The Borderland Legacy

by Samantha Holt

  Lucy glanced up at her father and smiled sweetly up at him. “Of course, Father.”

  He smothered his chuckle as Montgomery’s face softened and he almost pitied the man. Completely controlled by both women in his life. But then Lucy’s eyes flicked to his and his breathing stilted. Lucy had just as much hold over him.

  Lord and Lady Montgomery made their way back to the keep as he and Lucy handed out the coins to the grasping hands. He took in the weary faces with regret. Times were hard, the impact of the plague could still be felt and the reivers did not help the situation. If he could only do more. Even the castle stores were low, something that put them at great risk should Thornewall come under attack, and he had already taken steps to ensure their celebrations were low-key, but appearances needed to be maintained.

  Observing Lucy with the peasants, he had to admit that he did not regret the presence of some of his guests. She smiled easily as she distributed the coins, apparently more at ease with the villeins than people of her own standing. What a mystery the lass was.

  Brushing a strand of hair away from her face, her hazel eyes clashed with his and for a moment, her beam remained. His heart clenched and he fumbled and dropped some coins. Bending down to retrieve them, he was disappointed to see she had turned her back by the time he straightened.

  Handing out the last of the coins, he hastily made his way to Lucy’s side as she talked with an old woman. He admired the curve of her neck as she tilted her head to one side, wisps of pale hair tumbling over her shoulder. She patted the woman on the hand and turned, starting when she came face to face with his chest.

  ~* * *~

  Lucy considered the bargain she had struck with Dominic as she backed away from the intimidating chest and climbed onto her horse. She hated to admit it, but he had an uncanny ability to work through her defenses. This morning she’d had little intention of even talking with the man and yet here she had agreed to give him a chance.

  One chance, that was all he had asked. She would give him that but she would not allow him access to her heart. Why she had even offered a mere chance, she was unsure. While Dominic was aware of the behavior that dictated her opinion of him, what he did not realize was how deeply it affected her. His offhand comment those eight years ago had sealed the knowledge in her thirteen-year-old mind that she was as he had said -- nothing more than an unattractive, clumsy lass who could never hope to catch the attention of a man like Dominic, or any other man, for that matter.

  And while she nurtured that knowledge, she nurtured her hatred of the brash lord and everything he stood for. Avoiding social activities, Lucy threw herself into books and horsemanship, and learning all she could from her mother and father about running a demesne. She laughed inwardly. Not that she would ever put that knowledge to good use. Once her brother, Edward, returned from France, she would have little to occupy her.

  Had she really just allowed herself to fall for the Lord of Thornewall’s infamous charms? It was true that she did not relish the thought of bickering with Dominic during the Christmas celebrations, but should she have accepted his apologies so easily? She peeked at him from underneath her lashes, observing the confident tilt of his chin. If she could but hold such self-assurance, then mayhap she would not fall so easily under his spell.

  She thought of her mother’s insistence that she stay. For whatever reason, her mother clearly wanted this match to happen. Not that it could ever be a happy one. Even if Dominic did go through with this ridiculous contract, he would soon tire of her. To believe that a woman with a ridiculous figure and little to recommend her other than her wit could hold the charismatic Lord Dominic’s heart was pure foolishness.

  Nay, she would not allow herself to be led down that path. She had looked up to him once before and he proved himself to be nothing more than a bully. A chance, she had said, to prove her wrong. Aye, she’d give him a chance but she’d not let him near her heart. As if he could prove me wrong anyway. The next pretty lass that came along would soon steal away his attentions. Why did her heart drop at the thought? She really was a fool.

  She pulled her horse, Misty, back to allow the crowd of peasants to disperse as Dominic brushed off their profuse thanks and mounted his own horse. He glanced over and flashed a grin in her direction. His quick smile knotted her stomach and weakened her limbs. She jolted as her reins slipped from her fingers, and she snatched at them. Her sudden movement startled Misty who backed up under the eaves of a cottage, knocking into the wooden support. A rumble sounded but Lucy couldn’t comprehend what was causing it until a deluge of snow tumbled from the roof and onto the horse’s rear. Frightened by the cold snow, Misty bolted forward and careered through the crowd of people and out into the open countryside.

  ~* * *~

  Dominic cursed as he flicked the reins and shoved his heels into the horse’s flank. His powerful mount cut through the street and out onto the surrounding hills rapidly, and he spotted Lucy’s pale steed making towards a ragged patch of trees. His throat closed over as the horse thundered down a steep slope, kicking up snow as it went. He waited for her to go tumbling over as he urged his destrier on but she somehow remained in the saddle.

  The back of his neck prickled as he watched her mantle streaming behind her, the distance between them not closing rapidly enough for his liking. Damn it, she’d be cut to shreds in the woods. He’d never reach her in time.

  As the horse careered towards the bare trees, Dominic fought the urge to close his eyes and he watched helplessly as Lucy plunged forward and her mare reared. His breaths came raggedly as he closed in on her, ready to leap from his saddle and scoop her off the floor. But as the horse reared, instead of crashing to the ground like he expected, she snatched at the reins and held the horse in mid-air for a moment before its powerful hooves crashed to the ground.

  Dominic blinked as she urged her horse around, bounding back up and hill and past him, flashing him a bright smile as she went. He came to a stop and gave chase, cursing again but this time directing his curse at Lucy. She flicked a look over her shoulder and slowed down her pace as he gained on her.

  “Hell’s teeth, lass, are you mad?” he grated out, struggling to regain his breath as he approached. He clenched his reins, fighting the urge to clamp his hands around Lucy and shake her for scaring him so.

  Lucy laughed and his breath stuck in his throat as he drew his mount to her side. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled with delight. Eyeing the tilt of her pale lips, his body tensed as heat ignited under his skin. It almost dampened his anger.

  Almost.

  “You could have been killed,” he persisted when she showed no sign of remorse.

  “Misty would never throw me,” she said with a grin and an affectionate pat to the horse’s mane.

  He swiped a hand over his damp brow and glowered at her. “You could have been scratched to death in those trees. Of all the foolish—”

  “I had little intention of being dragged through the trees. It just took me a while to calm her down, ‘tis all. I had everything under control.” She secured him with a serious look.

  “Under control? Under—” he spluttered.

  “It was hardly my fault that Misty was startled, Lord Dominic. There is little reason for you to be so riled with me.” Her lips tilted again as she cast her gaze over his exasperated expression. “But you need not have given chase. I was in no need of rescuing.”

  “Och!” He sucked in a deep breath and held it, forcing the swell of anger down. It was a rare thing for him to lose his temper but, by God, Lucy was testing it. “You are damned lucky you were not hurt. You may not care for your neck, but I…” he hesitated before adding firmly, “I do.”

  Her smile dropped swiftly and her eyes flew wide. She opened her mouth but he held up a hand.

  “You’ve had your fun for the day. Can we return to the keep? I have need of a strong drink.”

  Dropping her gaze, Lucy shifted in her saddle and Dominic suffered a pang of re
morse for his temper. She was right, it was not her fault the horse had been startled.

  “I meant not to rile you,” she offered quietly, “‘twas not my intention. I did not think you’d be so concerned and I knew Misty would not lead me to harm.”

  His posture softened and he shook his head with a small smile. “‘Tis alright, lass.” His gaze skimmed over her. “You have some skill with a horse.”

  The red in her cheeks deepened at his words. It amused him how compliments towards her figure or her beauty merely garnered him a wry look of disbelief but one word on her riding skills and she flustered like a young maid.

  “I enjoy riding,” she told him carefully.

  “Aye, that much is evident. ‘Tis the first time you’ve directed one of those smiles at me.” He leaned over and brushed a wisp of hair away from her face, noting the slight parting of her lips. “Would that I could garner another one.”

  Dominic watched as she tried and failed to tame her smile and fix him with a stern look. He chuckled and she shook her head with a flash of a grin that made his stomach clench.

  She maneuvered her horse away from him, taking it a few steps forward before looking at him over her shoulder. “Do not hold onto hope, Lord Dominic,” she told him as she thrust her heels into her horse, “I do not bestow my smiles easily,” she called out with a laugh as her horse raced away.

  Pausing to watch her fair hair streaming out behind her and the ease in which she rode, Dominic sighed before urging his mount to catch up with her. I’ll have to get her on a horse more often, he decided. He’d caught glimpses of the real Lucy since yesterday, but this was the first time she’d revealed herself openly to him. He gritted his teeth as she flicked a glance at him, her teasing expression still in place. Lucy Montgomery was certainly a handful. What he wouldn’t give to make her his handful.

  Chapter Five

  Lucy was out of breath and cold by the time they ducked through the gatehouse and directed the horses to the stables. The streets had been relatively quiet now everyone had returned to their homes for dinner, and she had ridden Misty hard. She stroked the horse with a smile, knowing she probably enjoyed it as much.

  Peeking over at Dominic as he slid from his saddle, she fought the smile that seemed to linger ever since he’d chased after her. She realized she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help but feel pleased at having riled the gregarious lord. While she was constantly aware of everything, terrified of making the wrong move, nothing ever seemed to bother him. She watched with twisting envy as he strolled around with absolute assurance.

  She expected him to come and aid her down but he didn’t, instead moving to unsaddle his mount. Frowning at his sudden lack of concern for her, she dismounted, muttering to herself. Foolish lass, you should be glad.

  Watching the easy movement of his lithe body, Lucy gulped as her knees trembled slightly. Her lips prickled as her gaze settled on his own firm ones. He was right, of course. She would struggle to forget their kiss. Of all the men, she had to kiss him. She doubted he really gave much consideration to it, whatever he said. Lord Dominic had likely kissed more women than he could care to remember and, soon enough, she would simply be another in that long list. No doubt she wouldn’t fare too well compared to the great beauties he’d been with.

  The thought stole away her smile as he came around to her horse and helped her with her saddle. His fingertips brushed briefly over hers and she darted back.

  “Your hands are cold,” he murmured, turning his full attention on her as he motioned to a stable hand to take Misty.

  “I—”

  He cut her off as he snatched her hands and enclosed them in his. The sudden warmth sent a tingle through her and she froze as his blazing eyes locked onto hers.

  “You have that look in your eyes again, Luce.”

  “W-What look?”

  “The one that says you do not trust me.”

  “Will you not let the matter be? You know well enough my opinions. We need not go over them again.”

  “Not when it steals the light from your eyes.”

  Och, who spoke like that? His every word was like poetry, plucking at her weak heart. Feeling the breath stick in her throat as she followed the lines of his strong jaw, she wrenched her hands from his, only to stumble as she struggled to turn away.

  Strong hands came around her waist and pulled her upright, sending the tingling racing through her entire body. Lucy felt the heat of embarrassment rise and she cursed her clumsiness inwardly. Why was it she was perfectly composed on the back of a horse, but put her on her feet and she could barely stay upright? Dominic’s past words ran through her mind and she shook her head as she pushed his hands from her. Whether he meant them or not, she was as he’d said. A woman with ill grace and little going for her.

  He stepped back as she stiffened, sweeping his gaze over her with a barely veiled look of concern. It unnerved her how he could sense the changes in her mood so easily. She should never have softened to him in the first place. If only he were not so charming. She eyed him back.

  Or so handsome.

  “We must return,” she forced out through her tight throat. “Dinner will no doubt be under way shortly.”

  Dominic sighed audibly and gave her a lopsided grin that sent heat spiraling through her body. “As you will, lass.” He motioned towards the stable door. “After you.”

  She hurried past him, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. I will not make a fool of myself again, she thought determinedly. Dominic made no attempt to walk beside her but she could hear his boots sweeping through the snow behind her. Would his bold blue eyes be watching her or had he lost interest now? Whatever his strange fixation with her was, she was sure it would vanish soon enough, as sure as the snow would melt.

  ~* * *~

  The smell of roasted meat greeted them as they peeled off their cloaks and handed them to the serving girls. Lucy lowered her gaze as all eyes turned to them. She hurried away from Dominic, determined to put as much distance between them as possible. The thought of people gossiping about her made her stomach churn. And Lord Dominic was a fine one for attracting the attention of the gossips. She did not want to become fodder for their entertainment too.

  A huge boar waited on the serving table, an apple in its mouth and surrounded by greenery. Could she bear another lengthy meal sat at Dominic’s side and under the scrutiny of all the guests? She should never have agreed to stay, but it was not in her nature to disturb the peace and if she’d disappeared, no doubt the rumors would have been far worse than a little speculation.

  Thankfully the meal was quieter than the feast the night before. Some of the guests were likely still suffering from last night, and the heavy food and warm atmosphere cast a lethargic haze over everyone. Everyone, that was, aside from Dominic. He watched her avidly, leaving her on edge as they finished their meal and sat around the Great Hall as the servants poured out some warm wine.

  Lucy grabbed a goblet hastily and brought it to her mouth, eager for the soothing heat to ease her nerves. A drizzle of wine sloshed onto her chest and she muttered a curse, scanning the room to see if anyone noticed as she dabbed at it. Dominic had spotted her mishap and was watching her from his chair by the fire with an amused twinkle in his eye. She glared back, attempting to cover her embarrassment.

  Her head whipped away as one of the ladies spoke up, “Come, Lord Dominic, will you not share with us some poetry?”

  Lucy straightened in her seat. Lord Dominic quoting poetry? “You read poetry?”

  A grin slid across his face as he turned to her “Aye, I’ve been known to. Do not look so shocked, lass. I am not wholly uncultured.”

  Lucy dropped her gaze to the floor as her face heated. When would he stop surprising her? It would make it so much easier to hate him if he just behaved as he should. It’s all an act, she reminded herself. Remember that. Bringing her head up, she smiled slowly.

  “What shall you share with us, then? I can ch
oose one for you, if you like.” Aye, an obscure one, one that he would likely have never read. That would catch him out.

  “Nay, there is no need. I have one in mind.” He stood and strode confidently over to the fireplace, positioning himself directly in her line of sight.

  Lucy snapped her jaw shut as she felt her mouth dry. Lord Dominic was going to quote poetry to her. Nay, not to her. It was not for her. It was for all his guests. Yet with his blue eyes burning into hers, it was hard to remember that there was anyone else in the room.

  He gave her a small nod as if saying that it was indeed just for her. He cleared his throat. “‘This Will Not Win Him, by Rumi’:

  Reason says,

  I will win him with my eloquence.

  Love says,

  I will win him with my silence.

  Soul says,

  How can I ever win him

  When all I have is already his?

  He does not want, he does not worry,

  He does not seek a sublime state of euphoria -

  How then can I win him

  With sweet wine or gold?

  He is not bound by the senses -

  How then can I win him

  With all the riches of China?

  He is an angel,

  Though he appears in the form of a man.

  Even angels cannot fly in his presence -

  How then can I win him

  By assuming a heavenly form?

  He flies on the wings of God,

  His food is pure light -

  How then can I win him

  With a loaf of baked bread?

  He is neither a merchant, nor a tradesman -

  How then can I win him

  With a plan of great profit?

  He is not blind, nor easily fooled -

  How then can I win him

  By lying in bed as if gravely ill?

  I will go mad, pull out my hair,