“Rupert!”
“There you are, my love. Yes!”
He seated himself to the root, releasing a torrent of semen, which splashed against the door of my cervix. The wetness began to escape, running down my inner thighs. The sounds of horses in the distance concerned me. “They come now!”
“Yes.” He sounded tired. “A near escape.”
I giggled, “You’ve done your husbandly duty well today, sir. Your wife is pleased.”
Rupert drew me to him, his lips covering mine. The kiss was quick, yet filled with promise, as his tongue invaded my mouth. “You are a pleasure.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“If only this room was ours.” Regret shone in his eyes.
“Our house should be a priority. It must be built quick.”
“My funds are dangerously low, Charlotte. I’m expecting several ships to arrive, but it might be months.”
I adjusted the dress. “What’s coming?”
“Gold, bronze, silver, and other goods. I pray the voyage is a safe one. I shall be a rich man, but only if the merchandise doesn’t sink.”
“I understand.”
“Something will have to be arranged. Now that I’ve had you, I shall desire it even more.”
I grinned. “I agree.” By sleeping with him, I had performed my wifely duties. The possibility of pleasure without guilt was all that I could have hoped for. A door slammed below. “They’ve come.”
He held out his hand. “Let’s go down.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
He dragged me close, murmuring near my ear. “I hardly know you. We’ve so much time to make up.”
“Today was a good start.”
Laughter rumbled in his chest. “It certainly was.”
“Charlotte?” my mother called.
“Yes, mother?” I appeared at the top of the stairs, staring down at my family. Several servants accompanied them, including Gertrude. “Isn’t it marvelous? We have our house back.”
“What are you doing up there, my dear? Come down at once.”
I glanced at Rupert. “We found Lora Green in your chamber. We’ve rousted her, mother. She had been living here.”
She gasped. “I shall have to wash all the linens. Gertrude, see to it that the room is cleansed and prepared for us.” She pointed at another servant. “You, bring in our things. And you, clean this room. It smells vile.”
“Yes, mistress.”
“Yes, mistress.”
The servants rushed to do her bidding.
“Tonight we celebrate, but there is work to be done. Come down, Charlotte. You and Emma will have to help me with my things.”
“Yes, mother.”
Although it rained the entire day, we labored indoors, unpacking our belongings and aiding mother into a bath before the fire. We all took turns bathing, until the water was cold. Servants hovered obsequiously, bringing food and drink, while stoking the fire. The entire house was in an uproar, father having acquired furniture, trunks, and food stores. The men rebuilt the stable, which had been partially burned. While the women rested and prepared for the festivities, the manor began to resemble the house I remembered.
Once we descended and presented ourselves, Emma dressed in an embroidered tunic and I in a green gown with tight sleeves, we strolled towards the table, which sat in the center of a great hall with fireplaces on each end. There was an abundance of food: porridge, lamb shanks, and boiled vegetables. The mead and wine flowed freely. I only recognized a handful of the men, most of whom were beholden to my father. They had helped free the village of the Viking scourge, and for that I was grateful.
My father lifted his pewter cup. “Here’s to our success. God has been kind to us on this day. He’s returned our beautiful daughters, hale and untouched. He has given us our home again.”
I smiled at mother, who beamed.
“It is a good day, husband. We are indeed lucky.”
I glanced at Rupert, and he winked at me.
Chapter Three
I sat with my sister, Emma, who had said little during dinner, her shyness having taken over. I leaned near. “What do you think?”
“About what?”
“My husband. Isn’t he a fine man?”
“He is.” She stared at Rupert, who laughed and talked with the men.
“He is wonderful.”
Her gaze was astute. “Is he now? You were in this house alone for a while. What happened?”
“Nothing.” I glanced at the plate.
“That’s a lie. I can see that you were intimate. You can’t stop looking at one another. He was good, wasn’t he?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
She nudged me with her elbow. “You’ll have to tell me later. I want all the details. You were with that king, what’s his name? What happened then, or do I want to know?”
“I…was forced to please him,” I whispered. “The Vikings were dreadful. Thank heavens they’re gone now.”
“Not completely. There’s a contingent on the beach. They have yet to leave.”
“I shall never fall prey to them again. Never.”
Her arm went around me. “No, of course not. We’ve been rescued. We’re safe now.”
I glanced at all the people in the room. “How will I ever get my husband alone?”
“Mother and father leave for Poole in the morning. You’ll have the house to yourself then.”
“Truly? When did you hear this?”
“Mother’s desperate for shopping, and father’s meeting with the other lords.”
Happiness sent my spirits soaring. “Oh, good. Every hour shall be like an eternity until they leave.” Then I felt a pang of guilt for being so selfish, especially considering the upheaval we had just endured. “I mean, oh, never mind.”
“Oh, good heavens,” she laughed.
“I’m sorry. That was thoughtless of me. We’re lucky to be together. We have our family and our home, while so many lost everything. I should remember that. I shouldn’t be selfish.”
“There’s nothing selfish about wanting to be with your husband. If I had a man such as yours, I’d feel the same. He certainly has aged well.” She eyed Rupert, who laughed at that moment, his face lined with mirth. “You’re a lucky woman.”
“You’ll find a man of your own, Emma.”
“Too many have died. The pickings are slim.”
“Keep your chin up.”
Her smile was tight. “I shall endeavor to make the best of it. You weren’t the only one who was fond of the Norsemen.” Her look was meaningful. “I think of Thorod often.”
“You mustn’t. Try not to.”
“He was handsome, and his lips were soft.”
“Shush that now.”
She sighed. “At least I won’t die a virgin.”
I laughed soundly, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. “You’d best not repeat that,” I whispered.
There was a commotion outside, and the room quieted. My mother stood, knocking over her cup. Her eyes darted back and forth. “What is that?”
“You needn’t worry, my darling.” Father got to his feet. “I promised the Lambert’s a place to stay. Their house burned down.”
Her mouth dropped. “What? When was this decided? Why was I not told anything?”
“Calm yourself, woman. They’re a family in need, and we mustn’t leave them out in the cold.”
“Where will they sleep?”
“Perhaps some mats can be acquired,” I said. My spirits had plummeted. Now I would not be able to be with Rupert.
“This is most inconvenient. I should have known about this earlier, my dear.”
“Yes, I’m sorry. It slipped my mind.” He waited for a servant to open the door. Several people entered, dressed in sodden cloaks. The women wore veils and wimples, but the material was drenched.
“Lady Grace Lambert,” said mother, forcing a smile. “How tired you must be. Come warm yourself by the fire.” She gl
anced at a servant. “Bring linens and blankets, quick!”
“Yes, my Lady.”
The festive atmosphere had lessened considerably with the arrival of the strangers. The couple looked exhausted, but their daughter, who was near my age, smiled brightly; her countenance was lovely, as were her sparkling blue eyes. Long, wet hair hung down her back, and the wimple on her head had flattened.
The older woman approached. “Thank you for having us, Lady Abbot. Your kindness knows no bounds. This is my daughter, Helen.”
“It is our pleasure, my dear. Come; sit. This is my oldest daughter, Lady Charlotte Colby and her husband Lord Colby. This is my youngest, Emma.”
“How do you do?” Emma curtsied politely. I curtsied as well.
Helen seemed to have Rupert’s undivided attention; his expression froze my heart. I’d never been jealous before in my life, but the way he smiled at Helen was worrisome. Tall and willowy, with fair skin and clear eyes, her features were delicately formed and far too pleasing.
“Welcome to Abbot Manor,” he said. “We’ve plenty of refreshment.”
She demurred. “That’s kind of you.”
“Please, do sit,” encouraged mother. “Let’s have some music, shall we?”
The flutists in the corner began to play a lively tune, and, as I glared at my husband from across the table, he grinned, flashing even, white teeth.
The Lambert women sat with blankets around their shoulders, while servants brought out extra plates. My sister eyed Helen curiously. “Where have you been hiding?”
“At a hut in Merley. We barely survived the invasion. My brother’s missing. He went off to fight and hasn’t returned.” Her smile fell.
“You weren’t taken by the Vikings then?” asked Mother, who held a cup to her lips.
“No, thank goodness,” said Lady Lambert. “God has spared us that misery at least, but we lost all of our things. The house is gone.”
I stared at mother, imploring her not to mention my abduction. Everyone would know that I was less than pure. She nodded towards me. “It’s been a trying time for everyone, I’m afraid. My daughters and I were at the monastery, hiding in a secret room. We truly were one of the lucky ones.”
I slumped in my seat with relief. Mother would re-write history and clear Emma and I of even the slightest hints of impropriety. My smile was grateful, and she winked at me. “Indeed,” I said. “We were entirely under the monks care, and they provided us with not only shelter, but the benefit of the church. I’ve never prayed so fervently in my life.” Emma gave me a look, and I kicked her under the table.
“Ouf!”
Lady Lambert beamed with approval. “You’re truly an example of the fortitude of the English, my dear. It shall be known how the Abbots surmounted the horror and found solace with the monks.
Emma coughed, the sound filling the room. I patted her on the back. “Are you well? You mustn’t drink and breathe at the same time.”
She glanced at me, her eyes shiny with tears, but there was humor there. Lady Lambert’s speech had amused her no end. “Yes, we certainly were well taken care of by the…abbot.”
I glared at her. “Stop being a pest!” I hissed. Clearing my throat, I said, “We’ve all endured the best we could. I, for one, am relieved the nightmare is over. I never want to see another Norseman again for the rest of my days.”
Rupert gazed at me, with his arms crossed over his chest. “They’ll be driven away soon enough, Charlotte. You needn’t worry. The worst is over.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
After we had eaten, the men congregated near the fire to drink and talk, while my mother pulled me aside. “Oh, my goodness. We have the bed here, but there are already two people in it.”
“Helen can squeeze in between Emma and me.”
“Where does that leave her parents? I thought they would take the bed.”
My mouth fell open. “Oh, fiddle sticks! I’m finally home and I cannot sleep in my own bed? This simply cannot be borne. Haven’t I suffered enough injustice?” The invasion had made me peevish, and I knew I sounded like a spoiled brat, but I didn’t care.
“I know this is an imposition. I’m sorry, Charlotte. What am I to do? It’s for one night. Your father and I depart in the morning. You may have the solar tomorrow.”
“I ask that you take me, mother.” Emma joined us. “I don’t wish to stay here. I want to leave Dorset. Don’t leave me here.”
“What on earth is the matter with you?”
“I can’t stand the memories.” Tears were in her eyes. “If you go, take me with you.”
Mother sighed. She seemed at her wits' end. “Very well. Then you shall have the solar alone…with your husband.” Her look held a wealth of meaning.
This announcement pleased me to no end, curing my lousy mood instantly. “Thank you, mother.”
“Now then,” she said. “Make yourselves comfortable tonight. I trust the accommodations will be far superior to what we experienced at the monastery.”
I glanced at Emma. “Yes, mother. We shall make do the best we can.”
It was unfortunate that I would not be allowed to sleep with my husband, but, as I crawled onto a mat next to Emma and Helen, weariness settled on me, and I yawned, suddenly not caring. Tomorrow would bring a new day and hopefully vastly improved circumstances.
When I woke, Gertrude stood over me, her wrinkled face was pinched, and her lips were pursed. “My Lady?”
“What is it?”
“I was made to tell you that your husband’s left.”
“What?”
“He was called away in the middle of the night.”
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. “Oh, no. You jest. This isn’t funny at all.”
“I’m sorry, my Lady. This is no joke.”
What was supposed to be a promising day, suddenly darkened. “He never bade me farewell. How could he leave without saying goodbye?” My spirits were shattered. “This cannot be.”
“What’s amiss?” Emma sat up. Her hair was a riot of messy strands around her shoulders. “Did something happen?” Lord and Lady Lambert were still asleep in the curtained bed.
“My husband left.”
“Where did he go?”
“To fight the bloody Vikings, I presume. I’m beyond angry now.” I tossed the blankets aside, getting to my feet. “I’ve had enough of this.”
Helen turned to look at me. “I’m sorry, Lady Colby. I thought I heard horses two hours ago. That must have been them.”
“How can I forgive him for not saying farewell? He sends a servant to tell me, no offense, Gertrude.”
“None taken.”
“When will he be back?”
“I don’t know, my Lady. With any luck, by the end of the day.”
“Where are my parents?”
“Still asleep.”
“I thought they were leaving this morning?”
“Yes, my Lady. Their things are packed and ready.”
The door to the solar opened, and my mother appeared. “Ah, you’re all awake. It’s not raining. This is a good sign.” She gripped the banister, descending. “I hope the water’s boiled, Gertrude.”
“Yes, my Lady.”
“I require some tea.”
“At once, my Lady.”
“My husband’s gone, mother. He was called away.”
“When did this happen?”
“Early in the morning.”
“Oh, you poor dear. How awful. What a disappointing turn of events.”
My father appeared behind her, dressed for the outdoors in a heavy cloak. “What’s this I hear?”
“Lord Colby was called away. I assume his men came and got him.”
“Why was I not told about this?”
“I haven’t a clue,” mother said. “Mayhap, it’s nothing to be concerned about.”
“The land has been ravaged by heathens,” I said. “They’re still here. That is deeply concerning.”
Once she reach
ed me, her arms went around my shoulders. “Keep your chin up, my darling. You’ve been denied your husband all these years. What would a few more days be?”
“I’ll do my best to entertain her,” said Helen. “We shall have amusements. I’ve needle work I can share.”
“You are a good girl, Helen.”
The bed near the wall began to show signs of life. Its occupants had overheard the conversation, no doubt. Helen’s mother appeared. “What’s this? Someone’s gone missing?”
“Lord Colby’s been called away, Grace. It’s nothing to be concerned about.”
Father’s booted feet sounded hollow on the wooden floor, as he strode towards the door. “We must be off. Prepare yourself, Emma. I’ll have the cart brought around.”
“Yes, father.” She hugged me. “We shall see each other again soon.”
“Travel safe.” I held her tight. “I wish you didn’t have to go.” I would be alone with people I hardly knew. We had never socialized with the Lamberts. I was better acquainted with other families in the village.
“We shall return by the end of the week, my dear.”
“Yes, mother.”
Moments later, I saw them to the door. The sun cast streams of light upon the muck in the courtyard, as the horses waited patiently. The cart that held my sister and mother was covered in a heavy cloth, while father sat on a horse. Feeling downtrodden, I waved to them, as they rode out. The day had been ruined by Rupert’s unexpected disappearance. It angered me that he had not woken me to say goodbye.
“They will be well,” said Helen, who stood behind me. “The Vikings have been driven to the sea or they’ve gone elsewhere.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Come inside. It’s cold.”
I would be forced to entertain strangers for several days. I tried desperately to smile, although it felt false. From Helen’s look, she knew I wasn’t happy.
“The solar’s yours. I shall stay below. You may have it all to yourself.”
“That’s not necessary. We can share. I’m…sorry I’m not happier at the moment. Things haven’t gone the way I thought they would.”
Cum For The Viking 6 (The Final Seduction) Page 2
