‘She had the right to question me, my lady.’
‘She loves her son dearly. I am sorry if you felt slighted. You are of course welcome to return to Anton’s chamber whenever you wish.’
‘Perhaps it would be best if I left him to his mother and you. I am merely a dependant, living on Lady Claire’s bounty.’
‘I think that is not quite the case. My grandson asked for you twice. You will oblige me if you will visit him, for unless you do I fear he may try to leave his bed too soon.’
‘Oh … the foolish man.’ Marietta blushed. ‘It is always so. Men are the worst patients. They will never be sensible.’
‘I have often found it so,’ Lady Melissa replied, and laughed. ‘As soon as they feel a little better there is no bearing with them. So you will visit him soon?’
‘I shall go immediately. I thank you for coming to me.’
‘It was my duty and my pleasure. I have not lived this long without knowing the signs of a man in love.’
‘Oh …’ Marietta blushed. ‘I am not sure. He feels a kindness towards me, I know, but—’ She broke off as she saw the amusement in Lady Melissa’s face. ‘Do you truly think?’
‘I know my grandson, even though I have not seen him for some years. He has not changed much: impatient, a little arrogant, quick to temper and sometimes he sulks. At those times he looks grim and will not speak for hours on end.’
‘You do know him!’ Marietta gave a little chuckle.
‘I should, for I have been married to a man of the same temperament for some years.’ She nodded to Marietta. ‘You must go to Anton now, but one day, when you have leisure, I shall tell you my story. I think you may understand a little better then.’
Marietta thanked her and hurried away. She was feeling confused and uncertain, for Anton had cried so pitifully for Isabella in his fever. He must have loved her dearly, but perhaps it was possible to love again?
When she entered the bedchamber, Anton was lying with his eyes closed. He opened them as she approached the bed, giving her a look of reproach.
‘Why have you abandoned me? ‘
‘You were better, and your mother and grandmother are here. You no longer need me.’
‘Perhaps I do not need your nursing, but I shall always need you.’
Marietta looked down at him, her heart racing. ‘I have not told anyone of our … arrangement. If your family do not approve …’
‘They may go to the devil,’ Anton said, and gripped her wrist. ‘I want you for my wife. You have promised me and I shall not let you break your word.’
‘I do not wish it. I merely offered for your sake.’
‘Then rest easy. I am not a man who changes his mind lightly.’
‘I did not think it, but I should not wish to cause a breach.’ Marietta smiled as his grip tightened about her wrist. ‘Very well, it is settled—now, tell me how you came to be wounded like that. It looks as if you were struck from behind.’
‘Have you seen Miguel since the day I was wounded?’
‘No …’ Marietta stared at him. ‘Was it he that wounded you? But he is your friend …’
‘He was once my friend,’ Anton corrected. ‘I do not know it all, but I believe he blames me for Isabella’s death.’
‘Yes, he said something that seemed to indicate you were at fault as we journeyed here.’
‘You did not see fit to tell me?’
‘He was your friend. Besides, I thought it was merely a little jealousy. I did not want to sound spiteful, because you were so fond of him and I never thought he would harm you. He seemed to dislike me—but you were his friend.’
‘Damn him!’ Anton’s eyes darkened. ‘He waited his chance and this was his way of murdering me. Miguel knows that he could never best me in fair fight, so he struck me from behind as I fought the men who sprang on us from the trees. I killed your first enemy—he will trouble you no more—but I fear we both have another.’
‘Was he … was Miguel Isabella’s lover?’ She saw a flash of pain in Anton’s eyes. ‘Forgive me. I should not have asked.’
‘You have the right to ask what you will of me. I had no suspicion of it until very recently, but I believe you may be right. Miguel has deceived me all this time. It was only when I saw the look on his face that I began to suspect him of something, but even then I did not realise how much he hated me. He cried out that it was for Isabella as he thrust his sword into me. I may discover the whole truth, perhaps, when my enquiries in Spain are done. I suspect that someone witnessed what happened the day she died. If the gardener can be persuaded to speak we may have the answer at last.’
‘I am sorry Miguel did this to you—not just the wound from behind, which was a coward’s way, but all the rest.’
‘Isabella’s death has played on my mind for a long time.’ Anton’s gaze narrowed. ‘In my fever it seemed to me that she was with me—that she forgave me.’
‘I am certain she would if she could. Besides, if she had a lover, she should have begged for your forgiveness.’
‘Perhaps. However, her father wanted our marriage. I may have pushed too hard. If Isabella obeyed her father while her heart was given to another.’ Anton sighed. ‘Miguel has little fortune, and no hope of a title. I shall be a marquis one day—a long time into the future, I hope, but it is so. My father holds the titles of earl and marquis.’
‘You think that Isabella was obliged to obey her father … as I was?’ Marietta looked thoughtful. ‘She should have refused, or if she chose to obey remained faithful to her husband … but that is not for me to say. I never knew her.’
‘She was not like you. I do not think she would have dared to defy her father.’
‘Then I am sorry for her. It is not easy to marry where there is no love.’
‘There was love on my side—at least at first.’ Anton frowned, holding Marietta as she would have turned away. ‘No, do not run away. You must hear me out. I loved Isabella in a way, but she was like a child. She never gave herself to me as you did that night, Marietta. I have come to believe that in time I should have found that we did not suit … though I would always have honoured her as my wife. I might, however, have taken a mistress once we had our sons.’
‘But you grieved for her so much …’ Marietta was not sure what to think.
‘I grieved for her and my unborn child, and I shall never cease to regret the way she died—but I believe I am ready to move on. I wish to make a new life with you, my love.’
Marietta bent down to kiss him on the lips. He caught her hair, tangling his fingers in it to hold her as she would have moved away, deepening the kiss, his tongue demanding entrance to her sweetness.
When he let her go at last, she shook her head at him. ‘You are not strong enough for such things, Anton. I meant just a sweet kiss to seal our bargain.’
‘Tell me you love me,’ he demanded. ‘Tell me you want to be my wife, as I want you.’
‘Do you not know it?’ Marietta smiled. ‘I have loved you from the very first time we met … when you held me safe in your arms after you rescued me from the horse’s hooves and looked down at me. I wish that the years between had never happened. I would have come to you untouched, a virgin bride—but fate decreed that our ways should part.’
Anton’s passionate gaze held her fast. ‘We shall never be parted again. I vow it on all I hold dear. I have done with waiting. We shall be wed as soon as I can walk down the aisle with you.’
‘First you must get well and strong again.’ She laughed as she saw the impatience in his face. ‘Do not look so, my beloved. I am as impatient to be your wife as you to have me—but if you do not take care your wound may open again. You might take another fever, and sometimes that leads to death.’
‘My grandmother says that you used a method of sealing the wound that she had heard of but never dared to use. She was all admiration for your skill.’
‘It is best not to speak of such things. My father taught me the skills of a sur
geon, and he studied in Italy and the East—but as a woman I should not know these things. I fear that it would be frowned upon, for the guilds of medicine and healing are the province of men and they guard them jealously. It was my husband’s apothecary who grew jealous of my skill at the castle and began rumours that I used witchcraft. He and others had grown jealous of my influence with my husband.’
‘And the Bastard saw his chance to seize what was yours.’ Anton frowned. ‘I thank God that we have seen the last of him, though I do not know what has become of Miguel.’
‘Hush, my love. The Earl of Rundle has men searching for the rogue. If he has not already fled to Spain he will be found.’
‘You will not be safe while he lives.’ Anton frowned. ‘He tried to kill me and failed. He may try for you next time.’
Chapter Ten
Entering the nursery some time later, Marietta saw a child standing next to her son’s cot. As she watched, the little girl reached out and touched Charles’s face, patting him with her hand. This was surely Anton’s daughter, though she had a rather exotic look which must have come from her mother. This little girl would no doubt be beautiful one day.
‘Baby …’ she said, and, turning as Marietta came up to her, she smiled. ‘Pretty baby. Maddie like … Maddie want nurse baby …’
‘You want to hold Charles?’ Marietta asked, a little surprised that she should speak English rather than Spanish—though perhaps her father had taught her. The little girl nodded and sucked her thumb, her eyes widening. ‘I see no reason why you shouldn’t. Come and sit down on the cushions and I shall give him to you.’
Maddie did as she was bid, her chubby legs crossed as she perched amongst the pile of cushions on the floor. Her dark eyes were wide with wonder as Marietta lifted her son and brought him to join her on the floor. He was free of his swaddling clothes and beginning to find his balance. For a moment he was content to perch on Maddie’s lap, but then he wriggled off and began to crawl about the floor, with the little girl copying him. Clearly she had fallen for the golden-haired boy, and seemed fascinated by his every move, while Charles, pleased with the attention, lost no time in asserting his place in the nursery hierarchy.
Maddie seemed to understand his needs, for it was enough for Charles to point at something to send her running after it for him. Marietta laughed as she watched them playing; they might have known each other all their lives!
She was so intent that she was not immediately aware of someone watching her. She glanced up and saw Lady Gifford standing on the threshold.
‘May I come in, madame? I do not wish to disturb you.’
‘I was just watching them. They have made friends.’ Marietta smiled down at the children. ‘Charles has been restless, for he is teething, but he seems happy with his new companion.’
‘My granddaughter is a charmer. I think she will break hearts one day—but for the moment she seems to have met her match.’ Catherine hesitated as the door opened and a woman entered. ‘Ah, Lily—this is the Comtesse Montcrief. As you see, her son has met your charge. We shall leave them to your care.’ She caught Marietta’s eye. ‘Perhaps we could talk?’
‘Yes, of course.’ Marietta looked at the nurse. ‘I shall return later, Lily.’
‘Yes, my lady.’
‘I wondered why Maddie spoke such good English, but clearly she has an English nurse.’
‘I believe Anton thought it best, as he always meant to return to England.’
The two women left the nursery, closing the door softly behind them. Marietta looked at Anton’s mother, feeling a little puzzled.
‘Is there something I may do for you, my lady?’
‘You may begin by calling me Catherine. I fear I did not start well with you. I felt you threatened my son, but he tells me that it was not your enemy that wounded him so sorely, but his. I have wronged you, lady. I am sorry for it.’
‘Make me no apology, Catherine. Anton was only in the woods because they were hunting the Bastard of Rouen to protect me. However, I believe Miguel was waiting his time. He would have made his attempt sooner or later—and perhaps it was as well that the Earl was also present.’
‘I am sure my brother did all he could to assist Anton. We are a close family and I hope we shall continue so—which is why I would make my peace with you. Am I forgiven?’
‘You sought to protect your son. In your place I should have done the same.’ Marietta smiled. ‘I have no wish to quarrel with Anton’s mother. I believe he has told you we are to marry?’
Catherine nodded. ‘My son tells me that he wishes for the wedding very soon. Can you not persuade him of the need to recover his strength?’
‘I have tried, but he is impatient.’
‘Anton is much like his grandfather. You will meet Lord Melford when you go to my father’s home. Unfortunately he does not travel often these days, but he is more than three score years and that is a great age—especially for a man who fought so valiantly in the Wars of the Roses.’
Marietta smiled. ‘Your mother also wears her years lightly.’
‘Yes, my mother is as young in spirit as ever, and she will not admit to her years, even though she was unwell in the winter.’ Catherine smiled. ‘We are a fortunate family, Marietta.’
‘Indeed, and powerful. The Earl told me that he has doubled the men searching the woods and countryside. I think it cannot be long before Miguel is found.’
‘I pray it may be so,’ Catherine said. ‘Now, my dear—what do you plan for your wedding gown? My mother has some lengths of ivory and gold-embroidered silk that might look well on you, and if we all help with the sewing your dress can be ready within two weeks.’
‘If Anton will wait so long then I should be glad to wear such a gown, but I may have to be wed in a gown I have, for he grows stronger with every hour. I do not think he will be put off for such an excuse.’
‘Your mother and grandmother want me to have a special gown for the wedding, Anton. It will take but two weeks to make.’ Marietta saw the look in his eyes and smiled. ‘Can you not wait that long to please them?’
‘Will it please you to wait?’
‘Yes, for it will give you a chance to recover your strength. I know that you have healed well, but you are not yet as strong as you were.’
‘I know it,’ he growled. ‘But it is too long to wait, Marietta. I burn for you, my love. I want to make love to you.’
‘You know I would not deny you,’ she said, and smiled. ‘Say the word and I will lock the door and join you in that bed.’
She leaned forward, kissing him lightly on the mouth. His hand held her locked to him, their tongues tangling in a sweet dance of delicious play. Marietta moved closer and he placed his lips to her throat, moving down to where the swell of her breasts was revealed by a dipping neckline. His tongue teased between them. He pushed the material lower, seeking the rose nipples that peaked beneath his tongue, sending tingles of pleasure running through her. Then he cursed and leaned back against the pillows, looking rueful as beads of sweat formed on his brow.
‘Damn it, you are right. I am weak as a kitten.’
‘Your strength will return soon. Tomorrow you can get up and come downstairs. I believe you will soon see an improvement once you are on your feet.’ Marietta got to her own feet and his eyes narrowed.
‘Where are you going?’
‘To make a potion that will put iron in your limbs.’
‘More of that foul-tasting stuff?’
Marietta made a wry face at him. ‘Your grandmother advised me to mix it with wine and sweeten it with honey—since you make so much fuss about taking it without.’
‘Both of you should try drinking it,’ Anton complained, and then laughed. ‘You are a lot alike, you know. I have always admired my grandmother. Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to you.’
Marietta smiled. ‘The sooner you regain your strength, the sooner we may be married …’
She laughed as he pulled a wry face, and we
nt out. He was making huge strides in regaining his health, but he grew bored with lying in bed. She was certain now that his wound would not reopen or take harm. Once he left his bed he would soon feel more himself again.
Anton found his way to the nursery later that afternoon. The door was open, and he heard the sound of children laughing as he paused outside. That was Maddie, but he had not heard her laugh so freely before.
Pushing the door open, he paused. Marietta was down on the floor, lying amongst a pile of cushions. Both children were climbing over her, and she was tickling Maddie, making the little girl shriek with laughter.
His throat caught with emotion and his eyes stung. He could not recall Isabella playing with her daughter once, though she had loved her.
Something shifted in his mind, the shadows falling away. A part of him wanted to join the children playing with their mother. their mother. Yes, Marietta had already taken Isabella’s place in Maddie’s heart, for the child had hardly known her true mother.
He smiled, turning away so as not to disturb them. Marietta did not know she was watched. One day he would join them in their play, but not just yet. He had been told that Miguel had been seen in the woods but not yet apprehended. He must save his strength until he was truly well again.
‘So, tomorrow we shall be wed,’ Anton said, and reached out to touch Marietta’s cheek. ‘You were right to make me wait until your dress was finished, my love. I am feeling much better. I should not have wanted to come to your bed and find myself unable to consummate our marriage. I am almost back to my full strength, thanks to your disgusting potions.’
‘I doubt there was much chance that you would fail to consummate our marriage,’ Marietta teased. ‘You would have performed your duty as a husband if it killed you.’
‘Wretch! You have teased me back to health, Marietta. I do not know how I shall manage you once we are wed—am I to be petticoat-led?’ His eyes challenged, and dared her to answer.
A Wayward Woman Page 43
