"If the circumstances were different, I might have reacted in another manner. But what you did helped to protect you from the earl. If he had discovered your ruse, he would not have been able to use you to further his gains. You are no longer a maid, therefore, not so prized as you were in the past."
She knew her mother was canny, but she had not realized how intuitive she actually was. "What would you have done if Terric had no intentions of marrying me?"
"I would not have allowed what happened to take place. But that is irrelevant now. Terric loves you. He will do all in his power to protect you."
Terric, having remained silent during the discussion between mother and daughter, was pleased to hear Lady Elizabeth thought so highly of him. He had not been entirely sure his suit for her daughter's hand would be accepted.
Acknowledging the older woman's praise, Terric bowed his head in her direction. "I am glad to hear that you find me acceptable, my lady. Then am I correct in assuming, you will allow me to take Jacqueline to wife?"
"Aye, Sir Terric. You may have Jacqueline as your wife. The sooner the better."
The elation Jacqueline felt upon hearing her mother accept Terric quickly changed to concern. "Why the hurry, mother?"
"Even though your father did not see through you, I still do not trust him. He is a sneaky, conniving man. He could be the one who fooled us all. Not the other way around. The sooner Terric puts a wedding ring on your finger, the better I will feel. Even the earl cannot break the vows spoken before a priest."
Jacqueline felt a wave of uneasiness sweep through her. She hoped her mother's fears would turn out to be unfounded. But if it would save her from any malicious plans the earl might have in store for her, she would gladly marry Terric on the morrow.
Chapter Twelve
"If you do not stand still, Jacqueline, I am likely to mortally wound you with these pins." Lady Elizabeth said exasperatedly.
"Sorry, mother, but you have had me standing here for hours. All the while you have poked and prodded me."
"It has not been hours. You exaggerate. It only seems that way because you have done nothing but fidget. Either you hold still or your wedding gown will not look at all proper."
Jacqueline gritted her teeth and sighed in defeat. Her wedding day was two days hence. Her mother along with Beth, had been frantically stitching her wedding gown since their return from London the week before. She would have gladly worn a less elaborate gown, but she did not have the heart to try and sway the two women to change their minds. They had enthusiastically started to work out the details of her gown the day after their return home.
The tight sleeved undergown was made from silk, dyed the color of a cloudless blue sky on a summer day. The looser overtunic, was a stamped velvet, two shades darker blue than the undergown. The pattern stamped on the velvet was the Montacute coat of arms. The earl had sent the velvet to be used for Jacqueline's gown when she was to have wed the Earl of Somerset. Her mother had suggested they use it now, the reason being it really was exquisite and why not use it for what it had originally been intended? Jacqueline had agreed in the end.
Along with the undergown and overtunic, there were tippets, trailing strips of cloth which was fastened just above the elbow. They were made from the same velvet. Around her hips, she would wear a girdle made from gold that had pearls set into each link. Upon her head, she would wear a sheer sky blue veil, which would be fastened to a point at the centre of her forehead.
The three women were working in the solar with the door firmly shut. Lady Elizabeth did not want Terric seeing Jacqueline in her wedding gown before they were to exchange vows. So when a knock at the door could be heard, she nodded for Beth to see who it was.
Opening the door a half inch, she peered out to find Terric standing on the other side of it. "Do not bother trying to come in because I will not let you."
Terric smiled brightly at her. "I have no intention of stepping into the solar. I have been warned off with dire threats to my person should I do so. I was just wondering if I could have a word with Lady Elizabeth."
Having heard her name spoken, Jacqueline's mother joined him at the door. "Now, Sir Terric, I hope this is not a ploy to see Jacqueline's gown."
Holding his hands up while shaking his head adamantly, Terric said, "I can assure you it is not. If I remember correctly, you told me you would drop me down that very deep well Carisbrooke is known for."
Lady Elizabeth chuckled. "And I would do it."
"There is no need for that well today, my lady. I would like to speak to you, privately. If you can spare a few moments."
Turning to look over her shoulder at Beth and Jacqueline, she asked, "Can you finish without me, Beth?"
The younger girl nodded. "Aye, of course."
"Then I am all yours, Terric."
Slipping through the partially open door, Lady Elizabeth led Terric to the chamber next to the solar. It was not quite so large, since she only used this chamber to do the castle accounts. The space inside was mostly taken up by a large desk. Walking around it, she then seated herself behind the desk and motioned for Terric to sit in the chair on the opposite side.
Once he was seated, she waited for him to speak. She had a feeling she knew what he wished to speak to her about. So, calmly, she waited while he collected his thoughts.
Terric had run through what he planned to say to Jacqueline's mother in his head a dozen times before asking to meet with her. But now that he sat facing her, he found it hard to begin. To be honest with himself, it was not something he felt proud about doing.
Clearing his throat, he forced himself to begin. "With the wedding so close, I thought now would be appropriate to broach this subject with you, my lady. It is something I wish I did not have to ask."
Lady Elizabeth could see Terric was not feeling at all comfortable with this. He seemed on the verge of squirming in his chair. "Just spit it out, man. I do not bite you know."
Grateful for having some of the tension relieved by her words, he did what she suggested and said what was exactly on his mind.
"Since I have no lands of my own, would you approve of Jacqueline and myself living here, at Carisbrooke? I hope in a few years, while I follow the tournament circuit, to be able to purchase some land."
"I had assumed that after your marriage, you both would be staying at the castle. And it will no longer be necessary for you to follow the circuit."
Terric felt slightly taken aback at the older woman's words. "Living off your good graces for long does not sit well with me."
"Do not worry, you will be earning your keep, Terric. With William now gone, there is no Lord of the Isle here. I wish you to take his place."
Caught off guard, he had to hear it again. "Let me get this straight. You want me, a landless knight, to take over William's duties?"
She knew he was shocked by the look of confusion he wore on his face. "Aye, I do. As Jacqueline's husband, you are the only logical choice. It will not be an easy position to fill in the beginning, but I am sure you can learn all you will need to know."
"And you do not want me to do the circuit anymore?"
"Nay, I do not. You may participate in a tournament or two, one that is close to the Isle if you wish, but only for the sport of it."
Feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, Terric smiled and stuck out his hand to Lady Elizabeth. "I accept your offer, my lady."
With hands clasped, they shook on the agreement they had reached. Terric stood, sketched a quick bow to her, then left Lady Elizabeth alone in the chamber.
* * * *
Taking a deep breath, Terric stared up at the clear night sky. The stars high above him flashed like so many diamonds.
He still could not believe his good fortune. He had found the woman he had been waiting for to be his wife. And along with a woman who loved him, now he had a place to call home. To be part of a family. Something he had not had for so many years.
His father, Ph
ilip Aubrey, was a minor knight with a small holding. His mother, the love of his father's life, was sadly only a peasant. Her family farmed a section of land which belonged to Philip. They paid him rent to work the land.
His father was already married when the fair Rosamond had caught his eye. At first, his intent had not been to make her his mistress. Even though his marriage was a loveless one, it was not his way. But Rosamond eventually won him over, and they became lovers.
Terric was born a year later. He only had a few short months with his mother-a time of which he had no recollection being only a small babe. His birth had been too hard for his mother. She never fully recovered and finally, in the end, succumbed.
Philip already had two sons by his wife-both much older than Terric. That being the case, it was not necessary for him to acknowledge Terric as his son, but he did. He was not able to bring his motherless son to live with him, though. Philip's wife would never have allowed it. So Terric had been raised by his grandparents.
At the age of ten, his father arranged for Terric to be fostered out. Knowing he could not offer much to the son of his love, he did what he could. He took steps to make sure her son would become a knight for which Terric was forever grateful. The life of a farmer held no appeal for him.
Having made a complete circuit of the walls, Terric descended to the bailey below. Walking toward the keep, in the direction of the hall, he caught sight of a shadowed figure moving to intercept him. When the figure became more discernible, he shook his head in disbelief.
"What are you doing out here so late?"
"I could very well ask you the same question." Jacqueline replied saucily. Before Terric could protest, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed a kiss across his lips. In response, he placed his hands on either side of her waist, pulling her hard up against him.
"Is it not bad luck to see me? We wed on the morrow."
"Just silly superstition. I needed to see you before I went to sleep. Come morning mother will make sure we do not meet until the ceremony."
"We did see each other at the evening meal. It has only been a few short hours since we parted. Did you miss me so soon?"
"Of course." Jacqueline smiled up at him seductively then ran her hands through his hair. "I do not think I can wait until after the ceremony."
Terric groaned. "Are you trying to seduce me, minx?"
Jacqueline rocked her hips up against his. "And if I am?"
Unwrapping her arms from around his neck, Terric set her firmly away from him. "Tempting, but nay. We are going to do this properly."
Sticking out her bottom lip in a pout, she asked, "You will not change your mind?"
"Nay. Now go to your bed. Alone." Turning Jacqueline around, he pushed her in the direction of the keep, adding a swat to her rump to keep her moving.
Terric waited until Jacqueline disappeared within the keep before he followed her. He wanted to make sure she was safely in her own chamber. He also needed the time to calm down the raging desire she had stirred up inside him just by being in his arms. If she were to accost him in the hall, he was not at all sure he could refuse her a second time.
Finally entering the hall, he found it deserted which was a great relief. On the morrow he would make it up to Jacqueline since he had refused her offer. Once she was his wife, he might never let her out of his bed.
* * * *
The day of their wedding broke in a bright wash of sunlight. Jacqueline could not have wished for a better day. If the blue cloudless sky was considered a good omen for the start of her new life with Terric, then it portended good fortune.
Having followed her mother's strict admonishment on not seeing her intended before exchanging their vows, Jacqueline had not gone to the hall to break her fast. A servant had brought her a tray instead. Now she waited for the heated water for her bath to arrive. She did not have a long wait. Her mother, ever efficient, instructed the servants to prepare the bath once Jacqueline had sent her tray back down.
With a quick knock on her daughter's door, Lady Elizabeth opened it and stood aside for the parade of servants lined up behind her. Once the hip bath had been dragged into the room and then filled, the servants were dismissed leaving mother and daughter alone. Stripping off her robe, Jacqueline immersed herself in the bath.
Lady Elizabeth moved to stand behind her daughter and began to wash her hair. "I never thought this day would come-the day I saw my daughter marry the man she loved."
Jacqueline wiped water from her eyes. "You no more than I, mother. Especially after what we had done to stop my marriage to the Earl of Somerset."
"That odious man. With you wed to Terric, you will be safe. Our ruse will no longer be necessary."
Continuing to wash herself, Jacqueline knew her life could very well have been much different if her father had had his way. She would have been tied to a man she thoroughly detested.
Her bath finished, she stepped out of the tub and toweled dry. She then donned her robe once more. All that was left to do was to dress in her wedding gown.
Jacqueline could feel her nerves getting the best of her. She did not regret her choice in marrying Terric. If anything, she felt overjoyed by it. But she needed a few minutes alone to collect herself before the ceremony.
"Mother, is there enough time for me to sit by myself for awhile?"
Lady Elizabeth smiled. "Not long, but we can work it in." Placing a kiss on Jacqueline's cheek, she then left her alone.
Sitting on the window seat with her back toward the chamber door, Jacqueline looked out the window. Watching the normal goings on down in the bailey helped to calm her. A warm breeze blew through the open shutters. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.
At that moment her chamber door opened. Thinking her mother had returned already, she did not bother to open her eyes. So it was a shock to feel the cold blade of a dagger pressed to her throat by someone standing directly behind her. She inhaled sharply.
"Now be a good girl and turn around."
Jacqueline felt all the blood drain from her face at the sound of that voice. How could he have gotten into Carisbrooke with no one knowing? And why today, of all days? Doing as she was ordered, she turned to face her father.
He wore a hooded cloak, which partially hid his face from view. Now that she faced him, he pushed the hood back. His sharp gaze swept her from head to toe.
"So, I was correct. It was you in London and not William. I did not think you were capable of doing such a thing. Especially since you have been dead and buried these past few years."
Jacqueline raised her chin up a notch and gave the earl a defiant look. "You left me no choice."
"The choice was not yours to make. As your father, it was my right to arrange an advantageous match for you."
"You mean an advantageous match for yourself."
The earl reached out and painfully grabbed a handful of her hair. "I will not tolerate any disrespect from you, girl. I see your mother was too lax in her duty in the raising of her daughter." He released his grip and roughly shoved her away from him. "Now I want you to put on some clothes, and then you are leaving with me."
Rubbing her aching scalp, Jacqueline did not move. "Nay, I will go nowhere with you. Today is my wedding day. I will not leave."
"But I am afraid you will. I have plans for you." Picking up her wedding gown from the bed, he threw it at her. "Put this on and if you refuse, I have no compunctions about putting it on you myself if I must."
Knowing her father would do exactly that from the steely gaze he shot her way, she turned her back on him and did what he said. Once she had donned the gown, she turned back around. He motioned her over to where he stood next to her writing desk.
The earl placed a fresh sheet of parchment on top of the desk. He then took up a quill and dipped it in the ink well. Holding it out to her, he said, "Write."
Jacqueline shook her head. "Nay."
He jabbed the quill at her again. "You will write a missive to your
intended, telling him you have changed your mind and no longer wish to wed him." When she still refused to comply, her father forcibly placed the quill in her hand. "If you do not, I will have your mother removed from the Isle. I will make her a beggar on the streets with no coin and no roof over her head. Do I make myself clear?"
Meekly, she nodded her head in agreement. Her father held all the power in this situation. She could not change that, but she had one barb in which to wound him. "You have not asked about William. Are you not interested to know why he did not go to London?"
"Anything you have to say about William is irrelevant. Now sit."
Pulling out the chair, Jacqueline seated herself behind the desk. "True it may be, but it will affect you, greatly."
"Then tell me. Do not think I cannot see through this ploy to stall for time. We will be gone before anyone can stop us."
She looked up at her father, wanting to see how he would react to her news. "As you wish. You did more than wound William during the tournament at Windsor. You killed him."
The smug expression the earl wore slipped. Jacqueline watched as her father let the full meaning of her words sink in. She could see how deeply affected he was by the news of William's death. She was certain he had felt no such sorrow when informed of her 'death'. To him, she was just a useless female-only good for furthering his position through a marriage to a nobleman.
Not able to look at her father's expression of pain any longer, Jacqueline turned to the blank piece of parchment. The earl swallowed audibly, then said, "Write the missive and make it convincing. For if your lowly knight does not believe it and tries to come after you, I will gladly end his pathetic existence."
Dipping the quill in the ink well, Jacqueline placed it on the parchment. As she began to write, tears filled her eyes. Terric would never forgive her for this.
Chapter Thirteen
Terric was nervous. He could face a fully armed knight charging down the list, but the thought of standing in front of a priest, reciting his vows to the woman he loved, was downright terrifying. And having Edwin fuss over him was not making matters for the better. The boy kept pulling at his tunic, trying to make it sit just so.
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