Windsong

by Allison Knight

  Once Milisent was seated Benedick turned to her. “I am told Baron Baldwin de Bain seeks your hand in marriage.”

  Milisent tried to still the wild beating of her heart. Fear made any speech impossible. She nodded.

  “Have you been officially betrothed to him?”

  “Nay,” she spoke over the lump permanently lodged in her throat. She hoped her words were loud enough to be heard and that the abbot did not mistake the shudder than swept through her.

  Benedick smiled. “I am told your father left instruction you had a say in the man you wanted to wed.”

  “Aye, my father left such instructions.” Again she whispered.

  “Tell me about these documents from your father. This is extremely unusual. Who holds them, and more important—why? I also must ask how you know of the contents.”

  He looked as full of doubt as she had expected.

  “I know the contents of the instructions, your Eminence, because our local priest thought it best I read my father’s words.” She paused and waited for the abbot to demand more information.

  He did. “So, you yourself, have read your father’s words?”

  “Aye.”

  “How old were you?”

  “I was just seven and ten when I read the document.”

  “You were capable of understanding your duty?”

  “Aye.” Milisent wondered if this man held to the belief women were not intelligent enough to understand the written word. She tried to still her rush of concern and straightened in her chair.

  “Who taught you to read?”

  “Our priest. I will also tell you I read the language of the Normans, Latin, English and now some Welsh, thanks to Alwyn. I also cipher, I have studied history, have read much of the bible.”

  Benedick chuckled. “I am not questioning your ability, m’Lady. Now, tell me why your father made this decision. You know it is not the way it is done.”

  “Aye, but I explained to m’Lady that my parents had a wonderful marriage. In fact, after my mother died, my father was aggrieved to such an extent that living without her held no desire for him. He departed this life less than a year after her death. He hinted at what he intended to do before he died.”

  “How old where you when your father died?”

  “I had three and ten summers at the time of his death.”

  Benedick frowned. “Do you know why your father wrote his will then selected your priest and another abbot to hold his orders?”

  “Not at the time, nay, but I know now.” She tensed.

  “Tell me why?”

  “My brother was to serve as guardian. But all he was interested in was the coin he needed to help fund Edward’s wars. He wanted to be involved with those battles, have a say. I remembered one or two arguments between them just before Father died. The words were always about the money my brother wanted. Father refused to give him any more. I suspect he told Gilbert he was only to hold my properties in trust for me until I selected the man I wanted to wed. I can not say for certain, but the way Gilbert is trying to get me to accept de Bain would say it was so because when I marry my husband will assume control over my properties.”

  “Do you remember how your brother reacted to such a directive from your father?”

  Milisent lowered her head with the memory of the argument that followed. At the time she suspected that discourse was one of the reasons her father expired within the week. However, she would not admit her suspicions to these men.

  “I am not certain.” She took a deep breath. “I believe Father did not trust Gilbert to hold to the agreement so he sent copies to men of the church. Our local priest told me Gilbert tried to bribe him to destroy Father’s instructions.”

  “And these properties you mentioned are?” Benedick looked at

  Garrett and at Alwyn before he glanced back at her. She focused her attention on Garrett, not Alwyn, suspecting he wore a guilty expression. After all, he had sent someone to the abbey to verify Ella’s words without her knowledge.

  She took a deep breath and explained what she knew about how the funds from the estate were to be divided. Benedick appeared puzzled at the amount.

  “You told Garrett you think the king knows nothing of this?” Benedick finally asked.

  “I do not think Father trusted Edward either.” She paused. Garrett was sworn to the king, as was Alwyn. Would her words cause harm to her or to Alwyn and his family? It was too late now to worry about that.

  “At the time the king was still a fairly young man,” she continued, “and my father questioned whether he would see to my interests, or if he would only see the amount of my inheritance as a means to secure a husband who would fund his campaigns of conquest.”

  “Wise,” Benedick murmured.

  Milisent gasped. He thought to criticize the king?

  Benedick smiled at her, then turned to Garrett. “You knew about the properties?”

  “Some.”

  She decided he looked at little stunned at the amount of her inheritance.

  “Are you planning to prepare the necessary documents?” Benedick stood.

  “They are being written as we speak.”

  “You are ready to sign these?” Benedick asked Alwyn.

  “Aye. Garrett and I have discussed how any property is to be distributed but I had no idea she was named an heiress.” He shook his head. “I have no need for such a large dowry, but I agree some division is needed to protect her.”

  “You will sign the agreement?” Benedick asked her.

  “I would read such an instrument before I affix my seal.”

  “Aye, as you should.” Benedick turned back to Garrett. “Once the papers are ready she must read them, then they can be signed, sealed and word sent to the abby and the local priest.”

  “Word has already been sent to both men.” Garrett grinned. “I knew you would agree to this once you had talked to her.”

  “You know me well. I do not know that I approve of such familiar knowledge.” He gave Garrett a sound knock on the shoulder as he grinned at him.

  “We did not spend years together not to be well acquainted.” Garrett turned to her. “We were fostered together.”

  Rhianna appeared in the opening. “The papers are almost ready.”

  She nodded to her husband and Milisent rose, curious to see what Garrett and Alwyn had decided to do with her estate.

  In a short time, Milisent and Alwyn had signed the documents, Benedick sealed them and handed them to Garrett.

  “Now, I will prepare for mass and witness the exchange of vows.”

  “Everything is ready,” Rhianna assured him.

  The next hour passed in a blur for Milisent. Before the meal was served she was a married woman. Never had she thought this day would see her wed.

  She glanced at her new husband and he smiled back at her sending a thrill through her. Now that she was married, there was nothing Gilbert could do. De Bain would be furious, but that would no longer be a problem for her.

  ~ * ~

  Alwyn sat beside Milisent at table and endured the good-natured teasing from both Benedick and Garrett. Why Rhianna had prepared such a lavish feast was beyond him. All he wanted was to take his bride up the stairs to their chamber, remove her clothing, and spend the night enjoying the freedom of loving her.

  Startled, he glanced up at his brother by marriage and Milisent. It suddenly occurred to him the feelings his bride engendered in him were greater than lust. Oh, desire was present to such an extent he had almost grown accustomed to his painful state, but there was more there than the need for the pleasure she brought him in his bed. He wanted to protect her, provide for her, share children with her. Those thoughts startled him. Never had his feelings for Essylt been this all-consuming.

  Could he be in love with his new wife?

  It was something to which he would have to give more thought, but for now, all he wanted was to take Milisent from this place and sink his aching shaft in her velvet warmth.
And if this meal did not finish soon, he would embarrass her by throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her from the hall.

  Garrett must have sensed his discomfort for he called a halt to the festivities. “I must see to the comfort of our abbot, and we have much planning to do on the morrow if Alwyn is to leave the following day. Come Benedick. Let me see you to your chamber and Rhianna can see this couple to theirs.”

  He grinned at Alwyn and for one moment the need to pound his brother by marriage tested Alwyn’s good will. Garrett knew exactly what was going through Alwyn thoughts and one look at Milisent’s red cheeks told him she knew as well.

  “I can see us to our room. Rhianna does not need to leave the hall,” Alwyn murmured. He bade the group a good eve and led Milisent from table.

  As he started up the stairs the cry for Rhianna to sing rang through the hall. He grinned, for his sister loved to sing and it would entertain the

  others who would no longer give a thought to either him or his bride.

  Alwyn ushered Milisent into the room. She seemed shy but not unhappy. “You are not sorry we have wed, are you?”

  “Oh, nay. I would have no other man, but I have never married before.”

  He chuckled. “I hope not. Now, come here and let me give you another kiss of peace. Although,” he murmured, “‘twill not bring any peace to me.”

  She took a step toward him; he pulled her into his arms, wanting to devour her lips. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he lowered his head and sealed their union with the kind of kiss he had needed to plant on her lips all during this last day.

  She sighed and he savored the taste of her, inhaling the scent of flowers and woman. A passing thought sped through his head. Rhianna must have given her a sweet-smelling soap with which to bathe, for the floral fragrance was different than her usual scent.

  As he kissed her, he backed her toward the bed, now strewn with some of Rhianna’s dried lavender blossoms. He lifted his head and grinned at Milisent. “‘Twould seem my sister has become a romantic. Marriage must agree with you ladies.”

  She smiled in return. “I do believe it agrees with me, very much.”

  She tried to step away from him, her hand on the edge of the gown.

  He stilled her movement. “I would do that.”

  “Aye, but ‘tis Rhianna’s so it must not be harmed.”

  He nodded, released the girdle and lifted the blue gown from her, attempting to fold it into some order. She giggled and his face warmed. He handed the garment to her. “You do it.”

  Soon she stood before him in her chemise and veil. When she lifted her hands to release the head covering, again he stopped her.

  “Are you trying to take some of my pleasure?” he asked.

  “Oh, nay.” Her arms dropped to her side and she stood, eyes downcast, as she waited.

  He lifted her chin with his forefinger. “Will you always be this obedient?”

  “Nay, and do not expect it to be so. If what you ask of me is what I want as well, I might obey...” her voice trailed off and she giggled.

  “I would have you no other way.”

  He lowered his head and took her lips, seeking the warmth and taste of her mouth. Enough teasing. The need to strip the rest of the clothing from their bodies and sink into her soft heat flared like the sparks of a dried piece of kindling. There was no need for more words, only the loving, which he needed like a starving man required sustenance.

  After he removed the rest of her garments, he nibbled his way down the column of her neck toward the twin peaks that also fueled his desire. She sighed and thrust herself toward him. He held her close and kissed her shoulder, the soft skin above her breast, tasting her with his lips, his tongue. Soft, like the finest velvet, the smoothest silk.

  She groaned and he smiled against her skin. Reaching between them, he stroked her breast, teasing her nipple as he dragged his fingers over her delicate flesh.

  His wife! The thought gathered speed in his mind and he smiled with satisfaction. She would bear his children, share his life, and his task would be to make certain she had his support. It would be his responsibility to make her happy, like Garrett had made Rhianna happy.

  They had this night and tomorrow night. Then he must hie himself to London to seek permission to meet with Edward. If he was granted the audience, then he would confront Chelse. How long he would be separated from Milisent he knew not, but he would complete these tasks in as little time as possible. Having her in his arms, their bodies melding together in such pleasure, was not something he could do without for long.

  He loved her through the night and at the dawn he climbed from their bed with reluctance. That she was exhausted was plain to see for she didn’t move when he left the warm cocoon of furs.

  ~*~

  “Nay, I will not use your name,” Alwyn muttered as the discussion with Garrett continued that morn. Benedick had departed with his monks an hour before.

  “‘Tis not an insult. You are but a knight. You asked Edward for nothing when you pledged to him. At the time you could have said what you wanted for you are the son of a prince. You and your brothers, accept for Arthur agreed to nothing but knighthoods. ‘Twas your choice and a worthy one. But I know the likes of Chelse; he will not talk to a man who bears only the title of knight.”

  Alwyn frowned. “Surely he is not that impressed with position.”

  “Aye, he is. Why do you think he opposes Milisent’s right to choose her own husband?” Garrett hit the table with his fist with enough force that some of the ale remaining in their cups splashed on the surface. “He wants all control because without it his position changes. Think you Edward will want him at his side without the profits from the land he believes Gilbert holds? Nay, I tell you, Chelse will no longer hold the favor he does now with little coin to his name.”

  “So I’m to say to him you agreed to this union?”

  “Aye, and you are to say you have my support. Believe me when I say to you it will make a difference.”

  Alwyn frowned. “You know I do not want this. I would seek to meet with him without his knowledge of our relationship. What will he think of you when I admit I was seeking revenge for what he had done to me?”

  Garrett laughed. “You think I care what he thinks of me? Nay, I do

  not. Edward knows he holds my allegiance. And remember, I have friends of my own in much higher places than Chelse. I do not fear the brother of your wife, or what he can say to Edward.”

  Alwyn shook his head. “I don’t agree with this, but I see sense in what you say. Chelse has little honor, for he killed Essylt without regard to her condition.”

  “You are certain ‘twas he who struck the blow?”

  “Aye. Those who still lived and were in good enough condition to say what happened, described Milisent’s brother in detail. I also know Essylt begged to be allowed to live to birth the babe. His words—according to several of those present—were he wanted no more barbarians surviving to thwart his position with the king. For that alone, I want his head.”

  “I agree you have reason to want his blood, but as you know, now the situation has changed. You are related to his man by marriage. I do not think Milisent would want her brother’s blood on your hands.”

  Alwyn grimaced. “Nay, nor have I ever entertained the idea that my killing him would return to me what he took. My whole reason for taking Milisent was to cause him hurt. I thought at the time it would be a lasting hurt, given she had been with him for so many years. Of course, now I know why.”

  “I also insist you take several men with you.” Garrett stood, indicating their meeting was at an end. “

  “Nay, I will not. I must do this alone.”

  “It is too dangerous for you to travel without an escort. I must insist.”

  Alwyn sighed. “You and my wife.” He smiled with those words. “I will take a few men with me, but I must face Chelse alone. The men can set up camp outside his residence. Will that satisfy?”


  Garrett nodded and Alwyn left the chamber. It was time for the nooning. He and Milisent would retire after the meal. She would need a nap, of that he was certain. He grinned at the thought.

  He also needed to prepare for his journey and select the men who would travel with him.

  Even if he could arrange an audience with the king’s advisors as soon as he arrived he would be away from Milisent for at least two months. Edward was still in France but he had to personally inform Edward of the marriage before he went to see Chelse. Lent was also coming, and Alwyn would have to withhold himself from Milisent until after Easter.

  He sighed. Leaving his bride of only two days was no way to begin this union, but he had no choice. He was grateful she understood. He wanted her to stay here with Garrett and Rhianna. She would be safe here, in case de Bain stormed Throsle.

  “Nay,” Milisent said when he told her. “I would go to my new home. Ella and Rhys will see to my safety.”

  Alwyn sighed. They had spent the last hour arguing about where she

  would wait for him. She insisted she would return to the forest, and he was adamant she stay at Knockin.

  “What if something happens to me? I want to know you are safe. Garrett can protect you. You must stay here.”

  His words struck home. Rhianna had mentioned her fears to him and he had hesitated to mention the possibility of harm to him, but she had left him no choice.

  His own alarm grew as the color faded from her face.

  “You will be careful, will you not?”

  “Aye. For I must return to you. Do not fear for me. I will be fine. I will travel with greater ease if I know you are here and safe.”

  She nodded and he opened his arms.

  FOURTEEN

  Milisent stood beside Garrett and Rhianna as Alwyn and six soldiers left the gates of Knockin. Her heart was heavy; she feared for her new husband. Rhianna sensed her worries and embraced her as Alwyn rode away.

  “Edward is extravagant at times, and for some, he seems cruel, but I have dealt with him often and he is fair. If your stubborn husband sends word he has my support, all should be well.” Garrett turned away from the doorway to the keep and called to his men leaving Milisent with Rhianna.