Keely arched an ebony brow at him in a perfect imitation of his irritating habit and said, "Odo and Hew are forsworn to me."
"Women in England do not keep men-at-arms," he informed her.
"I'll start a new fashion," she teased, giving him an unconsciously flirtatious look. " 'Tis no more unusual than the startling sight of men who rouge their cheeks."
Richard chuckled. "Would you care to see my muscles dance?"
Keely struggled against a smile but lost. She leaned back against the oak and gazed at him, marveling at how incredibly handsome he was—and how deceitful.
Steeling herself against the powerful urge to fling herself into his arms and press her lips to his, Keely asked with a tinge of censure in her voice, "And how are your injured ankles today? Dare we hope for a miraculous overnight recovery?"
Richard cast her a wicked devastating grin and then leaned close, so close his lips were only inches from hers. In a husky voice, he said, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I yearned to be in your company again, but I couldn't control myself once you sat beside me on the bed. I had no idea your father would burst into my chamber. Forgive me?"
Keely sighed and glanced away. What else could she do but forgive him? The die was cast, and for better or for worse she would become his wife on the tenth day of November. Without bothering to look at him, she nodded once in acceptance of his apology.
"Then let's seal your forgiveness with a kiss," he suggested.
Keely snapped her gaze back to his. "Stealing my virtue does not give you leave to enjoy liberties with my person," she said tartly.
Stealing her virtue? Richard thought in disbelief as he stared down at her determined expression—an exquisitely beautiful, determined expression. Did she actually believe that what they had done on his bed amounted to a loss of virtue? Oh, what an innocent minx she was turning out to be!
"As I told my cousins," Keely said, "I came to sit beneath this oak and enjoy some peace. Then the world descended on me."
"Sit?" Richard teased. "You were kissing this tree the other day. By the way, you never did tell me. What was that game you and your cousins played?"
Keely blushed with surprised embarrassment. How much had he witnessed that day? Apparently, enough to make him wonder. What would the earl do when he discovered he'd married a Druid?
"Will you kiss my oak and bring us luck?" Richard asked, his green eyes lit with amusement.
"That sounds lascivious. Besides, only earls may kiss the oak tree today."
"I'd rather kiss you."
"I'd rather you didn't." Keely held him off with her hand. Then, "I have no need for a tiringwoman. Why, for the love of God, did you send me two?"
"The Countess of Basildon does need a tiringwoman," Richard told her. "Besides, I'm fond of both May and June. I couldn't ask the one without hurting the other. Thus, for the sake of familial peace, you'll make do with two."
Keely nodded, admiring his loyalty to his family, but her expression grew somber. With worry etched across her delicate features, she warned, "You've made a tragic mistake, my lord. A marriage between us will be disastrous."
"Why do you say that?" Richard asked.
"Because I believe it," Keely said, her violet-eyed gaze pleading for his understanding. "In case you hadn't noticed, I'm different from Ladies Jane and Sarah and all those other women."
"I noticed." Richard planted his hands on either side of her head as she pressed her back against the oak tree. Leaning close, he added, "I don't desire those other women, else I would have married one of them."
His nearness and his clean masculine scent assaulted her senses. Keely felt him with every tingling fiber of her body and was quite certain he could hear the frantic pounding of her heart.
Holy stones! she thought. How could she live the remainder of her life with this agitation? She'd be dead within a week.
"I—I have secrets," Keely tried to discourage him. "I cannot share them."
"Dark secrets?" he teased, tracing a finger down the length of her silken cheek. "Beauty, your heart is pure and as easy to read as an open book. Besides, I'm partial to ebony hair and violet eyes."
"Then marry His Grace," she replied, frustrated by his lack of caution. Oh, why would he not heed her warning? An experienced man of the world, the earl should know that appearances could be deceptive.
A sudden unfamiliar pang that Keely failed to recognize as jealousy shot through her. She narrowed her gaze on him and asked, "To what were you partial before ebony hair and violet eyes?"
Richard gave her a lazy smile. "Blondes, brunettes, and redheads."
" 'Tis just as I suspected," Keely said. "You, my high-and-mighty lord, are partial to getting your own way."
Richard frowned at the censure in her voice.
"Are you in pain?" she asked, alarmed. "I know how to alleviate it."
Though he'd never traveled that road before, sympathy was an alternate route to a female's heart. " 'Tis throbbing a bit," he lied.
"Close your eyes." Keely stepped perilously close and placed the palms of her hands against his temples. Trying to garner the needed concentration, she closed her own eyes, and her lips moved in a silent chant.
Without warning, Richard's mouth covered hers. His arms circled her body and yanked her against the hard muscular planes of his own.
Keely's senses reeled. Instinctively, she entwined her arms around his neck and surrendered to his warm insistent lips.
And then it was over as quickly and unexpectedly as it had begun. Keely opened her eyes and saw his arrogant smile of satisfaction.
"I specifically told you I'd rather not kiss," she said, embarrassed by her easy capitulation to his sensual onslaught.
Richard grinned knowingly. " 'Tis your own fault, sweetheart. You're too damned irresistible."
"Well, I'll forgive you this time." Keely knew that he knew she hadn't protested overmuch.
"Would you escort me to your father?" Richard asked.
Keely looked from his emerald gaze to his offered hand. She had the feeling his question was symbolic, somehow more significant than his casual voice implied. The earl was asking something more of her, something she felt powerless to refuse him.
Keely placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around it, trapping her in a pleasurable captivity. Hand in hand, they strolled in silence across the lawn to Talbot House.
"I believe His Grace awaits you in the study," Keely said when they entered the main foyer.
Richard smiled and kissed her hand, saying, "Until this evening, my beauty." He started down the corridor, but her voice stopped him.
"My lord?"
Richard turned around.
Keely gave him a mischievous smile. "Can you really wiggle your ears and touch your nose with your tongue?"
"Among other things." Richard winked at her. "I'll perform for you on our wedding night."
Hours later, Keely stood in front of the pier glass in her father's bedchamber and studied her reflection. A woman's betrothal was one of life's milestones, and though Keely felt she was stepping down the road to disaster, she wanted to look her best for the earl on this momentous occasion.
Her gown, created in violet velvet that matched her eyes, had a low-cut square neckline and a tight-fitting bodice. Around her neck glittered her mother's legacy to her, the jeweled dragon pendant. Making an unspoken statement about her pride in her Welsh heritage, Keely had brushed her ebony hair until it crackled and then let it cascade in pagan fashion to her waist.
Keely turned away from the pier glass but delayed leaving the chamber. Nervous and excited, she dreaded the actual moment when she would sign her life and her well-being into the earl's keeping. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, but the image of the earl's devastating smile flitted across her mind's eye.
In her secret heart, Keely knew she would ultimately succumb to his charm. She only hoped she wouldn't be too hurt when he became disenchanted with the outsider he'd married in a fleeting mo
ment of foolishness.
Who am I trying to deceive? Keely scolded herself. Already infatuated with him, she'd be crushed when his affections wandered to those sophisticated women at court.
"Trust the king who wears the fiery crown and possesses the golden touch...."
Had Megan seen Richard in her vision? Keely wondered for the hundredth time since leaving him in the foyer. Had her mother meant she'd find acceptance and happiness with him? Did he possess the strength of character to ignore the whispered murmurings of bastard when the queen's courtiers learned of her questionable background?
Keely walked into the great hall and stopped short. Holy stones! A hundred ducal retainers and men-at-arms lingered there, awaiting her arrival. Betrothals, like weddings and christenings, were joyous occasions; catching a glimpse of the happy event appeared to be foremost on everyone's agenda that evening.
Across the hall, Richard and Duke Robert sat in the two chairs in front of the hearth. With their backs turned to the hall's entrance, they were unaware of Keely's arrival. The countess perched on the arm of His Grace's chair.
Turning her head as the hall's occupants quieted, Lady Dawn spied Keely and smiled, saying, "Here she is."
Richard rose from his chair and turned around. His emerald-eyed gaze wandered appreciatively over her curvaceously petite form.
Keely felt like swooning as his smoldering gaze fixed on hers and then dropped to peruse her body. A high blush stained her cheeks. The earl was undressing her with his eyes! His gaze never wavering from hers, Richard sauntered across the hall. He lifted her hands to his lips and whispered in a husky voice, "You look good enough to eat."
Keely stared at him blankly.
"I'll explain what that means after the wedding," Richard said with a smile, then escorted her across the hall to her father and the countess.
Duke Robert rose from his chair and kissed her cheek. "You are breathtakingly beautiful, my dear," he complimented her.
"Good enough to eat?" Keely asked in innocence. " 'Tis what the earl said."
Duke Robert coughed and glanced at Richard, who had the good grace to flush. Lady Dawn chuckled throatily.
"The contract only needs our signatures," Duke Robert said as he led them to the table. He signed first and passed the quill to the earl, who signed with an exaggerated flourish. Keely took the quill from his hand but hesitated.
"Do you mind if I glance at it first?" she asked. Richard inclined his head and said, "Be my guest, sweetling."
Keely perused the document quickly. Though she could read the individual words, the meaning of all those legal terms was lost on her. "I—I would like something added," she said. "Would that be possible?"
Richard cast her a puzzled smile.
Duke Robert, unused to less-than-obedient females, explained in a slightly irritated tone of voice, "The document is already drawn, child. We cannot—"
" 'Tis such a minor thing," Keely persisted. "We could squeeze it in here at the bottom."
"What would you like, dearest?" Richard asked.
"I want this document to stipulate that Odo and Hew are forever free of the hangman."
Richard cocked a copper brow at her. "Your cousins cannot possibly enjoy immunity for uncommitted crimes. I am agreeable for past deeds only."
Keely nodded. " 'Tis fair."
Richard made the necessary addition to the agreement and initialed it so there would be no chance of misunderstanding in the future. He handed the quill back to her.
Keely took a moment to peruse the added clause. Instead of signing, she twirled the quill in her hands and worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
"Sign the agreement, dearest," Richard prodded.
Keely cast him an apologetic smile and then turned to the duke, saying, "Your Grace, may I have a private moment with you?" She flicked the earl a glance and added, "I promise I'll sign the document afterward."
Duke Robert and Keely walked five paces away. Standing on tiptoes, Keely whispered into his ear but kept her gaze fixed on the earl.
Watching them, Richard felt certain she was stalling. Even if he had to grab her hand and force her, the little minx would sign the betrothal contract before she left the hall.
Suddenly, Duke Robert's face split into a broad grin.
He nodded once and escorted his daughter back to the earl.
"Devereux, my daughter has called my attention to something we men would consider insignificant," Duke Robert said. "Yet 'tis an important matter to every prospective bride."
"What might that be?" Richard asked, suspicious.
Duke Robert cleared his throat and struggled to keep from laughing. "Keely believes you haven't properly proposed marriage to her. She'd like you to do so now— with sincere emotion."
" 'Tis an oversight easily attended." Richard looked at Keely. "Come, my lady. Let us sit in front of the hearth."
Turning to guide her across the hall, Richard realized with a start that a hundred pairs of curious eyes watched their every step. Never in his wildest imaginings had he ever thought he'd be proposing marriage to a beautiful but eccentric half-Welsh woman for the pleasurable edification of an audience of ducal servants. And what the bloody hell could he do about it? Nothing!
Richard cast a sidelong glance at Keely. She appeared to be enjoying her moment of glory. Let her have her way in this, he decided. After they'd spoken their vows, all moments of glory would belong to him.
Keely sat in one of the chairs in front of the hearth and artfully arranged her skirt, then looked expectantly at him. Deeming she was ready, Richard knelt on one bended knee and smiled to hear the many female sighs elicited by the picture they presented.
Clasping her hands in his, Richard grinned broadly. "I ought to box your ears," he whispered through clenched teeth.
Keely's violet eyes widened at the threat. She couldn't quite control the horrified giggle bubbling up.
"If you dare laugh," Richard threatened, "I'll take you across my knee and give you the spanking you so richly deserve for putting me through this."
Keely instantly regained her composure.
"Lady Keely, a few rare people like yourself have elusive greatness thrust upon their shoulders like a mantle," Richard said in a strong voice that carried to the far corners of the hall. "Dearest lady, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and my countess?"
Resounding applause erupted inside the hall.
Keely's own moment of embarrassment had arrived.
Unable to find her voice, she nodded her head in acceptance.
"Speak the words, dearest," Richard ordered. "These people await your answer."
"I will," Keely said in a voice as soft as a whisper.
"Louder."
"I will!"
Another round of applause erupted in the hall.
Ignoring their audience, Richard arose and offered her his hand, but when she stood, he yanked her into the circle of his embrace. His lips swooped down and captured hers in a long, slow, soul-stealing kiss.
The Talbot men-at-arms and retainers went wild, cheering and applauding and whistling their approval.
Richard gazed with budding love at her dazed expression and said, " 'Tis time to sign the agreement."
Keely affixed her name to the document and then glanced at the earl. For better or for worse, she would become his wife.
Richard withdrew something from his pocket and held it up. "Your betrothal ring, beauty."
Keely gasped at what she saw. The exquisite ring was a gold band adorned with a row of eight priceless gems.
"What a beautiful trinket," Lady Dawn gushed.
"Well done, Devereux," Duke Robert said in approval.
Richard had eyes only for Keely. " 'Tis symbolic," he explained. "The jewels spell the word dearest: diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and topaz."
Taking her left hand in his, Richard slipped the ring onto her third finger and said, "Por tous jours."
"What does it mean?" she
asked.
Richard cupped her chin in his hand. "For always."
Without forethought, Keely placed the palm of her hand against his cheek. She surprised him even more by planting a chaste kiss on his lips.
"Will you walk with me to the door?" he asked.
"You're leaving?"
"I regret I must attend the queen," Richard told her.
"I leave within the hour and will be gone for two weeks."
"Two whole weeks?" Keely cried.
Richard smiled. "Thank you, dearest."
"For what?"
"For that incredibly disappointed expression. Knowing you'll miss me cheers my heart."
"I won't miss you," Keely lied.
"Yes, you will. And you'll long to feel my lips cover yours. Like this—" Richard kissed her soundly, leaving her yearning for more.
Chapter 8
She missed him and longed to feel his lips coverhers.
Two weeks passed excruciatingly slowly for Keely. On the fourteenth day after Richard's departure, she sat on a stone bench in the duke's garden.
All around her, autumn was rapidly ripening. Though the afternoon sparkled with blinding sunshine, the wind's crisp bite foretold of the season's passing.
Keely pulled her cloak close around her shoulders and stared in the direction of Devereux House. Would the earl return home that day as promised? Or would her watching be in vain? What was he doing at that precise moment? Whom had he seen at court, and to whom had he spoken?
Those questions and a hundred others tormented Keely and stole her peace of mind. Nervous anticipation fluttered like butterflies' wings inside the pit of her stomach, and the thought of Richard sauntering across the lawns toward her fanned the embers of desire that had lain dormant since his departure.
When that insidious monster called insecurity reared its frightening head, Keely wondered in a near panic if the earl might already be regretting his betrothal to her. She looked at her betrothal ring with its row of precious jewels, and the sight of it cheered her flagging spirits.
"Por tous jours," he'd said. "For always."
Keely closed her eyes and tried to recapture his passionate kiss. It was no use. Reliving the past, however recent, was impossible. A world of difference lay between remembering the kiss and actually feeling his warm lips pressed to hers.
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