The Duke's Fiery Bride

by Hildie McQueen

  Gavin stood at the balcony. With a piece of bread in her hand and her hair falling from its braids, his wife raced around the garden being chased by her brother. The huge man caught up to her and swung her around. Beatrice’s laughter made Gavin smile. How he hoped he’d not ruin her spirit.

  It was imperative she became with child soon, which meant he’d bed her often.

  That, in and of itself, would be quite enjoyable. However, what would happen if she found out the only reason he married her was because he needed an heir or two to keep the threat of losing his title at bay?

  How would the sprite react?

  “You must take Beatrice under control. Her behavior is most unbecoming of a lady.” Coming to stand beside him, Alice sniffed and looked out to where the siblings now walked side by side, talking. “She spoke rather brashly of your night, loudly exclaiming her enjoyment. I am shocked that you would marry someone like her.”

  Just then, Beatrice looked to where he stood. Her wide gaze moved from him to Alice. Beatrice stopped walking and the now crumbling bread fell from her hand.

  “I would say it’s exactly why I married her. To marry someone dull, who prefers to sit alone than to share my life, would be worse than hell itself.” He walked away, ignoring the dour woman’s gasp.

  Chapter Eight

  Sinclair caught up with Gavin near the stables where he instructed his guards to prepare for their return to Hardigg Castle.

  “I am ready to return. It’s been long enough of a dalliance here.” His brother walked to his horse and held out a carrot.

  “Have you already plundered through all the women in the village, Brother?” Gavin shook his head when his brother grinned. “I am quite ready to return, as well.”

  “Have you told your wife? Are you prepared for the forthcoming first time leaving dramatic farewell scene with her family?”

  If he were to be honest, he’d been avoiding Beatrice. From the fire in her gaze, it was obvious she planned a row and he wasn’t sure how he would deflect her wishes without a huge argument. He’d have to be stern with her about certain things, but give her enough freedoms so not to break her spirit.

  After several more instructions to the guards, Gavin asked Sinclair to walk with him.

  “I am perplexed when it comes to Beatrice,” he admitted. “She wants to continue to hunt and traipse about the forest. I am not sure what to do about it.”

  Of course, his brother was the least suitable to give marriage advice. But he trusted Sinclair and knew his brother had the best intentions when it came to the family.

  Sinclair smiled. “The reason you married her was exactly this. Lady Beatrice will always be a challenge. One of your best decisions, Brother. However, in this case, you must be strong. She cannot run free and such. Someone could see it as an opportunity to harm her.”

  The thought of harm coming to his new wife bothered him. True, he’d not known her long, but he was rapidly growing to care for Beatrice.

  “Not to mention if rumor is spread of her freedoms, Aldorf could use it as an opportunity to cast doubt if and when she is with child,” Sinclair added.

  He found Beatrice back in their bedroom. She sat in a chair next to the fireplace sharpening a dagger with a stone. Not exactly a scene a man expects to walk into the day after his wedding.

  “Lady Alice informed me I must speak to you regarding your lack of decorum.” He walked closer and peered down at his wife, who ignored him. “Beatrice, what did you say to her?”

  His wife let out a huff. “She asked if I slept well last night. I told her no. In making conversation, I described why.”

  “I see. You did expect she’d be shocked by your frank speech did you not?”

  Beatrice didn’t reply right away. Instead, she put the dagger down and looked into the fire. “I’m not sorry I did it. She described bedsport as unpleasant and I corrected her.” Her lips curved and he knew she thought about Alice’s shocked expression.

  It was hard not to smile in relief that she’d enjoyed their first night enough to brag about it. “So you don’t consider it unpleasant then? I am glad to hear it. However, in the future, keep any conversation about what happens in our bed between us.”

  “No.”

  “What?”

  “I will probably share with a good friend. Once I find one in Hardigg.”

  It was hard not to laugh. “Very well.”

  “About hunting...” she began, her nostrils flaring and her chin lifted in challenge. “We did not finish our conversation earlier.”

  “We leave tomorrow, Beatrice. I came to fetch you so we can travel to the village and say farewell to your parents.”

  Beatrice’s lips parted and she blinked several times. “So soon?”

  He was rather proud of his deflection.

  “I will call Grisilda to ensure my things are packed right away.” Beatrice got to her feet and studied him. “Why is everything so rushed? I feel as if there is a secret I am not privy to.”

  Gavin took her by the arms and pulled her closer. “I wanted a wife. Although I didn’t plan to marry so soon, once meeting you, there was no doubt in my mind. As far as returning to Hardigg, it was planned for us to leave soon since I have matters to attend to there.”

  With her head turned away, she slid a look up to him and pursed her lips. “How clever you are to have a reply for everything so quickly. I wonder if, perhaps, you plan every conversation before entering into it. I was told by Oscar, earlier, that you’d told him it was possible the visit would be extended. Why the change?”

  Damn. He’d forgotten the conversation with the brother when he’d asked to join Gavin’s guard. “Tis true. However, after discussing things with my brother earlier, he reminded me it was not prudent to remain gone from Hardigg overlong.”

  “Is there a threat of some kind?”

  The woman was not only beautiful, but also intelligent.

  “Wife, there are always threats when one is lord. Unfortunately, my title makes it even worse.” He pulled his wife against him and covered her mouth with his. Not just to quiet her questions, but because his desire for her rose more and more with each exchange.

  When she softened against his chest and parted her lips to allow him entrance, Gavin feared losing control. He couldn’t take her again this soon; she’d be sore after her first time. However, he would barely be able to wait for the night after.

  Three swift knocks forced him to tear his lips away from Beatrice. She didn't move away and he wrapped his arms around her. “Enter.”

  Sinclair pushed past the door and smiled at him knowingly. “Our uncle requests that we come to his study.”

  Without moving away from a now squirming Beatrice, Gavin pressed a kiss to her temple. “Is something amiss?”

  “I believe it has to do with our imminent departure.” Sinclair looked to Beatrice. “I apologize, Lady Beatrice.” Sinclair lowered his head in greeting. “I hope my brother treats you well.”

  Gavin glared at Sinclair’s most inopportune comment and let out a low groan when Beatrice pushed away.

  “He treats me well. However, we will be discussing any plans to keep me from hunting and such. I suggest you speak to him about it. If I remember correctly, I bested you in competition once.”

  Sinclair pressed his lips together, but it was obvious he was attempting not to grin. “I will endeavor to convince Gavin to see the error of his ways.”

  Not convinced, Beatrice huffed and went to the wardrobe. She began pulling gowns out and putting them on the bed. “Please send Grisilda to me. You can probably find her atop a stairwell or window somewhere lurking around Oscar like a bird of prey.”

  At her comment, Sinclair let out a loud guffaw and Gavin coughed to cover his chuckle. “I will, wife.”

  Chapter Nine

  Central Cumbria, England

  The horses cantered along at a steady pace. Beatrice rode directly behind the impressive front Gavin and Oscar made. On either side of her and behi
nd were her new husband’s guards. Just ahead of the party rode two guardsmen ensuring their safety. Sinclair rode alongside the wagon carrying trunks and Grisilda, maintaining a close distance.

  Gavin turned to look at her and pointed to the distance. “It’s not a long ride to my home, just over half a day’s ride.”

  There was an eager shine to his gaze and his lips curved. “Let me know if you need to rest or stop at anytime. I will help you dismount.”

  Beatrice nodded, knowing he asked to be sure she’d not spring from the horse like a wildling.

  After several hours, they stopped to rest. The respite didn’t last long and once again they mounted to continue on their way. It would be another three hours, at least, to the Hardigg Castle. Although the lands had a resemblance to her home, this area near the sea was plush with high cliffs. She inhaled the sea air and wondered what her new home would be like.

  They traveled along a trail for several hours before stopping to give the horses a break. Glad for it, Beatrice allowed a guard to help her dismount and hurried to the back of the wagon. Once she gathered her bow and quiver, she and Grisilda went into the forest to relieve themselves.

  “What is that?” Beatrice stopped as they were walking back to the horses. “Did you hear it?” She yanked Grisilda to the ground. “Someone is about.”

  “Stop there! Do not advance!” one of the guards called out to whoever neared their party.

  From where they hid, Beatrice could see three men approach Gavin and Oscar.

  Everyone wore stoic expressions. Whoever the visitors were, they were not friends.

  “We come in peace, Your Grace,” a bearded man with dirty, long hair stated, holding up a hand in greeting. “I am guard to the Duke of Aldorf. I was, in fact, heading toward Lord Mereworth’s lands to bring his message after learning you were not here.”

  Beatrice looked behind her and then to the sides. The three men were not alone. There was a strange hush in the surroundings. Birds were unusually silent. Surely their guardsmen and Gavin had noticed.

  “I am heading to my home. You can bring the message there. Right now, I am not stopping for talk.”

  “He knows,” Beatrice whispered to Grisilda who paled.

  “Knows what?” Grisilda replied, her voice barely audible.

  The stranger bowed his head in thought and then looked up. “Unfortunately, I have my orders and cannot wait for your invite...” he left the word hanging.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” Gavin snapped.

  “Archibald Brown, guard to the Duke of Aldorf.” When Sinclair pulled his sword, the stranger snarled. “I hoped not to have to kill you on this day, Your Grace.”

  Beatrice immediately yanked an arrow from her quiver and waited. Grisilda flattened on the ground with muffled breaths of alarm.

  A loud battle cry sounded. Beatrice wasn’t sure who it was.

  Then she heard Oscar’s angry growl followed by metal against metal as he clashed with one of the men behind Brown. The other horseman landed on the ground with a thud with Sinclair over him. Still atop his horse, her brother had grabbed the other guard and held his sword across the man’s neck. “Tell them to cease at once.”

  The speaker seemed to gain boldness. “And if I don’t?”

  Gavin prayed his wife would stay in place wherever she was hidden. Aldorf ’s messenger, who he figured was actually a mercenary and not a guard under Aldorf ’s employ, had others with him who remained hidden.

  The man slid a warning look to Oscar and Sinclair before meeting Gavin’s gaze. “We plan no harm upon you. The duke sends a clear message. You will not fight the loss of your title.”

  The man was either well accompanied or daft. Gavin’s guardsmen surrounded Brown. He’d never survive any attempt against him.

  “I am not in fear. However, I must warn you. My men have not seen battle recently. They are bloodthirsty.”

  When Archibald leaned forward as if to strike him, an arrow was impaled on a tree just above the man’s head.

  Everyone looked toward the forest where Beatrice stood with a second arrow already set. “I won’t miss next time. Tell the rest of your men to leave unless you wish this arrow through your right eye.”

  The man looked to Gavin for confirmation.

  “She never misses.”

  “We didn’t threaten you in any manner.” The stranger leaned away and held his hands up. He whistled and there was rustling followed by horsemen riding away. There were only two and Gavin wondered if any were left behind hoping not to be found out.

  The second arrow flew so close to the stranger’s head, it sliced the side of his temple.

  “I was not aware that gentlemen allowed their women to wage their battles.” Spittle flew from the man’s mouth as he wiped at the blood.

  Beatrice was magnificent, her bow already holding a third arrow. “All of them,” she called out.

  Gavin exchanged looks with his guardsmen who awaited his order to attack and find whoever hid in the trees. He considered that if someone struck his wife with an arrow at the moment, perhaps, it would make the situation less humiliating. Did she really think they needed her assistance?

  “Beatrice, put the bow down.” Gavin motioned to his men, who rushed into the trees. Whoever remained hidden would not live long. Archibald looked between Gavin and Beatrice in hopes she would listen to his command.

  Finally, she lowered the bow and the man let out a breath. “I meant no harm, Your Grace.” Those were his last words as the man fell dead to the ground.

  Gavin wiped the blood from his sword. He looked to the pair his brother and Oscar held down. “Go back to Aldorf. Tell him I am married and with a son on the way. And tell him I got his message before killing his useless messenger.”

  The men galloped away.

  Sinclair’s flat gaze tracked the men who fled. “I trust our scouts got the others.“

  “Yes. Here they come now,” Gavin replied, having caught sight of his guards. Without a word, he turned his horse and began the trek home. It was best not to speak to Beatrice at the moment. His guard would demand he punish her and as much as he hated to do so, it was necessary.

  Oscar caught up to him. “I apologize for my sister’s behavior, Your Grace. I can punish her if you wish.”

  “No. As her husband, it is my duty.” He looked to the worried brother and softened. “Other than not being able to sit easily for a few days, I won’t harm her badly.”

  “That is less than I planned,” Oscar gritted out.

  Hardigg Castle was, indeed, grand. Beatrice studied the huge grey walls that surrounded it as they neared. Since they’d mounted and commenced their trek after the guards and Gavin dispatched with the men back in the forest, neither Oscar nor Gavin had spoken to her. The guards remained impassive, their flat gazes going to her every so often.

  She’d made a huge mistake. In attempting to show her abilities and lack of fear, she’d embarrassed her husband and brother. Not only that, but any argument to be allowed to hunt would now fall on deaf ears.

  Beatrice let out a sigh and wondered what her punishment would be. Left to Oscar, he’d lock her in a room with only bread and water for days. It never lasted longer than two days, really, as her mother would sneak her food. Her father was always more lenient and that, perhaps, was the problem. She’d grown up not knowing her place as a woman.

  Once they crossed a bridge over a moat, the forward guard arrived at the gates and called out to the men atop. The huge gates opened to a village. Beatrice forgot about her woes as she took in all the activity. She’d never known a castle so large it held an entire community within its walls.

  They rode two by two as curious villagers scurried over to greet their Lord and study her and Oscar. Of course, the women instantly transformed into giggling and whispering simpletons once noticing her brother’s handsome face.

  Beatrice also gathered interest. Several men called out to Gavin to ask about her. Her husband softened visibly o
nce surrounded by his people. “A grand feast is planned, spread the word. Two days hence we will celebrate my marriage to Lady Beatrice.”

  The news was received with gasps of surprise and loud murmurings. Lads and lasses dashed off to be the first ones to spread the news.

  Several women waved at Beatrice and she returned their friendly acknowledgments with a smile and lift of her hand. Although she wasn’t sure what to expect once they arrived at the keep, at least she could look forward to eating in two days.

  A second set of gates, not as high as the others, was opened allowing them into a smaller courtyard. This area was like that of the Castle Lansing. However, she noted that every area was well maintained and much tidier.

  Stable hands rushed forward to help with the horses. Despite wanting to climb down, she remained mounted waiting for Gavin.

  After a few words to the guards and hands, her husband walked towards her. His long strides assured and his shoulders straight. He looked up to her and lifted his hands circling her waist. Without a word, he lowered her to the ground, allowing very little space between them so that she was forced to slide against him. The feel of his hard body took her breath away and Beatrice swallowed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t send her away from his bed. She yearned for him, as they’d not made love since the first night.

  “After we go inside and I introduce you to the household staff, we will go to our chamber and speak.” He took her arm, leading her toward the front doors.

  For the first time, Beatrice was scared. There had been no warmth in either his eyes or his touch. When speaking, his voice held an angry edge. From the corner of her eyes, she slid a peek at him. Gavin kept a neutral expression, eyes straight ahead.

  Just inside the doorway, along the wall, a line of people greeted them. After being introduced to the head mistress and cook, Beatrice moved down the line ensuring to speak to each person individually. She repeated their names back and committed to memory their faces as much as possible.