Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3)

by Constance O'Banyon

  "And we'll give him that time, Raile. But one thing that worries me is that I don't know why he married Mallory. Poor child, we know she hasn't been cherished by her mother and father, and I'm not sure that Michael loves her. I am growing fonder of her every day. She seems so alone at times. I want to assure her that we want her in our family. But it's Michael's love that she really needs."

  "She's stronger than you think, Kassidy. And why wouldn't Michael love her? She's sweet, lovely. She has all the qualities a man would look for in a wife."

  Kassidy smiled and slid her arms around his neck. "And just what did you look for when you took me to wife?"

  He smiled against her hair. "Lovely, for certain—sweet, I don't think so, my hot-tempered little hellion."

  "Raile!"

  "What other woman do you know who would sail to Egypt, trek across the desert, and prepare to take on any enemy?"

  "Mallory, for one. Only she went farther than I—she actually rescued you and Michael." Kassidy rested her face against his chest, comforted by the beating of his heart. "On, Raile, what would I have done if anything had happened to you?"

  He clasped her to him, and neither spoke—there was no need for words between them. Their lives were so tightly interwoven that one could scarcely breathe without the other taking a breath.

  Raile touched his lips to hers and pulled her against his body. Kassidy would never know the weakness he'd experienced in that prison. He would have lost his mind if he hadn't known that he'd hold her in his arms again.

  * * *

  There was a full moon, and Mallory lay on the soft bed, watching reflecting patterns of the ocean sparkle on the ceiling like breaking waves. How glorious it was to bask in the luxury of her surroundings.

  Since the night Michael had taken her to his room, she had remained there. The next day, the Nightingale would sail up the Thames to London, and the voyage would be over.

  The cabin door opened and Michael entered. He was silent as he moved to the porthole and then back to the door. Restlessly, he paced back and forth.

  "Michael, is something wrong?" she asked, sitting up and pulling on her robe.

  "No," he said, pausing near the door. "Go back to sleep. I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

  She belted her robe and moved to stand beside him. "I wasn't asleep." She reached her hand out to him, placing it on his shoulder. "Can I help?"

  He shrugged her hand off and moved back to the porthole, staring into the night. "I'm not fit company, Mallory. Perhaps you might want to consider sleeping in Arrian's cabin tonight."

  "If that's what you want." She moved to the door, but he grabbed her hand and kept her from leaving.

  "I don't know what I want, Mallory. I suppose I've been away from civilization so long, and tomorrow it's going to come crashing in on me."

  "I don't understand, Michael."

  "I'm not sure I do either. I knew who I was when I went away, and now I realize I can't go back to the life I had before I went to Egypt."

  "I'm sorry, Michael."

  He tugged at an errant red curl. "That's not true of you, is it, Mallory? You know who you are, don't you?"

  "No, Michael, not anymore."

  "You're my wife."

  "I'm not sure of that."

  "Are you still fretting because you didn't understand the marriage vows?"

  "Yes, I suppose so."

  He cradled her in the crook of his arm and rested his chin on the top of her head. "It's a husband's place to make his wife happy, and your doubts I can do something about, Mallory."

  "But, I don't see—"

  "Go to your cabin and wait. I'll come for you shortly."

  "But—"

  He led her across the hallway and opened the door for her. "Smile, nothing is ever as bad as it appears."

  She watched him disappear with a frown on her face. What was he talking about?

  It was dark inside the cabin, but she didn't bother to light a lantern. She sat down on the couch and waited for Michael to return.

  * * *

  Michael was banging on the cabin door. "Mother, Father, wake up. I need to talk to you."

  Raile lit a lantern, while Kassidy pulled on her robe. "What time is it?" Kassidy asked in alarm.

  "I don't know. After midnight." Raile opened the door and found his son smiling. "Michael, do you know what time it is?"

  "I don't care, we're going to have a wedding."

  "What?" Kassidy said. "A wedding? Michael, what are you talking about?"

  "Father, I've already asked Captain Norris to perform the ceremony. He's authorized, since he's a captain and we're at sea. Mother, will you help Mallory dress? I don't know what you have to make her look like a bride, but knowing you, anything's possible."

  "Michael, what is this about?" his father demanded. "Weren't you and Mallory already married?"

  "When Mallory and I were married in Kamar Ginena, the man who performed the ceremony spoke no English. You know how women are. Mallory doesn't feel married."

  Kassidy smiled and clasped her hands. "Oh, Michael, what a romantic thing to do. I did so regret that I didn't get to see either you or Arrian married. Imagine, a wedding at sea!"

  She threw open her trunk and rummaged through it, throwing clothes and petticoats on the bed. At last she came to what she'd been looking for—a white lace mantilla that had been her mother's. 'She held it lovingly in her hands. "Yes, this will do nicely."

  Raile looked at his wife and his son as if they'd both lost their minds.

  "I have a white silk gown that will be perfect," Kassidy continued enthusiastically.

  She gathered up her bounty and rushed out the door. "I'll just help Mallory dress."

  Michael looked at his father. "What is it about weddings that makes women react in such a manner?"

  "I don't know, son. But take my advice—give them what they want—they'll get it anyway, and this way, you can look generous instead of a fool."

  Chapter 32

  One of the crew members had gathered all the blooming plants from throughout the yacht and placed them in the formal sitting room, where the ceremony was to take place. Dozen of candles had been lit, and their glow gave an ethereal atmosphere to the room.

  Captain Norris, looking very distinguished in his white dress uniform, thumbed through a book, nervously reading over the wedding ceremony.

  "I never married anyone before, m'lord," he told Warrick, who was dressed formally for the occasion.

  "Since they are already married, Captain, you have only to go through the formalities. But the words are the most important part to Mallory, I believe."

  "I want this to be a solemn occasion, because I've known Lord Michael all his life. But I never thought I'd have the honor of conducting his wedding."

  Lord Warrick glanced over the captain's shoulder. "Be certain and emphasize the part about love and obey."

  * * *

  Kassidy placed the lace mantilla on Mallory's head and handed her six white silk roses she had taken off the shoulder of one of her other gowns.

  "You look lovely, my dear." She brushed Mallory's cheek with a kiss. "Michael told me about your wedding, and I can understand why you would want to be married in an English ceremony."

  "I . . . never thought Michael would—"

  "Be so sentimental?"

  "Yes, that's it."

  "Men are much more sentimental than they would have us believe. A woman just has to pretend to be soft and demure. A man likes to think that he is the all-knowing wise one of the family—and if a wife is all-knowing and wiser, she'll allow her husband to keep his dream."

  Mallory laughed. "I hope I can make Michael as happy as you've made his father."

  "You will. I'm sure of it."

  * * *

  Michael actually felt tension in the pit of his stomach. He hadn't been this nervous at the real wedding ceremony. He looked at Warrick, who could only smile.

  "Your sister never had a formal wedding either, Michael.
When she hears about this, she'll probably demand that Captain Norris marry us."

  Michael glanced at the crew members who had dressed for the occasion and were standing at attention at the back of the room. Suddenly the door opened and his mother entered, beaming and looking beautiful in an emerald green gown. There was a catch in his throat as his father led Mallory forward.

  As Mallory walked slowly toward him, her eyes locked with his. She was shimmering, all in white, and the lace mantilla made a perfect foil for her flaming hair. Never had she looked so beautiful, and he felt his chest swell with pride that she belonged to him—and would be twice tied to him.

  As their hands met, Michael led her to Captain Norris. As the age-old words were spoken in the captain's clipped tones, Mallory stared straight ahead, fearing she would cry because of the beauty of the ceremony.

  She felt Michael's hand tighten as he slipped a beautiful emerald ring on her finger. She could only suppose the ring was his mother's.

  Raile and Kassidy stood with hands clasped while Kassidy remembered her own wedding. Michael and Mallory seemed so right for each other, she thought, and what a handsome couple they made.

  Mallory's eyes were swimming with tears when Captain Norris proclaimed them husband and wife.

  Michael turned Mallory to him, and his eyes probed hers. She caught her breath and her lips trembled beneath his.

  Suddenly Mallory was pulled from his arms, to face a smiling Warrick. "I claim my right to kiss the bride," Warrick said, brushing a kiss on her cheek. "You know, Mallory," he told her with a teasing light in his eyes, "you can never deny that you were married to this man, because you have an entire ship's crew as witnesses."

  Raile took Mallory's hand and hugged her to him. "A flaming-haired daughter. I warrant you'll lead my son a merry chase—I pray that it's so."

  Mallory already adored the duke, but in that moment, she felt closer to him than she'd ever felt to her own father.

  Kassidy hugged her son, and whispered so only he could hear. "How kind it was of you to do this for Mallory, Michael. Many men would have thought it frivolous, but you are sensitive and loving."

  At that moment, she saw something that pulled at her heart. What was it—agony? Uncertainty?

  "Loving, I'm not sure I know what that means, Mother. I merely wanted there never to be any doubt that any child of mine is legitimate."

  Kassidy frowned. Could this be her Michael, or some stranger? No one else seemed to notice his mood. Michael said the right things, smiled at the right time, appeared to be in a festive mood. But Kassidy watched him closely, wondering if he would ever be the man he'd once been.

  Wine was poured for everyone, and many toasts were made to the happy couple. At last, Michael led his bride to their cabin and closed the door behind them.

  Mallory came readily into his arms, her mouth opening beneath soft, probing lips.

  "Michael, it was wonderful!" she said, trying to catch her breath.

  "Happy?"

  "Oh, yes. I can't imagine a more beautiful wedding."

  She moved out of his arms and gently removed the lace mantilla and folded it carefully. "This was your grandmother's, you know."

  "No, I didn't."

  "Your mother's mother."

  "And the dress?"

  "Your mother's. Michael, your family is so extraordinary. Your father pretending to be gruff, but his eyes give him away. And your mother is the kind of mother every girl would like to have. Warrick, so handsome, but I could see the loneliness in his eyes. He told me tonight that he misses your sister and the children. I can't wait to meet Arrian. Will she like me, do you think? Will the children like me?"

  Michael laughed and took her in his arms. "Come here, you little magpie. I have something on my mind besides talk."

  * * *

  The Nightingale came into harbor under full sail. Captain Norris brought her expertly into port and ordered her sails to be lowered.

  Mallory stood beside Kassidy, watching the loading and unloading of other ships in the harbor.

  Suddenly, Kassidy's eyes lit up, and she waved excitedly toward the crested coach.

  "It's Arrian!" she cried. "Now, how could she have known we'd be arriving today?"

  Raile came up behind them, also waving at his daughter. "Nothing deters our daughter when she wants to know something. She's probably had someone watching for us this last week. And look, Aunt Mary's with her."

  Lady Arrian raced across the dock and hardly gave the crew member time to swing the gangplank in place before she came aboard. First, she ran to her father and was encircled in his arms.

  "Oh, Father, you're home." She touched his face and buried her face against his chest. "I was so frightened for you."

  "How could anything happen to me with a daughter like you waiting for me?" he said, looking down at her tenderly.

  Arrian kissed him soundly and turned into her husband's waiting arms. Warrick held her for a long moment. "I missed you, Arrian."

  She raised her face to his. "And I missed you. I don't think I'll ever allow you to go away without me again."

  "How are the children?"

  "Wonderful." Arrian's eyes met her brother's over Warrick's shoulder, and she went to him. "Oh, Michael, I heard what happened to you. Are you all right?"

  He smiled down at her. "I stand before you, the image of health."

  She stared at him, knowing there was something different about him, but not knowing what it was. They were closer than most brothers and sisters, and she sensed something was very wrong.

  "I wouldn't allow anyone to write you about Mallory. I wanted to see your face when you met her."

  "Who?"

  Michael caught Mallory's hand and brought her forward. "Arrian, this is Mallory, my wife!"

  For a moment Arrian was too stunned to speak, but she quickly recovered. "Did you say . . . I'm sorry, what is your name?"

  Michael couldn't keep from laughing. "This is the first time I've seen you at a loss for words, Arrian."

  The two women looked each other over carefully. Mallory was the first to smile. "I'd heard you were beautiful, and you are."

  Arrian took her hand. "I know nothing about you, but you must be very special indeed if you caught my brother's attention." She laughed and hugged Mallory. "Michael married. He finally came to his senses. I want to hear all about you. We'll talk for hours when we get to Michael's town house."

  Lady Mary chose that moment to come bustling aboard, grabbing the railing to steady herself on the swaying ship. "What's this about Michael?" she asked. "Did someone say Michael had come to his senses?"

  Kassidy hugged her daughter and clasped Aunt Mary's hand. "Yes, dear Aunt Mary, Michael has finally come to his senses."

  "Come along, everyone," Arrian said happily. "Cook has prepared all Father's favorite food. We have so much to celebrate tonight."

  "Yes," Kassidy agreed. "Your father and Michael home safely, a new daughter, and a new granddaughter. I'd say we have much to be thankful about."

  * * *

  The town house was filled with laughter as everyone gathered in the formal salon. The meal had been superb, and afterward, the children were brought in and everyone had played with them.

  Mallory held the new baby, looking down at her in awe. "She's wonderful."

  "Uh-hmm," Arrian agreed.

  Soon the nanny took the children upstairs and they were tucked into bed under their mother's watchful eye.

  Now the family had congregated in the informal sitting room.

  Mallory moved to the window and surveyed the DeWinter family. She could feel the love in this room. She smiled at something Aunt Mary had said about Michael having to buy a bigger town house or tell his sister to stop having babies.

  "This was where Raile spent his bachelor days, Mallory," Kassidy explained, coming to sit beside her on the window seat. "When Michael came of age, we gave the town house to him. You may find it a bit cramped." She looked wistfully at her son. "Of cou
rse, there's always Ravenworth. If you so desired, the two of you could have the west wing all to yourselves."

  Michael stood with one booted foot propped on the hammered brass fireplace ledge, his dark hair falling carelessly across his forehead, his riveting eyes on Mallory. "I believe this house will suit us for the time. I'm not yet ready to retire to country life."

  "Well, I am. We're going home tomorrow," Raile announced. "I've been too long away from Ravenworth. Warrick, are you, Arrian, and the children going with us?"

  "Yes. I believe we should give Michael and Mallory some time alone."

  At that moment, all eyes went to Mallory, and she knew they were thinking about the heir she would one day present to them. Mallory could have told them that she was already with child, but tonight was not the time. For now, it was enough to celebrate the duke's and Michael's homecoming.

  "Well, in any case, I'm going home," Aunt Mary said, rising to her feet and steadying herself on a silver-handled cane. "I've had enough excitement for one day."

  She came to Mallory and squeezed her hand. "My great-nephew made a wise and charming choice in you. I never did care much for Lady Samantha Taylor—she's too flighty, and her voice begins to grate on my ears when I've been with her for a whole evening."

  Mallory blinked, not knowing what to say. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Lady Mary. Michael has told me so much about you. He's very fond of you."

  Lady Mary patted her hand. "Call me Aunt Mary. And I'll be dropping in on you from time to time."

  "That would be lovely," Mallory said, a bit overwhelmed. "Perhaps you can help me find my way around London."

  Lady Mary's eyes lit up. "Indeed I shall, child." She glanced down at Mallory's plain brown gown. "I think I should show you the dress shops first."

  Kassidy came to Mallory's rescue. "You mustn't mind my aunt, Mallory. As you can see, she has a difficult time speaking her mind."

  Lady Mary raised her head and looked at each person in the room. "When you get to be my age, you can speak the truth without people taking offense. Everyone excuses me because they just say I'm in my dotage, when actually, I'm far from it."