“What are we doing?” Ancel asked.
“Wait,” Geoffrey told his son. “You’ll see.
Suddenly, a grin spread from ear to ear on their son’s face. “I can feel it! I can feel the babe.”
Merryn flashed Alys a warning sign not to reveal that she’d experienced the same thing last night. The girl understood and nodded.
“Oh, ’tis wonderful, Mother,” she said. “The little one is excited about Christmas.” Alys stroked Merryn’s belly. “You won’t be here for this Christmastime but you’ll be a part of our family by the next one.”
“All right. Let’s go fill the piggies,” Merryn told her family.
As the twins ran ahead of them, Cook came out, a worried look on her face.
“My lady, you’re needed in the kitchen. We need to talk about some of tomorrow’s dishes.”
“Go,” Geoffrey said, kissing her hand. “I’ll have them count out the coins and be ready to slip them through the slots by the time you arrive.”
Merryn returned to the kitchen with Cook. “Is there a problem?”
“Nay, my lady. I merely wanted you to taste a few of the special foods that you have requested for Lord Geoffrey.”
She relaxed. Geoffrey had finally regained his appetite weeks after he’d arrived home. She’d taken extra care to create a Christmas Day menu that would contain not only traditional dishes but ones that were his favorites. She spied a servant lifting Yule dolls from the oven. Of all the treats, the gingerbread people were her husband’s favorites.
While Merryn waited a few minutes for them to cool, she sampled the foods Cook put before her and approved them all. After that, she reached for a Yule doll and bit the head off one of the little people.
“Mmm. Perfect,” she declared.
Just as this Christmas would be with her husband home safe and sound.
Chapter Six
They attended midnight mass and, afterward, Geoffrey carried a sleepy Ancel back to the keep while Diggory, his steward, did the same for Alys. He and Merryn got the twins tucked into bed and went to the solar. He tried not to think of where he had been this time last year as he curled his body around his wife’s and fell into a deep sleep.
They started Christmas Day at mass again and then broke their fast in the great hall. He enjoyed how festive it looked with all the bright greenery. The trestle tables remained in place since the feasting would begin at noon.
“I think I’ll take the children for a short ride,” he told Merryn. “They’re restless and eager for the activities to begin. This way, they won’t be underfoot.”
“Not for too long,” she cautioned. “The snow looks as if it will start again at any moment. Be sure they secure their cloaks firmly around them.”
“I will.”
Geoffrey kissed her and then told the twins to fetch their cloaks and two apples apiece from the kitchen and meet him at the stables. They flew up the stairs, laughing with excitement. He’d always been drawn to horses and saw that both Alys and Ancel took after him. Through the fall, he’d seen that they practiced riding on gentle mounts with tough mouths.
Today would be different.
He retrieved his cloak and hurried to the stables, wanting to arrive ahead of them.
“Are they saddled and ready?” he asked the groom that met him.
“Aye, my lord. Both. They are, indeed, beauties.”
Geoffrey had looked at his stable of horses and not found what he wanted for the twins within them. He’d traveled to Winterbourne, hoping Hardie might have more suitable mounts. His young friend did and had the two horses delivered to Kinwick early yesterday morning. Geoffrey had seen them settled when he’d told Merryn he was checking on Mystery. He wanted the gifts to be a surprise to her as much as the twins.
Ancel and Alys arrived with their apples, their cheeks already flushed by running from the keep to the stables.
“Face toward the keep,” he ordered sternly.
Without question, the twins turned away. He could tell Alys was itching to ask him why but she obeyed nonetheless. Geoffrey signaled the groom and the two horses were led out.
“You may turn around,” he said.
When they did, both sets of eyes lit up. Ancel shouted with joy while Alys began dancing around.
“You got us horses, Father,” Ancel said, beaming. “A true Christmas gift.”
“Come, let’s meet them.”
Geoffrey had each child approach slowly and pet their horses gently while he shared their names and where he’d purchased them and how old they were.
“Now, raise your hand, palm up. Let them sniff you so they can learn your scent.”
He had them stroke the horses more and told them to offer one of the apples they’d brought.
“Place it in the palm of your hand and raise it slowly. They’ll take what’s offered them.”
He’d made sure each horse had a good temper and no bad habits before he’d purchased them. Hardie had wanted to give him the pair but Geoffrey insisted he pay for them. He was already in Hardie’s debt. After the Earl of Winterbourne’s death, the young man had freed Geoffrey from the vile dungeons he’d existed in for years.
“Are you ready to ride?”
He lifted each child and placed them on their mounts.
“Just sit a bit. They need to get used to you.” He signaled the groom, who brought Mystery to him, and Geoffrey swung up into the saddle.
“We’re not going to go far. Your mother doesn’t want you to catch cold. We’ll walk your new mounts around the baileys and if that goes well, we’ll ride outside the gates for a short while. Follow me. And remember, these aren’t the nags you’ve been used to. Both these horses are much younger and have sensitive mouths so don’t tug on your reins too hard.”
“Yes, Father,” both children replied.
He led them away from the stables and around both baileys, having them stay in a line behind him before he peeled away and rode next to them to observe their postures and how they handled their mounts. Since all went well, he had the gatekeeper open the gates and allowed them to follow him in a brisk trot. After half an hour, they returned to the castle grounds and back to the stables.
Dismounting, he gave Mystery’s reins to a waiting groom and helped Alys and then Ancel down.
“You both did an excellent job, as did your new horses. Tell them how good they are and offer them another apple.”
He watched with approval as both twins awarded their horses with the treat and said, “Let’s return to the keep. You have a lot to tell your mother.”
His children took off, galloping almost as fast as a horse. Geoffrey strode after them, keeping pace. They scurried up the steps of the keep and burst through the doors, calling for their mother.
“She’s in the solar,” Tilda told them.
The twins ran up the stairs.
“You gave them their horses?” the servant asked.
“You knew about it?”
“Hmph. There’s not much that happens at Kinwick that I don’t know about,” she said saucily and returned to the great hall.
Geoffrey laughed and made his way to the solar. The door was still open and he entered. Merryn sat in a chair near the fire, a twin on each side, both talking at once and so fast that he doubted she understood much of what they said. Their eyes met and he saw she was pleased with what he’d done.
“Slow down,” she said, having the twins take turns telling her about their Christmas gift. What the horses looked like and how they’d behaved.
When they wound down, Geoffrey told them to go play in their room until it was time to go downstairs for the feast. They left, still talking about the horses and all the places they would ride.
Merryn rose and framed his face with her hands. “You couldn’t have given them a better gift. They did well? They are ready for a horse that will challenge them?”
He touched his hands to hers. “Aye. They are both natural riders. All de Montforts are,” he bragged
and kissed her.
Geoffrey broke the kiss. “I also have something for you this Christmas Day.”
Surprise filled her face. “Me? That wasn’t necessary.”
“It was to me.”
He stood and went into their bedchamber, fetching the pair of earrings he’d had the village jeweler craft. He wrapped his fingers around his palm so they couldn’t be seen and returned to the solar, wrapping his arms around his wife’s waist and pulling her close.
“Do you remember what I gave you on our wedding night?” he asked.
“Of course. You brought me a brooch from France. I wear it every day.” She fingered the piece resting on her breast.
“I told you the sapphire stones reminded me of your eyes.”
Merryn smiled. “I remember. I remember everything about that night.”
He brought one arm between them and opened his hand, palm up. “These also are the deep blue of your eyes.”
“Oh, Geoffrey!” She stared at the earrings. “They’re lovely.”
“Put them on,” he urged.
His wife took one and fastened it to her earlobe and then did the same with the other. “I want to see what they look like on me.”
He released her and she went into their bedchamber, lifting a small hand mirror, and studying herself from different angles.
“They match the brooch well,” she said. “Anyone would think they were crafted together.”
“And they match your eyes,” he told her, looking into the mirror. “I’ve never seen eyes as blue as yours. Except for our daughter’s.”
Geoffrey turned her so that she faced him. “This Christmas is the first of many we will spend together, Merryn.” He brushed the back of his fingers against her belly. “Next Christmas, our family will grow by one. I hope more children are to come.”
“I love you so much, Geoffrey.”
“I will always love you, Merryn. Forever and ever.”
Tilda summoned them downstairs, telling them their invited guests had been spotted from the wall walk from both directions. Merryn went with Geoffrey and they stood with Alys and Ancel at the foot of the keep’s steps to welcome the two couples as more snow began to fall.
Hugh and Milla Mantel arrived first, riding in with an escort party of half a dozen knights. Accompanying them was Elia de Montfort, Geoffrey’s mother. Elia always turned a bit sad during autumn since she had lost Ferand, her husband, during that time of year. Geoffrey went to help his mother from the saddle and the twins ran to their grandmother, who smothered them with kisses.
“How I have missed the two of you,” Elia said fervently. “I don’t know what I’ll do when you leave to foster next year. I might have to come with you.”
Merryn’s brother dismounted and reached up for his son. Young Hugh had been born almost two months ago after years of no children appearing. The couple had almost given up hope of having any when Milla found herself with child. Merryn had delivered her nephew and seen nothing amiss during the babe’s birth. She’d assured her sister-in-law that it was possible Milla would once again find herself with child. The news has caused her to weep with joy. Knowing how much Elia adored babes, she had suggested to Milla that Elia might come and stay with the couple at Wellbury and help them adjust to life with a newborn. Hugh and Milla had eagerly accepted the offer and Elia had been given a purpose that kept her occupied these past few weeks.
Merryn rushed over and took the babe from Hugh so he could assist his wife to the ground. Geoffrey joined her as the curious infant gazed at them and blew bubbles.
“How is Wellbury?” Geoffrey asked Hugh as the couple came to stand near their son.
“We had a good harvest during the autumn. The winter butchering goes well. What of Kinwick?”
“Much the same,” Geoffrey replied. He glanced to where his mother stood talking with the children. “Thank you again for allowing Mother to visit at Wellbury.”
“She was ever so useful,” Milla shared. “I don’t know how we would have gotten along without her. Lady Elia knows everything about a babe. She soothes Hugh when no one else can.”
Merryn summoned Alys over. “Take your aunt and uncle and little Hugh inside. It’s too cold for them to stand here while we wait for Hardie and Johamma.”
Alys beamed at being given the honor of escorting their guests inside.
“Come with me, Aunt Milla. I’ll tell you and Uncle Hugh about my new horse. I just told Grandmother.”
Geoffrey spoke to the Wellbury knights, instructing them to take their horses to the stables and then come to the great hall. The group rode off as another escort party arrived in the bailey. This time it was their Winterbourne neighbors who came to celebrate the holy day with the de Montforts.
Merryn called out a greeting as Lord Hardwin and Lady Johamma came their way and their men turned to follow the Wellbury soldiers.
“You look slightly older since we saw you last,” Merryn said, knowing the earl had turned a score a few weeks ago.
Hardie laughed. “Consider me an old man now. Well, not as old as Geoffrey,” he teased. “Johamma made some of the mulled wine from your recipe, Merryn. It was delicious.”
“Elia helped me perfect it,” she said, smiling at her mother-in-law as she embraced the noblewoman. “’Tis good to have you back at Kinwick.” She linked her arm with Elia and said, “Come get out of this cold.”
As they ascended the steps, Elia said, “I must thank you, my dear. You were wise to send me to Wellbury. Milla knew absolutely nothing about babes. Teaching her to care for young Hugh kept me busy.” She paused. “It’s not that I miss Ferand any less. A piece of my heart will remain missing until I reunite with him in Heaven. For now, though, I am happy to be useful to others, especially my grandchildren.”
“I know Ferand watches over you, Elia. Over all of us.” Merryn patted her belly. “Even this little one that grows inside of me.”
They entered the keep and went straight to the great hall.
Chapter Seven
The Christmas feast was in full swing in the great hall. Course after course came out, delighting the tenants, soldiers, and servants who gathered to make merry. Geoffrey enjoyed the tender venison and golden-colored goose. He knew from Merryn that the bird got its color from butter and saffron, which his wife grew in her garden and provided to Cook.
Tilda came to stand before them. Her lips twitched as if she tried to keep from smiling and he knew something was about to happen. Since Tilda was in charge of all servants in the keep, it was unusual for her to serve, especially during a feast. He eyed the covered dish she carried with interest.
The servant placed it in front of him and swept off the lid. “Enjoy, my lord.” She curtseyed and walked away.
Geoffrey stared at the baked bird resting atop the trencher. “Is this what I think it is?” he asked, his mouth watering.
“If you think it’s swan, then you’ve guessed correctly,” Merryn replied.
“But . . . how . . .”
“I wrote to the king and he granted permission to serve you swan today.” She placed her hand on his forearm. “King Edward holds you in high regard, Geoffrey. He was more than willing to allow you to eat your favorite meal today.”
He’d only dined on swan twice. The succulent bird, rarely served outside the king’s presence, had become an instant favorite of his. For his wife to have taken the time to write to Edward and ask such a favor told him just how much she loved him.
He pressed a kiss against her cheek. “I will thank you now with words, my love.” Grinning, he added, “And I will think of another way to thank you tonight in our bed.”
Her cheeks pinkened and he loved her all the more for it.
“Eat it while it’s hot.”
He plucked a piece and brought it to his lips, waiting first to inhale before slipping it into his mouth. As he chewed, the juices exploded and he moaned.
“This might be the best bite I’ve ever eaten.” He pulled off another piece. �
��Here, you must try it.”
“Nay,” she protested. “It’s for you.”
He rested his hand on her thigh and squeezed. “Then if it’s mine, I can do with it as I please. Share it with me, my love.”
Geoffrey held the piece to her lips and coaxed her to take it.
“Mmm. No wonder it’s your favorite.”
They shared the bird, though he noted that Merryn made sure he ate more than his fair share of it.
He turned to his right and asked Johamma, “Are you enjoying the feast?”
“Aye, my lord. Hardie was eager to accept your invitation. He told me Lady Merryn is a wonderful hostess and this would be the best feast I’d seen.” She smiled. “He was right.”
“We are glad to have you here with us to celebrate the birth of Christ.”
Johamma stared at him intently. “My lord, Hardie has shared all with me. I know what the old earl did to you.”
Geoffrey flinched inwardly but remained calm. Lord Berold was dead. He could never hurt anyone again.
“Hardie is happy that you’ve been able to put aside any ill will and treat him as a friend.”
He swallowed. “Hardie was always a friend to me. Now, he will be a good neighbor as the new earl.” He lifted the cup of lambswool and she did the same. “To good neighbors—and good friends.”
Geoffrey drank the last of the mulled beer and set the cup down. He saw Hardie had also lifted his drink and nodded deferentially to Geoffrey before he drank.
In that moment, Geoffrey knew he was finally free of the ghosts of the past. He was at Kinwick with his family and his people, celebrating a sacred, joyous time of year. England was at peace. He had his health. A new babe on the way. Life didn’t get much better.
He turned to gaze upon Merryn. Most importantly, he had a woman who had stood by him even during his long absence. She would be the one he always turned to, in good times and bad.
“Have I told you how much I love you?” he asked.
“Not for a few hours.”
A Night of Angels Page 38
