"Sire," Garreth said, "You remember my wife, Sabine."
The king's eyes held a light of amazement. "This was the little girl I met at Heyworth Moor?" He clasped her hand much as he'd done that day. "She's a beauty." The satisfied look he gave Garreth as much as said that Garreth should thank him for such a winsome match.
Sabine dipped into a curtsy. "Welcome to Wolfeton Keep, Your Majesty."
"Quite so, quite so." His attention turned to the woman who was dismounting. "Your Grace, may I present you to the queen?"
Queen Henrietta was petite and pretty with dark hair and eyes. Her smile was sincere, and she offered her hand to Garreth before she turned to Sabine.
"We are pleased to meet you," she told Sabine graciously.
Sabine curtsied and then spoke in French. "You are most welcome in our home, Your Majesty."
"Ah, you speak my language very well, Your Grace. I would almost believe that you were from France."
"My mother was French, Your Majesty, and I believe you know my aunt quite well. Before her marriage, she was Margretta de Chavaniac."
The queen was delighted. "Of course, Margretta is my dear friend. She wrote me concerning you. I hope everything was resolved to a happy conclusion."
"It was, Your Majesty, and I thank you for your notice."
"You must encourage your aunt to come to England. I have missed her dreadfully." In a move that signified marked favor, the queen linked her arm through Sabine's. "I have long wanted to see Wolfeton Keep. Will you show it to me?"
"It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty."
The banquet table sparkled with golden vessels. When everyone was seated, a servant appeared behind each chair with scented water and a towel for washing hands. Course after course was served, and everyone ate with relish.
Sabine sat to the right of the king, while Garreth was on the queen's left.
"Your wife is charming, Garreth," the queen observed. "I am quite taken with her. Is it not amazing that she gave you twins? You are the envy of us all."
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
The desserts were served, and Queen Henrietta clasped her hands in delight after she took a bite of the sauce-covered tart. "But this is wonderful! I have not tasted tarts such as this since I was a girl in France. Garreth, your wife is exceptional."
Garreth looked down the table, where Sabine appeared to be keeping the king amused with her wit. Pride swelled in his chest, for there was no denying that Sabine was playing to her most critical audience tonight, and she had so easily enthralled them.
The banquet ended, and the king insisted the men would not be separated from the ladies. So men and women alike migrated to the large salon, where they were entertained by three minstrels and a juggling act. Confections were served from golden platters, then delicious spiced wine, another of Sabine's mother's recipes, was offered in crystal goblets. Everyone praised the evening, but none louder than the king.
When the king and queen were at last ready to retire for the night, King Charles took Sabine's hand. "You are a gracious hostess, Madame. I have seldom been so well entertained."
The queen brushed her lips against Sabine's cheek and smiled at her husband. "Magnificent. I almost felt as though I were visiting France tonight."
* * *
The hour was late, and silence had settled over Wolfeton Keep as everyone sought their bed. Sabine made a last tour of the kitchen, making certain everything was in readiness for the next day.
Wearily, she climbed the stairs and walked down the corridor with the intention of going into the nursery, but Garreth stepped out of the bedroom door and closed it softly behind him.
"The children are sleeping soundly, and so should you be." He slipped his arm about her waist and guided her toward their chamber. "You made me proud, Sabine. But you also have me amazed. Is there no feat you cannot accomplish?"
He opened the door and she preceded him inside. She was pleased by his compliments. "If I was successful tonight, my mother deserves the tribute. I did only what she trained me to do."
"Their majesties were most impressed with you. I believe they will be singing your praises for months to come."
Since she had sent Ysabel to bed hours ago, Sabine unpinned her hair to let it cascade down her back. "All 1 want is to sleep."
Garreth came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "The king is taking credit and boasts that he brought us together."
"His majesty has much to answer for."
Garreth's hands dropped away. "Yes, so he does."
Sabine yawned, and then looked apologetic. "I have arranged for the ladies to hunt with bow and arrow tomorrow since the queen expressed that she is partial to the bow."
She climbed into bed, and Garreth pulled the covers over her. Before he could undress and get in beside her, Sabine was fast asleep.
* * *
Sabine wore a wine-colored riding habit with a matching brimmed hat. She smiled at the queen, who looked lovely in a blue habit trimmed with silver braid.
"Had I known we would enjoy ourselves so much, Sabine, I would have insisted on spending more time at Wolfeton Keep. You are an excellent companion," the queen said.
Sabine nudged her mount forward to keep pace with the queen while the other ladies fell in behind. "You must return often, Your Majesty."
Queen Henrietta applied her whip to the horse's rump and shot out ahead, and Sabine raced beside her. "We shall certainly do just that."
After they had ridden for a while, the queen halted her mount. "I see our husbands, just there, shall we join them?"
"If that is your wish," Sabine answered.
As they approached the king and his lords, the queen halted her horse and stared in amazement. "Who is that?" she asked, pointing with her whip handle to a nearby ridge that jutted out over a stream. That woman is not one of my ladies. Is she of your household?"
"I do not see anyone, Your Majesty," Sabine said.
"There just above the incline—the woman with the poised bow."
"I see her now, but I don't recognize her from this distance, Your Majesty."
In that moment, Sabine gasped, for the woman aimed her arrow at one of the men. At first, Sabine thought it was the king himself, but when the arrow flew, Sabine cried out as Garreth slumped over and fell from his horse.
Sabine didn't remember riding across the meadow to her husband, or sliding from her mount. She ran to
Garreth and dropped down beside him. Blood stained his doublet, and she gasped, fearing the arrow had pierced his heart!
She took his head in her lap and touched his face while chaos reigned about them. Several men had ridden after the woman, and others gathered about Sabine and her fallen husband.
"My love, my love!" Sabine cried as Garreth's eyes fluttered open. "Do not die. I love you so."
"Your Grace," the king said, touching her shoulder. "We should get him to the Keep as quickly as possible."
She leaned forward and placed her lips against Garreth's mouth, while his blood soaked her gown. "Do not worry, my dearest love, I will not allow anything to happen to you," she assured him.
Garreth tried to speak, but no words issued from his lips. There was such sorrow in his eyes as he looked at Sabine. He reached up to her, but his hand fell away and he went limp.
"Please," Sabine cried in desperation, looking beseechingly at the king. "Help my husband."
Several men came forward and lifted Garreth's body, and he was handed into the stalwart arms of Captain Barkley.
"Take him along slowly," the king commanded.
The queen led Sabine's horse forward, and the king himself lifted Sabine into the saddle.
"He will be all right, Sabine," the queen said, squeezing her hand.
Sabine was too stunned to think clearly. "I must find Ysabel," she said, with a last look at Garreth. "She will know what to do." She kicked her mount forward and raced for the Keep.
When she arrived, word had preceded her, for Y
sabel was waiting on the steps.
"Is his grace's injury serious?" Ysabel inquired, hurriedly.
"Yes." Sabine jumped from the horse. "Very bad." There was pleading in her eyes. "You must help him, Ysabel!"
By now, the rest of the party had arrived, and Ysabel took one look at Garreth and ordered him to be taken to the kitchen.
Sabine ran ahead of them, ordering the servants out of the kitchen. She waited fearfully as two men brought Garreth in and laid him on his side across a long table.
"I'll want the basket from my room," Ysabel said, looking at Sabine. "Since you know where it is, it would save time if you fetched it."
Without pausing, Sabine ran from the room, knowing Ysabel would do all she could to help Garreth.
Ysabel looked up at the men who gathered about the unconscious duke. "I already have my basket, I merely wanted to get her grace away from here so she would not see what I must do." Ysabel then pointed at Captain Barkley and one of the other gentlemen. "You two stay— the rest of you leave."
"Now," she explained as the room cleared, "I'll need you both to hold his grace still while I remove the arrow. It's good he isn't conscious."
She deftly broke off the shaft, and then, gripping a sharp knife, cut Garreth's jerkin away. "Keep a grip on him, this is going to hurt."
Garreth groaned when Ysabel pushed the arrowhead through his back. Blood ran freely from the wound, but at least the arrow had been removed.
"The flow of blood is cleansing," Ysabel said, crushing a handful of yellow roots and rubbing them on the wound. "He has lost much blood, but the roots will stop the flow."
With the help of the two men, Ysabel was able to bind clean white linen about Garreth. "Twas a clean shot, and luckily caught only his shoulder. A little further, and it would have pierced his heart. His grace will recover nicely, although he'll be sore for a few weeks."
Ysabel turned to Captain Barkley. "The two of you will carry his grace upstairs to his own bed." Then she looked at the second gentleman. "You kept your head and took orders well. By what name are you known?" she inquired.
"Charles Stuart, Madame, at your service," he replied, lifting Garreth's legs while Barkley took his head and shoulders.
Ysabel was embarrassed. She had seen the king only from a distance and hadn't recognized him. "I am sorry I was so presumptuous, Your Majesty."
"Have no worry, Madame. I have seldom seen such healing hands as yours. How would you like to join my service?"
She shook her head and smiled slightly. "I am flattered, Your Majesty, but my place is with her grace."
Sabine came rushing down the stairs, momentarily startled when she saw the king helping Barkley carry Garreth. "Ysabel, how is he?"
"There is nothing to worry about. He will recover."
"You would not just say this to keep me from worry?"
"I have ever been honest with you, Your Grace."
Sabine raced ahead and flung open the door to the bedchamber. When Garreth was laid on the bed, she dropped down on her knees and clasped his hand. "I shall remain with him," she said.
"Have no thought of anything but your husband," the king told her. "I shall play host in Garreth's stead, and the queen is quite capable of entertaining the ladies."
Sabine's eyes were brimming with grateful tears. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
She was not even aware when they withdrew, for her attention was on her husband. Garreth's lashes rested against his pale cheeks. She touched his velvet soft hair and pressed a kiss on his lips. For this moment, he belonged to her alone.
"I love you," she whispered. "I loved you the day you came to me when my mother died, and I loved you in Paris. I didn't think it was possible, but I love you more now."
Her voice reached Garreth from his fog of pain.
"I shall always regret what I did to you in Paris. When you recover, I'll make it up to you, my dearest love."
He did not open his eyes as he felt soft, warm lips touch his. He lay very still, and his heart was gladdened at Sabine's declaration of love.
35
Dressed in her black riding habit and black-brimmed hat with a red plume, Sabine allowed the groom to help her onto a horse.
"Spinner here will give you a nice run, Your Grace," the groom told her. "Would you like me to ride along with you? There'll be a storm coming."
She glanced at the dark clouds that were gathering in the east—they were still some distance away. "Thank you, no. 1 shall return by luncheon."
He touched the brim of his hat. "Very good, Your Grace."
Sabine rode up the hill and across a wide meadow. She ran the horse for a while and then slowed him to a canter. When she saw the large lake ahead, she rode in that direction. She had been curious about the lake since first seeing it from the bedroom window.
She could see a small pagoda and thought it strangely out of place in this setting.
As she watched a flock of blackbirds take flight and wing their way across the sky, her thoughts turned to Garreth. He had not remained in bed but three days and then he insisted he had to go to London. He ignored Sabine's warning that such a journey might open his wound. He had been gone for a week now, and she was miserable without him. It had been glorious nursing him, taking care of his needs.
Sabine glanced at the dark sky, realizing that the storm was gathering about her. She could never make it back to the castle before the rains came. The wind tore at her hat, and she had to keep a hand on it or it would be ripped from her head.
She heard the sound of a rider and glanced up the slope to see Garreth. She watched him dismount and come toward her. How handsome he was in a green leather jerkin, buff-colored breeches, and high leather boots.
"Did not you see that a storm was brewing, Sabine?"
She smiled. "I did. But 1 don't melt, Garreth. I have been rained on before."
He returned her smile. "You are always going to be a rebel, are you not?"
"I hope so. I would not want you to think me commonplace."
He shook with laughter. "You commonplace, my lady wife? Hardly. 1 never know what deviltry you will be about. I believe since the day 1 married you it was ordained that you would keep my life in turmoil."
"Is that what I do?"
He nodded at her with mock solemnity.
Her laughter was musical. "Then you should consider locking me in one of your towers, Your Grace, and losing the key. Or perhaps you could put me on a ship back to France."
He pretended seriousness. "All this I have already considered, but my children need a mother."
"It appears that we are at an impasse then."
"It would seem so."
The rain came suddenly, and it fell in torrents, peppering the water in the lake and swirling it into waves that lapped against the bank.
Garreth pulled Sabine from her horse, gathered her in his arms, and ran toward the pagoda. When they reached its shelter she expected him to place her on her feet, but instead he held her, his gaze moving over her face.
"You are the most fascinating woman I have ever known, Sabine."
His eyes locked with hers, and she could hardly speak.
"You must put me down. I am certain your wound still pains you."
"Not at all." There was a sparkle to his eyes that she had not seen before. "You were a good nurse, and Ysabel is an exceptional healer."
"Yes, she is. She cured my limp."
"She has what the fairy folk refer to as healing magic."
Rain fell about them, and lightning flashed across the sky, but Sabine was no longer frightened of storms. Garreth had chased all her fears away.
He set her on her feet at last. "We could be here for quite some time, Sabine. These storms can last indefinitely."
"How did you find London?"
"Dull. Except that I saw Richard. He'll be arriving in two weeks to spend several months with us. He said to tell you that the de Baillards will be visiting in July."
"I have m
issed my dear friends. You do not mind, do you?"
"I welcome anyone who was kind to you when you needed friends."
She glanced up at him and found his eyes on her face. "What else did you do in London?"
"I had an audience with King Charles and Queen Henrietta, and listened to them praise the beauty and virtues of my wife." He turned her to him. "Sabine, have you any notion of the identity of the woman who wounded me?"
Her brow creased in a worried frown. "I have given it much thought, and have concluded the woman was not one of the hunting party. She was aiming directly at you."
"It was Eugenia Meredith. Since she tried to have you killed before, I thought she intended to try again—all the while, it was me she wanted dead."
"That was why you would not allow me out alone?"
"Yes."
Sabine trembled, thinking how very nearly the woman had succeeded in taking Garreth's life. "Why did she do such a thing?"
"She was demented."
"You once loved her."
"No, Sabine, never. You must believe that."
"I believe you, Garreth. What will they do to Lady Meredith?"
Garreth raised her chin and his eyes locked with hers. "You need never fear again. She's dead, trampled by her own horse as she tried to get away from the king's men."
Sabine looked away from him, but he forced her to look at him. "Sabine, Lady Meredith was the woman who helped my cousin, Cortland, with the raid on Woodbridge."
"I had come to suspect as much, although I did not want to say so. It was a fitting end to her," Sabine replied, having little sympathy for the woman who had caused the death of her father and had almost killed Garreth.
She walked to the other side of the pagoda and turned back to him. "Garreth, there are many things I wanted to speak to you about, but I have not had the courage."
He looked doubtful. "1 have not found you lacking in courage."
"I have never forgiven myself for what I did to you in Paris."
In two strides, he stood before her. "You mean by deliberately making me fall in love with you?"
"Yes." She lowered her head, no longer able to look into his dark probing eyes. "And wanting to hurt and humiliate you."
La Flamme (Historical Romance) Page 29
