A Bit of Heaven on Earth

by Linwood, Lauren

  He lifted her garments from her, one by one, till she lay naked against the straw. His eyes told her he approved of what he saw. Quickly, he doffed his own clothes and held her against him, spreading his cote-hardie between her and the rough straw.

  Then he kissed her again, more gently than ever before. Slowly, his lips slid from her mouth, trailing down her throat and to her breast. He flicked a tongue across the nipple, teasing it into a peak, before he did the same with the other. Elizabeth cried out in pure joy, the feelings so new and pleasurable.

  As he suckled her breast, his hand slid down her thigh. Strong fingers stroked up and down as his knee nudged her legs apart. She fought a sense of panic that struck her. Remembered images from her childhood danced before her eyes.

  “Relax, sweetheart. ‘Tis only me,” he said.

  She forced herself to breathe deeply, to trust this man she’d known for only two months but wished she could devote a lifetime to. His kisses distracted her, causing her to lose her fear.

  Then he touched her in the most intimate of spots. A rush of air escaped her lips. Was the kind of pleasure he brought not forbidden? Did a woman allow such a thing to occur?

  All rational thought was cast aside as he eased a finger into her and began to slowly move it back and forth. Her hands grasped the straw by her side, kneading it like a kitten at his mother’s teat.

  “Yes, love, you’re ready for me,” he crooned, his strokes growing bolder and more rapid. “Come to me, sweetest Elizabeth. Enjoy.”

  She rose now to meet each stroke, her hips lifting off the ground. The throbbing caused her blood to sing, boiling into a sweet ecstasy. Her head thrashed from side to side as a pressure within her built. Suddenly an explosion of stars blinded her, and her body quivered violently against his hand.

  “Oh, God, what have you done?” Her breathing was rapid and shallow. She clung to Gavin, who kissed her again and again.

  Then his body covered hers, and she reveled in his hard muscles against her soft curves. The hairs on his chest tickled her breasts. His scent, a mixture of soap and horse and male, became her scent. She wrapped her arms about his neck, wanting him closer to her.

  But something replaced his hand. It began filling her, stretching her. It was too much. It hurt. The panic began again. She tried to cry out, but her words were swallowed in his kisses. She began to struggle as he thrust hard, and a sharp pain became her only focus.

  He tore his lips from hers. “God’s wounds, Elizabeth! You are virgin!”

  The pain already subsided, but a new one replaced it as he pulled away from her. She clutched at him.

  “Please, Gavin, no, don’t leave me. I need you. Stay with me.”

  He leaned back toward her, his nearness comforting her again. “Oh, dearest,” he said, stroking her hair, “if only I’d known. I could have been gentler.”

  “No,” she answered, “you would not have touched me. At all.” The look in his eyes told her that her assumption was correct. “I love you, Gavin. I want you. I need you. Come back to me. Please.” Her voice broke.

  She saw him fight something within him. She brushed a finger along his lower lip. His mouth parted and nibbled on it playfully. Elizabeth knew with that gesture she had won.

  Gavin entered her again slowly. This time she understood what was happening. The pain was no more. In its place was a fullness, a richness. As he began to move against her, she instinctively understood what to do. She began to move with him, in time to the rhythm of the throb’s return. Their dance grew more frantic, Gavin’s kisses more potent.

  Then she cried out, a pleasure so great rippling through her that she neither understood nor questioned it but simply rode out the waves of passion. He shuddered against her and collapsed, his breathing ragged in her ear. He rolled to his side and brought her even closer.

  “Never was love so sweet as this,” he told her. “In my wildest imaginings, never have I been so moved by the touch of a woman.” He brushed back a stray lock from her face. “Oh, my dearest, sweetest love.” He cradled her tenderly in his arms, his cheek next to hers.

  For Elizabeth, no words came. She only knew now, this moment, and the heat and love that radiated between them.

  Tomorrow, and Robert, could wait.

  CHAPTER 21

  Gavin looked over the yard, pleased with the swordplay that took place. If Aldred had sent his best men to fight for the king in France last year, he was certain this new crop of trained soldiers destined to join them would do Kentwood proud.

  He wondered for the hundredth time if he should go with them when they left in a fortnight for France. A week had passed since Elizabeth shared with him Aldred’s plans for her and Robert to wed. She had received no word from King Edward yet, but that brief lull would change soon enough.

  They’d spent no time alone since making love, yet he still could feel the touch of her hands upon his chest, her nails raking sensually along his back. Thoughts of Elizabeth filled every day and even his dreams at night. He constantly tried to force them aside in order to pay attention to the tasks at hand.

  Robert hadn’t called at Kentwood. Gavin didn’t trust himself to see his friend again. In a matter of time Robert would more than likely have Edward’s permission to take Elizabeth to wife and become master of both her and Kentwood.

  He’d once been certain he’d die for Robert in combat. Gavin still knew he would if Robert’s life was endangered. But now a woman stood between them. Gavin could offer an intimate friendship to his comrade no longer. It already tormented him enough to know Elizabeth would soon be Robert’s to possess.

  In that moment, he realized he must go back to France. No other choice remained. He would rather die a brave death on the battlefield and honor his country and king than see piece by piece of him wither away and die every day by staying at Kentwood. That was his fate if he chose to remain and watch another man with his Elizabeth. Staying would become a worse hell than the prison he’d existed in while being held captive in France. If his life were to be hell on earth, he would prefer one of his own choice.

  He would tell her of his decision tonight. She would try and talk him out of it, but he’d made up his mind. The answer had been before him all along. He just hadn’t wanted to admit it, for it meant leaving Elizabeth behind. Still, it was the honorable thing to do. She would miss him, but she loved her life at Kentwood. She would stay busy and as time passed, memories of him would slowly dim.

  She would have children, he supposed. He remembered his surprise in finding her to still be a virgin. They didn’t speak of it afterward. He thought of all those lonely years that Aldred must not have been able to perform his marital duty for his wife. Elizabeth was yet young enough to provide Robert with an heir. She would be a good mother, the best.

  So he must go. He would tell her. Tonight.

  Three days passed before Gavin’s chance came. Elizabeth rushed to deliver a child the night he intended to make her aware of his decision to leave with the Kentwood men bound for the war in France. The second night she nursed Nelia’s nephew. The child came down with a sudden fever, and she spent all day and night with him before it broke.

  By the third day, he despaired when told Elizabeth met with the ladies of Kentwood in preparation for the next day’s Mayday celebration. Nelia scolded him as he tried to interrupt their planning.

  “You must know, Lord Gavin, that there are sashes being sewn and wreaths created to wear in the women’s hair. Lady Elizabeth must approve the final list for the games to be played and arrange the dyeing of the trenchers. All foods must be green, you know, in honor of Mayday.”

  The old servant’s eyes gleamed. “The feast will be wonderful, of course. Lady Elizabeth outdoes herself each year. The people cannot imagine what new, creative idea she will come up with for tomorrow’s play.”

 
He glumly retreated to the barracks, where Homer curled up and fell asleep on his bed. His burden lay heavily upon him. He wished the ships sailed for France tonight. He would choose to be a coward and not even tell Elizabeth goodbye. The idea of parting from her caused him a physical pain. He’d teased other men countless times when they spoke of being in love. Now he knew what suffering they had endured.

  A clear day full of sunshine and few clouds marked the Mayday celebration at Kentwood the next morn. Gavin partook in wearing a green sash across his chest and dancing around the Maypole counterclockwise, singing as loudly as the next man. He’d determined to enjoy this celebration. No regrets.

  All day, though, his eyes never strayed far from his love. Her eyes sparkled at the fun, and the green from her tunic and sash made her emerald eyes sparkle even greener. She helped judge the May Queen contest alongside Cedd and himself. Gavin thought Elizabeth the most beautiful woman there, but Cedd told him she refused to be considered for the title each year. Instead, they awarded it to a young girl of six and ten, with roses blooming on her cheeks and long, fair hair unbound to her waist. Despite her youth and beauty, he thought Elizabeth’s face far more comely than the new May Queen’s.

  The afternoon saw a bevy of games and contests held. He watched from the sidelines, amused by the exuberance the residents of Kentwood expressed. He helped in collecting greenery to make wreaths to adorn the Great Hall and then joined in the stamping dance that completed the outdoor activities.

  Feasting in the Great Hall went on for hours. The mistress of Kentwood also provided entertainment while the meal progressed, as strolling musicians and jugglers performed. Even a man with a small dog who did tricks caused great cheers to go up every minute or two. The merry atmosphere became louder as keg after keg of ale was consumed.

  Gavin knew his men would be exhausted tomorrow and decided to tell Rufus to let them sleep in an extra hour or two. Training exercises would be light, as he knew more than a few heads would be heavy. He rose to find Rufus and pass the word along when he saw Robert enter the Great Hall at the far side of the room. He didn’t know if Elizabeth had invited him to the festivities, but he had no need of idle conversation with his friend.

  He looked for a way to avoid Robert and skirted the edges of the room. As he passed Rufus, a wench on his lap, he paused, placing a hand on the soldier’s shoulder.

  “Rufus, I think it would do the men good to sleep in a bit tomorrow.” He had to bark out his words, so great was the noise in the hall.

  “Aye, Gavin, ‘twill be much appreciated. Figure in time to soak a few heads in the cold trough, too. Mine included.”

  He nodded and continued to edge about the room. He reached the doors to the Great Hall and almost slipped out when a hand brushed his sleeve. Turning, he saw Robert standing there.

  “A fine Mayday to you, Gavin.”

  He nodded curtly. “The same to you, my friend. Excuse me, I have business to attend. Please, go and enjoy yourself. And try to sample some of the pear tarts. I know what a sweet tooth you have.”

  He smiled, hoping his small talk would satisfy Robert, and left the noisy room. He walked briskly down the corridor, thinking he would return to the barracks. As he stepped out from the castle, however, the cool spring air tempted him. He decided to head to the stables. He hadn’t been riding at night for ages. It would be just the thing to clear his head.

  He cut across the bailey and stepped inside the stables. All was quiet. Every man, down to the smallest stable hand, must be celebrating tonight. It made him feel old and alone. He lit a lantern and took but a few steps when he heard his name.

  “Gavin!” The urgent whisper carried through the stable. It could be but one person. His heart beat rapidly as he turned.

  “Elizabeth.” She stood in the doorway, a silhouette against the night sky behind her. The ache that seemed a part of his every waking minute pushed heavily against his heart.

  “I saw you leave,” she said and walked toward him. “I have had no chance to speak to you in days.” She came to stand before him, a vision of loveliness.

  She placed a hand upon his arm. “I’ve missed you.” He heard the wistfulness in her voice.

  “And I, you,” he replied. “We must talk. I’ve come to a decision.”

  She placed a finger against his lips. “No talk tonight. I see something in your eyes, Gavin. I know I will not like what you have to say.”

  He wrapped a hand about hers and brushed his lips against its velvet softness. “No, Elizabeth. We might not have another moment like this one again.”

  A glowing smile lit her face. “I know. ‘Tis why I forbid any further talk. Save that for later. This is what I have wanted to do for days.”

  She touched a hand to his face and held it there. Just her simple caress caused him to burn with desire. He bent and covered her mouth with his. His arms came about her and drew her near.

  Oh, how she fit so well against him, as if God made her just for him. He loved this woman more than life itself. But this could go on no longer. He had to give her her freedom. In doing so, he must push her away.

  Gavin broke the kiss. He swallowed hard and forced the words out.

  “I am leaving, Elizabeth. I shall accompany the men who depart for France in ten days’ time.”

  “No!” she gasped, gripping her hands round his arms, her nails digging in. “’Tis impossible. I cannot let you go.”

  “You must,” he told her. “’Tis best for all. Soon the king will give his orders. We both know you will be expected to marry Robert. Uniting Kentwood and Fondren is a perfect plan, one Edward will favor. And I cannot watch from a distance, my love. I still love Robert like a brother, but I cannot see you by his side. Knowing the liberties he will take with you is more than I can bear. I would sooner kill him than see him intimate with you, and where would that leave us? You, a widow, and I, hanging from the gibbet, for murdering a nobleman.”

  Tears swam in her eyes and she shook her head. “No.”

  Gavin cupped her face in his hands. “’Tis goodbye we must say, Elizabeth. I must leave your life. Robert is a prince among men. He will care for you and protect you. You will have a good life with him.”

  He pressed his lips to hers. This kiss would be what he remembered over a lifetime. He swore he would make the most of it.

  “Bravo, Gavin.” A voice laced with steel interrupted him.

  CHAPTER 22

  Elizabeth went rigid. Gavin tore his lips from hers and wheeled around. Robert stood in the opening, his shadow lit by the moon behind him. Her nails dug into her palms. This was a nightmare, one she must awaken from. She had to.

  “A very touching goodbye, Gavin,” Robert added. “I had a feeling you and Elizabeth had grown close.”

  He turned and gazed at her, a look of pity in his eyes. Robert then focused his glance back upon Gavin.

  “You are correct, though, my friend. Kentwood and Fondren are destined to merge. Together, they will make a formidable property. And with Elizabeth by my side, ‘twill be the premier estate in all of southern England.”

  “’Twill never happen, Robert,” Elizabeth hissed. “I’ll not allow it.”

  “You’ll not allow it?”

  She raised her chin a notch. “I shall write to the king myself. I will put an end to this nonsense once and for all.”

  Robert cocked his head and studied her. Amusement sparkled in his eyes. “And say what, my lady? You are but a mere woman and at our king’s mercy. If he denies my suit and Lord Aldred’s request, he will simply marry you off to whomever he chooses. It will be a different life than the one you have grown used to. The one you have led at Kentwood.”

  He moved a step closer to her. “Be reasonable, Elizabeth. I can give you the world, the lifestyle you desire. Everything you dream of. Gavin can give you nothi
ng. He will hire out as a mercenary or once the war concludes, he can go out on the tournament circuit. Either way, ‘tis no life for you.”

  “Why do you think he can give me nothing? What gives you that idea?”

  Robert smiled sadly at her. “Because he would not choose to go to France otherwise. If he truly loved you, he would petition Edward for your hand in marriage and take you home to live at Ashgrove.”

  Robert looked over at Gavin. “No, something’s amiss with our Lord Gavin. ‘Tis obvious some estrangement has occurred betwixt him and Berwyn. Ashgrove is no longer his to possess for some reason. Why else would he have settled for being head of Aldred’s guard? Any common soldier would suit in that role.”

  She looked to Gavin. He remained silent, staring coldly at Robert. She knew he could not deny Robert’s words. Her heart rebelled at everything Robert said, but her mind agreed with him.