1606011324-Lady-Knight-Chenery

by Lady Knight (lit)

  Before she could reach it, a lone figure stepped out from the shadows. Not expecting anyone else to be about, a shiver of fear ran down her spine. The incident of being stolen away on another night came to the forefront of her mind. Thinking to escape the figure that stood before her in the dark, she took a couple steps back.

  Ariel didn’t see the rock that lay on the ground behind her. Catching her heel on it she stumbled, throwing herself off balance. A large male hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. Startled, Ariel looked up to find a pair of gold eyes shining down at her. Broc kept his arm wrapped around her waist, holding her against him. It had been such a very long time since he had held her.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Thanks to you I am.” Broc made no move to release her.

  “That was a nice thing you did, giving Lily one of your gowns.”

  Ariel’s brows drew together in puzzlement. “How did you know about the gown?”

  “My mother sent me to tell you Colwyn had fallen asleep. She wanted to make sure it was all right for him to stay the night.”

  “So you followed me?”

  Broc shrugged. “You had already left the hall before I arrived. I wanted to see what you were about.”

  “Now you know. Colwyn can stay in your hall. I would hate to wake him just to put him in his own bed. If you will excuse me, I would like to go inside. The night grows cold.”

  Ariel’s body shook with the cold, but also from being in close proximity to Broc. She hoped he didn’t realize it was not just the cold night air making her shiver.

  “Here, I will walk you to the hall.” Broc took off his cloak and placed it around her shoulders. It was warm from his body and his scent wafted over her with each step she took.

  Once they reached their destination, Ariel pulled off the cloak and gave it back to Broc. Their fingers touched when the cloak passed between their hands. Expecting Broc to flinch at this brief contact, Ariel quickly pulled her hand back. There was no telling how Broc would react nowadays.

  This time he didn’t shun her like he had so many times in the past. Instead, he touched his fingers to her cheek and gently caressed it, all the while his eyes never left her face. His look was so wistful, Ariel almost begged him to forgive her. Broc didn’t give her the chance.

  Backing away, he said, “Until tomorrow. Have a good sleep.”

  Ariel watched Broc until he disappeared into the darkness. Was Broc finally softening towards her? She could only hope.

  * * * *

  The ceremony took place in the main hall with everyone in attendance. Ariel stood at Lily’s side with Broc next to Ranulf while the happy couple exchanged their vows.

  Lily was beautiful. The love she had for Ranulf made her radiant. The gown’s length had been shortened. Ariel had known it wouldn’t have taken much work to adjust the fit for Lily. Flowers from the meadow had been woven into the bride’s hair.

  When the ceremony reached the part where Ranulf spoke his vows, his eyes never left Lily’s face. His voice rang out loud and clear throughout the hall for all to hear.

  Ariel’s eyes strayed over to Broc. He seemed to be listening intently to what the priest was saying. He must have sensed her watching him, because he turned his head and looked directly at her. Some unknown emotion flitted across his face. As quickly as it had come, it disappeared.

  The couple sealed their vows with a kiss, which caused a cheer to be raised. Then one and all sat down to a feast that would last throughout the day and well into the night. Spirits ran high and the amount of ale, as well as mead, being consumed was rivaling the amount partaken at Ariel’s homecoming.

  Midway through the festivities a couple of villagers produced a drum and pipe. A space magically became cleared in the middle of the hall to allow couples to sway to the music.

  When Lily and Ranulf decided to leave, they were met with some good-hearted ribbing. The bride’s face flushed red at the explicit instructions the village men gave Ranulf. The groom assured the men their instructions were not needed.

  Having sensed the excitement of the adults around him, Colwyn had taken to running around the hall. No one complained when he went from one to table to the next. For his efforts he was rewarded with a sweet. The dancing continued. Ariel happily sat next to her father, tapping her foot to the music. Colwyn had finally fallen asleep and had been put in Broc’s bed. Now she was free to enjoy herself without having to chase after her son. Rubbing her aching back, Ariel watched the dancers. Broc was dancing with his mother. He had sat away from her all evening. At times Ariel felt him watching her, but every time she looked up he had already turned away.

  The feast was still in full swing when Ariel decided she had had enough. Covering a yawn with her hand, she leaned close to her father and told him she was going to retire. Nodding, he helped her to stand.

  Ariel made her way slowly to the back of the hall and went to Broc’s chamber to collect Colwyn. It would be a shame to wake him, but she couldn’t count on anyone hearing him if he cried. Quietly opening the door, she tip toed into the chamber.

  Colwyn slept in the middle of his father’s bed. His knees were drawn up under him with his bottom stuck up in the air. Ariel couldn’t help but smile at him. How he slept through all the noise coming from the hall was beyond her.

  Moving over to the bed, Ariel reached for Colwyn. Before she could lift him up she felt someone come up behind her, close enough for her to feel the heat from his body seep into hers. Broc had followed her into the chamber.

  “Leave him, Ariel. He’s sleeping peacefully.”

  “I wish to retire. Someone needs to be near in case Colwyn should awake.”

  “Then sleep here with him.”

  Ariel shook her head. “I couldn’t do that. Where would you sleep?”

  Broc waved her question away. “Don’t worry about me, you’re tired. Lie down and sleep. You look ready to drop where you’re standing.”

  Stifling another yawn, Ariel knew Broc was right. “It’s the babe. It drains me so, especially near the end. It was the same with Colwyn.”

  Taking her by the shoulders, Broc made Ariel sit down on the bed. He took off her slippers. Before he left, he brushed a quick kiss across her lips. Stunned, Ariel sat on the bed with her fingers pressed to her mouth. The feel of his lips on hers lingered. The sensation was still there when she finally allowed herself to lie down beside her sleeping son.

  Chapter 43

  A truce formed between Ariel and Broc. How it happened totally escaped Ariel. The morning after Ranulf’s marriage to Lily, she had awakened to find Broc standing beside the bed, watching her sleep. No emotion showed on his face. Ariel couldn’t tell if he was pleased or displeased with her. He just stood there, watching.

  The sheets rustled beside her, making her aware of Colwyn’s wakefulness. When he saw his father, he gurgled happily. In response, Broc bent over and picked Colwyn up. He immediately grimaced. “It would seem someone has a very wet bottom.”

  Lifting herself up on her elbows, Ariel struggled to get out of the bed. “Give him to me, I will change him.”

  Broc gently pushed her back down on the bed. “Rest. I had lots of practice when you were gone. Colwyn slept with me on a regular basis. Most mornings he woke up in this condition.”

  Opening the chest at the end of the bed, Broc pulled out a clean changing cloth. He then moved to a table that held a pitcher of water and soaked the cloth. Coming back to the bed, he lay Colwyn down and proceeded to change his son’s bottom. Ariel was pleasantly surprised.

  When Colwyn was once again dry, Broc picked him up. “I’ll feed him, if my mother allows me to that is. Sleep as long as you wish, I will see you out in the hall after you’ve rested a bit more.”

  So the truce had begun. With Lily gone to London with Ranulf, Broc stepped in to help Ariel, though at times he had to fight his mother to gain his son’s attention. It turned out Lord Eustance could be just as determined as his wife. For many ti
mes he would sneak Colwyn away from Ariel leaving the other two empty handed.

  The three St. Ceneris provided Ariel and her father with a vast amount of entertainment. Swein would burst into laughter at the sight of Lord Eustance holding Colwyn in his arms, trying to sneak past his wife before she noticed what he carried. Most of the time he would make it past her, but not all the time. When Lady Mary spotted him, he would hold Colwyn close and take off at a run. Lady Mary could be seen running through the village with her skirts hiked to her ankles chasing after her husband.

  On one such occasion Broc was with Ariel. He laughed along with her at his parents antics. His arm snaked out and wrapped around her shoulders. He pulled Ariel up close against his side. It was the first time in a very long time he had held her close, displaying any kind of affection. But much to her disappointment he didn’t hold her for very long. Broc stiffened and then withdrew from her.

  Not wanting Broc to see how much she would have liked for him to hold her again, Ariel turned away to look for his parents. She noticed something had stopped their play. Looking past them she sucked in her breath with surprise. It also explained Broc’s reaction. Two people were walking toward them from the direction of the main hall. It was Lisette and Geoffrey.

  Ariel was happy to see them, but their presence at Elmstead would only destroy what little closeness she had found with Broc. She could only hope he would be able to forget the past, but it was obvious he was not willing to let it lie. He curled his lip in disgust and walked away.

  Pasting on a smile, Ariel went to greet the new arrivals. Broc’s parents had already introduced themselves. “Lisette, Geoffrey, I’m glad you decided to come.”

  Lisette kissed Ariel on the cheek. “I promised I would come when your time drew near.”

  Hesitantly, Geoffrey kissed her on the cheek as well. His eyes shifted to Lord Eustance. He looked as if he expected some retaliation brought on by his actions. Lady Mary’s laugh reassured him all was well.

  “Have no fear, young man. My husband and I do not share the same point of view that our son does.”

  “I must admit I was a little worried about how well our visit would be received. If Broc’s leave-taking is any indication, I assume he still doesn’t think too highly of me.”

  Ariel was not going to lie to Geoffrey. “He still believes the babe is yours and William did nothing to alleviate the problem. He forced Broc to marry me when we returned to London.”

  A look of pity crossed his face. “I’m so sorry, Ariel. I wish I had never laid eyes on Theodoric.”

  “Enough of this talk,” Lady Mary interrupted, “there is no point in dwelling on what could have been. What is done is done. Have you met our grandson?” Before Lord Eustance could protest, Lady Mary took Colwyn from his arms.

  Knowing his wife had managed to take Colwyn from him, Lord Eustance moved to reclaim his grandson, but Lady Mary was quicker. Stepping out of her husband’s reach, she picked up her skirts and hurriedly walked away. Lord Eustance went after her. Lady Mary shrieked and took off at a run while her husband gave chase.

  Seeing Lisette’s and Geoffrey’s shocked looks, she giggled. “Never mind them. They do this on a regular basis. It’s a game they play. They take great joy in vying for the right to have Colwyn. You’ll get used to it.”

  * * * *

  The once fragile peace shattered with the de la Roches’ arrival. Geoffrey and Lisette stayed with Ariel and her father. There was no question of them staying in the main hall. Whenever Broc came anywhere near Geoffrey he looked ready to kill him.

  What little ground Ariel had managed to gain from Broc she now lost. He no longer came to see Colwyn, his mother and father had to bring his son to him. The looks Broc sent Ariel’s way were far from warm. They were as frigid as a cold winter day. A week went by and Broc’s facade of indifference never faltered. Her hopes of having a real marriage died a silent death.

  * * * *

  For late September the day was pleasant. It seemed summer was making one last valiant attempt to hold back the cool autumn weather, but it would be a losing battle. Broc was in the yard with his father, they each stood next to their horses as they prepared to leave. Bows and arrows hung from their saddles, Ariel assumed they were going hunting. Taking a deep breath she confronted Broc.

  “I’d like a word with you, Broc.”

  Broc didn’t bother to turn his head. “Can it not wait? I’m going hunting with my father.”

  “Nay.” Looking over at Lord Eustance, Ariel said, “You don’t mind if I borrow Broc for a moment?” Smiling he led his horse a short distance away.

  With eyes that blazed, Broc turned on Ariel. “What can be so important you must interfere with my plans for the day?”

  After being ignored for days, Ariel felt her anger flare to life. “It’s important to me,” she said sharply. “It has to do with your attitude toward me. I’m your wife. Could you at least give me a modicum of respect?”

  “Not likely when you persist on having that man sleep under your roof.”

  “His wife is with him. What do you think is going on?”

  “Oh I don’t know, maybe he would like to sample your wares again.”

  A resounding crack echoed through the yard as Ariel’s palm connected with Broc’s cheek.

  “How dare you insinuate I would break my marriage vows to you? If you think any man would find me appealing while I’m fat with your babe, you must be blind.”

  The imprint of her hand could be seen clearly on his face. Broc rubbed it absentmindedly. “He had you once, he may want you again.”

  “Unlike you.” Ariel couldn’t resist making that barbed remark. “You had me once, but now you avoid me at all costs. Fine, I give up. Have it your way. I only thought of Colwyn. When he’s old enough to understand, you can explain to him why his father hates his mother so.”

  Ariel swung away from Broc. She wasn’t going to waste anymore time on him. She was tired. Cramps had been plaguing her off and on since she woke up this morning. But as she took a step away from Broc, she felt a shooting pain race across her stomach. A moment later, there was a gush of warm liquid followed by another sharp pain. Unable to hold back, a moan escaped her lips. Clutching her stomach, Ariel gasped. The pains came fast, not giving her much time in between before another hit her.

  After the third pain had hit, she noticed Broc standing in front of her with concern etched on his face. “Ariel?”

  “The babe has decided now would be a good time for it to come into the world.” Moaning, another pain hit her, this one stronger than the last.

  Picking Ariel up in his arms, Broc yelled at his father. “Go to the village and get the healer. Find mother and tell her Ariel has need of her.” Lord Eustance left at a run to carry out his tasks.

  Broc kicked open the door to the smaller hall. Lady Mary sat inside visiting Lisette, Geoffrey and her father. Ever observant, Lady Mary quickly assessed the situation and took control. “Take her into her chamber. Geoffrey, go fetch the healer.”

  Broc shook his head. “No need, mother. I sent father for her.”

  “Good lad. Lisette, come with us, I will need your help.”

  Once in the chamber, Broc laid Ariel on her bed. Backing away, he allowed his mother to take his place. The two women started to remove Ariel’s gown.

  Ariel held out her hand and called to him. “Stay, I want you here. Please.”

  Broc backed away from her outstretched hand. “Don’t ask this of me.”

  Ariel’s eyes begged him silently. “Please.”

  “Nay.”

  A pain overtook Ariel causing her to gasp. “Then get out, I don’t need you. I hate you.” The last part she yelled at his back before he closed the door behind him.

  Chapter 44

  Giving a final push, Ariel felt her child slide from her body. The sound of a newborn’s cries filled the chamber. Collapsing back on the pillows, she closed her eyes. Though her labor had not been long, she was glad to have i
t over with.

  Ariel opened her eyes and found Lady Mary hovering nearby with a mewling bundle in her arms. “Here is your daughter, love. She’s beautiful.”

  Accepting the bundle, Ariel stared down at the new life she had created. She was indeed perfect. Kissing the velvety soft cheek, she passed her daughter back to Lady Mary. “Take her to Broc. He needs to know how much of a fool he has been. You can also tell the high and mighty lord, I would rather walk over hot coals in bare feet before I have any intention of seeing him again.”

  It was no secret that Lady Mary was not at all pleased with her son’s behavior either. She nodded her head in agreement. “With pleasure.”

  * * * *

  Broc had finally stopped his pacing when the cries of a babe could be heard coming from Ariel’s chamber. He now stood by the hearth. He watched his mother come out of the chamber with a well wrapped bundle in her arms. Broc began to feel uneasy. His mother was not happy and her anger seemed to be solely directed at him.

  Without asking permission, Lady Mary placed the bundle in his arms. “It’s a girl. Look at her.”

  Obediently, Broc looked down. The first thing he noticed was the tufts of blonde hair that appeared almost white, so much like Ariel’s own. The little face tugged at his heart. Broc had never been this close to a newborn child. He was amazed at how small she seemed. Her hands were tiny with perfectly shaped fingers. Tentatively he touched a small fist, he watched as the hand opened and tightly clasped his finger. Broc smiled at the strength one so small could display.

  The child’s eyes had been closed, but Broc now saw they were wide open and looking up at him, he gasped. Gold eyes stared back at him. It had the same effect as having a fist slammed into his belly. Ariel hadn’t been lying, this was his daughter.

  Feeling knocked off kilter, he looked at his mother. “How fares Ariel?”