She saw the passion swirl in his eyes as he gave her a wolfish grin. “If I promise to be gentle, mayhap we can do a bit more? And then we can be on our way.”
Garrett could see Stanbury in the distance. His stomach tightened at the thought of what lay ahead. He’d spent many hours at Madeleine’s bedside as she slept, wondering what he would find out when he returned. Had Lynnette truly fled with a lover? Or had something else sent her away? What role did Barth play in this mystery?
He would soon know.
Garrett sighed aloud, more weary than he’d imagined. The trip took three times the usual length due to Madeleine’s injuries. He’d refused to leave her behind, not wanting her out of his sight for a moment. He hadn’t even wanted a cart, knowing the bumps along the road from London would be too many to count.
Instead, he’d walked Ebony all the way home, never allowing the horse to break into a trot. He’d embraced Madeleine carefully, watching for every pothole in their path. He cherished every moment of her closeness—the subtle scent of lavender that rose as a cloud to tickle his nose, the feel of her new velvet tunic against his hands. He’d remembered how she had said she loved the feel of velvet. He certainly liked the feel of her in it.
He stopped Ebony and stared at his home. Madeleine turned slightly and faced him. Before she could speak, he gave her a reassuring smile and a slow, lingering kiss.
“How do you feel?” he asked. “Tired?”
Her deep, rich laugh bubbled up. “Breathless.” She smiled at him with love, and Garrett felt a warm glow.
“I love you,” he whispered, hugging her close to him and stroking her hair. He felt so complete in her presence and so utterly lost without her. He thanked God in His heaven that Madeleine had come into his life.
“This journey was a bit different from the last one we took on this road,” she said, her eyes misty with tears.
“Yes.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss. “You know if ‘twere possible, I would have made you Lady Montayne back in London.” He grinned. “Then I could have traveled with her both ways on the road to and from London.”
“You are impossible.” Her smile melted his heart.
“Are you ready for what lies ahead?” he asked.
She nodded. “Are you?”
In response he flicked Ebony’s reins and they began the last few miles of their long journey.
They were greeted with cheers as they entered the lower bailey just after midday. He’d written Ashby more than once while they were in London, and his friend welcomed them now. Edith and Lissa also waited for them.
Ashby reached up and gently removed Madeleine from the saddle. “’Tis good to see you home,” he told her, a smile lighting his face. “We’ve missed you.”
Garrett dismounted and tossed his reins to a groom. “Enough of that, Ash.” He slapped his friend on the back.
Lissa ran toward them, Edith following closely behind. “Papa! Papa!” She leapt from the ground and hugged his waist, hanging there, legs swinging.
Garrett kissed her soundly. “’Tis good to see you, Lissa.”
He leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Hello, Mother.” He’d written her as well, letting her know Madeleine would be coming home with him. He’d not given her all the details, but he made her aware that as soon as possible, he planned to wed Madeleine. He didn’t know if what he learned this day would impact that decision or if he’d need to wait for the bishop to act on his petition. But he wanted Edith to know that Madeleine was in his life to stay. He wondered briefly how accepting his mother would be because she had been very close to Lynnette.
He needn’t have worried. She embraced Madeleine carefully but warmly. “My dear, ‘tis so good to have you return.”
Madeleine blushed. “I’m afraid I left rather hurriedly.”
Before she could continue, Edith stopped her. “No harm in that.” She smiled over at her son. “’Tis rather romantic how Garrett raced off after you. I wish I had known such love.” Her expression grew wistful for a moment then brightened. “Mayhap you could turn it into a ballad?”
Ashby laughed. “That I’d like to hear. Garrett, the love-struck fool, pining away. Madeleine, the heartbreaker, who— ”
“Enough!” Garrett cried, laughter in his voice. “Let us adjourn inside. ‘Tis a nippy wind we face out here.”
He draped an arm about Madeleine and found Lissa between them, clinging to Madeleine’s skirts.
“You look funny, Madeleine. Your face has all different colors on it. Ashby said you fell. Did it hurt? I fell one time. Annie told me I was black and blue. I don’t think I turned any colors at all.”
“I did have a bad fall, but your papa took special care of me.” Madeleine glanced at him. “He’s made me better in every way.”
Garrett gave her a squeeze, and they went up the steps and entered the Great Hall. Lissa prattled on about her kitten. He let her spend some time with them, chattering on about all the things that had happened while they’d been gone before he signaled Annie.
“Time for yer nap, Lissa.”
“But Annie . . . Papa . . .” She looked around for support.
“But no,” he said firmly. “Madeleine is weary from our journey, and she also needs to rest. You won’t miss out on anything.”
His daughter opened her mouth to speak, but his stern look led her to close it again. Instead, she kissed both Madeleine and him and scooped up Luke before she went with Annie up the stairs.
Edith asked, “Would you like something to eat now, son? Madeleine?”
Madeleine shook her head. “No, I am too tired, my lady. I want simply to lie down.”
“I’ve had a chamber prepared for you. Would you like me to take you to it?”
Madeleine looked to him.
“Go ahead, sweetheart. I’ve much to do before we settle the other matter.”
“You’ll wait for me?”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
Edith took Madeleine’s arm, and they exited the Great Hall. Garrett’s eyes followed them the entire length.
When they’d gone, Ashby whistled low. “My God, Garrett. If this ‘tis what she looks like after three weeks, I shudder to think what went before.”
“I thought I’d lose her, Ash. He’d beaten her so badly. When I think . . .” His voice broke and he swallowed hard. “God’s teeth! When I think I could have lost her . . .”
Ashby placed a steady hand on his shoulder. “But you didn’t, Garrett.”
“Thank the angels for that.” He met his friend’s intent gaze. “I love her, Ash. I love her with every bone in my body. I love every inch of her, down to her smallest toe.”
“She is rather tall, Garrett. ‘Tis a lot to love.”
Garrett broke into a smile. “I’ve missed you, Ash.” He grew solemn. “Barth?”
“He suspects nothing. When do you confront him?”
“Tonight. I’m exhausted from our ride. I’d like to have all my wits about me. I think I’ll sleep for a few hours and then attack one of Cook’s pheasants. Then,” he said, his eyes growing dark, “’twill be time for the truth.”
Chapter 25
Madeleine awoke to find her hand in Garrett’s, their fingers entwined. His chair was pulled as closely to the bed as possible. He seemed very uncomfortable, all rumpled and slumped, but how handsome he was. Her heart turned twice over just looking at him.
She thought what it meant to return to Stanbury with him and how different her world had become. She had longed for sanctuary from her physical and emotional abuse in the confines of a nunnery. Instead, she had found salvation in the arms of this fierce man. Garrett had become her King Arthur, the hero from the stories Cadena told her in her youth. He’d come to slay Henri-the-Dragon. She’d been rescued from her cruel captor, and now she viewed all of creation through such different eyes.
She was safe, but not free from worry. What Garrett would learn from Barth weighed on her mind. He
had pinned such hopes on what this one serf could tell him. She hated to see him hurt or disappointed if he hit a stone wall. He had delivered her from her worst nightmare; she wished she could do the same for him in return. All she could offer now were her love and support.
Madeleine marveled at that. The notion of romantic love, the dream of her youth, had all but disappeared during her time with Henri. All her emotions had, in truth. Henri had always been ready to pounce upon any weakness, any display of sentimentality or caring. She had hardened her heart to everything that surrounded her. The wall she’d erected had kept her strong, helped her maintain her sanity, and eventually allowed her the courage to run.
How she thanked her Dear Lord that she’d run into the arms of her love. For months she’d fought her growing attraction to Garrett, the need for his touch and the simple craving for his company. He was witty and intelligent, caring and passionate, everything her heart had ever desired.
His cold, grim exterior hid a gentle and loving spirit within. Garrett was a man like no other. She was certain God had led her to him. She prayed desperately that He would guide Garrett now as he searched for the answers concerning Lynnette. God created the love between them. Surely He would not have put them through so much only to keep them apart? He couldn’t possibly be the angry God the priests were so fond of portraying. No, God created this beautiful world and all in it. She must place her faith in Him.
Madeleine drank in the sight of Garrett a bit longer, happy to be in his presence. Finally, she wiggled her fingers slightly, and he practically leapt to his feet.
“You are a light sleeper, my lord.” She grinned at him mischievously. “And very disheveled, I might add. Did you really have to sleep in that chair?”
He rubbed her knuckles affectionately. “Not for long, my sweet. I found it lonely in the solar, though. Now, if you’d rather me in your bed, I could—”
A loud rap at the door cut him off. Edith and Annie came bustling in with trays of food.
Garrett rose and helped Madeleine sit up against the pillows.
Edith smiled at them. “We thought you’d be hungry by now.”
“I don’t know about Garrett, but I’m ravenous.” Madeleine glanced at the trays. “Why, you’ve brought enough to feed a small army.”
Edith laughed. “Garrett devours food much like an army.” She passed him a cup of ale. “The evening meal is about to begin downstairs, but I thought you’d like a bit of time to yourselves.”
Garrett tore off a bite of the pheasant and chewed slowly, savoring its tenderness. “Actually, we both still bear the stains of travel, Mother. If we could have a bath drawn for each of us, ‘twould be most welcomed.”
“I’ll take care of it now, my lord,” Annie said.
Edith made a motion to follow her, but Garrett stopped her. “Mother?”
She turned. “Yes, son?”
He went to the door and took her elbow, moving them out into the corridor. The torches flickered, lighting the hallway. “Would you stay and assist Madeleine with her bath? I don’t want her left alone.”
Edith nodded. “Of course.” She started to enter the room again, but he stopped her.
“Mother.” He hesitated. “’Tis bad what was done to her. I just wanted to prepare you.”
She sighed. “Oh, Garrett. I know. One look at her as you rode up, and my heart was in my throat.” She faced him squarely. “I was married to Ryker, my son. I know from experience what a beating looks like.”
He wrapped his mother into his arms and held her for longer than his usual quick hug. Then he stepped back and saw her eyes brimming with tears.
“’Tis over and done,” she said. “Those shadows were lifted from Stanbury long ago. Come, finish eating. I’ll help your Madeleine. No prying servants’ eyes. Just your loving mother’s.” She kissed his cheek.
Once bathed and dressed, Garrett returned to Madeleine’s chamber. He paused, surprised at the sound of laughter as he pushed open the door.
They obviously did not hear him come in and their conversation continued uninterrupted. Madeleine was seated upon a stool close by the fire, his mother braiding her hair.
Garrett watched Madeleine as the two women chatted, oblivious to their words. Despite the fading bruises, Madeleine appeared radiant. She had lost the harried look she’d worn in recent weeks, as if the weight of concealing her identity from everyone had been a physical one, pressing down upon her. With her so visibly relaxed, he knew her emotional scars, as well as the physical injuries, had begun to heal.
“And then Garrett . . . Oh, hello, son,” Edith said, noticing him for the first time.
Madeleine glanced up. As their eyes met, she burst out laughing.
Garrett frowned playfully. “What’s so amusing?” He crossed to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Both women looked at each other and erupted into giggles. Edith finished her work by tying a ribbon of midnight blue on the end of Madeleine’s braid.
“I’ll tell you more later,” his mother said mysteriously and left the room.
Garrett crossed to where Madeleine sat and began kneading her shoulders. She closed her eyes and sighed. “That feels wonderful. Don’t ever stop.”
“I’ll keep on. As long as you tell me what I missed.”
She opened her eyes. “Your mother was telling me the most amusing stories about you and Ashby.” A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I can’t wait to tease you both.”
His fingers slid up her neck. “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to speak with Ash anymore.”
She twisted around to look at him. “And why not?”
He stroked her neck as he said, “With all the lecherous looks he was giving you? I doubt I’ll trust him to be within twenty paces of you ever again.”
She cupped his face and gave him a light kiss. “You are so silly, Garrett. I should— ”
“Kiss you again,” he replied. He leaned down for a hard, fast kiss. He smiled at her as they parted.
“Now I’m fortified for whatever occurs.” He squeezed her hand. “I must take care of the business at hand, though. Ash is awaiting word from me. I need to see him but a moment, and then I will return to you.”
“Let me accompany you,” she pleaded.
In answer he put an arm about her waist and led her to the Great Hall, glad she didn’t want to be parted from him for even a short length of time.
The evening meal was being cleared as they entered. Servants scurried along, clacking empty tankards and returning the trestle tables back against the walls. Many moved close to the hearth fire, which crackled and danced. Several called out greetings as they entered.
Cook rushed over to them. “Was the pheasant pleasing, my lord?”
“It surpassed your usual standard, Cook.”
She beamed with pleasure. “And ‘twould it be possible for Madeleine to grace us with a song?”
Garrett spoke for her. “Tomorrow. Madeleine is still weary from our journey home.”
Madeleine nodded at the woman. “I promise that the first song will be for you, Cook.”
Cook chuckled, rubbing her gnarled hands together. “Can’t wait to tell that stinkin’ Coster. He thought the first song ‘twould be fer him. Hmmph!” She waddled off in triumph.
“Oh, dear,” Madeleine said. “I hope I haven’t caused any problems.”
Ashby approached and bowed low to Madeleine. He took her hand, brushing a kiss lightly across her knuckles.
“If you’re interested in keeping your hand attached to your wrist, Ash, I’d suggest you release Madeleine’s.”
Ashby’s eyes lit up with mischief. He gave Madeleine’s hand a squeeze before letting it go. “If I must,” he said, then quipped, “I have become rather attached to it.”
Ashby’s expression grew serious. “Barth has finished his meal. He’s over in the corner playing dice.”
Garrett glanced casually in that direction. “I don’t want this turned into a public specta
cle. Give me a few minutes and then tell him he’s to come to the solar.” Garrett’s expression was grim. “Have a guard of six waiting outside the hall to escort him. Mayhap he’ll have plenty to think of on his way.”
Garrett led Madeleine back up the stairs. He took her warm hand in his cold one. She pressed it reassuringly, and he squeezed hers in return, drawing strength from her calm.
They entered the solar, the largest bedchamber at Stanbury. The fire’s warmth enveloped the room, its shadows dancing along the wall.
He seated Madeleine on a stool and took the chair next to it. “I know you want to be here, but I cannot promise you ‘twill be pleasant. ‘Tis an ugly matter we address. I’ll not play gentleman to this cur.”
“As long as we find the truth, Garrett. That’s what we must come away with.”
“We shall,” he said with determination.
They waited in silence until Madeleine heard footsteps in the distance. Her stomach tightened in anticipation as the noise of booted feet grew closer to where they waited.
A heavy knock sounded at the door. Garrett did not respond to it immediately. She looked at him as he stared at the door, his jaw clenched tightly. Her own heart raced as he finally called, “Enter.”
Barth was brought in, led by Ashby and surrounded by the six guards. All were armed with swords by their sides. Next to their height and width, the serf seemed dwarfed.
Madeleine instantly recognized Barth from the jeweler’s description of him. She did not recall ever having seen the man before, but he was memorable. His thick hair and beard were bright red. The massive patch he wore over his right eye would make him stand apart in a crowd. Edith had told Madeleine that years ago Barth had been kicked in the face by a horse and lost the eye.
She remembered how Evan had complained about Barth’s short temper when he’d worked in the stables briefly before he left Stanbury. Evan, with his sunny nature and love for life, had nothing good to say about the stableman. Madeleine realized that mayhap children were the best judge of character, after all.
Madeleine glanced over as Edith slipped into the room and took a seat near the window. Garrett signaled the men, and they moved a few steps away from their prisoner. Ashby moved to the wall, close to Edith.
Music For My Soul Page 24
