“Nay. ‘Tis my turn to do things to you. I was not finished with the doing.”
He shook his head. “Not now. I told you I have a great hunger. I can not allow you to play this time.” He shifted above her, spreading her thighs apart to accommodate his knees. He touched her there and she pushed herself against his hand. “Tonight you can do to me, all the things you say you have need to do. For now, I must be joined with you, or I will explode.”
He eased into her and she sighed. The pleasure was even greater than she remembered. She raised herself up to meet each of his thrusts and again the sensation of seeking something just above her reach soared through her.
“Now,” he exclaimed. “Let us fly together.”
She came apart in his arms and somewhere in her subconscious she was aware that he too had reached the place they share in ecstasy.
~ * ~
For Alwyn, that night was filled with more pleasure than he had known possible. Nor did Milisent protest at being taken again.
By the end of the week, all was in readiness for their departure. Several of Garrett’s men were pledged to accompany them back to Knockin, and four were to stay at Throsle to enforce Alwyn’s hold on the estate. There were several discussions about what to do if de Bain reappeared. With the villagers aware Milisent and Alwyn had returned to Knockin, all agreed the man was too cowardly to attempt to take the house knowing Milisent was not in residence.
Rhys insisted he stay behind. Ella wanted to stay with him. Both men voiced their opinions. Ella’s place was with Milisent, who had the final say. “She can stay with Rhys. She will do my tasks here while I am gone. The servants will work for her as easily as they will work for me. She must stay.”
“But, you need your companion,” Alwyn argued.
“Nay. Remember, I will have Rhianna and her maid, and Pernith. I will miss Ella’s company, but she is needed more here than with me.”
“So it be,” Alwyn declared.
Again, before they retired, Milisent offered words to express her fear. “I do not know how my brother will react to your suit. He has always been so insistent I wed de Bain. I do not want you to go to see him alone.”
“Milisent, m’Lady, I will be fine. He can do nothing to me. I have already taken you to my bed. He will have to grant my suit.”
She shook her head and he sighed. He appreciated her concern but he knew it was unnecessary. “Remember, I intend to have the backing of Edward. Garrett will also stand by me.”
“I do not like it.” She disrobed and climbed into bed. He took the hint and followed her.
“You know, do you not, that Rhianna will keep us apart once we arrived. Tonight must last me a long time so no more discussion.”
He smiled as she lifted her arms. What followed was a night of pleasure untold, greater than the first night of their return. Sometime during the night Alwyn sighed and said, “I will miss you more than I thought possible. You mean much to me. You must hold yourself for me and know I will return as soon as I can.” Once more they gloried in the pleasure of a shared embrace of love.
With the dawn the small party was on the way back to Knockin, the soldiers surrounding Milisent and Alwyn leading the way.
In one of their stops, Milisent said, “Alwyn, I do not feel good about your traveling alone to see my brother. Mayhap I should go with you, explain that I have chosen you.”
Alwyn laughed. “M’Lady, it is not done. I must see your brother by myself. Do you want to hurt my pride?”
“Nay,” she said her tone serious.
“I am but teasing you.” He grinned and then sobered. “It is not wise for you to come. Do not fear. A small group of soldiers will go with me. Your brother will listen. He must listen, for I have you, do I not?”
She nodded and nothing more was said.
For the rest of the day, Alwyn pushed the small party to greater haste. He did not want to spend another night without more protection for Milisent, and without another woman traveling with them, for her reputation would suffer if they stopped for the night. When he was certain they would arrive shortly after sunset, he sent a messenger to let Rhianna know they were only a short distance from Knockin and would be there that night.
The sun sank below the horizon as they topped the hill to Knockin. Alwyn sighed with pleasure. The whole of the trip had been taxing, but they had arrived without incident. For that he was grateful. In another day or two he would see himself off to London with a message to the king.
All was in readiness for their return and Milisent appeared to be exhausted, for the night before he had left her with little time to sleep. She sought her bed within minutes of their arrival. Alwyn spent some time over a mug of ale with Garrett then he sought his own furs, knowing Rhianna would not accept his seeking Milisent’s bed. He sighed and fought for sleep. Already he missed her warmth beside him. It did no good to know he had days ahead of him when he would have to sleep alone.
~ * ~
With the morn, Milisent descended the stairs to the great hall to be greeted by a salutation from Garrett, Alwyn and Rhianna.
“I did not intend to sleep so late.”
Rhianna smiled at her. “‘Twould seem you needed the sleep.”
Conversation returned to the subject being discussed and Milisent tensed when she heard Alwyn say he planned to leave on the morrow. She could not hide the frown gracing her face.
“I still believe I should go with you and explain to my brother you are the man I choose to wed,” she said.
Garrett looked horrified. “Nay, m’Lady, ‘tis not done. Alwyn must do this alone.”
Milisent said nothing more.
After the meal, as the servants cleared the tables, Rhianna approached her and commented on her silence and the worried look Milisent carried through their meal.
“Do not worry. My brother has been involved in difficult agreements before. He will make your brother see reason.”
“I do not think it will be that easy.”
“You fear more than your brother’s objection, do you not?” Rhianna stopped her task and Milisent wondered if Alwyn’s sister could read her mind.
“Aye. Something in me says he should not do this, that he will face much danger if he continues as he plans.”
Rhianna took her by the arm and led her toward a bench in a quiet corner of the great hall. Once they were seated Rhianna asked, “What it is you fear?”
“I can tell you what I fear, but I am not certain why.”
“Tell me and mayhap together we can decide if it warrants worry.”
Milisent told her about the beating the guard received on the one occasion she tried to leave Fenton. Gilbert had said she would only leave when she had married. “I never thought him to be that cruel. And, when last he visited he said I had to marry de Bain, that he would see that I got nothing but bread and water until I agreed to the union.”
She played with her fingers wrapping them in the fabric of her gown. “He was so insistent. It was as if my refusal would have a terrible effect on him. I fear something will happen to Alwyn if he goes to Fenton by himself.”
“You think he will come to harm if he goes to your brother with his request?”
“Aye.” Milisent bit her lower lip. “I feel— ‘Tis almost as if he leaves here alone, I will never see him again. I know it is silly...” She paused, knowing her words showed little confidence in Rhianna’s brother.
“Milisent, tell me about your dowry.” Rhianna looked as concerned as she felt.
“I did not even know all the contract contained it until several summers ago when I overheard Gilbert and de Bain talking about it. De Bain said he would figure out a way to trick me into agreeing to wed him and then my fortune would be his. Gilbert objected. He said I must willingly agree to wed him. De Bain said something about Gilbert didn’t want to share the income from the estate.” She stood and began to pace before the bench then stopped.
“I asked Gilbert about that conversation. At fir
st he was furious. I told him I would go to the priest who held the contract if he did not explain the words spoken between de Bain and him.”
“So it has been put in writing and held by some priest?”
“Aye, and according to Gilbert there are two copies, one with our priest and one with a neighboring abbot.” She placed her index finger against her cheek. “Almost as if our father did not trust Gilbert to see his final order carried out.”
“Do you now know what this document says?”
“Aye. My father told me that he left me my mother’s dower estate, and all incomes from it, but the letter also tells of what else I am to receive, half the income from Fenton. These are mine and mine alone when I marry, but only if I am allowed to choose the man I want. Gilbert cannot name my husband.”
“‘Tis unheard of,” Rhianna murmured. “What of the king? He would have a say, I know he would.”
“Aye, but only if Gilbert is deceased. Then he can name my husband.”
“Why would your father write such a document? It is not done. Your father, or your guardian, always has the right to make the best union for the sake of your position or you holdings.”
Milisent sighed. “I remember how my father loved my mother. He died a year after her death. It was as if he could not live without her at his side. They were a happy couple. Much like you and Garrett.” She felt herself blushing at her words, but it was easy for anyone to see Rhianna and her husband were deeply in love.
Rhianna grinned. “Am I that obvious?”
Milisent nodded and lowered her gaze. “Garrett too.”
Rhianna sobered. “If your brother would have to give up half his income from his lands, I can see why he would want to tell you who you must wed. But de Bain? Everything Garrett told me says this man is cruel and would make no woman a good husband.”
“And, I do not like the man.” She rose from the bench, started to pace then added, “He is coarse, hurtful and one of his own men told how he mutilated his first wife. I do not know what would happen to me, especially since it is clear I do not find him to be a-a nice man.”
“Then we must do something to still your fears and make certain your brother cannot trick you into a marriage you do not want.”
Milisent sighed again. “Aye, but Alwyn cannot see my brother alone.”
“And you cannot go with him.”
Milisent sank back down on the bench and leaned her head back against the wall. “But, he should not seek an audience alone and he refuses to allow anyone to accompany him.”
Rhianna stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Let me think on this.” She stood and looked off into space. Milisent wondered what kind of thoughts were going through her mind for she frowned, then smiled, then frowned again, as if the ideas were both good and bad. Finally, after several minutes passed, she laughed and spun toward Milisent.
“There is a way to solve this trouble.”
“There is?”
“Aye. You will be wed this very day. Your brother can not force you to wed if you have already united with Alwyn. I know the local abbot. He can wed you this eve.” Rhianna looked pleased with herself.
“But—”
“Nay, do not say it. I must seek out Garrett, for Benedick was his friend first.” She started for the door but turned back, “Of course, he is my friend now as well. Nay, do not look so worried. It is what Alwyn desires, and this will stop your brother from interfering. He can not undo what has been done. Alwyn will be safe, you will be wed...” She paused. “You do wish to wed my brother, do you not?”
All Milisent could do was nod.
“‘Tis certain I am that Garrett will agree to this plan. Now, hurry up to the solar, for there is much to do.” She rushed from the great hall, rubbing her hands together.
Milisent rose from the bench and stood. Her knees were shaking. Could it be that simple? Aye, she wanted to wed Alwyn, but why did his plan to approach her brother still send shivers down her spine?
THIRTEEN
Milisent paced the solar, her apprehension growing by the minute. ‘Twas certain Garrett would never ask this Benedick to perform such a marriage, and with Alwyn’s pride involved, as he claimed, she could not see him agreeing to such a plan.
More than once she paused at the door to listen. The only sounds that came through were the daily activities being carried out by the servants. Occasionally Lily laughed, for the child was being tutored in a room close to the solar.
As time passed Milisent grew more concerned. Would Rhianna be punished for dreaming up such a suggestion? Nay, Garrett did not seem a cruel man. He was certainly not like de Bain.
When her patience was nearly gone, Rhianna finally rushed into the room. “Come, we must plan a decent meal for this night, and you must bathe. Then we must find a garment suitable for this ceremony.”
“You mean Garrett and Alwyn agreed to your plan?”
She laughed. “Aye. I knew it would be so. When I explained the situation, Garrett saw the wisdom of presenting your brother with an accomplished deed. He said he would act for you.”
“They believe I speak the truth?”
“It seems Ella told Alwyn about your father’s document.” She grinned. “He took it upon himself to check with the Abbot who holds a copy. Although the clergyman would not release the document for inspection, he did confirm to Alwyn’s man he held such a paper, and although he wouldn’t confirm the wording, the abbot agreed your companion had spoken truth.”
Hope sent Milisent’s heart soaring like a hunting falcon. Could it be that she and Alwyn could be wed? She admitted to herself—this was her greatest desire. Staggering to a stop, an elation she had never thought to enjoy had her heart beating so loudly she wondered if Rhianna could hear it.
Instead of acknowledging Milisent’s reaction, Rhianna took her arm and pulled her toward another room where a fire blazed in the small hearth. Before it stood a tub. One of the servants was filling it with steaming water while another stood beside a screen ready to place it before the tub. On one side of the room was an enormous bed with an ornate cream-colored canopy above it and decorated with what Milisent decided was Garrett’s coat of arms in gold, deep reds and blues.
“A bath is ready,” Rhianna said. “I must see what garment might be suitable for a wedding.” She pointed Milisent in the direction of the screen.
Milisent disrobed behind the screen. She stepped into the tub, sank to her knees and sighed with pleasure. One of the servants stood to the right with a container of water. “For your hair,” the woman said.
Milisent was finished and ready to leave the tub when a knock sounded on the door. “M’Lady, our Lord wants to know—”
“Let me speak to him.” Rhianna called to Milisent who had dived under the water. “I will return when I find out what questions they have now.”
Within a few minutes Rhianna was peering around the screen. “Garrett wants to know the name of your priest at Fenton holding your father’s instruction.”
“Why?” Milisent asked, her heart sinking. The priest would tell Gilbert so, of course there could be no marriage now. Her brother would insist he had a say in the matter.
“He will send word to both your priest and the abbot that you have chosen your husband and you are now married. Such a missive coming from a landed baron and one in Edward’s favor will carry much weight.”
Hope surged again.
Milisent recited the name before she stepped from the tub. As the servant handed her the drying cloth she asked, “Will we now wait for those messages to be delivered?”
Rhianna laughed. “Nay, Garrett wants the contracts between you and Alwyn signed and witnessed, and the union blessed even before they are sent. He has already asked Benedick to come, so our time is limited.” She guided Milisent toward a chair before the fire. “We must dress your hair and select a proper gown. You do want to have time with your new husband, do you not?”
Again, a knock sounded on the door.
With the servants gone from the room, Rhianna hurried to answer the summons.
“Benedick has sent word and will soon arrive. He says he would speak to Milisent,” said the voice at the door.
Milisent sank into a chair, anticipation cascading into oblivion. Garrett himself had come to his wife to deliver this message. Could it be that this Benedick wanted to tell her himself he could not witness such a union? Was this why Garrett brought the message to Rhianna?
“She is almost ready,” Rhianna said.
Milisent detected no hesitation in Rhianna’s voice. Alwyn’s sister did not realize how utterly impossible a marriage today would be. A man of
the church would not allow them to wed.
For the next hour, Milisent sat quietly, letting Rhianna’s maid dress her hair, add a caul and veil, a robe, and a beautiful embroidered blue velvet gown. She stroked the soft fabric and struggled to keep her despair from showing, but more than once Rhianna squeezed her shoulder.
“It will be fine. Do not worry. This is what you want, is it not? You are not thinking this is a mistake?”
“Nay, but I do not think your abbot will agree. I thank you for what you are trying to do.”
Rhianna laughed. “Oh, do not allow those thoughts to take hold. By eventide you will be married woman. I am certain.”
Milisent only wished she shared Rhianna’s belief.
By the time the women finished with her, another knock sounded on the door. One of the servants returned to announce, “M’Lady, the abbot has arrived, and your husband is getting impatient. They desire the Lady Milisent’s presence.”
“She is ready. Tell the men we will attend them in but a moment.” Rhianna turned to inspect her, nodding with satisfaction.
Milisent prayed the butterflies in her stomach would calm before she had to face this man of the church.
Feeling as if she was being led to a torture chamber, Milisent followed Rhianna down the stairs, into the great hall where the men waited.
After the introductions, Benedick, Garrett and Alwyn led her to a much smaller room, the one Rhianna used to pen her records.
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