The Lady of Fairhaven

by Lee Scott

  His manhood had whipped to life in the realization that just moments before, her bottom had nestled in so close proximity. How he longed to stretch out beside her once again. Every soft curve would be etched into his memory forevermore. A slight flush rose up the nape of his neck and he prayed it would remain his secret.

  “Luke,” came a whisper so slight he thought he might have wished it. “Luke.” The call came again.

  Gillian’s eyes, still closed were caught in sleep. Nervous perspiration broke out on Luke’s forehead. What could she possibly be dreaming now?

  “Luke where are you?” Gillian cried. Her hands searched the bedding for him.

  “I believe the lady needs more rest, sir. Mayhap you could help ease her into that rest for a time,” the old woman said. Her glance held no hidden gleam of improper thought.

  “I fear for the lady’s reputation should I be found alone in her bed by anyone else but you,” Luke said with conviction.

  “What of her reputation should she die from the disquiet of nightmares and longing?” the woman asked. “What reputation would do her good?”

  “Naught. You are right.” Luke said.

  “Does the prospect of aiding the lass appall you so much?” the healer asked. She had already seen the answer to her question in his care for the Lady Gillian.

  “You know it does not. But I would not have my lady’s reputation besmirched. It would not comfort her to know others thought ill of her.”

  “And no one shall know of this. I shall give orders that the lady requires quiet rest. No one will be allowed into the room until I give approval. You could post a guard to ensure that naught goes amiss and no one enters.”

  “So be it,” Luke said.

  The healer watched Luke stride to the door and in a matter of moments heard the instructions to the guard that no one should pass. Shortly thereafter, Luke rested atop the blankets next to Gillian. Even in sleep her body snuggled calmly against his.

  By noonday Luke’s arm was holding on to tight to Gillian’s slight waist. He smelled the sweet scent in her hair and was painfully hard with desire. If only he could control his desires as he held her close, but his passion burned bright throughout every fiber of his body. In her helpless condition all he could do was lust after her and pray no one recognized the signs of his unbridled passion.

  Luke finally inched his body away finding that Gillian was able to rest on her own. He sought to ease some of the pent up frustration he had been developing over the past few hours. Gathering warriors together in the bailey, the men prepared for the next battle by matching their skills in practice. Sexual frustration alone transformed Luke into a dangerous opponent. Augment that well honed talent with a rage, searing deep in his belly and most opponents chose not to engage in certain failure. Vanity prevented most men from declining his invitation to match his abilities outright, but clearly none relished facing off against a man in such a dark mood.

  After some time Luke had matched enough men to make him winded but calm. Perhaps it was time to face Katherine, but before he spoke with her again he needed some sign of improvement on Gillian’s part, or God help him. With her health so unsettled, Luke could not trust himself with Katherine. He was certain he might take her life with his bare hands.

  By the time Luke had worked the perplexities that had knotted every muscle out of his stiff body, he turned his attention to the many villeins who had made their way to the gates of the estate. Many had inquired about the rumors that Lady Gillian was rescued and within the castle walls. Some free men offered to take up work at the manor as they had done in the past. Luke commenced setting things right.

  It was Oliver who sat and watched as Luke now managed the manor. Although he could not sanction Katherine’s wicked treatment of his former ward, he was ill equipped to watch his authority pass away without some sort of fight.

  “Good day to you, Sir Luke,” Oliver said silkily. “May I help you with something? Mayhap I can be of some service to you. After all I am familiar with all the workings of Fairhaven.”

  “As I am aware, but I would not be a good steward of my father’s holding if I relied on guests to supply assistance. Let me fulfill my obligations by offering my hospitality to you, Sir.”

  Oliver’s face reddened at the offer. This had been his home for a short time and it rubbed a raw spot to think that he was the guest. And this young pup had the gall to offer him hospitality. Luke’s lack of regard was apparent.

  “I thank you for your kind offer,” Oliver said. He turned on his heel and headed for his room to be alone and contemplate his next actions.

  A thin smile exposed the small satisfaction Luke derived from ridding himself of Oliver’s presence. But now he had more important matters to attend. Leaping up the stairs two at a time brought him at the top in quick order. He knocked softly at the door, but had no intention of waiting too long for any response. After waiting the briefest of moments for an answer to his summons, he knocked again. Again his lack of patience flared. His hand grabbed for the latch just as it was freed and the door swung wide open.

  To his astonishment and great relief, Gillian sat upright in the bed, propped up by soft goose down pillows. Her smile flashed bright with delight at seeing him. Unsteady hands tugged at the blankets, bringing the coverings up past her breasts, securing them under her arms. Then they went to work smoothing wayward strands of hair back and away from her face.

  The small attempt at improving her looks made Luke chuckle. His deliberate steps picked up pace, sending him quickly to her bedside. Frances, the healer, moved out of the way and into the solar. Gillian and Luke barely acknowledged the presence of Frances, their eyes were too full of each other to notice.

  Clutching his lady’s hand in his, Luke kissed her knuckles in a most deliberate and sensual way. “Your color has returned, Gill. It gladdens my heart to see it. Your condition has vexed me.” Luke’s expression still reflected the frustration and anger carried within him over the past few days.

  Gillian’s eyes widened in surprise. “That was not my intent, Sir,” Gillian replied. Her gaze fell guiltily to her hands. “Had I been in command of my own destiny, I should not have entered into such a deplorable state of affairs. You must hate me terribly for what has befallen your father.” Gillian sobbed. “I could never blame you if you and all your relations should despise and shun me forever more.” Her hands covered her eyes and she turned away to hide her shame.

  Luke moved to her side and grasped her shoulders. He tugged her around, then pulled her hard against his chest. Her muffled weeping shook her body and vibrated straight to his heart.

  “You can not believe I feel this way. The blame belongs to another, not to you!” Luke’s voice became hard and low. “No blame will be cast in your direction.”

  “Unless it is deserved. If not for me, your father would still be alive. Certainly that deserves some guilt to be cast in my direction,” Gillian said miserably. Luke looked harshly in the direction of the healer.

  “I am sorry Sir,” the healer said, “she inquired only just before you entered. I thought it best to answer her truthfully.” The woman then left the room.

  Looking back at Gillian, Luke said, “Oh Gill, how can I convince you that whatever evil men wrought against you should not be misconstrued with the placement of any guilt. Please rest at ease, my lady. You have naught to fear.”

  “Are you sure? What will Alyssa and your brother, Edward feel?”

  “Alyssa is overwrought with concern for you. She carries guilt about your condition after she was taken from you. Her worry is that you hold her responsible for abandoning you within the dungeon?”

  “What troubles befell me was not of her doing!” Gillian said with agitation. “I must assure her how grateful I was to have her out of that despicable place.” She sniffed. In a surprise move, Gillian threw back the covers on the bed and slid to the far side and a clear escape. Grabbing her wrapper she started for the door with Luke striding purposeful
ly to catch her.

  “Gillian! You must not be up and about. You do not yet have your strength gained back.” Luke’s voice was more of concern than anger. His hands caught her shoulders skidding her to an abrupt stop.

  “I must see Alyssa, please!” she begged as she strained to get free.

  “Gillian. You must not do this. Please rest,” Luke’s voice rasped with the concern he felt. “I will bring Alyssa to you.”

  Luke pulled her close and swept her into her arms. “God help me if anything should happen to you. Please do not cause me heart failure by your actions.”

  Gillian froze in her steps then nodded, and her eyes locked on to his. Although feeling weak, Gillian placed her amazingly steady hand on her protector’s arm and walked back to the bed with him. She sank down as soon as she felt the bed touch her thighs. A sigh of relief escaped. Luke leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Gillian in a moment of temptation lifted her hand and slipped it lightly around the strong column of his neck. Clutching the luxurious hair above his shoulders, she pulled him close where she could press her lips tenderly to his. An ecstatic feeling of joy and love flowed through her. Both she and Luke closed their eyes briefly before pulling back.

  “Forgive me,” Gillian said. Her eyes widened with disbelief at her boldness.

  Luke answered her apology with a hungry hot kiss slanted possessively across her mouth. His tempered passion unleashed in one tempestuous kiss. His tongue tangled with hers, and at the invitation of a sultry moan, Gillian was pulled snug against his eager body. The quiver rocking Luke’s impatient body evoked an answering shiver throughout Gillian’s.

  Reluctantly, Luke pulled away. His body shook with desire, but his warrior’s training fixed an unreadable expression on his face. His hands pushed lightly forcing distance between his lust hardened loins and her soft pliant curves.

  Surprised, Gillian searched his eyes, mouth, and set of his jaw for some sign of his feelings, but Luke carefully pushed them safely out of view. Until he settled their future, he promised himself that he would not hurt his ladylove, and making love to her now would dishonor her. With so little self-control, he was fighting a losing battle where his cravings for her were concerned. He was able to defeat the most formidable foe, but would he ever be in control where this woman was concerned?

  Gillian eyes widened with surprise when the embrace she had been lost in, ended abruptly leaving her only with a bereft feeling. A sharp intake of breath rapidly sucked into her lungs, now closed off by convulsive sobs barely controlled by immense effort. Tears stung her eyes and her gaze dropped immediately down to her hands. She backed away as if pricked by needles.

  Luke turned and angrily marched toward the window. He would be damned if she would see the weakness she wrought in his heavily armored discipline. His mind had to be stronger than their bodies. His body stiffened with a new resolve.

  Her mind affirmed her worst fears. She had once again forced her attentions upon Luke. She had obviously made him uncomfortable. Would she ever cease to be so brazen? It was just as she suspected. He had no wish to be with her. No matter what anyone said about her being too weak to go out, she had to leave - and leave now. She could never face Luke again. It was too cruel a punishment.

  Gillian walked toward the chamber door with her well-composed calm firmly in place. In an amazing display of composure, Gillian’s hand wavered only slightly as it lifted the latch releasing the door. Upon hearing the bolt disengage, Luke turned to watch Gillian depart.

  She was safely out of view and the tears began to stream down her cheeks. She clutched at her kirtle lifting it out of the way, and ran as fast as she dared down the stairway and out the main door of the great hall. In no time at all she had reached the safety of the stable.

  The beautiful Buttercup pawed the hay in her stall. The mare’s velvet nose nudged her as she fitted the bridle over the animal’s head. Gillian’s head rested against the patient beast.

  “May I assist you, My Lady,” asked one of the stable boys.

  Gillian flinched but caught herself. “Thank you, yes,” Gillian replied. She was hoping to depart before Luke could catch up with her.

  “Do I need to saddle any destriers for your escort?” the young boy inquired.

  “It will not be necessary. I am only going to the village,” she said.

  The boy nodded and in a moment, her horse was saddled and ready. As Gillian stepped up to mount Buttercup a pair of strong hands grasped her tiny waist. The hands propelled her up into her saddle. She spun around fearful it was Luke. The motion almost unseated her.

  When her scream finally made it past the lump that had blocked all air and sound, it was weak. The large knight that had taken her captive stood touching her. Out of the paralyzing fear that rendered her motionless, a sense of determination poured through her.

  “You!” she said breathlessly, unable to draw in a full draught of air.

  “We meet again, fair lady,” the knight said. A broad smile flashed for her. “I hope you might forgive me for our first encounter.”

  “Forgive you?” Gillian cried. “I think not. Why are you here?”

  “I am loyal to your uncle, my lady,” the knight replied. “It is by his wishes that I am here.”

  “No!” she screamed. “You cannot be. My uncle would not-.“ Her words ceased as the reality of her situation came into view. Her eyes widened with horror.

  The knight reached forward to snatch a hold of her horse’s bridle. She slapped hard with the reigns against the knight’s face. The leather straps stung close to his eye and he closed it long enough for Gillian to command the horse into motion. At the same time, Buttercup reared in protest. Hooves scraped through thin air as the mare screamed in alarm. Gillian hung on to Buttercup’s mane and neck. At last, her beautiful mare’s front feet landed solidly onto the hardened earth of the stable floor.

  The crack of the reigns and the fear of the horse’s hooves pushed the knight a step back, but he still had hold of the reigns.

  “Unhand my horse!” she yelled as she slapped his face once again. The knight let go just as she kicked the palfrey in the flank. Horse and rider lurched toward the open stable door.

  Luke had gathered enough sense to begin a search for Gillian. Upon hearing Gillian’s alarmed cries from the other side of the bailey; he rushed toward the opening of the stable. He was followed by several concerned knights practicing in the yard. Buttercup’s headlong rush for freedom nearly knocked the Luke and the others off their feet. All the men leaped out of the horse’s path as it barreled along toward them. Luke saw the terror in Gillian’s face and heard her cries as she clung desperately to her mare.

  His hand instinctively reached up to grab the reigns, but the speed of the horse and his unyielding chain mail made a quick grab impossible. Only his hand brushed against Gillian’s thigh as she raced past. She screamed in terror.

  Buttercup dashed outside and across the slippery cobblestones of the courtyard with Gillian holding on for dear life.

  “John, get Storm saddled. And hurry!” Luke commanded. He had only seen Gillian so afraid once. It was when he released her from the dungeon. He turned to the large knight and glared. “What is amiss here?” Luke bellowed. His dark gaze roamed from the knight to the stable boy. Neither spoke nor moved.

  Luke read the cold fear written on the lad’s face. The knight held the hilt of his sword firmly; ready to draw it for combat if need be. Anxious to saddle up Storm and follow after Gillian, he knew he had little choice but to stay and fight.

  Luke drew his sword from its scabbard. The knight followed his lead. Both men already donned in fighting garb, squared off.

  “What did you do to the Lady, Gillian,” Luke hissed. He circled the big man as he waited for the reply.

  The other knight smiled a crooked thin smile and matched his adversary’s moves step for step. “I did nothing, sir, except I lifted her to her horse.”

  Luke looked at the boy and said, “Now
tell me what I need to know.”

  “This knight frightened Lady Gillian by his presence alone,” the stable boy blurted out. As she spoke the boy kept a wary eye on the strange knight. “He reached out and grabbed her horse. He asked her to forgive him for their first meeting.”

  “You were the knight who struck my father down,” Luke growled. His anger flared dangerously.

  The tall knight nodded. His destiny was already sealed, and he could only hope to win an advantage by filling his opponent with fear and doubt.

  “And you abducted two innocent women,” Luke said in a voice wrought with fury.

  “You use strong words, knight,” the knight declared. “Only combat will determine the truth of it.”

  The defending knight struck out first and Luke parried. A gathering of knights circled around the pair as the knight struck again and Luke countered, lunging and dodging each other’s forceful blows.

  But after the first few blows, Luke had figured his opponent’s weaknesses. The fight only lasted a few more moments.

  He allowed the large night to swing hard, but instead of blocking the mighty stroke, he stepped back, allowing the blade to narrowly miss his chest. The force caused the night to overstep slightly. Luke brought his own sword up and across the back of the man’s head, splitting it almost in half.

  Without giving the man a backward glance, Luke ordered Storm to be brought forward. He ordered a dozen men to accompany him while a handful of men were left behind to clean up the remains of the fallen knight.

  Chapter Twenty

  Buttercup raced wildly through the villeins and knights waiting to move in through the main city gate, past the portcullis, then across the sweet grassy meadow. Gillian could feel her mare’s strong muscles contract under her legs and next to her cheek. Buttercup attempted to run along the edge of the woods, but Gillian's efforts forced the mare to enter the forest path. Soon they would be hidden in the dense cover of the forest where she had tried hiding before.

  New waves of convulsive sobs tore out of her still tight lungs. So many memories dashed through her mind. Threats and betrayals by her family drove a piercing pain deep in her heart. Fears of being hurt or rejected flared intensely. At the moment, no one could be counted as a friend. Luke was honorable and trustworthy, but her love for him was splitting her heart apart. How could she safely say that he truly cared. It seemed clear that he cared little for her. Every time they became close, he found some way to put distance between them. That could not be the action of a man in love. She wasn’t sure any more whether men could really love at all.