“Yes, of course I could,” she smiled.
He softly grinned and picked up her hand and kissed it gently again and then released her and she stepped back with a startled expression. She had expected him to kiss her but he didn’t. He was indeed a contradiction of a man.
“Did you expect me to kiss you just then?” he speculated boldly.
“Yes perhaps, I did,” she stated just as boldly.
“I don’t think you were ready,” he calculated.
“Ready! Who are you to decide when I’m ready and how will I ever be truly ready if I don’t know who you are!”
“You’ll know soon enough,” he said firmly. “Then you’ll wish you didn’t know. You’ll wish for the secrecy and simplicity of the friendship we have now. You’ll wish for a man called Edmund Carwyn.”
“Why?” she asked. “Why would I wish that? And I can’t for the life of me see why you won’t tell me.”
“I told you, it’s a delicate situation. You just have to trust me.”
“Well I don’t know if I do,” she replied. “Perhaps you are right. I wasn’t ready,” she said spitefully and fluffed her woolen shawl and walked past him and headed up the hill towards the castle grumbling to herself. Why was he such a difficult man?
He stood there for a moment in deep regret. Why hadn’t he just kissed her and been done with it? He wanted to so desperately. And why was she so stubborn? He turned around and watched her walking soulfully back up the hill. Then in one quick motion he turned and raced after her. He grabbed her and turned her around. His hand slipped down around her waist and he pulled her in swiftly and kissed her fervently on the lips right there in the snow. “I love you Meridyth Godwyn.” He kissed her with deep passion as the snow fell softly over them like a blanket.
Merry looked up at him nervously. “Oh Eddy, I love you too.” Then he kissed her again.
Merry was all smiles as she joined her sister later that morning and Gwen noticed the vibrant glow in her eyes straight away as if she had suddenly been resurrected. “Merry, what is it? You . . . you look so radiant as if you have been kissed by heaven itself.”
“Not heaven, Lord Carwyn,” she sighed. “But close enough.” she smiled.
“What!” said Gwen in complete shock. Lord Carwyn had kissed her sister!
“Lord Carwyn declared his love for me.”
“Really?” said Gwen with excitement. “Does this mean you will marry?”
“He didn’t ask me to marry him. He just kissed me and said he loved me and any man can do that,” she emphasized with skepticism. “Besides I would say no if he did ask. I don’t know what name I would be called by. How can I agree to marry a man if I don’t know what his true identity is?”
“Hmmm, I guess but, Oh surely he will though. I mean you and he are so right for each other. Anyone can see that. A man doesn’t say he loves you for nothing. Oh Merry I’m so happy for you. I’m sure you will be the happiest woman on earth and well deserved of it after everything you have been through.”
“Thank you Gwen however, I must be honest with myself. Lord Carwyn is a man of secrecy however father knows his secrets of that I am convinced and therefore his secrets are not of a cunning nature but of a matter to benefit the kingdom at the right time. Truth has yet to be told and until then I will have to be content with him as Edmund Carwyn. He is a wonderful man and well worth all the waiting and suffering. I feel as if nothing could ever upset my world again.” She smiled and the two sisters hugged warmly.
Chapter Six
The Cottage in the Woods
Gilbert had left Berwyck the previous evening in a foul mood. His father was an expert at ruffling his feathers and the idea of marrying Ava Desmond pushed him over the edge. He rode to the village of Cheswyck and stayed at the White Horse Tavern. The following morning he saddled his horse and left before dawn and wondering why did his father have to be so difficult? Why couldn’t he just let him marry whom he wanted? After all, Lionel was the one to carry on the family title. Why did he have to marry Ava Desmond? It was Jane his heart longed for . He rode for some hours through a misty forest and the light snow was now falling in heavier flakes. The trail he searched for was harder to find covered in snow and he felt he was moving in circles as he happened upon a fork in the road for the second time. He was overshadowed by two large pine trees as he stopped and exhaled letting out a trail of steam.
“I could have sworn it was to the right ole boy,” he whispered softly to the horse. “Oh well, perhaps left this time. The snow seems to have confused me a bit.” Then he urged the horse forward to the road draped in snow covered trees and the horse plowed along at a slow pace. He rode for what seemed an hour when he came to another fork in the road. He had travelled this road before but covered in white he had lost his sense of direction. He got off the horse in frustration and secured him to a heavy branch and then he began scouring the area around him. He moved off the trail pushing through some of the trees to see if he could find a concealed trail that the snow might be hiding. He pushed back some thick branches letting the snow fall down upon his hood. There was nothing in sight but more trees. “Ah! Where is it!” he said in frustration. It was that moment a hand touched his shoulder and a soft voice broke the silence around him.
“Gilbert, are you lost?”
He swung around quickly and there she was draped in a grey cloak and smiling up at him. A soft white haze filtered around her as waves of gold flowed out from her hood. “Jane, my darling!” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately on the lips. It was a kiss to him that was like magic compared to any other kiss he had received. It penetrated deep into his spirit setting a seal of eternal devotion upon his heart.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked as they pulled apart.
“I couldn’t find my way. The snow must have covered the trail.”
She placed her hand gently over his. “Come, we are not far from the cottage.”
Within moments they had reached her cottage in the woods and he couldn’t understand how he had missed it before. He secured the horse in the small barn and together they went inside.
It was a small cozy cottage and a fire was roaring away with a pot of stew simmering. Two cats were sprawled out by the fire and Gilbert sat down in a chair and waited while she prepared the stew.
“You should have waited until the snow cleared before you attempted such a journey.”
“I’ve ridden it before and I thought I knew it well, but the snow . . . it became blinding. And besides I had to get away.”
“Oh,” she paused with curiosity as she scooped the stew into small wooden bowls. She handed him the bowl and sat down opposite. “What were you running from?”
Gilbert happily scooped the stew into his mouth with a piece of the fresh cooked bread. “My father,” he answered.
“You’ve had another disagreement with your father.”
“Well . . . I suppose you could say that.”
She grinned mysteriously. “He is trying to control the next steps of your life and you are fighting him.”
“Well . . . yes.”
“What will you do?”
“I don’t know,” he replied and thinking of the whole thing. He cringed at the idea of Daniel on his way to Ireland to bring back Ava Desmond, his third cousin. “My father thinks he can control all of us with this lovely word called entitlement. Have you ever heard of it?”
“You refer to what you will inherit as a son of the Earl Godwyn. By right you will inherit something. Not the favoured place of the first son as Earl of Berwyck unless of course something happens to him.”
Gilbert looked up sharply. “I doubt that very much.”
“But I daresay your father has another property that you will run and you will be bestowed with the title of a Baron or something.”
“You’re very clever Jane.”
“I also understand that in order to receive this entitlement you will have to marry well. You will have t
o marry a young lady of entitlement. Perhaps it was organized at your birth.”
Gilbert rolled his eyes and put another spoonful of stew in his mouth. “You guessed it.”
“And you do not want this?”
“Of course not,” he replied with a serious tone and he grabbed her hand in his and brought it to his lips and kissed it. “Jane, you’re the only one I want.”
“Oh Gilbert, I’m afraid you will end up disappointed.”
“I don’t have to do what he says.”
She smiled at him warmly. “I appreciate your devotion but your father is a powerful man. What will happen if you go against him?”
“He’ll put up a fight with me. There is no doubt of that.”
“Is this what you want? I mean have you thought about it? Living out here in the woods and giving up your entitlement? You’re the son of an Earl.”
“I want to be with you wherever you are,” he smiled and she smiled back. Then he moved closer to her and kissed her warmly. “I won’t let anything come between us, not even my father.”
The following morning, the snow had stopped and Gilbert saddled his horse to head back to Berwyck. His time with Jane had given him enough energy to go back and face his father. Jane stood beside him as he climbed on the horse and she handed him a small pouch. “Here, some bread and cheese for the journey back.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back sooner than later, I promise.”
“There is just one thing,” said Jane.
“What?”
She sighed deeply for she didn’t know how he would react to what she would tell him but she knew she had to tell him what she knew. “I had a vision this morning when I was walking. There was a soft mist that enveloped me and as I walked along I saw a battle.”
“Oh,” said Gilbert.
“I’m not sure when but your father will need you.”
He nodded softly. “I know.”
“Then go with the wind and sprout wings. May the road rise up to meet you. May every mountain and hill be laid low until you return.”
Gilbert smiled again and urged the horse onward towards the road covered in snow and ice and headed back through the forest and over the hills towards Berwyck.
Chapter Seven
The Invitation
It was a cool crisp morning after Daniel had departed when a messenger arrived. The hills that morning were covered in a fresh layer of snow and the air had a definite bite to it as Gwen dressed. She stood by the fire and Marian pulled the woolen gown over her head and then she brushed her long dark hair in place. The morning started like any other however some time before breakfast a strange request arrived at Berwyck. It had been brought by messenger at crack of dawn but Gwen never saw anyone come or go and she first heard the news directly after breakfast when she was instructed to go directly to the scriptorium where her father was waiting for her. She moved down the hall with reluctance gripping her like a heavy weight. It seemed every time her father had invited Ceridwyn to his chamber it had something to do with marriage. “Do you know what this is?” said Lord Godwyn holding up a small parchment.
“No, sir, what is it?
“It is a request from the Lady Anwyn of Caenarfon to have you sent to her to look after the children of Caenarfon.”
“Father!” she protested. “Children? Honestly. You know darn well I know nothing about looking after children. Who on earth gave her such an idea?”
“It was suggested to her ladyship by Prince Pryderi that you are not only good but gifted with children. And I quote as she writes,
“My nephew, Pryderi, the prince of Gwynedd has informed me that Lady Gwendolyn is gifted with children. I am elated at this news as there are several children here at Caenarfon to be cared for. I request her presence here as soon as may be to care for the children of Caenarfon who desperately need her, Signed yours faithfully, Lady Anwyn of Caenarfon.”
Her father folded the letter and smiled. Gwen’s mouth dropped open and no words came out. Why that idiotic half-wit she fumed silently. She had strictly told him she couldn’t tolerate children unless they happened to be horses or hounds. She had told him in one of her anxious spurts. He was trying to get back at her she just knew it! “I never told him any such thing! I told him I wasn’t good with children, father. He’s done this to spite me for calling him a half-wit!” She was most angered by this news.
“Calm down daughter. You are troubled and it will not benefit you. I dare not refuse the Prince anything. Even though the request came from his aunt it would be an insult to him if we said no and you have already insulted him once.”
“Are you saying I have to go?”
He nodded. “I’m afraid it can’t be avoided. Perhaps the prince misunderstood you.”
Gwen turned and gave him a determined look. “No father, I’m certain he understood me.”
“In any case my dear, you will leave as soon as it can be organized. I’ll send a messenger ahead.”
She excused herself and walked out of the room at a quickened pace and she fumed quietly out loud as she walked along the halls of the castle and every footstep echoed. “Idiotic half-wit! Eww! That bloody prick!”
She opened the door of the library and walked in with exasperation. She shut the door with a thud and groaned with frustration. “Eww!”
Carwyn and Crewe looked up and Merry looked up from the book she was reading. What’s wrong?” she asked relaxing the book from her hand.
Gwen sighed again letting out her breath like an angry lion pacing the room. “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it!
“What? Believe what?” asked Merry now very concerned and she stood to her feet. “What’s happened? You are very distraught sister.” Merry walked to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Tell me.”
“You look very unwell Lady Gwendolyn, what’s wrong?” asked Carwyn. He stood to his feet as well. “Can I get you some wine perhaps? It will help ease your conscience.”
“No thank you. I will tell you,” she sniffled softly. “Father…received a message today from Lady Anwyn the Aunt of Prince Pryderi requesting that I be sent to her to care for the children of Caenarfon.”
“Is that bad?” asked Merry.
“Oh Merry, you know darn well I am not gifted with young children. I don’t have the patience that Ceri has. She sits for hours with her stitching and her music lessons. I find it hard to sit still for two minutes let alone two hours. If I have children in my care they’ll be learning how to ride horses and shoot a crossbow.”
Merry, Carwyn and Crewe laughed. “This isn’t funny,” she sighed with desperation. Father intends to send me. And that Prince told Lady Anwyn that I was gifted with children. I never said any such thing! He’s done this on purpose to spite me!”
“Why would he do that?” asked Merry.
“I called him a half-wit! And you know me and my outspoken tongue. I’ve said things and he happened upon me several times and found me in situations unbecoming to a lady.”
Carwyn lifted his brows. “Unbecoming? Oh no, not you Lady Gwendolyn,” he said in a non-chalant manner and Crew frowned as well which managed a small grin from Gwendolyn.
“One day it was after I had been playing with the hounds. It was dreadful! My gown was filthy and covered in mud and Oh Merry, I know he disapproves of me and wants to see me suffer. He wants to make a fool of me!”
Lord Crewe threw his two cent opinion in too. “Oh shocking Lady Gwendolyn! Just shocking!”
Merry smiled. “I don’t see why he should disapprove you because of some slight mishaps.”
“Yes, I agree,” said Carwyn. “And Lady Anwyn is a very lovely woman. I’ve heard of her reputation. She’s very kind and caring.”
“You think I would do well to go then?”
“Do you have a choice?” asked Crewe sceptically.
“Well . . . no. I’d need a miracle I guess.”
“Well, if Lady Anwyn were anything like, Lady Thea of Cheswyck I would be conc
erned. I would go to father myself on your behalf,” said Merry.
“She’s nothing like Lady Thea,” said Carwyn. Lady Anwyn is a delight. And perhaps it would do you good to get away from Berwyck for a while. See something of the Island. Meet some new people.”
Merry smiled with approval. “Carwyn is right and besides, this place here is old and stale for you and you are young and vibrant. Enjoy life before it passes you by. Make the most of the opportunities presented for they may not come again.” Gwen was in deep thought and Merry read a puzzled look in her sister’s sweet eyes. “I know the idea of leaving home is unsettling and this is all you’ve ever known but don’t let it stop you from going forward. Learn from this situation and become the gifted woman they have said you are. Surprise them. Surprise this Prince Pryderi and beat him at his own game. After all you will have children of your own someday and will need these skills. See this as an adventure and be determined to enjoy yourself and besides it’s only for a time, I would imagine. Father would not send you there indefinitely. He intends to marry you off well.”
“Yes, it will be a great opportunity to mingle with the opposite sex,” said Carwyn in an alluring tone and Merry gave him the evils.
“What do you mean?” said Gwen folding her arms.
“Well,” said Carwyn. “It is a well-known fact that while most young ladies are praising Sir Gregory and Sir Trystan as their heroes, your hero . . . well is a four legged creature that lives in the stable.”
“And sometimes in her room,” said Crewe boldly and he and Carwyn laughed hysterically.
“So,” she pouted. “So what if my hero is a dark fierce stallion. So what if I’m a little different than other ladies and l find my joy on the back of a horse with the wind rippling through my hair as we gallop over the countryside and compete in archery. So what!” Gwen looked hard at each one and there was a moment of extreme silence.
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