber at Knockin.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “So, we must not waste this night.” She lifted her hands and felt the heat in her face. What a thing for her to say. She was a wanton creature. But she so enjoyed the pleasure he offered.

  She smiled when he chuckled then took her in his arms. She stretched up to meet his lips, wanting—nay, needing to feel his lips against her. This night, she intended to initiate their lovemaking. She paused—the word love loomed large in her mind, for that was what it was. This man who wanted to be her husband was a man she loved with all her heart.

  Gilbert would have to let her wed him. He knew only a bit about her inheritance, so she was certain his desire had little to do with her funds. Even Ella had no idea how large her dowry was.

  She dragged her thoughts back to the man who was holding her and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

  He lowered his mouth to hers and she pressed herself to him, wanting to be a close as was possible dressed as they were.

  “Too much cloth between us,” she murmured and began dragging his kirtle from him.

  Before she could react, he whisked the garment from his head. “Do I undress you, as you
would me?”

  “Nay, ah— Aye, I will undress you. If you want?” She hesitated. Never had she dreamed she would want to do such a task, but she did, desperately. “I will take your garments from you then you can take mine. Will that satisfy?” She smiled, and reached over to remove his breeches. He grinned and took a step away from her so she could pull the cloth from his body.

  When the chausses and small clothes were gone, she studied his arousal. To her surprise, it grew. “Oh,” she exclaimed and he laughed. “Did I do...” Her voice faltered.

  “Nay, this is the effect you have on me. But, ‘tis my turn, for you are still fully dressed. He reached for her bliaud and she lifted her arms. It was gone with one motion. Next came her chainse, her caul and veil until she was also naked.

  Once again the temptation to cover herself plagued her, but rather than giving in to it, she reached for him, running her hands over the muscles of his chest, pausing at the small pebbles of flesh that were his nipples. When he groaned she dropped her hands.

  “Nay, do not stop. ‘Twas a great feeling, what you did.”

  She leaned toward him, one thought in mind. He repeatedly kissed her nipples, sucking on them, plying his tongue over them, and drawing them into his mouth. If it felt so good to her, it had to feel just as good to him. At least it was her wish.

  She put her head to his chest and touched her tongue to one of the nubbins on his chest. He groaned and she jerked away.

  “Nay,” he almost shouted. “Do not stop. It feels so good.”

  She said nothing, smiled and touched one pap while she plied her tongue against the other. He gasped and placed his hands against her head, staying any attempt to stop what she was doing.

  He dropped his hands and took a step away from her.

  “You must stop.” She must have looked confused because he added, “I am too hungry for you. Come. I prefer to love you in a bed.”

  She let him lead her to their bed and almost stumbled. When had she begun to think of it as their bed?

  He scooped her up and laid her in the center of the mattress before he sprawled next to her. Before she could make herself comfortable, he had his hands on her breasts.