Ruth A. Casie

  “Soon, m’lady, the advance guard just arrived. His Majesty is only a half day away.”

  Lisbeth rushed down the stairs and found a team of men gathered around Alex. The lilt of their voices and hearty laughter made her pause. For a moment her anger faded when she noted the delight on Alex’s face. A sense of relief caught her by surprise. She had no idea where he had spent the night and at the moment she didn’t care. His smile turned to contempt when he looked up and observed her staring at him. Worse, he dismissed her with a turn of his head. Humiliated at his rejection, she slipped past the crowd and headed for the kitchen.

  “Oh, no you don’t. You come back here.” A man looking a bit like Alex grabbed her hand. “Where do you think you’re going?” He led her back to the others.

  “Good day, m’lady.” One of the other men broke away from the crowd. He winked at her and gave her a deep courtier’s bow.

  Her bewildered look brightened when she recognized them. They were Alex’s brothers. She dipped a short polite curtsy. A smile slipped out across her face. “Good day to you, m’lords. It is good to see you again,”

  “Perfect.” A second man bowed. “Alex, who is this beauty?” Yet another man, this one taller and a bit more worldly looking, stepped forward.

  “This can’t be Lisbeth? We haven’t seen you since…” Edwin turned pale.

  “No, I haven’t been to court since Richard died. I thought it would go unnoticed.”

  Edwin’s color returned. “You and your sister were our best audience.” They both laughed at the thought.

  “Ah, here come the Stelton Ladies!” said Fayne.

  Lisbeth watched as four women, all achatter, came through the castle door. She noticed that Ann already had workers outside handling the baggage.

  “Don’t crowd her.” Lady Celeste joined them.

  “Mother.” The men abandoned Lisbeth and, with their wives, gathered around Celeste. One by one Celeste gave each her hand followed by a tight squeeze.

  *

  “Come here and greet our hostess and your—”

  “Sister,” said Alex.

  Celeste approached Lisbeth and whispered in her ear. “Be brave. They are really harmless.” She straightened up so everyone would hear her. “This is almost like reviewing the troops.” A soft rumble of laughter echoed in the hall. The men stood in a line in birth order, as was their custom, with their wives at their side. “Here are Geoffrey and Jasmine, Bennett and Joanna, Damian, Edwin and Margery, and Fayne and Aldith.”

  “Where’s Cameron?” asked Alex who had been standing silently behind her.

  “Cameron,” said Fayne indicating the vacant space where his younger brother should be standing, “is accompanying the king’s party.”

  “We’re only a half day ahead of the king.” chimed in Damian.

  “His Majesty sent us on ahead to get us out of his hair.” Edwin came forward and took Lisbeth’s hand. “I am pleased to welcome you to the family.” He brushed her knuckles with his lips.

  Edwin’s advance appeared to be a signal for the others to crowd around her for the more casual family greeting. She looked at each one’s face and registered the sincerity.

  “You’ll scare her off,” insisted Celeste. “Come with me and greet your father.”

  “Scare her off? Not likely, Mother. After all, she’s Alex’s wife. He wouldn’t let her get far,” said Bennett.

  The men and their wives, all talking at once, followed a very proud Celeste into the Great Hall and left Alex with Lisbeth standing by themselves.

  She couldn’t read the expression on her husband’s face but thought it cold and forbidding. Neither of them moved. Her head turned toward the Great Hall at the sound of laughter. It was Alex’s hall now. She was an outsider in her own home. Over the past few days, smiles lit up people’s faces. If happiness was lost to her at least the others would not suffer.

  He held out his arm to escort her in.

  Tentatively she placed her hand on his, straightened up and entered the Great Hall. The king would arrive this afternoon. Now that the marriage had been consummated, annulment was not an option. Perhaps they could live separately. She could return to the lodge or, if Alex claimed it, perhaps Jamie and Laura would take her in. She walked in on his arm and faced her husband’s family, relieved with the thought she had alternatives.

  *

  By midday Lisbeth stood on the steps with Alex. His hand rested possessively on her shoulder. They waited for the king, who had already entered the lower village gate.

  His Majesty rode his white stallion in front of the royal carriage. The rest of his entourage followed some distance behind. He came through the bailey and halted in front of his host and hostess. Cheers for His Highness rang out through the throng. His delight at his subjects’ adoration was visible on his face. Finally, he dismounted and climbed the steps. When he reached the porch, a hushed silence overtook the crowd. The crush of people in the bailey bowed like a great tidal wave.

  “Sire, welcome to Glen Kirk. I hope your trip was uneventful.”

  “It was. Thank goodness for your family or I would have died of boredom. They kept me entertained most of the way.”

  Alex motioned Lisbeth to come forward. “Sire, may I present my wife, Lady Lisbeth Stelton, daughter of the late Lord and Lady Reynolds.”

  Lisbeth looked at the ground and gave an elegant curtsy. Her mother’s words, the king must never know, echoed in her head.

  Alex held her elbow and raised her up. The king took her hand. “Well, well, Lisbeth. You’ve grown into a beauty. If I wasn’t in love with my queen I would have saved you for myself.”

  She felt Alex’s hand tighten on her elbow. “You jest, sire,” she said with a nervous smile.

  The king whispered in her ear. “Only to see the scowl on Alex’s face. How I enjoy tormenting him.”

  “Come, sire, refreshments and Lord and Lady Stelton await you inside,” she said.

  Lisbeth stepped away but Edward snagged her hand. “I will escort you, m’lady.” As he led her inside, he bent his head toward her. “Does he stand there with his mouth gaping like a big fish?”

  She stole a glance at her husband. “Sire, surely you don’t want him to suffer the entire time you’re here?” She felt the tug of a smile at her lips.

  “No, certainly not.” He straightened with an angelic look on his face. “He’s so, so rigid.” He gave her hand a squeeze. She turned to face him. “But I’ve given you to the best man I’ve got. I didn’t send you a protector when I sent you Alex. I sent you a true guardian. Your parents would be pleased.”

  Her step faltered and she stared at the king in shock.

  “Don’t look so surprised. It was something long in the making. I had hoped that Wesley had told you. After your brother’s death your father and mother knew that Glen Kirk needed to be secure. Your parents were quite insistent on Alex, and I agreed.

  “Neither of them said anything to me, sire.”

  “It appears they didn’t say anything to Alex either,” said the king.

  “Sire.” Lady Celeste bowed deeply before the king.

  “Ah, Lady Celeste.” He dropped Lisbeth’s hand. “You will excuse me.” He gave Celeste his full attention. “Walk with me, madam.” They moved on to greet the others.

  Lisbeth stood there, unable to move.

  “You’re enjoying His Majesty?” Alex came up beside her. He didn’t look at her, but instead followed the king with his eyes.

  “I don’t remember him being humorous.” Her voice was quiet.

  “Yes, he’s been told of some success in Wales. He may reactivate my old regiment. I may leave for Wales shortly.”

  “You would leave Glen Kirk?” Her heart dropped at the thought.

  “His Majesty discussed it with me before I left London. Once the raiders are eliminated I will take my men to Wales.” He still stared at the king’s back.

  She’d never thought he would leave. A flash of grief ripped through her
but she was distracted by a commotion behind them. A man, his brother Cameron she thought, entered the Great Hall with a woman. They appeared to be the center of attention.

  “Who is that woman?”

  Alex looked at the pair and turned to Lisbeth. “My brother Cameron and Lady Barbara Kincaid.”

  He schooled his face well but not well enough. She imagined she saw passion in his eyes. So, Lady Barbara still held his heart. “I’m certain His Majesty will accommodate you. He’s a great supporter of yours. After all, he did award you Glen Kirk, and me. I’m certain when you leave he can easily give us both to someone else.” She turned on her heel and steered herself away from him.

  *

  Alex stood there stunned. “Lisbeth…”

  “Alex, come quickly. His Majesty is asking for you.” Damian tugged at his sleeve. “He’s called for you twice.”

  “Yes, I’m coming.” He glanced and watched her climb the stairs. She turned in time to catch his eye. Her face was emotionless. She cared so little.

  He had pictured this day so differently. The Great Hall filled with courtiers, his family and the king. In his mind’s eye he saw people clamoring for his attention and listening to every word he spoke. He looked at the empty staircase. There was nothing he could do. How would he fix it with Lisbeth? Not her rejection, but what he had done to her. The misery of knowing the pain he’d caused was a heavy weight on his chest.

  “Alex, he’s waiting,” called Damian from the door.

  Alex put on a smile. “I’m coming,” he said and stepped into the room more confident then he felt.

  “Alex, there you are.” The king approached him. “Is there somewhere we can speak privately?”

  Alex brought the king into his library and closed the door.

  “Sire. About Wales, I’d like to speak to you about reinstating my commission.”

  The king stroked his chin. “Actually, Alex, that is why I wanted to speak with you. I have other plans for you. I’ve installed many Englishmen in the Welsh houses. I must focus on Scotland. With the ending of the Scottish royal line, succession needs to be established. Their council asked me to arbitrate the successor. I must in order to ensure England’s safety. I need you and your skills with the Scots. You must stay here. Are you sorry you won our bet?” The king’s expression softened. “I thought you would think yourself the luckiest man to win such coveted prizes, Glen Kirk and Lady Lisbeth.”

  “Yes, sire, I am most grateful.” He bowed graciously.

  He nudged Alex. “Cheer up. Marriage is to be enjoyed.”

  “Yes, sire, to be enjoyed.”

  “And do you get along with your highland brother-in-law?”

  “Sire?”

  “Jamie Collins, man. I thought you two would get along well. Wesley spoke of him often. He is loyal and trustworthy. Come, it’s time to join the others. I’m much relieved that Glen Kirk is under your control.” Edward led the way to the Hall.

  Alex walked by his side and right into Lady Barbara.

  “Alex.” She greeted him cordially.

  “Lady Barbara.” He gave her the obligatory bow. “If you will excuse me.” He turned to leave.

  “Alex, wait, I want to talk to you.” She reached out for his sleeve.

  “Alex, you cannot kiss the bride.” Cameron walked up to them.

  Alex was livid. He pulled his brother out of the room by his tunic.

  “I don’t expect to be humiliated by my own brother in my own home,” he said through clenched teeth.

  Cameron looked perplexed. Barbara appeared at Cameron’s side. She loosened Alex’s hands from Cameron’s tunic.

  “No, dear, it’s alright,” said Cameron.

  Alex dropped his hands.

  “It was a bad choice of words on my part.” Cameron adjusted his clothes

  It was Alex’s turn to be baffled.

  Cameron took a calming breath and put his arm around Barbara. “Alex, Barbara accepted my proposal last week. We’re to be married.”

  Alex looked from one to the other in disbelief. Betrayed. Fury almost choked him. How could Cameron…

  “Don’t judge me until you’ve heard me out,” said Cameron, his hand raised to stop his brother.

  Alex wasn’t surprised Cameron knew his thoughts. Alex immediately locked down his feelings and cleared any emotion from his face. It was a military tactic that served him well—in front of the enemy. “Go on.”

  “It was wonderful when you and Cameron first came to court all those years ago and the three of us spent our days together,” said Barbara.

  Alex turned his attention to Barbara. He didn’t miss this brother’s pleading look or that Barbara stood in the protective circle of Cameron’s arm.

  “We did everything together.”

  Alex’s anger subsided and his racing blood slowed. Those days had been innocent and carefree. Much had changed since then.

  “I enjoyed being with both of you, but it was Cameron that I wanted.” She gave Cameron a tentative look. He responded with an encouraging nod. She went on. “You always had a way of directing the conversation. Do you remember how you used to finish Cameron’s sentences? I found it odd that you knew your brother so well.”

  Of course he knew his brother well. Cameron wasn’t the only one. All his brothers did it one time or another—usually as an annoyance. He was just better at it than the others.

  “When you spoke to me in the garden,” continued Barbara, “and you spoke of the future I thought you spoke for Cameron. I was so excited. All I could think of was Cameron. When you finally declared yourself for me I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “You ran.”

  “I did what?” She was clearly startled.

  “You looked at me with terror in your eyes as if I had just asked you to do the most forbidden thing. You stumbled at saying something. Then you turned, picked up your hem, and ran to the palace.”

  “Oh, Alex.” She reached to touch his arm. “I didn’t give a thought about you. I was so busy being distraught.”

  “I got over it.”

  “Alex, there’s no need to make this more difficult,” said Cameron.

  Alex registered the concern in Cameron’s eyes.

  Barbara placed a steadying hand on Cameron’s arm. “That’s all right, Cameron.” She stepped closer to Alex. “That night I sought advice from my sister. I thought as one of the queen’s ladies she would give me good counsel. I made the mistake of speaking to her in front of the other women. They magnified everything I said and twisted it into something that had no semblance of the gentle words you spoke or sincerity in your heart. The next morning I was mortified to hear their interpretation of our story and that it had become fodder for the court. I tried to reach you but I couldn’t find you anywhere. When I learned you were leaving I rushed to the gate only to see you and Cameron ride off with the regiment.”

  He saw the truth in her eyes. If he was truthful with himself he had to admit that his proposal all those years ago was foolish.

  “Alex, I lost you both that day. I have regretted my actions ever since. When I saw you back in court, you made every effort to stay away. I wanted to explain it all to you but you avoided me. When Edward told me about the proxy wedding, I thought it my chance to speak to you. I volunteered to stand in as your wife. I had hoped to reconcile. I never thought they would taunt you so.”

  “When you asked me to take care of things when you left,” said Cameron. “I listened to her and heard her sincerity. We’ve spent the last weeks together and renewed our friendship. We love each other, Alex.” He turned to his fiancée. “Barbara, let me speak to Alex alone.”

  Barbara nodded and stepped back into the Great Hall.

  The brothers walked onto the porch. “Alex, you confessed to me long ago you didn’t take offense at Barbara’s refusal. It was the public embarrassment that offended you. I ask that you forgive her. Her intent was never to hurt or humiliate you.”

  “I
t’s a relief to know the truth. It will take time to heal this wound. I’ve picked it open time and time again.” He clapped his brother on the back. “I wish you and Barbara every joy.” He eagerly embraced his brother. “Let’s go find your fiancée and some wine. We should celebrate your good fortune.”

  The men started back into the Great Hall. Peter passed them rushing toward the kitchen with a pile of linen in his arms.

  “Peter, what happened to your face?” Alex bent down and took the boy’s chin to get a better look at the bruise on his cheek.

  Peter smiled widely. “Gareth told me to duck. I should have listened.”

  “I’m certain you will the next time. Go along,” said Alex.

  *

  The raw, cold day progressed. People poured into the village for a glimpse of their king. Alex watched how Lisbeth directed the activities and made certain the king and their other guests had everything they wanted.

  “Gareth, you look handsome in your dress uniform,” said Lisbeth.

  “Thank you, m’lady.”

  “Are those the gloves Mother gave you?”

  “My uniform is not complete without them. They are a cherished gift. She embroidered my initials on the cuff.” As they walked over to the king, he showed her the small white stitches on the white gloves.

  Bryce, with his father and men, sauntered in. “Sire.” They bowed. “It’s good to see you.”

  “And you, Bryce. Ramon.” Edward acknowledged them with a nod.

  The king moved through the crowded room.

  “A moment, Bryce.”

  Bryce followed Alex into the library.

  Alex noticed his friend’s battle face. It was a look that gave nothing away. “As a good host I ask if your rooms are comfortable.”

  Bryce dipped his head. His face was still impassable.

  “As a husband I ask, why was Lisbeth at Ravencroft?”

  “She helped me with my wound and saw me to Ravencroft.”

  “Was she seeking sanctuary?”

  Bryce chuckled. “You should have seen your face. I don’t know when I’ve seen you more furious. I wasn’t certain whether you were angry at Lisbeth or me.”

  Alex stood and waited. He had on his own battle face.

  “No, Alex, she never said the words. I’ve gotten the feeling over the last weeks that she needed to be protected.”