by Alexa Aston
With his gaze locked on hers, Gavin thrust and pulled back over and over again. His lips parted as he held back for her.
Beatrice lost control and began to flail at whatever happened. A streak of heat, which had pooled where they were joined traveled up her torso and down her legs until her toes curled and she cried out.
While dazed in pleasure, his hoarse moan filled the room and then Gavin collapsed over Beatrice, his body trembling.
Chapter Seven
When morning arrived, Beatrice pretended to remain asleep. She didn’t want to face Gavin and allow him the opportunity to gloat over how he’d completely owned her in so many ways. Just thinking about what they’d done in the darkness of the chamber brought heat to her face and immediately her breath hitched.
The pulse between her legs would be a constant reminder that day of being someone’s wife now. Beatrice hoped it would ease. Although the night before had been quite enjoyable, the discomfort of her first time lingered now.
There was a discreet knock at the door and Gavin stirred. “Enter.” His groggy voice made Beatrice grin like a loon. She let out a breath and turned away from the door, not ready to face whoever entered.
“Your Grace.” A man, probably his squire, had entered. “The bath will be set up for the lady. And a tray of tea and light repast as you requested.”
For the next few moments, there was shuffling and the sound of water and dishes being set out. Gavin pulled Beatrice back against his side and nuzzled her neck.
“Wake up, beauty. You will feel better if you bathe in warm water.”
The idea of bathing in front of him made her uncomfortable. “Can you leave while I do so?”
His chuckle was soft and sensual. “I would not take you for being shy. I have seen you. All of you.”
If he didn’t stop talking, she’d ignore the pain and demand he take her again. Beatrice turned to face him. Unfortunately, her hair wrapped around her head, so it took a bit of tugging by them both before she could see him.
“I am not used to anyone in the room while I bathe. My maid usually leaves me alone so I can wash and such.”
“Hmmm.” His reply was noncommittal.
When he slid from the bed, Beatrice thought he’d dress and leave. Instead, he scooped her up and carried her to the tub and climbed in.
“What are you doing?” Beatrice demanded, her eyes round. “We can’t do this.”
With a bit of trouble, he lowered and settled her between his legs, back against his chest.
Admittedly, the heated water helped her discomfort. However, a man bathing with her was not something she’d heard of when it came to marriage. Would they have to do everything together?
“Are we going to always bathe together?”
Once again, he chuckled. “Would you like us to?”
“I don’t think so.” When he tensed, she amended her declaration. “Every once in a while would be nice. But not after hunting or such when we will be so soiled.”
“You won’t have to worry about that,” Gavin said as he reached for a bar of soap and began sliding it over her skin. “You are a lady now and, as such, your outdoor activities will be limited to targets. Archery is fine. Hunting, however, is not.”
Water splashed over the sides as Beatrice scrambled to get out. Not caring that she was fully nude and dripping wet, she stood beside the tub with hands fisted and her jaw clenched.
“I will not be sitting about indoors for the rest of my days, Gavin Mereworth. Nor will I stop hunting. You cannot keep me locked away like some…some…”
“Lady?” He pressed his lips together forming a thin line and gave her a pointed look. “Like it or not, you married a duke. There are certain expectations that come with…”
“I don’t care about expectations.” She stomped to where her dressing gown had been discarded.
The sound of water followed by a groan made her look to see Gavin now stood next to the tub. “As my wife, you will obey me. Did you not pay any attention to the vows?”
“I was too busy trying to figure out why I was there,” Beatrice snapped. She looked around the room trying to decide whether to get dressed and leave the chamber or toss him out. “Please leave. I need time to get dressed, unless we have to do that together, as well.”
“I’m naked.” Gavin’s half-closed eyes and flat lips, as if bored, made her want to slap him. “Once we finish bathing, I will get dressed and we will discuss expectations over tea.” He motioned to the teapot as if she were too daft to understand.
She had not rinsed and half of her hair was wet. “I do need to finish bathing. My hair is…oh, never mind. Why am I explaining myself to you?”
Without waiting for him, she went back to the bath and sunk into the water. Once her hair was wet, she washed with haste, ignoring Gavin who attempted to squeeze himself into the tight space.
“I can understand how you must feel. There is a reason for my having to marry with so much haste. I will explain it to you when the time is right.” He lifted a pitcher. “Let me help you rinse your hair.”
Once she was clean, Beatrice climbed back out and dried off before donning her dressing gown. She poured the tea. From the corner of her eye, Gavin’s actions kept her attention.
He scrubbed his body, and then washed his shoulder-length hair. Afterwards, he stood and bent to dip the pitcher into the clean bucket of water next to the tub. His form was, without question, the most beautiful she had ever seen. With his eyes closed as he poured water over his head, Beatrice could study him at leisure.
At remembering what his body and hers had done the night before, a flush rose to her cheeks.
It was a pity she was about to argue with the handsome man until he’d probably want to toss her out the window.
Grisilda practically floated around Beatrice, pinning her braid around her head. “I am so excited at moving with you to a castle. It’s so much larger than this estate, I am told.
“It could mean it’s hideous,” Beatrice snapped. Her cowardly husband had yanked on his tunic and britches and rounded her to escape before she could broach the subject of hunting again.
Now she’d have to wait until a moment alone to ensure he understood there were no plans on her part to stop hunting. Her entire life, she’d been part of the local hunts and had participated in every competition. She was one of the best archers in the land.
“Beatrice…I apologize, Milady,” Grisilda flushed. “I cannot become used to calling you by the title. Although I will learn. I promise.”
Waving away any concern, Beatrice was anxious to leave the chamber. “No matter, I don’t believe in titles, not in this case anyway. What is it?”
“I am wondering if perhaps your brother is traveling as well.”
Almost daily, women who pined over Oscar approached her. Now that she considered it, no one had been clear about whether he’d remain or not. Her mother had been cheerful that morning, which led her to the conclusion he’d decided to remain. However, with the marriage, bedding and having a new husband, she’d forgotten to ask.
“I am not sure. Have you seen him about?”
Grisilda’s long sigh made Beatrice smack her arm. “For goodness’ sake, will you reply to my question?”
“Yes, he is here. He broke his fast in the great room with the guardsmen.”
Tired of whatever primping Grisilda continued to perform, Beatrice stood. “I will go down and speak to him.” She hesitated. “What of my husband?”
“He left with the Lord and his brother. They mounted and headed away from the village. I do believe they plan to visit several farmers today.”
So Gavin had left her to fend for herself. Today, she’d not only face the Lord’s wife alone, but also the other women and guardsmen. “Perhaps I should remain here. I am a bit tired.”
Grisilda’s eyes narrowed and her brows joined. “Lady Alice asked to be notified when you left your chambers. She plans to meet you at the high board.”
�
��Did you just make that up?” Beatrice tugged Grisilda’s hair.
The young woman yelped and swatted away her hand. “We cannot continue to act like at your home. You can’t hit me or tug my hair anymore.” Grisilda yanked Beatrice’s ear. “Nor can I do that anymore.”
It wasn’t becoming for the duke’s new wife to be fighting with her maid. However, Beatrice couldn’t help but grin as she rushed to the door. “Grisilda, don’t be a ninny. Ladies hit their maids all the time. Now hurry, go inform the lord’s wife I am heading to the great room now.”
“If you hit me I will hit you back,” Grisilda spouted as she hurried away.
Every head turned when she entered the room. Damn Gavin for not being there to face them alongside her. Then again, he’d faced whoever was there earlier. At least the Lord and his strange brother were gone. Somehow, it felt different as she nodded in acknowledgement at the same guards she’d ignored just two days earlier.
Her brother was not at the table. “Where is Oscar?” she asked Finlay, the only male who dared look directly at her.
Finlay stood and bowed at the waist. “He’s gone to relieve himself, Milady. I can go fetch him if you wish.”
Snatching his arm, she tugged him away from the table. “What are you doing? Why did you bow?”
“I am not sure,” Finlay said, ignoring the snickers from the guards. “You are a lady now. A duke’s wife. Do you know they are second in line to the throne?”
By the time one went through all the dukes, it would take a plague of enormous magnitude for Gavin to become king. However, Beatrice understood what Finlay meant. Her husband’s title was, indeed, a very grand one.
She smiled at her friend. “I will miss you, Finlay. Never change.” Over his shoulder, she spotted her brother. Unfortunately, Alice Mereworth entered at the same time.
The lord’s wife was, without a doubt, one of the dullest people Beatrice had ever met. Although only about thirty and five or so, the woman moved like she was ancient. Her shoulders curved and although her clothes were well made, they were of a brown color that somehow blended with the walls and rushes upon the floor.
It was difficult not to yawn just by studying the woman. Beatrice hurried to join Lady Alice, who settled into a chair. “How are you, Beatrice? I trust you rested well.”
“Well, yes. However it’s strange to sleep with a man in the bed.”
The woman gave her a blank look that made Beatrice wonder if perhaps Lady Alice was still asleep. “I agree. I rarely slept those first nights.”
“Yes, well, I have to admit to not sleeping much last night.” Beatrice hid a smile by tearing a piece of bread and eating it. “Do you know when we are to leave?”
“Oh no. I am not kept informed of such things.” The woman placed a cool hand on Beatrice’s lower arm. “You shouldn’t worry yourself. Let your husband inform you of what he considers you should know.”
Hopefully, the woman took her silence as acquiescence. In truth, she was picturing running to the garden where she could scream. How did a man like Lord Mereworth, who was so vibrant, stand spending day after day in this woman’s company?
A maid neared with trenchers laden with meats and cheese. One was placed before Beatrice and a second, half the size, before Lady Alice.
“My appetite is quite small these days,” the woman explained. “I tire of eating at times.”
“My mother says that once I am older I will grow round from eating so much. I love eating.” Beatrice demonstrated by tearing a large bite from the meat, following it with cheese and then washing it all down with her tea. She looked to the maid. “Can you bring me some of the sweets from last night?”
Beatrice paused, lost in thought for a moment. “I need to eat if my husband expects what happened last night to happen again.” Before she could continue speaking, the lord’s wife gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. “You enjoyed it?”
Although she’d been told repeatedly not to speak her mind, Beatrice found it was hard not to. Frankness, in her opinion, should be a virtue.
“I did enjoy bedsport with Gavin. Very much more than I expected, actually. I do believe my husband has done it many times before. Otherwise, how would he have known what to do? If I’d known how enjoyable it was, perhaps I’d have married long ago or at least sought out a handsome lad or two.” Beatrice laughed at her own joke. “I wonder how many lovers Gavin has had up to now.”
Wide eyed, Lady Mereworth clutched the crucifix handing from her neck. She leaned away as if afraid of contracting a disease.
“Beatrice!” Oscar had somehow materialized next to the table. “I hear you need to speak to me immediately?” His pointed look was followed by him holding out a hand toward her. “Come with me, Milady.”
“I’m hungry,” Beatrice offered weakly. Her brother’s lectures tended to be long. Her food would be cold or gone before she returned.
Giving up, as Oscar didn’t budge, Beatrice looked toward the lord’s wife who swallowed visibly. “We must have tea later.”
Beatrice grabbed a chunk of bread and cheese before allowing Oscar to lead her away.
“Are you mad?” Her brother whirled to face her as soon as they arrived in the gardens. “Did mother not speak to you about Lady Alice?”
What had happened to everyone this morning? They all acted as if she’d not lived there for years already. “I know she’s dull and boring. She’s been the same for years. I am trying to be her friend. Since I have to live here now, it would be good to get to know her better.”
Oscar let out a long breath. “I suppose you rarely came to the keep before now.” He looked toward the doorway. “Lady Alice asked to be sent to a convent to live out the rest of her days. She claims to have heard from God that she is not to be married. It is rare she leaves the confines of her chambers, but did so today because of you. I suppose the Lord demanded it.”
“That makes no sense. Why would anyone voluntarily go to a convent? Have you seen the excuses they use for beds? The food is nothing but porridge and they all have such a dour disposi…” Beatrice glanced over her shoulder. “Then again, I can picture it.”
Oscar shook his head. “I do not understand why the duke chose you. If anything, you become more unruly by the day.”
“I must ask.” Beatrice pulled him further away from the building. “Why did he choose me? Why such a hurry to marry?”
Her brother would never divulge anything he overheard. Over the years, she’d given up asking anything. On rare occasions, Oscar would speak to their father about things, but it was only when whatever was said would become known by all.
“If I’d known earlier, I would have talked the man out of it.” Her brother let out a frustrated breath. “I wonder the same. Not so much why he married you as I don’t want to imagine what you did to gather his attention, but why the hurry.”
“I did not do anything.”
“Please try to be more…I don’t know, docile.”
It was best to ignore the request as she planned to argue with Gavin when she saw him next. “What did you decide? Will you come with me?”
Oscar’s face softened and he cupped her jaw. “It’s best that I do, little beastie.”
She kicked his shin and dashed away, screaming with glee when he chased after her.
Gavin stood at the balcony. With a piece of bread in her hand and her hair falling from its braids, his wife raced around the garden being chased by her brother. The huge man caught up to her and swung her around. Beatrice’s laughter made Gavin smile. How he hoped he’d not ruin her spirit.
It was imperative she became with child soon, which meant he’d bed her often.
That, in and of itself, would be quite enjoyable. However, what would happen if she found out the only reason he married her was because he needed an heir or two to keep the threat of losing his title at bay?
How would the sprite react?
“You must take Beatrice under control. Her behavior is most unbecoming of a lad
y.” Coming to stand beside him, Alice sniffed and looked out to where the siblings now walked side by side, talking. “She spoke rather brashly of your night, loudly exclaiming her enjoyment. I am shocked that you would marry someone like her.”
Just then, Beatrice looked to where he stood. Her wide gaze moved from him to Alice. Beatrice stopped walking and the now crumbling bread fell from her hand.
“I would say it’s exactly why I married her. To marry someone dull, who prefers to sit alone than to share my life, would be worse than hell itself.” He walked away, ignoring the dour woman’s gasp.
Chapter Eight
Sinclair caught up with Gavin near the stables where he instructed his guards to prepare for their return to Hardigg Castle.
“I am ready to return. It’s been long enough of a dalliance here.” His brother walked to his horse and held out a carrot.
“Have you already plundered through all the women in the village, Brother?” Gavin shook his head when his brother grinned. “I am quite ready to return, as well.”
“Have you told your wife? Are you prepared for the forthcoming first time leaving dramatic farewell scene with her family?”
If he were to be honest, he’d been avoiding Beatrice. From the fire in her gaze, it was obvious she planned a row and he wasn’t sure how he would deflect her wishes without a huge argument. He’d have to be stern with her about certain things, but give her enough freedoms so not to break her spirit.
After several more instructions to the guards, Gavin asked Sinclair to walk with him.
“I am perplexed when it comes to Beatrice,” he admitted. “She wants to continue to hunt and traipse about the forest. I am not sure what to do about it.”
Of course, his brother was the least suitable to give marriage advice. But he trusted Sinclair and knew his brother had the best intentions when it came to the family.
Sinclair smiled. “The reason you married her was exactly this. Lady Beatrice will always be a challenge. One of your best decisions, Brother. However, in this case, you must be strong. She cannot run free and such. Someone could see it as an opportunity to harm her.”
