“You have been listening to the gossips, it seems,” she replied stiffly.
“You will not accept it.” James’ scowl deepened as she decided how to respond. “Ellise, surely you will not?”
She bristled at this. Did he see her as ranking so far below the Earl that she did not deserve such attention? “And why should I not?”
“Tell me you do not love the man?”
Annoyance surged through her, making her spine stiff. “And what if I do?”
A rough hand curled around her arm, chafing against her sleeve and James urged her up the steps and into the middle ward. The walls of the hall and the outer fortifications enclosed them and Ellise squinted in the sun as she wrenched her arm from his hold.
“Mio Dios, what is the meaning of this? I pray you do not think it acceptable to handle a woman so just because you are captain!”
He sprang back, as if she had stung him and cursed under his breath. “Forgive me.” He peered at her from under his brow. “Do you truly love him?”
“Nay,” she admitted. “Nay, I do not.”
“You will not marry him.”
His statement riled her. How dare he dictate what she should and should not do? “I know not, James. What is it to you?”
The hand tensed on his sword again. “You could not marry such a man. He would suffocate you, Ellise.” Pain swam in his eyes and doused her anger briefly until he declared with a shake of his head, “Nay, you will not marry him.”
“Is it so hard for you to believe that I may wish to marry a rich earl? Or mayhap you do not think he will ask me. Mayhap ‘tis too hard for you to imagine a common thief marrying a lord.”
“A common—?” he fumed. “You know I do not think of you that way.”
“And what of you, anyhow? ‘Tis fine for you to marry a woman you do not know. Why should I not marry a man who can offer me an escape from poverty?”
“Who is this woman you speak of? I have made no marriage arrangements.”
Was he lying to her? Did he think she wouldn’t find out? And why was he so angry at the idea of her marrying Edmund? It was not as if James had made an offer. Or ever would. She would never fit his notion of the perfect wife. While the attraction between them still raged, it was not enough. Surely he did not believe that being merely attracted to her meant he could command her?
“I have heard that a lord is courting you for his daughter’s hand,” she said tightly past the knot in her throat.
“Have you indeed?” James edged closer, bore down upon her. “And have you heard that I’ve accepted the offer.”
“N-nay.”
“Mayhap you should be more careful as to whom you listen to.”
Ellise felt the air leave her lungs. “You will not marry her?”
“I have little intention of marrying a woman I know naught of. Particularly one embroiled in the political turmoil of southern England. I trust her not. Nor do I trust this Edmund, your future betrothed.”
“I did not say he was my betrothed.”
“But you said you were considering it.”
“I—James…” His wide shoulders filled her vision as he towered over her. “You confuse me,” she said softly.
“No more than you confuse me.”
She jumped, realising he had inched even closer. Braving a peek up at him, her mouth dried as she saw the longing in his gaze.
His shoulders dropped marginally. “I only wish the best for you, Ellise.”
“Do you? Truly?”
“Aye, why would you question it?”
Because you will not marry me, she longed to cry.
There, she had admitted it. She wanted James. The thought of him marrying anyone else tore at her. Unable to respond, she retreated until warm stone hit her back. Could love be any more agonising? It near crippled her as the realisation struck. She loved him, completely, perfectly, unbearably.
A hand reached out and brushed a loose strand of her hair away. The touch of his finger twisted at her heart. He leaned forward, so close his breath caressed her hair before he dipped down and skimmed his lips across her cheek. It burned a fiery path over her skin as he lingered there, just next to her ear.
“Ellise,” he whispered, “you addle my mind. I cannot think with you around. Tell me you feel the same. Tell me I do not suffer this agony alone.”
Heat swirled through her veins as her body tingled with need. She longed to turn her head and take those firm lips but the pain in her chest prevented her from doing so. Nay, he did not suffer alone but he could never know the hurt of understanding there was no future for them, not while she held the secret of her visions. And whilst one night had once been sufficient, it would never be now. Not now she loved him.
Remaining motionless, hands fisted at her sides, she whispered back, “I can do this no more. This game. No more kisses, no more idle words. I have had enough.”
Still his lips lingered at the side of her face and she waited for what felt like an eternity yet not long enough. Her heart dropped as James stepped back. His gaze shuttered abruptly, becoming cold and distant before he dipped his head.
“Forgive me, my lady. I shall bid you good day.”
With that, he spun on his heel and marched away. Ellise’s heart screamed out for him to turn back and she pressed the back of her hand to her mouth as tears clouded her vision. That was it, then. The folly of their attraction was over. And she would continue on with her original plan.
~***~
As James studied Wighthurst’s profile, he curled a hand into a fist. The thought of Ellise marrying him... Ack, but it made his blood boil. Dominic pointed at a position on the map sprawled across his desk as they all leaned across it. Wighthurst cast him a cold look, though what he had done to deserve it, he knew not. Mayhap he hadn’t done a very good job of disguising his dislike of him. Lord, he was meant to ensure their guest was well cared for, but he could not rid himself of the distrust that filled him whenever Wighthurst was around. And the talk of all the attention he paid to Ellise did not help matters.
Surely she would not marry him if he asked? Ellise was meant for so much more than being the wife of such an icy, manipulative man. Rumours of the Earl’s underhanded actions always followed him. He did not like the thought of her becoming tangled in his web.
She never said she would marry him, he reminded himself. But she never said she wouldn't either. In fact, instead of reassuring him like he had hoped, she had been angry with him and put paid to any idea of a future between them.
A future? He wasn't sure how one would have even been possible but it did not stop him from mourning the loss of any chance. Her words ate through him. No more kisses, no more idle words. But they were not idle words. Everything he said was true. He shook his head and turned his attention back to their discussion. He had to rid the lass from his mind. She wanted nothing more to do with him and he did not need this attraction distracting him.
“The Ravenscroft keep is all but gone...” Dominic said as he jabbed at the map, “and the reivers have no power there. Some went across the border but we’ve not seen them on our lands since.”
Wighthurst shook his head. “Just because we have not seen them does not mean they will not rise up. You surely angered them with your actions and 'twill only be a matter of time until they seek revenge. We must petition the King and demand that the land be divided between us. Once we have control of it, there will be nowhere for them to go. With our combined power, none shall rise against us."
“That land also adjoins Montgomery’s borders, Wighthurst,” Dominic reminded him.
“Your lady wife's father?”
“Aye.”
"He has land enough, surely. We would weaken ourselves by dividing the land further."
James shook his head. “Montgomery is a powerful ally and has proved his worth in defeating the revivers. You would be stronger with him on your side, not weaker.”
“Aye, Captain, but where shall that leave me?" Wighthur
st ground out. “Two families joined together by more power and land while I have no such connection.”
Dominic laughed. “Surely you do no believe we would join forces to drive you out, Wighthurst?”
The Earl paused for a moment before releasing a forced laugh. “Nay, not at all. But I do not see the benefit.”
With a shake of his head, Dominic rolled up the map and straightened. “We are getting nowhere this day. As it is, I am not sure claiming that land for ourselves is the right course of action. We could anger many. Things have been peaceful of late and I intend to keep it that way.”
“Power, Thornewall. That is what keeps peace. Not eloquent words and negotiations.”
James tensed as Dominic's expression hardened. Dominic was wiser than most, but the safety of his people always remained his main concern and he fought hard for that. He was a warrior through and through, but he knew well not everything could be solved by fighting. It was one of the attributes James respected most about his friend.
“I will send a missive to the King to ask of the status of the land, naught more. I’ll not have my hand forced into something that may well bring more hardship to these lands. Our people have suffered enough these past decades.”
Relaxing his muscles, James nodded in agreement. “Aye, the recovery from the plague has been hard, especially with the revier threat. The peace has given us a chance to concentrate on planting the lands and rearing our animals without fear of attack.”
Wighthurst’s jaw tensed as he eyed both of them before he offered them an insincere smile. “Aye, well, I will wait on word from the King. I pray that he has not already bestowed it to someone who does not have the same ability to ward off the reiver threat, Thornewall.”
The door to the solar swung open suddenly and Ellise froze as her gaze darted between them all. “Oh, forgive me, my lords. I was just—”
Dominic waved a hand. “Nay, pray come in. We are done here, are we not?”
Wighthurst nodded vaguely but he kept his gaze on Ellise. James wanted to tear the man’s face off. He barely suppressed a snarl as a leering look came across Wighthurst’s face when Ellise entered, striking in green silk. A tight knot of longing stuck in his throat as he eyed her. Her breasts peeked over the top of her bodice and he itched to trace the soft swells. He felt himself harden and he turned his head away only to see Wighthurst studying him. James held his gaze, daring the man to challenge him.
“Come, let us go for refreshments,” Dominic interrupted.
Wighthurst snapped his face around and nodded. “Aye, indeed.”
James hung back as they left the solar and paused to watch Ellise as she placed some lotions on Lucy’s dressing table. No words came to him, though. What was there to say? She ignored him as she arranged the bottles, though she must have known he remained. Cursing softly, he stomped out of the room. How was he ever going to conquer this need for her?
~***~
Ellise paused and stared out the open window. Edmund stood in the courtyard, talking with Lord Dominic. As if aware of her watching him, he glanced her way. She jumped back and cursed under her breath. Santa Maria, she should not let him get to her this way. He made her doubt her decision not to marry him, to fight for her and her son’s freedom. If she'd never run away, what would her life be like now? She’d have Arias, indeed, but would either of them be safe? Arias was protected by being the only male heir to the earldom, but she had no such protection. And Edmund had used her son against her once. No doubt he would have continued to do so. One beating from Edmund was enough.
Nay, she must ignore him. She clutched one of Lucy’s bottles to her chest and sighed. Would Lucy even continue to want her help once the babes were born? She still didn’t have enough coin to pay for passage to Spain. And she would need funds to bribe the guards and servants at Wighthurst to ensure Arias’ safety.
Fingering the silver bottle, she placed it on the desk and glanced around the room, smiling sadly. She would miss Thornewall, in spite of Edmund's presence, but, mio Dios, how she longed to hold her boy in her arms once more. Would he even know her? She hoped the servants had looked after him well. She’d considered some of them her friends during her brief marriage. She had even had visions of him during the years. They were few and far between, but they were enough to keep her strong.
Lord, just to breathe the scent of him, to hear his voice. She would give anything. Do anything.
As she glanced around to ensure all was tidy, a different scent teased at her. Surely it could not be James’? The fragrance of basic soap lingered in the air. Nay, it had to be her imagination. Still, it did not stop her from inhaling deeply and savouring it. A chill swept across her as she recalled the way his gaze followed her, traced the shape of her figure.
Shaking her head, she pressed her palms down her skirts and closed the door carefully behind her. Nothing had changed. She still needed to leave and her secret would always keep her apart from James… from anyone. No one would ever accept her visions for what they were and she risked much by telling another.
Ellise paused at the top of the stairs as she spied Edmund lurking in the Great Hall. Apparently their negotiations were at an end for the moment, as Dominic and James were nowhere to be seen. A smile snaked slowly across his face as he turned and saw her, so she sucked in a breath and pulled her chin up.
“Lady Ellise.”
“My lord.”
“May I beg a word with you?”
She peered around. Only a few servants remained in the hall, preparing for the next meal. Some glanced her way but weren’t near enough to hear their conversation.
“What can I aid you with, my lord?”
“I am to leave Thornewall soon.”
Somehow she prevented the relieved smile from slipping across her face. “Indeed, my lord.”
“I asked you a question once, darling Ellise. I could ask it again. You could…” He lowered his voice, “be reunited with your son, should you decide to submit to me.”
Ellise’s jaw dropped. “But you said… when you caught me… you told me never to return.”
“A boy needs a mother. And I still have need of a wife. You have grown into a charming woman, Ellise.”
Her mind grew hazy. He wanted her to return. Those years ago, when she had refused his marriage offer, snatched Arias and went on the run, he had hunted them down and found them in a seedy inn. His threats had terrified her and the beating he gave her had been vicious. But now he was saying he would accept her as his wife? And she could be back with Arias.
She stared into the cold blue of his eyes and shuddered. Nay… how could she succumb to a man so brutal? Who was to say the beatings would stop? And she did not want her son to ever see his mother treated so.
“My lord,” she said huskily, “you shall have to find a wife elsewhere. For I will surely never submit to you.”
Ellise stumbled blindly away, hands clenched tightly together as she escaped to the courtyard and made toward the sanctuary of the herb garden. She only hoped she had made the right decision. Her eyes itched with the need to cry. Forgive me, Arias. I will be with you soon.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ellise tried to keep her attention on her book but her gaze kept snaking over to James and Edmund. While the Earl made her skin crawl, James made it heat.
As she stole a look at Edmund over her book, it steeled her determination. Giving in to the man would be the worst decision of her life. With his threats hanging over her head, she could never be assured of her safety. And she would not let Arias see his mother burned for witchcraft. Nay, Spain was their only hope.
She squinted and attempted to focus on the words in front of her but the dim candlelight made it difficult. While the others had chosen to sit around the unlit fire, she had tucked herself into a corner. How could she behave normally with the doubt running through her mind? It was easier to keep quiet and concentrate on her duties. If anyone had noticed her melancholy mood then none had said anything.
A small cry came from the chair closest to the fireplace and Lucy clutched her stomach. Ellise saw the blood drain from Dominic’s face. She scurried to Lucy’s side and snatched an arm. “Is it happening?”
“Aye,” Lucy whispered. “I think so. ‘Tis a sharp pain. In-in my back and my belly. I have been aching all day.”
“Aye, ‘tis happening.”
“God’s teeth…” Dominic muttered, his usual confident posture diminished.
“My lord, can you carry Lucy to the solar while I gather what I need.” She beckoned to Winnie. “Will you ask Mary and Margaret to fetch cloths and water? Then I need you all in the solar.”
Winnie nodded and scurried away, her round behind bouncing as she went. Ellise locked her gaze briefly with James and recognised the same concern reflected in his eyes as she felt. The babes were coming too early. It could only be a few sennights but every day counted and the longer the babes stayed in Lucy’s belly the better.
Dominic scooped Lucy into his arms and she burrowed against his chest. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and Ellise’s heart panged. If anyone deserved healthy, happy babes then it was Lucy and Dominic. She uttered up a quick prayer for the babes and for Lucy as she watched the two of them ascend the wooden stairs to the solar.
“Can I offer any aid, Ellise?” James asked.
“Aye, keep Lord Dominic from the room. I shall send him back down in but a moment. ‘Twill likely be a long night and he will have need of distraction.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“This will be harrowing for both of them,” she warned. “But he cannot be present. Lucy needs to be in a calm environment and men have no place in childbirth.”
“I should not like to leave y—my wife’s side at such a time.”
Ellise froze. Had he just said what she thought he said? Shaking her head to herself, she pressed a hand to his shoulder. It mattered not. Now was not the time. “All shall be well.”
“How is it you are the one reassuring me?”
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