Stable boys took charge of the horses after Basil helped her down at the palace steps. He ordered the soldiers to wait at the stables and rub down and feed the horses.
With her arm tightly pressed against him, he guided her to the palace entrance. Lynnet was grateful because the early morning light wasn’t sufficient for her to differentiate the height and breadth of the stairs.
A page led them to a small chamber. Basil removed his weapons and left them with the guard before entering. He whispered that this chamber was the one where he accepted the king’s commission to find the thieves. It would be here that it would be revoked.
Fate is capricious.
Because of the commission, Basil was in the Tower cellars to save her from the conspirators. Because he was a friend of Geoff’s, she’d told him what she overheard instead of some other official. She’d wanted to fall in love at winter court so she wouldn’t have to obey her parents and accept an arranged marriage and she’d done so.
Such random circumstances coming together to answer my wish.
In the light of many candles, she could make out that the king sat behind a table and his deputy stood nearby. Lynnet was invited to be seated. Basil stood behind her chair, his hand resting on its back, his fingers lightly touching the nape of her neck.
King Henry questioned her about what she overheard and about her two kidnappings. When satisfied, he asked about their betrothal.
“Don’t look so surprised, Cousin,” the king laughed. “I hear many things. Besides, your father told me of your affection when he came to ask for my help.”
Basil answered the king for her. He told how, during the investigation, they had fallen in love.
“And so, Your Majesty, Lady Lynnet agreed to marry me. Her father approves. We seek your blessing on our union.”
“You have it.”
Basil’s knees seemed to be buckling. She heard his clothing slide against the back of her chair. At first, he’d been holding himself rigid while searching for words to win the king over. After the king’s blessing, his fingers loosened their grip on her clothing at the nape of her neck.
“I called you here for a different reason,” the king was saying. “I command you, Basil of Ipswich, to renew your vow of loyalty to the crown.”
Basil stepped out from behind her chair and bowed.
“Honored, Your Majesty.”
He knelt, swore allegiance before God and repeated the oath of fidelity after Baron Otheur.
“For faithful duty to the crown,” the king said, “you will henceforth be known as Sir Basil of Chester.”
Lynnet’s heart sang. Basil was being knighted into the king’s service.
“You are given charge in my name of your half-brother’s forfeited lands in Chester.”
Lynnet beamed. Last night’s fears were without merit. Along with the generous allowance from her father, she and Basil would have income from two estates. She’d worked herself into a state over nothing, allowing herself to be indiscreet.
It was fortunate our visitor was my father. Evelyn would have walked in without knocking.
“Your father knows of this transfer of property,” the king was saying to Basil. “It is an understatement to say he is not pleased to see his legitimate son stripped of his estate.”
“He cannot get his teeth around his son’s betrayal,” Baron Otheur said. “He blames you for Sir André’s downfall.”
The king nodded his head.
“I want the two of you out of London quickly. I’ll keep the earl in town until his temper cools.”
“I’ll ask Lord Wilfgive to remove Lady Lynnet from London as quickly as possible,” Basil replied. “I won’t place her in danger again.”
Lynnet’s spirits plummeted. She’d be dragged away from Basil.
“That’s not what I had in mind,” King Henry said. “I ask you to be married today by my priest and leave as husband and wife.”
“But my parents,” Lynnet started to say, her spirits rising.
“They should be on the road to Westminster at this moment,” the king said. “My deputy spoke with your father last night. He agreed to a hasty marriage.”
Lynnet’s heart raced.
“I ordered your clothing packed,” the baron said to them. “It should be arriving here shortly.”
“The longer you are within reach of the earl, the more likely he’ll slip out of my control and start rampaging. I want you on your way early tomorrow. An armed guard will accompany you.”
“My companion and servant?”
“Your father told me of your affection for your servants,” the deputy said. “They are ordered to Westminster for the wedding ceremony and dinner. Your companion will accompany you to your new home.”
Lynnet’s head was spinning.
“As well as Lord Geoffrey and Lady Matilda,” King Henry added. “They’ll be here for your wedding.”
“I can’t believe they kept this a secret.” Basil sounded utterly baffled.
The king rose, indicating the audience was at an end.
“I hope you’re not too disappointed, Cousin, with my arrangements. I know young women want to plan their own weddings and their bridal gowns.”
Lynnet’s heart nearly burst with joy.
“A hasty wedding is exactly what I want,” she told her king.
That afternoon, in the Westminster Palace Chapel, Basil waited at the altar. He wore his best, black-wool breeches with knee-length, leather boots. His white linen tunic was topped by a lightweight black cloak hanging to his knees, with slits for his arms.
He was impatiently waiting for the king, his daughter and his deputy to enter the chapel before Lynnet could appear. Geoff stood at his side as witness. Her parents, Evelyn and Isolda sat on benches. Matilda would accompany the bride as her attendant and a second witness.
When I ran barefoot on the Ipswich wharves, I never dreamed I’d marry a noblewoman, especially an Anglo-Saxon.
He especially never conceived of being married in a palace with the king in attendance. Not until he left the military and became a sheriff did he even entertain the possibility of marriage.
Basil had sent the soldiers who accompanied them from the Tower to his sheriff’s quarters in London to pack up his belongings. The rest of his clothing arrived by wagon, along with Lynnet’s.
Tonight, we combine those belongings.
His heart beat faster as he imagined being alone with Lynnet with no possibility of her father pounding on the door.
The king and his daughter arrived, resplendent in silks and furs. The dignified deputy followed close behind. They sat in the only pew, one of hand-carved oak, high-backed, with a red velvet cushion, and a kneeling rail. The small chapel, designed for only the king’s family, felt crowded.
Basil turned back to the altar where the priest was chanting as he lighted tapered white candles in tall, gold candlesticks. The altar was covered by a white lace cloth. An altar boy swung a bronze, open-faced ball from a chain. Incense permeated the chapel.
A stirring alerted Basil that his bride had arrived. His breath caught in his throat when he turned to watch Lynnet walk to him.
She’s exquisite.
Matilda had chosen a light blue, linen gown which hugged Lynnet’s slender figure and trailed behind her as she walked. A large, intricate golden brooch on her right shoulder held the garment closed.
Tonight, that spiked brooch will be the first to go.
A golden girdle circled her waist, denying him access.
That girdle will be the second to go.
A white, shoulder-length veil concealed her expression.
She carried a small, white leather prayer book, one that normally rested on the chapel lectern. Although Lynnet didn’t embrace the new religion, she agreed, at the king’s suggestion, to a Catholic ceremony to appease the Earl of Chester.
Matilda walked at Lynnet’s left side. As they passed the benches, Lord Wilfgive rose and accompanied them to the altar. Lynnet ha
nded the prayer book to Matilda. She searched for Basil’s hand before facing the priest, who was already chanting. His body warmed to her touch, despite the chill of the unheated chapel.
We’ll soon be one.
Basil didn’t know if Lynnet understood Latin. She was educated, but he didn’t know how far. Being nobility, she may have been taught the language.
With everything happening these past two weeks, the only thing he really knew about this woman was that his body yearned incessantly for her and his immortal soul would embrace her lovingly for all time.
She is my joy.
The priest intoned the soothing Latin words Basil memorized as a student of the monks. The monastery training would serve him well as he administered his new estate. No bailiff could cheat him nor a clerk be able to falsify the records.
Her father gave away the bride and returned to Lady Durwyn, who looked less opposed to the marriage than she did yesterday.
It’s best Lynnet not be estranged from her family, although I’ll not agree to visit often.
The speed of everything happening had numbed him. The straw he clutched to keep his equilibrium was the woman standing serenely at his side. In marriage, she’d soothe him after his struggles in an oft times vicious world. She possessed the charm to quiet his restless soul.
The priest asked for the ring.
Basil froze, shocked. He’d forgotten about this symbol of faithfulness. He could only stutter in Latin, “I…I have none.”
Lord Otheur rose. Reaching into his pocket, he brought out a golden wedding band.
“My regrets, Father. I should have remembered this sooner. The king presents this ring as his gift to his cousin.”
Gratefully, Basil accepted. Later, he’d buy Lynnet her own ring.
For now, a band carved with flowers will do.
Basil slipped the ring on Lynnet’s finger, pledging his love. Repeating after the priest, his bride swore her troth, after which the priest pronounced them married.
He lifted the filmy, white veil covering Lynnet’s face and draped it behind her. Her face glowed with love.
I discovered this jewel under a broken crate in a musty cellar.
Basil cupped her face and slowly bent towards her. Lynnet’s scent drew him like a flower draws a bee. He brushed her lips, tasting the soft, salty flesh and then settled more solidly against them. The tip of her tongue slowly touched his bottom lip, causing his manhood to rise.
Releasing her face, Basil pulled Lynnet passionately into his arms. Bending her backwards, he deepened their kiss. An irritated “hrrummphh” from Lady Durwyn forced him to remember their audience.
Basil released her and looked at his bride. Lynnet smiled, privately, secretively, as if she knew what lay ahead.
Could any wish be more happily fulfilled? I am wed at winter court to a man I adore.
Laughter and excited voices filled the small chamber off the chapel where a meal had been arranged by Lynnet’s parents. A huge fire roared in the fireplace. Multi-branched candelabra cast dancing figures on the walls.
Lady Durwyn had spent the few hours at Westminster before the wedding ceremony haranguing the chamberlain and kitchen help to see that the finest linens and utensils decked the wedding table. She had chosen the finest of the foods prepared for the evening meal. She had had a servant at the ready outside the chapel to run to the kitchens to alert them to bring the food hot and quickly. Golden goblets were set out for a toast to the bride and groom. Wine and food overflowed and more lay in reserve on a wheeled cart.
Basil had cut up her food for her, but the butterflies in her stomach kept her from swallowing.
Geoff sat next to Basil, the two men swapping stories. Matilda sat next to her and her parents and Evelyn across the table. Isolda chose to help serve.
The king and his deputy had business elsewhere, but his daughter joined the wedding celebration. Lynnet’s mother possessively assigned Lady Maude to sit next to her.
Lynnet overheard her mother whispering loudly to Evelyn.
“Well, I can’t do anything about his being Norman, but at least he has an estate and money.”
Lynnet chuckled. She’d gotten the best of the bargain.
Because of Basil, she’d never again cower in darkened fear, hiding from her mother’s sharp tongue. His strength gave her courage.
She’d noticed, since Basil proposed, she no longer dwelt on her disability. He made it of such little consequence, she felt a whole woman.
She didn’t know what challenges children would bring, but with the money they would receive, Lynnet knew she could keep their children safe.
Thinking about what they must do to make children brought on a hot flush. Basil’s wedding kiss provided an intriguing taste. She longed for this feast to end and her friends and family to leave. She yearned to be alone with this man she loved fiercely.
Lynnet felt a presence and looked up. Her grandmother hovered in a darkened corner. She seemed to be nodding her head.
I’m glad you approve, Grandmamma. Just don’t follow us to our bedchamber.
Basil impatiently paced the corridor outside their wedding bedchamber, waiting for Matilda to finish preparing Lynnet for bed. Geoff tried to convince him to stay at the banquet table until Matilda returned there, but Basil shook off commonsense. No minute must be wasted now that he had society’s approval to bed Lynnet.
Anticipation and apprehension warred.
What if Lynnet believed she’d made a mistake when faced with the physical side of marriage? It had been only a few weeks that they’d known each other. They had only scratched the surface of understanding. He didn’t know what rejection by her would do to him.
He stopped pacing, realizing that all his life, when faced by problems, he plunged right in to resolve them. He could be no different with Lynnet. She must love him for himself, whatever his virtues or faults.
The door opened abruptly. He looked up to see Matilda’s startled face.
“Basil. You’re here already.”
“How’s Lynnet?”
“She’s fine.” Matilda moved away from the door. “She’s waiting for you.”
As Matilda hurried away down the corridor, Basil entered the chamber and softly shut the door. Lynnet lay propped up on pillows against the dark wood headboard of a four-poster draped with heavy, green velvet. The several layers of covers were tucked in around her waist. Her silky, flaxen hair flowed across the pillows. Matilda must have brushed it until it glowed in the candlelight. Her white-linen, sleeved nightgown fastened at the neck by a long-stringed ribbon. Lynnet held her arms out to him.
“Husband.”
Basil wrenched his cloak over his head and flung it to the floor. Already striding towards his beloved, he stripped off the linen tunic and threw it down. His bared chest felt the chamber’s chill despite a blazing fire in the fireplace. One candle burned on a nightstand next to the bed.
Hopping on one foot, Basil yanked off his knee-length, leather boot and dropped it to the stone floor. The other soon followed suit. He started untying the knot at his trouser waistband, and stopped.
I’d best wait.
He pulled off his socks instead.
By that time, his hopping had taken him to the bed. Lynnet had heard him coming and she changed the angle of her arms.
Basil lifted the bedcovers, gazing in the light from the candle and the fireplace at the slender form of his beautiful wife.
I am so blessed.
He deftly laid himself between her outstretched arms.
Seeking her waiting mouth, Basil kissed his way up her throat, over her chin and to her lips. His throat dry, his chest constricted, he explored the sensations aroused as her hands studied his body.
Plunging his hands into her fine, fair hair, he raised her head slightly so that his tongue could probe the hot, moist depths of her mouth. Her tongue challenged his as his breath arrived in short gasps. His heart pounded as if trying to break through his chest. His mind spun wildly.<
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As Lynnet’s hands explored his bared back, Basil’s breathing became more ragged. She investigated muscle by muscle, probing and moving on. His skin heated to boiling. He was glad he hadn’t pulled up the covers when he’d entered the bed.
Propping himself on elbows to keep from crushing his bride, Basil dexterously stretched out his legs on either side of her, knees bent to hold his weight. Even slightly raised above her, Lynnet must know how ready he was.
Basil turned his head enough to find the bottom of her nightgown. He grabbed hold of the hem. The side of his hand grazed Lynnet’s warmed skin as he drew the cloth upward, precariously keeping his body weight lifted. When the cloth caught on her bottom, Lynnet raised her hips against him and worked the cloth up towards her neck. Basil’s heated flesh touched her softness from her womanhood to her bosom.
Good God in heaven!
Relaxing downward on his elbows, hoping he was not crushing her, he used both hands to untie her nightgown and pull it off her arms and over her head. He held it out over the edge of the bed and dropped it to the floor, feeling a sense of triumph.
Urgently needing her, Basil reached for her breast, squeezed and sighed. The raised nipple declared her desire for him.
I need not have worried.
His attention was drawn to her hands untying the knot at his waistband. His breath caught in his throat. Her knuckles pressed into his belly as she worked the knots, causing ripples of desire. She kissed him when she succeeded, then inched the cloth down over his buttocks, exercising every opportunity to stroke his skin.
Her body moved rhythmically, causing a torment that jangled his nerves. Sweat raised a light sheen of moisture on his skin. She reached between his legs to release the trouser cloth caught on his manhood. He shuddered when she ran her fingertips along the shaft.
Merciful heavens.
She stroked him and guided him towards her, helping him adjust to their differing sizes. He raised his hips to allow Lynnet to wrap her legs around his back. She guided him until he touched her moist womanhood, then sighed and dropped back onto the feather mattress. He probed before pushing inside.
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