Heart of Honor (Knights of Honor Book 5)

by Alexa Aston

  Alys entered the room at that moment and wrinkled her brow, her look questioning their peals of laughter echoing throughout the room.

  His mother held out a hand. Alys came and took it.

  “My son tells me he loves you, Lady Alys. And because he does, I do, as well.” She pulled Alys close and kissed her cheek. With a mischievous look in her eye, Berengaria asked, “So when is the wedding?

  *

  A sennight passed, and Kit was delighted that his mother grew visibly stronger. She partook of the herbs Alys gave her in tinctures and hot water and ate everything put before her. She left her sickbed after only two days and returned to most of her duties around the keep. Each passing day seemed to bring a happier look to her appearance. She already treated Alys as the daughter she never had and the two seemed thicker than thieves.

  He showed Alys around Brentwood’s lands, having them ride the perimeter of the estate so that she could see its scope. He decided to wait for her to meet their workers until they had wed. He longed for the time when he could introduce her to the world as his wife. She agreed when he suggested the marriage take place soon. Because of his mother’s rapid recovery, they would leave in the morning for Kinwick. The women packed upstairs while Kit readied a missive to be sent to his father in London, informing him that he would marry Alys de Montfort in a month’s time. Kit only agreed to wait that long because his future bride wanted to send word to all of her extended family so that they could plan to attend. He looked forward to meeting more of her relatives and becoming a part of those she held dear.

  Kit shared with her that he doubted his father would take time away from court to attend their nuptial mass, but he aimed to be a dutiful son, which was why he now composed a missive to send to London.

  Dawkin knocked at the open door. He looked up and motioned the steward into the room.

  “Your father approaches, my lord. I thought you would wish to know.”

  As usual, Godwin Emory gave no warning of his return. He so rarely came home to Brentwood that Kit had a hard time picturing him within the walls of the keep. He couldn’t remember the last time his father had been at the estate.

  “Give me a few minutes in which to greet my father and speak with him privately, then inform my mother and Lady Alys of his arrival,” he instructed.

  Kit pushed aside the parchment and ink. He wanted to apprise his father of his upcoming marriage before he introduced him to Alys. At least by his unexpected visit, his father would meet Alys in the flesh. Godwin would also know Lord Geoffrey from the nobleman’s recent trip to court to discuss the truce with the king and his advisers. Between that and meeting Alys, Kit hoped his father would know what a wise choice he had made in his bride-to-be.

  Kit left the room and hurried outside in order to meet his father as he rode in. As he reached the inner bailey, Kit heard the thundering of hooves and knew arrival was imminent. A large group of twenty horsemen or more rounded the corner, and he picked out his father at once since the man headed the party. Kit hid the shock he felt as the horses stopped in front of him.

  His father, riding on his usual dappled gray mount, was visibly ill. He rushed to help him from the saddle. As Kit stood next to him, his father seemed to have shriveled in height. He was gaunt. His hair had thinned. He seemed unsteady on his feet. He looked nothing like the man Kit had seen in London merely a few weeks ago.

  Immediately, he thought that Alys could determine what was wrong and help him. If she could, that would endear her to her future father-in-law.

  “We weren’t expecting you, Father,” he said. “It’s good to see you again so soon after our last encounter.”

  The nobleman began to wheeze and couldn’t catch his breath. Without warning, deep, harsh coughs began to rack Godfrey’s thin frame. Kit pounded his father’s back as Godfrey brought a discolored rag to his face and spit into it. He quickly folded it and slipped it into a pocket. A sliver of fear cut into Kit. He’d never been close with his father, but he had never wished the man ill. With the speed that his appearance had changed and the sound of his lungs, Kit feared Alys would not be able to provide a lasting cure.

  His father finally ceased coughing. He swallowed and said, “I have a surprise for you, Christopher.”

  Warning bells sounded within Kit’s head. Usually, his father ignored him. He had never once, in all these years, given his son a gift, much less presented Kit with some surprise.

  “What do you mean?” he asked cautiously.

  The Baron of Brentley turned, his hand sweeping in a grand gesture.

  Kit’s eyes followed and landed upon a beautiful woman in the saddle atop a coal black horse. Large, brown eyes dominated her oval face. Her hair was as dark as that of the horse she rode. Full lips called out to be kissed. She was one of the most stunning women Kit had ever seen.

  “Meet your future wife.” His father motioned, and a soldier helped the woman from the saddle.

  She walked slowly to them, her face a blank. If anything, an air of great sadness hung about her. She came and stood before him.

  Stunned, Kit could only look at her. In the past, her type of beauty would have appealed to him. He would have bedded her more than once before moving on, but now his heart belonged to another. He must put an end to this at once.

  “Lady Thea was recently widowed,” his father revealed. “Her husband died while fighting in France.”

  The widow met Kit’s eyes, a distant look on her face. She did not utter a word.

  He would not embarrass this stranger in front of such a large group. He would see her safely inside and draw his father aside before he explained to him that he already had chosen a new wife. Kit would make sure Lady Thea returned to London with her dignity intact.

  “Dawkin!” his father commanded. “See Lady Thea to our best guest chamber.”

  The steward looked stricken. Kit knew Dawkin had given Alys their best bedchamber when she arrived.

  “Take Lady Thea to the blue room to freshen up,” he told Dawkin, who looked visibly relieved at the command.

  The steward led the noblewoman away. Kit turned to his father. “We must speak privately, Father. ’Tis urgent.”

  “Then come to the solar.”

  “Nay.” He knew Alys would be there with his mother, helping her to pack for their trip to Kinwick. Kit wanted a chance to explain the situation to his father alone without the women being dragged into the matter.

  “Let us go to Dawkin’s records room instead,” Kit suggested.

  He watched his father take a few shaky steps. Kit took his father’s arm firmly, guiding Godfrey up the keep’s steps and into the small room just off the great hall. The older man collapsed into a chair, weariness hanging over him. Kit probably should see that food and drink were brought, but he didn’t want to delay the news he needed to share.

  “I can’t marry Lady Thea, Father.”

  The baron gave him a withering look. Kit had been the recipient of that look many times over the years. But this time was different. He was here as a grown man, ready to fight for the woman he loved.

  “You will marry her. I’ve already arranged things. The contracts have been signed.”

  “I signed no contracts!” Kit challenged, not hiding his anger.

  His father eyes narrowed. “’Twas done by proxy.”

  Kit started to protest, but his father raised his arm, palm facing out, as if to block any words that might be uttered.

  “Lady Thea is the daughter of a close associate of mine at court, a member of the king’s council. She is related through her marriage to the Duke of Lancaster.” His hand fell, and he sighed heavily. “The king and the Black Prince will soon be dead. That means Richard will be a boy king. And Lancaster, his uncle, will manage the throne until Richard comes of age.”

  “But—”

  “No buts, Christopher. I won’t tolerate another protest rising from your lips. Your marriage will help cement my position in the new court that comes to power. Your
own, as well. It will be a most favorable alliance between our families.”

  Incredulous, Kit stared at him. His father could barely stand. He wouldn’t live to see a new year, much less be a part of a new court and the power behind the throne. Still scheming, as he always had.

  “I refuse,” he said flatly. “I have found my own wife.”

  His father gave him a cold stare. “You will do as I say,” he ground out, one word at a time. “You will honor the betrothal contract.”

  Godwin stared at his son. “Or I will disinherit you.”

  Chapter 15

  Alys chatted happily with Lady Berengaria as they decided what the noblewoman should bring to Kinwick. She had gotten to know Kit’s mother well since her arrival at Brentwood and felt very comfortable in her future mother-in-law’s presence. Though Alys knew she would miss her parents and all those at Kinwick once she and Kit wed, she already looked upon Brentwood as her home. She couldn’t wait to start her new life here with her husband.

  Just the thought of Kit warmed her cheeks. She longed for the nights they would spend together in their bed. Though it had been less than a fortnight since their love play in the Kinwick stables, Alys daydreamed about it constantly. She wanted—no, needed—Kit’s touch. His hands on her. His mouth against hers. His member buried deep inside her.

  “I remember your sister is Nan and your twin brother is Ancel. But tell me your younger brothers’ names again. I want to make sure I know of everyone by the time we reach Kinwick.”

  Alys smiled at Lady Berengaria’s eagerness. The noblewoman had revealed that once she came to Brentwood, she’d never left the area. Her husband refused to bring her to the royal court in London, saying she was more valuable to him running the estate. She had remained all these years in one place, and her excitement grew as the time came close for their departure.

  “Hal is the elder of the two. He is a bright boy, full of mischief, but he has a good heart.”

  “He sounds much as my son.”

  She laughed. “I had not thought of that, but I do believe there are similarities between the two. Edward, named for our king, is the younger by two years. He is steadfast and loyal to his brother and follows him about as a puppy. They will be coming home for the summer from Winterbourne.”

  “And that is where your twin brother is a squire, correct?”

  Alys smiled. “You have an excellent memory, my lady.”

  Berengaria sighed. “There are still so many names to remember. Your cousins and their husbands. And their children. Your Uncle Hugh and his wife, Milla. I hope I can keep everyone straight.” She looked at Alys with apprehension. “I also hope they will like me.”

  “They most certainly will,” she assured. “They like your son, and you are even more impressive than he is.”

  “Alys, you tease me.”

  She bit back a smile. “Mayhap a little, my lady. But they will welcome you with open arms. I sent word to them that we are coming. You will have a month at Kinwick to settle in and get to know everyone before the wedding. I daresay you and Mother will get along best of all.”

  “Kit tells me your mother is most beautiful and quite independent. And that your father worships at her feet.”

  A wistful sigh escaped Alys’ lips. “Aye. Mother is the strongest, most capable woman I know. That’s why I think you will take to each other, for you are cut from the same cloth. Father is a most respected man. I admire that he treats Mother as his equal. Together, they have built a successful life. They share everything between them and are very much in love.”

  Lady Berengaria paused and set aside the surcoat she had folded. She came and placed her hands on Alys’ shoulders.

  “I see your marriage to my Kit will be modeled after your parents’ relationship. That makes me very happy.” The noblewoman kissed her cheek.

  She was moved by the gesture and embraced Berengaria. Though no one could ever replace her mother, Alys believed fortune now brought her a second mother in whom she could confide and be a true friend with.

  A knock sounded on the door. Alys stepped around the open trunk they were going to use and left the bedchamber to answer it.

  When she opened the door to the solar’s main room, she almost gasped. A woman of ethereal beauty stood in the corridor, dressed in the softest shade of blue. Alys stepped back to admit her and she seemed to glide through the entrance.

  Who was this noblewoman who swept in with a regal grace that rivaled that of Queen Philippa?

  The woman moved to Lady Berengaria, who emerged from the bedchamber. “Greetings, my lady. I wanted to introduce myself to you since I have only arrived at Brentwood with your lord husband from the royal court. I wanted to make the pleasure of your acquaintance. I am Lady Thea, here to marry your son.”

  Alys sucked in a quick breath. This woman’s words acted like a severe blow to Alys’ belly. Nausea filled her at the thought of Kit with this beauty.

  Lady Thea continued. “Lord Godwin shared with me how Sir Christopher lost his own wife a short time ago. I suffered my own spouse’s loss. My husband was killed fighting in the French war.” She paused. “My family and your husband believe our union will benefit all involved.”

  Lady Berengaria glanced to Alys, her eyes wide, her face stricken. Alys shook her head and mouthed, “Nay.” She wanted to speak to Kit first. She didn’t care to reveal their plans to this cool, assured beauty from court.

  Then Lady Thea turned and looked at her. “And who might you be?”

  Alys cleared her throat. “I have some skill as a healer, passed on to me from my mother. I came to help Lady Berengaria since she was doing poorly.”

  The newcomer turned back to Kit’s mother. “You have been ill, my lady? I would never have guessed, for you look the picture of health to me.”

  Berengaria said, “I recently suffered from several ailments. My son retrieved Lady Alys de Montfort to see to my needs. Under her care, I have swiftly improved and am back on my feet.”

  Lady Thea’s gaze returned to her. “Lady Alys?” She frowned, her brow wrinkling in thought. “Your name sounds familiar to me.” After a moment, she brightened. “Oh, I have heard of you in London. You were at court some years ago, were you not?”

  “Aye. I was in service to Queen Philippa for several years.”

  The noblewoman nodded in understanding. “People still speak of you and your healing ways, my lady. No wonder my betrothed sought you out.”

  The recent widow reached and took Alys’ hand, a genuine smile lighting her features. A knife twisted inside Alys, though she kept her face placid at their contact.

  “I must thank you for helping Sir Christopher’s lady mother recover.” Lady Thea’s sweet look of gratitude almost caused Alys to run from the room screaming. The day had turned into a nightmare.

  The solar door opened. A man Alys barely recognized as Godwin Emory entered. Not only had he aged horribly since she last saw him at Windsor Castle, but it was obvious he was quite ill. His ashen color and gaunt frame were far different from the memories of the robust man that she held.

  Kit followed closely on his father’s heels, a dark scowl on his face. His eyes found her and she saw anguish in them. The small hope Alys had held in her heart dissolved. She cast her eyes away.

  “Greetings, Wife,” the baron said, his voice thin. “I see you have met Lady Thea. She will be joining the Emory family soon.” His wintry smile did not reach his eyes. “This will be a strong political alliance for us. Christopher’s marriage to Lady Thea ensures the Emory influence will remain strong at court.” He looked to his son. “And the Duke of Lancaster has promised to find a place for Christopher.”

  Alys found her gaze drawn back to a stone-faced Kit. Her beloved’s eyes blazed in anger as he studied Godwin Emory at length.

  Suddenly, Lord Godwin barked at her. “Who might you be? You look familiar to me, my lady.”

  She gave him a small curtsey. “We met at court years ago, my lord. I am Alys de Montfort
of Kinwick, daughter of Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn.”

  “Lady Alys is a healer of some note,” interjected Berengaria. “Kit brought her to Brentwood since I had been ailing in recent weeks.”

  “Well, you look the same to me as always, Wife,” muttered Lord Godwin as he slid into a chair.

  Alys made her decision in that moment. “She is, my lord, which is why I plan to return home tomorrow morning. Would you be so good as to arrange a guard to escort me? The one which accompanied me to Brentwood is no longer here. I find that I am eager to return to my parents and Kinwick.”

  “If that is the case, would you care to spend some time with me before you go, Lady Alys?” asked Thea. “I would like to learn a bit from you about herbs. I fancy myself planting a small herb garden here at Brentwood.”

  Alys swallowed. “Of course. I can help you unpack your things. In fact, I know I was given the largest guest bedchamber during my stay. It should now be yours. We can have a servant remove my things and I will help you settle in there.”

  She linked a hand through the crook of Thea’s arm and looked to Berengaria. “If you will excuse us, my lady. I am sure you and your husband and son have much to discuss regarding his upcoming nuptials.”

  She led Thea from the solar. With every step away from Kit, her heart shattered into another piece. By the time they reached the corridor, Alys felt broken inside.

  *

  Alys spent the afternoon in Thea’s company. It hurt her to do so, but she didn’t trust being around Lady Berengaria, who would try to talk her out of leaving.

  And she certainly did not trust being in Kit’s presence. She wanted to avoid him at all cost. Already, the news of his unexpected betrothal had torn her asunder. Alys refused to add to her sorrow by speaking with him when nothing could be gained from their encounter. A betrothal was as good as being wed. Kit was a forbidden fruit which could never be sampled again.

  Surprisingly, Alys found that she liked Lady Thea as the day went on. The noblewoman was friendly once they were alone and confided to Alys that she had presented herself to Lady Berengaria full of confidence when she actually trembled inside.