He remained fully clothed and slept on top of the covers. Hope, however, refused to remain on her side of the bed and rolled up against him, snuggling into his warmth and causing him great discomfort.
There was an added burden that finally drove him from the bed. Every now and then Hope would moan as if she were trapped in the throes of passion, a passion she seemed unable to satisfy. The moans would dissipate into a soft whimper and gradually fade, only to begin again just when Colin thought they were gone for good.
His body kept in tempo with her sensuous sounds and he found himself in a near constant state of arousal, not a comfortable feeling. He left the bed for the chair once again.
The situation needed immediate attention. He would have to deal with it sooner or later and he had a distinct feeling it would be sooner. If he were sensible he would simply satisfy his need and hers and be done with it. But his loss of control disturbed him and he had to address that issue before he paid heed to any other.
Tomorrow he would request to speak with Rath and see if their confinement could be supplemented with a daily walk or two. Perhaps he could convince Rath that the ladies would benefit from an occasional visit.
He would suggest that he and Eric be able to visit, though he doubted Rath would permit such a meeting, fearing that the time spent would be used on planning an escape. Eric, however, would never chance such a feat with Faith in her present condition.
He smiled, knowing Faith herself was probably attempting to convince her husband of an escape while he warned her against it.
Feeling much at ease with his newly devised plan, Colin decided to give the bed another chance. He was bone tired and would probably fall asleep instantly. He eased himself onto the bed and kept a safe distance from Hope.
With a soft sigh of relief he closed his eyes and was drifting off when suddenly he felt her snuggle up against him. He waited for the soft moans to begin and when none came he released the breath he held.
This he could manage. After all, he was exhausted and sleep was ready to grab hold of him. He would have no problem… none at all. He would sleep contentedly.
Hope snuggled closer, her small breasts pressed tightly into his back.
This time the moan came from him, and he knew he had a long night ahead of him.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hope raised her face to the bright, sunny sky and breathed deeply. It was a beautiful day and she intended to enjoy every moment of her limited freedom. She had wanted to hug Colin for his persistence and success in getting Rath to agree to allow them daily outdoor sessions. They were instructed to remain within an appointed perimeter and if they failed to obey they would once again be sequestered in the cottage. Hope had no intention of losing the small amount of freedom given her, and besides, she hoped that daily outdoor activity would help her cope better when she was once again confined with Colin.
Her joy grew to excitement when Faith stepped out of a nearby cottage. She called out to Colin who was occupied with a group of young men training to defend themselves. He could not help but offer his expert advice and they appeared only too willing to accept it.
He acknowledged her shout with a wave and a smile to Faith and then turned his attention back to the group of eager students.
Hope and Faith hugged each other like long lost sisters finally reunited. Several women smiled at them as if in understanding and within minutes a blanket was spread under a nearby tree for the pair to use.
Hope helped Faith to sit and then joined her on the blanket, bubbling with the prospect of speaking with someone besides Colin.
Faith smiled. “Your confinement has proved difficult?”
Hope sighed, though her smile remained. “Very difficult.”
“I find my time with Eric enjoyable.”
Hope envied the look of pure contentment that Faith wore. She did not mind at all being isolated with her husband and Hope had no doubt that the Devil himself enjoyed their seclusion.
Hope was curious as to the Devil’s whereabouts. “Is Lord Eric not permitted a bit of freedom?”
“He has tasted more freedom than I have.”
Hope was surprised. “He has not been confined all this time?”
“He comes and goes almost at his will.”
“How so?”
“He made it known upon our arrival that he wished to speak with Rath and the man was wise enough to pay him the respect he deserves. They talk daily, Eric wishing to learn more about this village and obviously why the people feel it necessary to hide away.”
“Has he learned much?”
“Aye, though Eric was not surprised by what Rath told him. Eric has journeyed across most of Ireland and has seen what fighting and hatred can do to people.”
Hope agreed with a nod. “My journey was not vast but what I did see taught me much. And I know from my own experience that hunger can cause an honest man to become a thief.”
“That is right, you stole food from Colin. You must have been starving.”
“I never understood the real meaning of hunger until I experienced it. And it was only myself and Lady to worry about. If I had a hungry child to feed—” She shook her head.
“Rath told Eric that most of the people here were once hungry and homeless. They banded together for the sake of survival and now they think of themselves as family.”
“What of Rath? He does not seem a likely thief and when I met up with him he seemed more concerned about protecting than harming me.”
“I agree. He is not your usual thief and his manner suggests good breeding, but he refuses to speak of himself.”
“He keeps his camp well supplied. Food has been plentiful for us.”
Faith nodded. “Rath is generous in his care of us.”
Hope lowered her voice. “Lord Eric has not spoken of escape?”
“He knows we are in no danger. Rath would not hurt us. He but wishes the coins to keep his camp supplied and Eric cannot fault him for that. Eric will also not take a chance with me in my present condition.” She ran a gentle hand over her rounded stomach. “The babe has been active. I think he is impatient like his father.”
“You think him a boy?”
“I know him to be a boy. I feel it, as strange as that may sound.”
“I believe you. I always thought that I would know whether the child I carried was male or female. A mother’s instinct, I suppose.”
“You wish to have children?” Faith asked, her hand continuing to calm the babe within.
Hope beamed with joy. “I love children. I wish to have a slew of them.”
“Colin will make a good father.”
The joy faded from her face.
Faith placed a comforting hand to Hope’s arm. “You still refuse to wed him?”
“I do not think it a wise choice.”
“Have you not come to know him better with the few days’ confinement?”
She paused in her response. The confinement had managed to make her aware of her passionate emotions… much too aware. She had learned things about her body she had not known and things about passion she had only imagined. And that was the difficulty; she had awakened to the full potential of love.
“Aye,” she said on a whisper. “And that is why I cannot wed him.”
Faith patted her arm. “I think I understand your misgivings, though I think you do not see clearly enough. There is more to Colin that you stubbornly refuse to accept.”
Hope grew angry. “He cares for me when I wish love. What more is there for me to see?”
“A man as stubborn as you,” Faith said with a squeeze to her arm and a generous smile.
Hope laughed, though the sound had a ring of sadness to it. “We are both blind, then.”
“Only by your own choice.”
Hope stared at her strangely. “I do not always understand what you try to tell me.”
“It is simple. It is right there in front of you, you only need to look to see it,” Faith said with a ge
ntle rub to her back.
“You are uncomfortable?” Hope asked while wondering how something of importance could stare her in the face and she would not be aware of it.
“A dull persistent ache that torments me.”
Hope grew concerned. “You think the babe may come early.”
Faith placed a finger to her own lips. “Do not let anyone hear you. If Eric should think so he would be beside himself.”
“What think you?” Hope asked, her concern growing.
Faith lowered her voice. “I think there is a possibility that the babe may be far too impatient to wait.”
“You should be home at Shanekill where there are many who would see to your care.” The guilt of her actions overwhelmed her for she felt that she had placed Faith in a harmful position.
“I am fine, do not worry. And you are here if I should need help.”
Hope almost panicked. “I know nothing of birthing a babe.”
“Have you seen animals give birth?”
Hope remembered the many times she had watched with joy at the horses giving birth. Her response, however, was cautious. “That is different.”
“It is similar and women have natural instincts that guide them through the process.” Faith sighed and rubbed again at her back. “It matters not. The coins will be here soon and we will be home at Shanekill before we know it.”
That was a prospect Hope prayed for.
“Have you considered your wedding?”
“Nay, I have given it no thought, since there will be no wedding.”
Faith seemed to disagree. “It would be wise to give the matter some consideration. After all, you will be returning to Shanekill and once there I would imagine that your uncle Shamus will insist on an immediate wedding.”
Hope remained silent.
“Think on it, Hope,” Faith said seriously. “If you are to have a wedding then have one of your choosing. Eric and I will be only too glad to hold a celebration that will long be remembered.”
A smile that Hope could not hide surfaced. “I always thought my wedding would be a joyous celebration.”
“Then make it so,” Faith urged.
“I will think on it,” Hope promised as several women approached them with a basket of food, and the remainder of their time was spent in friendly conversation.
Colin kept a guarded eye on Hope and Faith. He was aware that Eric and Rath talked and he did not question Eric’s suggestion that he assist in the training of Rath’s men. It was a strange imprisonment of sorts, with a good amount of respect being shown to the prisoners. It gave Colin time to pause and consider. There was more to Rath than one would surmise.
He noticed that Hope and Faith remained deep in conversation and that it lightened when the women of the village joined them. He wondered over their words. What did Hope feel safe to share with Faith? What secrets did she confide?
Did they talk of intimacy?
Colin walked away from the group of practicing men to get a drink of water from a pail that sat near the practice area. He needed a bit of distance, his mind churning with emotions he had thought a hardy practice session would eliminate.
The session had eased some of his tension, but his confused emotions continued to haunt him. He could not make sense of his reactions to Hope. He had always prided himself in his ability to handle a woman, and yet with Hope …
He shook his head and took another sip from the ladle. There seemed to be no way to handle Hope. She lived and played by her own rules, ones that were unfamiliar to Colin.
Hope was unlike any woman he had ever known. He recalled what the mother abbess had told him about Hope cherishing and protecting the man she loved. He fully comprehended her words and envied them.
To know that a woman could love that strongly was an indication of her character, her integrity and her honesty, not only with others but with herself. Hope was honest in her feelings and did not deny them, and she remained firm in her convictions when a choice was necessary. This was not an easy task and yet she faced the prospect with the honor of a true warrior going into battle.
He admired her strength of character and her tenaciousness though it often got her into trouble.
He smiled, knowing most certainly that she would not be a dull wife but one who forever challenged and cherished and, of course, keep him wondering as to what tomorrow would bring.
The one constant in it all was her love. It never questioned and never wavered in its belief. It remained firm, pure and forever.
A forever love.
He shook his head, certain he had lost his mind. This marriage was born of necessity. They had no choice. Or did they?
He shook his head more adamantly. They certainly did not. She would marry him and that was that. He would hear nothing to the contrary. She would be his wife whether she wished to or not.
“There is much on your mind.”
Colin dropped the ladle, the water flying out to spray over him before he turned and faced Eric. “Too much.”
Eric laughed and gave him a hardy slap on the back. “Is it love?”
Colin looked startled, his question asking more than he cared to answer. “It is a spoiled pint-sized woman who thinks she will do as she wishes.”
“Love,” Eric said with another laugh.
“Not love,” Colin objected most adamantly. “Madness.”
“One and the same.”
Colin groaned. “Do not tell me this.”
“At least I am able to warn you, as a good friend did for me, only I foolishly ignored him.” He slapped him on the back once again. “The best advice I can give you is not to fight; merely surrender.”
“I am a warrior,” Colin said with an indignation that did not surprise Eric. He completely understood his reluctance.
“Who knows when surrender is wise, for within that surrender is the power he fights for.”
Colin seemed skeptical. “Has marriage given you this wisdom?”
Eric thought a moment and felt most comfortable with his answer. “Love has given me wisdom.”
“Then I should be a very wise man.”
“You once told me that I refused to see the truth in front of me. Perhaps those words are good advice for you now.”
“I see a stubborn woman in front of me who will fill my life with—”
Eric interrupted. “Love?”
Colin looked ready to disagree. Instead he simply shook his head. “I barely know her.”
“You know her better than you think. You spent time with her when you thought her a lad and came to care for her as a friend first. And we both know the importance of friendship. It is the best place to begin a relationship. Friends trust and I think if you both would cease being stubborn you would see and value the friendship you both share.”
Colin gave his dark hair a rough rake with his fingers. “She remains firm in her refusal to wed me.”
“She has no choice,” Eric said as if his words were a decree.
“Yet you gave me one.”
“Of course, you must know this is what you want.”
“What of Hope and what she wants?” Colin asked in her defense.
Eric had no problem providing a confident answer. “Hope’s stubbornness stands in the way of her love for you. Marriage is what she truly wishes, but it is a marriage based on an equal love.”
“I barely know her,” Colin said, the words ringing familiar.
Eric placed a hand on Colin’s shoulder. “Is it really Hope you barely know or is it yourself you are unfamiliar with?”
“You play with words.”
“You often do the same yourself. Now it is your turn to understand the very advice you gave me.”
“Is it an escape that is being planned?” Rath asked, walking up behind the pair.
Eric and Colin turned.
Rath stood with arms across his chest and a look that displayed not a bit of worry. The man was arrogant in his confidence and manner and won Colin and Eric’s respec
t.
“With your generosity, what would be the purpose?” Eric asked, his own impressive stance demanding attention.
“You are much different than I expected the Devil to be,” Rath said, his smile broad.
“And you, my friend, are not a thief,” Eric said boldly.
“There are many who would differ with your opinion and for now it is best you think me so,” Rath said, his smile turning serious.
“Lord Eric!”
The excited cry caught the three men’s attention, and when they turned and Eric caught sight of his wife passed out on the blanket, he ran like the wind to her side.
Colin and Rath followed.
Hope pressed a damp cloth to her face in an attempt to revive her and another woman had placed a folded blanket beneath her head. All cleared a path for the Devil except Hope, who remained by Faith’s side.
“What happened?” Eric demanded, going down on his knees beside his wife.
Hope attempted to explain. “She was talking and suddenly felt ill, telling me she thought it best if she lay down. The next thing I knew she was falling backwards and I put my hands out to stop her head from hitting the ground.”
Faith began to moan softly.
Eric took his wife’s limp hand and feeling the strength of him she immediately grasped hold of it. “I am here, Faith.”
A soft sigh told him she understood.
“She is coming out of the faint and color is once again filling her cheeks,” Hope said with relief.
Colin knelt beside Hope, and Rath kept a few feet away, making inquiries of the women who witnessed the incident.
A stronger sigh drifted from her lips and her eyes began to flutter open. “Eric,” she said, sounding breathless.
“I am here,” he assured her with a tender hand to her cheek. “Rest. Do not try to talk yet.”
“I am fine,” she said, her breath sounding steadier and her eyes opening wide. “I only fainted.”
“Only?” Eric asked with surprise.
“It happens time and again when a woman carries a babe,” Faith said as if it mattered not. “Do not worry.”
Eric looked to Hope. “Is this true?”
Lords of the Kingdom Page 100