by Aston, Alexa
He found a hand on his arm, restraining him.
“Michael. Hold fast,” Geoffrey warned. “No contracts have been signed. I’ll speak with Lord Holger after he’s broken the news of Hendry’s death to Elysande and put your name forth as a suitor. I’m sure the man will drive a hard bargain, but I’m certain that the future Earl of Sandbourne would prove a most worthy candidate.”
He nodded, taking in Geoffrey’s words. Michael never acted rashly. He would remain calm and bide his time.
Until he saw Lord Ingram leave the great hall. Michael’s gut told him that the nobleman went to find Holger and Elysande and demand that they draw up the contracts at once. Michael didn’t know how long he could wait. He couldn’t chance missing out on this opportunity. He turned and saw Geoffrey nodded at him. At once, he exited the great hall, looking for where the trio could be.
As he searched, Elysande appeared, the color drained from her face. She ran smack into him and Michael grabbed her to hold her steady. She pushed him away and fled.
And now he was determined to find her.
Michael kept Elysande in sight as she ran wildly. He knew, even before she probably did, that she headed to the stables. To her beloved horses. She understood them. Had an affinity for them. She would turn to them in her time of need.
He couldn’t imagine what her reaction had been when she was told her dead groom was to be replaced by his father. Lord Ingram was a cruel man. Michael couldn’t imagine Elysande by his side—much less in his bed. The thought had hot fury coursing through him and he increased his stride. He reached the stables only moments after he saw her duck inside. He nodded to a groom he passed.
She had to be with Morningstar and Happy. He walked the length of the stable, making the appropriate turns till he came to the enlarged stall. Mother and foal still resided there. Happy nursed away as Morningstar stood patiently. Elysande had her arms wrapped about the dam’s neck. She’d buried her face in the horse’s mane. Muffled sobs came from her.
Without a word, Michael went to her and captured her small waist in his hands, pulling her away from the horse. She twisted around and caught sight of him. Something garbled came from her lips, then she collapsed against him, her hands clenching his tunic.
Michael moved to the corner of the stable. When his back touched the wall, he slid down it into the soft hay, bringing Elysande with him. He cradled her trembling body in his arms, his lips brushing against her hair. He let her cry until she was spent.
When she fell silent, he lifted her chin with a finger. Those large, amethyst eyes hypnotized him, holding him captive for a moment. He’d never seen such an unusual color. He’d never held such a beautiful woman, both inside and out, within in his arms.
Instinctively, his mouth sought hers. Her soft lips, warm and pliable, opened to him. Michael thrust his tongue inside, tasting the sweetness that he associated with this woman. Sparks ignited as their tongues mated, two souls who had connected. He drank her in, again and again, his pulse pounding louder than he thought possible. His arms tightened about her, bringing her close. His hands roamed her back and rose to plunge into her hair, loosening her braids. The long tresses spilled about her shoulders. Their silky feel rivaled the smoothness of her skin.
He wanted her naked—now, beneath him—their flesh hot against one other.
But now was not the time.
Slowly, he pulled his head away. Their mouths parted. Both panted. He leaned back into her, his forehead resting against hers.
“Michael.”
Her whispered word brought chills. This was the woman he was meant to be with for all time. He would do whatever it took to claim her.
“Elysande.” He loved her name. Loved saying it to her face. Loved everything about her. ’Twas true what the old wives said. Love arrived like a thief in the night and changed everything as a quick strike of lightning might. Michael hadn’t known this woman a week ago. He could easily spend a lifetime learning everything about her.
“Hendry’s dead.”
“I know.”
She started. “You do?” Then her eyes turned downward. Long, dark lashes fell against her cheek. He leaned in and kissed each eyelid and thrilled at hearing her sigh of contentment.
“And Lord Ingram offered for you.”
Elysande’s head shot up. “You know that, too?”
He nodded. “I heard him tell your mother and Lord Holger that he wished to wed you.”
The glum look returned to her face. “They are now engaged in hammering out the contracts so that we can be wed as soon as possible.”
“Not if I have anything to say in the matter.”
She cupped his cheek. “Oh, Michael. Lord Ingram is a powerful man. For me to marry someone so wealthy? It would be a very good match. I can’t see Lord Holger putting up much resistance. Lord Ingram is a very persuasive man.”
Michael put a hand over hers, hating the defeated look in her eyes. “I can also be quite convincing, Elysande. I may not seem powerful to you, but one day I will be when I come into my title.”
Her brows knitted together. “What do you mean, your title?”
“I’m the only son of the Earl of Sandbourne,” he revealed, “though we are estranged. I haven’t returned home in fifteen years, but I’ll become the earl upon my father’s death. I plan to approach Lord Holger and your mother and plead my case. Lord Geoffrey has assured me he, too, will put in a good word on my behalf. One day I’ll own more land and gain access to wealth that rivals even Lord Ingram’s.”
“Oh, Michael!” Elysande kissed him with enthusiasm, her breasts pressing against his chest. He longed to worship each of them in good time.
He took her wrists and gently tugged her away. “Come. We need to return to the keep. I don’t want Lord Ingram gaining any ground in his pursuit of you.” He reached over and pulled straw from her unbound hair.
Elysande gave him a bright smile. “And to think I fell in love with mere Sir Michael Devereux.”
Chapter Eight
Elysande floated back to the great hall, her hand in the crook of Michael’s arm. Just touching him brought about a strength and resolve she’d never had before. She felt like a princess, chosen by the most handsome prince in all of Christendom. In the blink of an eye, her fate had changed—thanks to the death of her betrothed and Michael wanting to court her and make her his wife.
Finding out he would come into a title and great wealth meant little to her, but it would definitely sway her stepfather’s opinion. Elysande whispered a prayer to the Blessed Virgin, hoping that Lord Holger would listen to reason and refuse Lord Ingram’s suit since a younger, more powerful earl wished for her hand in marriage. She couldn’t imagine a reason for her stepfather to refuse, but she wanted to speak to her mother immediately.
“We need to find my mother,” she told Michael. “Mother is the only one that Lord Holger might listen to.” She glanced about the room. “Over there.”
Michael steered her toward her mother, who stood with Geoffrey, Merryn, and Avelyn. Elysande caught Merryn’s eye and saw her aunt glow with approval as they approached. Then Geoffrey winked at Elysande. She believed, in that moment, that everything would work out as planned.
“Mother, I know you have met Sir Michael Devereux.”
Lady Mary bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. “Geoffrey and Merryn have shared with me that the two of you have strong feelings for one another. Selfishly, I would keep you close to me, here in the south, rather than see you return to the cold north with a man like Lord Ingram.” She looked Michael over. “And I believe you would treat my Elysande well, young man.”
“I would, my lady. She is my life and my light,” he said solemnly.
“Oh, my,” Avelyn exclaimed. “How romantic.”
Merryn gave Michael a subtle smile. “I did not realize you had such a romantic side to you, Michael. You’ve never revealed it before.”
He laughed. “Nay, my lady. I had no idea it existed—till Elysande came into my lif
e.” Michael gave Elysande a warm smile that curled her toes.
“Lord Holger has been closeted with Lord Ingram the past hour,” Geoffrey shared. “I believe ’tis time to interrupt their negotiations. Michael, would you like for me to accompany you? I’m happy to speak for you in this matter or stand aside and simply lend my support as you state your case.”
Michael nodded. “You would be a strong advocate, my lord. I’d appreciate your presence when I speak to Lord Holger.”
Michael turned to Elysande and raised her hand to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss upon her fingers. “If you will excuse me?”
“Of course.” Elysande watched Michael and Geoffrey leave the great hall. She already missed her dashing knight.
Her mother stepped over and hugged her tightly, then Merryn and Avelyn each embraced her. The three women shared how happy they were for her. Elysande felt as if she drifted through a dream.
Soon, she and Michael Devereux would be wed.
*
Having Lord Geoffrey accompanying him to the negotiations brought a sense of relief to Michael. Though only Michael’s senior by seven years, the nobleman seemed at ease in any situation and would be a strong ally as Michael faced off with Lord Holger and Lord Ingram.
He led Lord Geoffrey from the great hall and around the corner to the room Elysande had fled from earlier. They came to stand in front of the open door and Michael knocked on the frame.
“May we come in, Lord Holger?” he asked. Without waiting for the nobleman’s invitation to enter, Michael strolled in, happy to see the frustrated look upon Lord Ingram’s face.
Apparently, the discussion had not gone well so far.
Good.
“What do you want?” Lord Holger demanded, glancing at Michael and then to Lord Geoffrey. “Is my wife curious as to what is taking so long? I will share with Lady Mary in good time what has been decided for her daughter.”
Michael watched his liege lord close the door and face the two men.
“Lord Holger.” Geoffrey acknowledged Elysande’s stepfather with a slight nod before looking to Lord Ingram. “My lord, I am Geoffrey de Montfort, brother to Lady Mary.” With his hand, he indicated Michael. “And this is my most trusted knight, Sir Michael Devereux, whom I have known since he was a small boy.”
“What business have you here?” Lord Ingram demanded, his tone sharp. “I seek privacy while I bargain with Lord Holger for his stepdaughter’s hand.”
Geoffrey smiled and smoothly said, “’Tis why we have come. Sir Michael also desires to come to the bargaining table and offer for Lady Elysande.”
“What?” Alarm filled Lord Ingram’s face. He looked Michael up and down, assessing the challenge to his negotiations.
“My sister is saddened by your son’s death,” Geoffrey continued, “but it gives her the opportunity to plot a different course for her daughter’s life. You see, Mary has grown despondent thinking of Elysande living so far away from her. If my niece married Sir Michael, Elysande could remain in the south, closer to her mother.”
Lord Holger sniffed. “You may have good intentions regarding my stepdaughter, Sir Michael, but I doubt a mere knight could meet the bridal price that I require from her future husband. Besides, why would I allow my stepdaughter to wed a man in service to her uncle when she could be a countess and mistress of her husband’s castle and holdings? That is possible—if Lord Holger meets my terms, of course.”
The time had come for Michael to speak. With confidence, he said, “I may be a lowly knight now, my lord, but I am heir to an earldom. In due time, Lady Elysande would be my countess. And Sandbourne is close enough to Hopeston, so that it would be a most desirable place in Lady Mary’s eyes for her daughter to be settled. That way, Lady Mary could visit often and play with her grandchildren. You, too, my lord, would be most welcome.”
The nobleman’s eyes widened in surprise. “You are the Earl of Sandbourne’s son?”
“Aye, Lord Holger. His only son. So my father’s title and vast holdings will come to me upon his death.”
“I know it would please my sister greatly to have Elysande nearby,” Geoffrey added. “I can also vouch for Sir Michael’s good character. He was a fine boy and has grown into a man of honor. My niece could have no better husband than this good knight who stands before you, Lord Holger.”
“But he’s only a knight,” Lord Ingram pointed out, once again joining the conversation. “It could be years before he gains the title and access to his wealth. I, on the other hand, am quite wealthy now. Lady Elysande would have everything she needed by marrying me—without having to wait.”
Lord Holger nodded slowly. “’Tis true, Lord Ingram could provide for the girl immediately. He could produce the bridal price immediately. And my stepdaughter would live in the lap of luxury without having to wait months or years.”
Tension filled Michael. He saw the opportunity of making Elysande his slipping away. He glanced quickly to Lord Geoffrey.
“The bridal price is no problem,” Geoffrey said. “I can give that to you and have Michael reimburse me when the time comes. The two would live in Kinwick Castle, my home, so my niece would lack for nothing.”
Gratitude for Lord Geoffrey’s friendship and bold proclamation gave Michael confidence that Lord Holger would finally agree.
Instead, he heard, “I think not, Geoffrey. I have found my stepdaughter to be too headstrong for her own good and far too outspoken for a woman, much less a female of her age. I think she needs the firm hand of an older man, such as Lord Ingram, in order to teach her discipline. I fear Sir Michael is much too young and would be smitten by her beauty and give in to her every whim.” Holger glanced at Lord Ingram. “Besides, who runs this family? ’Tis not Lady Mary. I do. Not my wife. I refuse to take her wishes into consideration. I need to do what is best for my stepdaughter.”
Lord Holger glanced around the room. “And that is a union with Lord Ingram.”
An obstinate look set in Lord Holger’s eyes. Michael’s heart sank. He knew there’d be no reasoning with Elysande’s stepfather. The man had made up his mind and would not budge.
“Please leave us, gentlemen. Lord Ingram and I must return to our discussion and arrange the future of my stepdaughter.”
With a wave of defeat leaving a bitter taste in his mouth, Michael strode from the room.
*
As the women continued to chat and the men remained closeted, Elysande began to worry.
“Do you think I should go check on the negotiations with Lord Holger?” she asked. “See what progress has been made?”
Before anyone replied, Michael and Geoffrey entered the great hall again. Elysande could tell by the looks on their faces that they had no good news to share.
She rushed to Michael, the others trailing after her. “What happened?”
His face flushed with anger. “Lord Holger is a fool,” he said simply.
Panic surged through her. Elysande turned to her uncle.
“I’m in agreement,” Geoffrey said. “No matter how hard we beseeched him, he refused to consider Michael as your future husband. He finally demanded that we leave so he could continue to hammer out the details of the betrothal contract with Lord Ingram.” Geoffrey gave her a sorrowful look. “I’m truly sorry, Elysande. I fear this time tomorrow you’ll find that you’re a bride to Lord Ingram.”
“No.” The word came out barely a whisper. The pendulum swung yet again against her. She’d gone from the low of awaiting Hendry’s arrival to the high of hearing of his death. From hearing that Lord Ingram wished to be her bridegroom to learning that Michael wanted to fight for her—and that he had a powerful title to back his quest.
And now, to find out that her stepfather couldn’t be bothered with even listening to anyone’s suit other than Lord Ingram’s? Hatred welled in her heart.
Elysande looked to her mother. “I won’t wed that man. I’ll refuse to speak the vows. Lord Holger can’t force me to do so. He’s not my father.”
Avelyn burst out in tears. “If you don’t marry him, Elysande, what if Lord Holger forces me to marry Lord Ingram?” Her sister ran from the room.
“I’ll go to her,” Merryn said. She paused and took Elysande’s hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze before she left.
Elysande stiffened her spine. No one could fight this battle for her. She must intervene. She must be the one to impact the story of her life.
“Please excuse me.” She left the great hall and returned to the steward’s office for a second time. A closed door meant nothing. Elysande threw it open without bothering to knock. The door slammed against the wall.
She stepped through as both men eyed her warily.
“If you will excuse us, Lord Ingram. My stepfather and I have a grave matter to discuss.”
The earl threw his hands in the air. “Try and talk some sense into Lord Holger, my lady. He is one of the most unreasonable men I’ve had the displeasure of bargaining with.” Ingram studied her through hooded eyes. “I hope by this time tomorrow you won’t have to listen to him anymore. Once we have wed.”
Ingram left the room. Elysande shut the door behind him and gathered her courage.
Lord Holger fell into a chair. “’Tis a stubborn man I am dealing with. First, Lord Ingram owes me payment because his son died.” He lifted a sheaf of papers. “That was already present in the first contract, so he must pay up.”
“He owes . . . you? Because my betrothed died before our marriage could take place?”
Holger clucked his tongue. “Technically, the monies would go to your mother. But as my wife, I would hold them for her.” He paused. “And Ingram wants more of a bridal payment than your father originally agreed to. I see no reason why I should pay more than your father did to be rid of you.”
Elysande’s anger grew. “You’re treating me as a piece of meat. I am a person, my lord. Your stepdaughter. Even if I’ve never heard you refer to me by my name. And I tell you now, I will not—under any circumstances—wed Lord Ingram. You may negotiate till you are blue in the face, but I refuse to be a party to this mockery of a wedding.”
