"Did you think I would not have you watched? I know every move you make, as soon as you have made it. Do not think to hide anything from me, Lady Ellen.” Nicholas said her name with a sneer, then stared hard at her body, clothed in the boy's garments. “From now until we are wed, and afterward, of course, you will do as I say. When I am not here, you will be closely watched. You are not to go riding unless one of the kings guards escorts you."
"I am not your wife, therefore I answer only to my father."
"And your father answers to the king, who will set the rules by which you will live until you leave here with me. You will not be returning to Ravencliff. Your new home will be Fair Haven.” Nicholas stepped closer and touched callused fingers to her soft cheek. “Do you understand me, my lady?"
Ellen said nothing but continued to stare at him defiantly. Nicholas turned toward the door, stopped a moment and looked at her. “There is one more thing. Those clothes you are wearing are to be burned. If I see, or hear of you wearing anything similar again, you will be punished, severely. Have I made my wishes clear?"
No words came from Ellen until he was almost out the door. She shouted loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear. “I will never marry you, Nicholas, do you hear me? I would rather enter a convent than be wed to you."
"That can be easily arranged.” He laughed devilishly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ellen paced the floor of her room, ignoring the cold stone beneath her bare feet. She wrapped her cloak about her shift and continued pacing, then released her grip on the material. Her anger was more than enough to keep away the spring chill. For the last few weeks, Nicholas had kept her a prisoner within the castle. If she attempted to leave the castle walls, a guard was sure to follow her. She felt sure he had the assistance of one or two ladies to spy on her.
Ellen did her best to avoid him as much as possible. She spent part of her days with the queen's ladies and their needlework. Lady Margaret and Kitty kept her company, since they were reluctantly working on a new trousseau for her marriage to Nicholas. Ellen knew the importance of playing a good game, letting people see what she wanted them to see, even if she despised the situation herself. Most of the young ladies there were single, happily chattering on about the men courting them. They giggled and gossiped, and occasionally tried to draw her into the conversation.
Young Elizabeth seemed especially enamored of Ellen's suitor. “He is so handsome,” the girl sighed. “The scar does not detract from his looks. It makes him more mysterious. I wonder how he came by it.” Elizabeth's eyes had brightened. “Perhaps a duel in a lady's honor?"
Ellen had replied with an unladylike snort, earning a warning glance from her aunt. “More like carelessness in training,” she murmured, glancing away from Margaret. She gave her needle a sharp thrust into the fabric she was embroidering. A dark look flitted across her face.
That was not the first time Elizabeth or one of the other girls tried to coax Ellen to talk about her courtship. She would have been more willing to tell them about David, had they asked, but like their king, the ladies thought Scots were wild and dangerous. The temptation to ask was always there, but gossip, even the most innocent of questions, always seemed to manage finding their way to the ears. Ellen preferred not to be the subject of their attention. Such attention, so far, had gained her nothing but trouble.
When they spoke of other things, Ellen did not hesitate to contribute to the conversation, being careful not to overstep the boundaries of mourning. She was expected to keep a demure attitude, but she knew David and Gordon would not have wanted her, or Margaret and Kitty, to lead completely sheltered lives for a year. They had, themselves, been too full of life to accept such conditions. They were alive somewhere, she could feel it—if only she could prove it.
While royal favor had gained her a slightly larger, more private room, Ellen knew she had only traded one cage for another. She would have preferred to have a room with her sister, and let Margaret have this one, but even in that, she was thwarted. How could something so unimportant, create such misery?
* * * *
The door to the adjoining room opened and a pair of blue-gray eyes peeked into the semi darkness. “Would you like a little company, sister?"
Ellen barely glanced at Kitty, standing in the doorway between the two bedchambers. “I make poor company, these days, Kitty. Better you should seek out your new friends and be entertained by them."
Kitty moved closer and kept her hands folded before her, a look of innocence in her eyes. “Better I seek out my sister and keep her company. She has had so little of it since we arrived."
"And you know where that fault lies.” Ellen whirled about and faced her sister. “He has guards outside my door, day and night. I can go nowhere without his knowing. If I choose to ride, he is to be notified so he may accompany me. I feel like a small bird in a very large cage. There is much room to move about, but it is a cage, just the same. If he does this now, I am in dread of what he will do when we are married.” Ellen dropped onto her bed with a thump.
"You have not resigned yourself to this marriage?” Kitty asked, a look of horror on her face.
"Of course not, but how does one defy one's king and live to tell about it?"
Kitty sighed with relief. “Perhaps I can be of help?” She sat cross-legged on the bed, and gave her skirts a sharp tug. All decorum was lost on her. “King John has announced there will be entertainment tonight, and everyone must attend; no excuses will be accepted."
"You know we cannot attend, Kitty-"
"No excuses,” the younger girl repeated herself. “If you like, we can make it impossible for Nicholas or his men to get close to you. I have overheard several nobles asking about you. If we can arouse their interest, Nicholas would be forced aside, at least for the evening."
"He would never stand for it. You know that."
"Are you so anxious to be in his company?” Kitty asked slyly.
"Of course not, but I would never forgive myself if you should be forced to bear the brunt of his anger, because you thought to inconvenience him."
Kitty waved a hand negligently. “I am not the only one who wishes to see you free of that pompous-"
"Kitty!"
"-windbag. Oh, do say you agree, Ellen. We are allowed a bit of amusement, and it will be fun showing Nicholas he can not expect to rule over you now. Given time, I am sure we can find a way to circumvent this wedding. I cannot imagine him as a member of our family.” Kitty shivered with disgust.
Ellen agreed, against her better judgment. “All right. I will go along with your plan, for now. Promise me, if I find your actions could place you in danger, you will stop immediately and allow events to run their course."
"Of course, I will.” Kitty replied unconvincingly, and hugged her sister. “Now put on your prettiest black dress."
"My only black dress,” Ellen added laughingly. “Off with you, now, or I shall never be decent enough to appear belowstairs."
A short time later, Ellen left Jane in her bedchamber to straighten up. She stopped a moment and looked back, watching the maid sort out the gowns and store them. While Jane was competent, Ellen missed Muriel, and wondered how her companion and confidant was dealing with life in Scotland. Ellen sighed and left the room.
Kitty waited in the corridor, pacing impatiently. A guard lounged against the wall, obviously enjoying the scene. Ellen turned a dark look on him, making him grin lasciviously. She turned away in disgust, slipped her hand through her sister's arm and quickly walked away.
Wherever Ellen went guards followed at a discreet distance. She was aware of every time they changed shifts, always keeping her in sight. When the girls entered the hall, she was surprised to see a group of Kitty's friends clustered together, chatting quietly. All the girls wore identical dark cloaks. That was rather odd. She gave Kitty's arm a brief tug and nodded in the group's direction.
"In a moment, then I will tell you the plan.” Kitty took her sister's hand and led her
slowly to her friends, stopping now and again along the way, to speak to people they knew.
"Kitty,” Ellen whispered impatiently. “What is going on?"
Kitty sighed as they joined the group waiting for them. “Are you ladies ready?” Kitty glanced at all the subtly nodding heads, then turned to Ellen. “Papa told me earlier that Stargazer is about to foal -"
"Foal?” one of the girls cried out in shock. “That is no place for a lady."
"Keep your voice down, Lilith, if you please. You are right, the stables are no place for ladies, but under these circumstances it is the last place the guards would think to look. Stargazer is a bit highstrung, and this is her first baby. Ellen, you are the only one who has ever been able to quiet her when she becomes too anxious, and Stephen could use your help now, in keeping her calm."
"I have a feeling all these cloaks have something to do with your plan?” Ellen seemed amused. “I can not go dressed like this and Nicholas -"
"I rescued the clothes Nicholas insisted be burned. Stephen hid them in the stable.” As Kitty spoke, the girls surrounded her and Ellen, and two of them produced dark cloaks to match their own. “Once we have these cloaks on, your guards will not know who to follow. Ellen, you will leave the hall with Lilith and Mary. The three of you will take a leisurely stroll around to the back of the stables. When Ellen has gone inside, you will take your time returning. The rest of you will go off in twos and threes, distracting Ellen's guards. By the time the guards figure out what has happened, they will not know where to start searching. I expect Stephen will help you to return unnoticed."
Ellen stared at her sister in surprise as she donned the cloak and turned up the hood. “When did you become so devious? I am impressed."
Kitty turned an innocent smile on Ellen. “Never underestimate the quiet ones, sister. We have our ways.” She turned and sighed. A group of young nobles were about to join them.
"Oh no. We cannot do this with these men around, demanding our attention.” One of the girls began to panic.
Kitty thought quickly. “All right, this may work to our advantage. We will ask the gentlemen to join us for a stroll about the gardens. We break up into several small groups. Ellen, you will follow one of the groups, then slip away when you can. The guards will think some of us are intending to dally with the gentlemen."
"Proper young ladies do not dally with gentlemen,” another of the girls replied, sniffing.
"And proper young ladies do not create diversionary plans so one of their number can slip away into the stables. But we will do it to help Ellen. You know how she feels about Nicholas and the way he has her watched. It would do him a great deal of good to learn he can not always have things his way,” Lilith concluded smartly, her opinion interrupted by the gentlemen's arrival.
* * * *
Nicholas stared at the men surrounding Ellen and the group of young ladies, and realized he was being deliberately pushed away. Someone would pay for interfering in his plans. Ellen appeared demure, as did Kitty, but Nicholas knew it was all a means of garnering attention other than from him. He should be the only one to entertain Ellen. After all, she would be his wife soon.
There was no reason for all these other men to be paying her court, especially when she was supposed to be mourning David and Gordon. Perhaps she did not care about her brother, or the heathen, as much as she claimed. That thought set him to wondering. Was it possible her mourning was a sham? Was she playing a part to defy him? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He looked about the hall, as if in search of someone, and an idea struck him.
Several long strides took him to Margaret's side, where three older women spoke with her in quiet conversation. “Forgive the intrusion, ladies, but I must speak with Lady Margaret.” Nicholas grasped her arm and guided her to an empty alcove. He glanced about to see if anyone watched, then drew the tapestry across the opening, for privacy. He stared at Margaret for a moment, “What game does your niece play?"
Margaret pressed her back against the cold, dark stone wall. “I have no idea what you mean,” she responded.
Nicholas distrusted the wariness in her words. She had to know what her nieces were up to. He saw the fear in her eyes, and secretly gloated over it. At least one Ravencliff woman had the sense to fear him. “Why does Ellen surround herself with noblemen when she belongs to me?"
"Until words have been said over you, she is free to talk with whomever she pleases."
Nicholas’ hand slid slowly up Margaret's arm, along her shoulder to her neck, where it menacingly covered her throat. He took pleasure in her gasp, and the wild look in her eyes. The taste of her fear encouraged him. “Words or no, she belongs to me. And you are going to help her see that fact."
"Ellen has a mind of her own. You have always known that. She makes her own decisions."
Nicholas’ hold on her throat tightened just enough to create a slight discomfort and show his displeasure. “She cannot make proper decisions. Her marriage to that heathen proves it. Now, how will we go about convincing her she needs guidance?” He felt her swallow convulsively, and eased his grasp for a moment.
"She is a woman grown, a widow, and beyond my guidance."
"You will regain control over her, and make her see things my way. Or the cost to you will be very dear. How do you think the bishop would react were he to hear of your dalliance with the Duke of Ravencliff, and all the while you claim your husband is still alive?"
"There is no dalliance, there never has been."
Nicholas ignored her, and gently rubbed his fingers against her throat once more. If the wall had been less solid behind Margaret's back, he was sure she would press further into it, trying to escape his caress. “Have you no concern for your soul? The bishop would have the right to excommunicate you.” He hesitated and stared at the white skin of her throat, made luminescent by moonlight filtering through the window. “On the other hand, I am aware the bishop seeks a husband for you, and makes suggestions to His Majesty. You may soon find yourself wed to some dottering old fool. A word from me, and you would find your future well secured.
"What will it be, Lady Margaret? May I count on your aid in this endeavor? Or shall I have a little talk with the bishop? Either way, I will have your cooperation. Whether or not it is easy, will depend on you."
Nicholas felt Margaret slump a little against the wall and took it to mean she would help him. “You will convince Ellen, that it is in her best interests to wed with me. Very shortly, I expect to see a change in her demeanor towards me."
"Aunt Margaret?” Kitty's voice sounded muffled from the other side of the tapestry.
"Do not forget what I said, Lady Margaret,” Nicholas whispered his warning. “Convince Ellen to change her mind, or you will pay the consequences.” He let his hand slide down her throat, and lower, in a suggestive threat. A wide grin replaced the grimace, as he felt her tremble once more. Nicholas took a step back and gestured for her to take her leave.
Margaret pulled aside the tapestry just enough to leave the alcove. She willed her knees not to give out on her. “I am sorry, child. I needed a few moments alone. Why were you looking for me?"
"We wondered where you had gone off to. Ellen has retired for the evening and insists we do not worry about her. No one knows where Nicholas has got off to, and you know how he enjoys turning up in the most unlikely places. Come, the king has offered shelter to a troubador, and the man is about to tell his tales."
Nicholas moved the tapestry slightly, enough to give him a small view of the two women in the corridor. He smiled devilishly as Margaret glanced back, then followed her niece below stairs. He found great satisfaction at the fear in her eyes. The sooner Ellen was under his control, the sooner he could go forward with his plans.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Ellen was grateful for the help of Kitty's friends. She trailed behind one of the small groups, listening to their chatter and the girls’ giggles. The young noblemen had no idea what they were
up to. At the first opportunity, Ellen slipped away from the group and hurried to the stables.
"Ah, you are here. I was not sure you would be able to get away unnoticed. You can change in the room there.” Stephen pointed to a partially opened door beyond the stalls.
After Ellen had changed her clothes for the ones Stephen had hidden for her, she sat cross-legged on the floor by the mare, stroking her muzzle and speaking softly to her. The laboring mare rolled her eyes and attempted to get up, but Ellen held her hand firmly on the mare's head, preventing her from rising. Ellen calmed her with soothing words, then glanced up at Stephen.
"It should be soon,” Stephen commented, then added, “It is not proper for a lady of your station to be here. I could find one of the boys to help me."
"You know, no one can talk to Stargazer as I can. None of the boys can keep her calm long enough to foal.” Ellen pursed her lips before speaking again. She knew it would bring a chuckle from Stephen. It was a mannerism she had learned years before to get around him when he tried to be firm with her. Everyone and everything had been too serious of late, and she needed something of a distraction. “If I can not use my station to do the things I wish to do, then what good is it?"
Stephen shook his head but had to agree with her logic. He knelt behind the mare to check her progress.
Ellen again spoke quietly to the Stargazer, giving the animal encouragement as the mare arched her neck and moaned against the pain of the next contraction. Moments later, a dark, bloody bundle of gangly legs and long neck lay on the straw covered stall floor. Ellen's excitement showed in her eyes and wide smile. She watched Stephen tear away the rest of the opaque sac covering the baby, then sat back and waited anxiously while the small creature struggled to its feet. Ellen stood and cautiously stepped back, until she was on the outside of the stall door. She never took her eyes from the foal.
Spindly legs shook and quivered for a few moments as the baby fought to stand, and eventually it managed to gain an unsteady balance, and stood by its mother's side. Stargazer, already on her feet, turned to lovingly nudge the infant to nurse.
To Every Love, There is a Season Page 16