Midway through the festivities, two villagers produced a drum and pipe. A space magically cleared in the middle of the hall to allow couples to sway to the music.
Once Lily and Ranulf decided to leave, they were met with some good-hearted ribbing. The bride’s face flushed red at the explicit instructions the village men gave Ranulf. The groom assured them their instructions were not needed.
Having sensed the excitement of the adults around him, Colwyn had taken to running around the hall. No one complained when he went from one to table to the next. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a sweet. The dancing continued.
Ariel happily sat next to her father, tapping her foot to the music. Colwyn had finally fallen asleep and had been put into Broc’s bed. She was free to enjoy herself without having to chase after her son. She rubbed her aching back as she watched the dancers. Broc danced with his mother. He had sat away from her all evening. She had felt him watching her, but every time she looked up he had already turned away.
The feast was still in full swing when Ariel decided she had had enough. She covered a yawn with her hand before she leaned close to her father and told him she was going to retire. Nodding, he helped her to stand.
Ariel slowly walked to the back of the hall to Broc’s chamber to collect Colwyn. It would be a shame to wake him, but she could not count on anyone hearing him if he cried. After quietly opening the door, she tiptoed into the chamber.
Colwyn slept in the middle of his father’s bed. His knees were drawn up under him with his bottom stuck in the air. Ariel could not help but smile. How he slept through all the noise coming from the hall was beyond her.
Ariel reached for Colwyn. Before she could lift him, someone came up behind her, close enough for her to feel the heat from his body seep into hers. Broc had followed her into the chamber.
“Leave him, Ariel. He is sleeping peacefully.”
“I wish to retire. Someone needs to be near in case Colwyn should awake.”
“Then sleep here with him.”
Ariel shook her head. “I could not do that. Where would you sleep?”
Broc waved away her question. “Do not worry about me. You are tired. Lie down and sleep. You look ready to drop where you are standing.”
Ariel stifled another yawn. “It is the babe. It drains me so, especially near the end. It was the same with Colwyn.”
Broc took her by the shoulders and pushed Ariel to sit on the bed. He took off her slippers. Before he left, he brushed a quick kiss across her lips. Stunned, she pressed her fingers to her mouth. The feel of his mouth on hers lingered. The sensation was still there when she finally allowed herself to lie beside her sleeping son.
Chapter Twenty-Three
In the morning, she awakened to find Broc beside the bed, watching her sleep. No emotion showed on his face. She could not tell if he was pleased or displeased with her. He just stood there.
The sheets rustled beside her, making her aware of Colwyn’s wakefulness. He saw his father and gurgled happily. Broc bent and picked up Colwyn.
He immediately grimaced. “It would seem someone has a very wet bottom.”
Ariel lifted herself onto her elbows and struggled to get out of bed. “Give him to me. I will change him.”
Broc gently pushed her back down. “Rest. I had lots of practice when you were gone. Colwyn slept with me on a regular basis. Most mornings he woke up in this condition.”
He opened the chest at the end of the bed and then pulled out a clean changing cloth. He went to a table that held a pitcher of water and soaked the cloth. Coming back to the bed, he lay Colwyn down and proceeded to change his son’s bottom. Ariel was pleasantly surprised.
After Colwyn was once again dry, Broc picked him up. “I will feed him, if my mother allows me to, that is. Sleep as long as you wish. I will see you in the hall after you have rested a bit more.”
So a truce began. With Lily gone to London with Ranulf, Broc stepped in to help Ariel, though at times he had to fight his mother to gain his son’s attention. It turned out Lord Eustance could be just as determined as his wife. Many times he would sneak Colwyn away from Ariel, leaving the other two empty-handed.
The three St. Ceneris provided Ariel and her father with a vast amount of entertainment. Swein would burst into laughter at the sight of Lord Eustance holding Colwyn, trying to sneak past his wife before she noticed what he carried. Most of the time he would make it past her, but not all. Once Lady Mary spotted him, he would hold Colwyn close and take off at a run. Lady Mary could be seen running through the village with her skirts hiked to her ankles, chasing her husband.
On one such occasion Broc was with Ariel. He laughed along with her at his parents’ antics. He snaked out his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. He pulled her close against his side. It was the first time in a very long time he had held her like that, displaying any kind of affection. Much to her disappointment he did not hold her very long. He stiffened and then withdrew.
Not wanting Broc to see how much she would have liked for him to hold her again, Ariel turned away to look for his parents. She noticed something had stopped their play. She looked past them and sucked in her breath with surprise. It explained Broc’s reaction. Two people walked toward them from the direction of the main hall. It was Lisette and Geoffrey.
Ariel was happy to see them, but their presence at Elmstead would only destroy what little closeness she had found with Broc. She could only hope he would be able to forget the past, but it was obvious he was not willing to let it lie. He curled his lip in disgust and walked away.
Ariel pasted on a smile and went to greet the new arrivals. Broc’s parents had already introduced themselves. “Lisette, Geoffrey, I am glad you decided to come.”
Lisette kissed Ariel on the cheek. “I promised I would come when your time drew near.”
Hesitantly, Geoffrey kissed her on the cheek as well. His gaze shifted to Lord Eustance. He appeared as if he expected some retaliation brought on by his actions.
Lady Mary chuckled. “Have no fear, young man. My husband and I do not share the same point of view as our son.”
“I must admit I was a little worried about how well our visit would be received. If Broc’s leave-taking is any indication, I assume he still does not think too highly of me.”
Ariel was not going to lie to Geoffrey. “He still believes the babe is yours, and William did nothing to alleviate the problem. He forced Broc to marry me when we reached London.”
A look of pity crossed his face. “I am so sorry, Ariel. I wish I had never laid eyes on Theodoric.”
“Enough of this talk,” Lady Mary interrupted. “There is no point in dwelling on what could have been. What is done is done. Have you met our grandson?” Before Lord Eustance could protest, Lady Mary took Colwyn from his arms.
Lord Eustance moved to reclaim his grandson, but Lady Mary was quicker. She stepped out of her husband’s reach, picked up her skirts, and hurriedly walked away. Lord Eustance went after her. Lady Mary shrieked and took off at a run while her husband gave chase.
At Lisette’s and Geoffrey’s shocked expressions, she giggled. “Never mind them. They do that on a regular basis. It is a game they play. They take great joy in vying for the right to have Colwyn. You will get used to it.”
* * * *
The once fragile peace shattered with the de la Roches’ arrival. Geoffrey and Lisette stayed with Ariel and her father. There was no question of them staying in the main hall. Whenever Broc came anywhere near Geoffrey, he looked ready to kill him.
What little ground Ariel had managed to gain with Broc, she lost. He no longer came to see Colwyn. His mother and father had to bring his son to him. The looks Broc sent Ariel’s way were far from warm. They were as frigid as a cold winter day. A week went by and his facade of indifference never faltered. Her hopes of having a real marriage died a silent death.
* * * *
For late September, the day was pleasant. It seemed summer made one l
ast valiant attempt to hold back the cool autumn weather, but it would be a losing battle. Broc was in the yard with his father. They each stood next to their horses as they prepared to leave. Bows and arrows hung from their saddles. Ariel assumed they were going hunting.
After taking a deep breath, she confronted Broc. “I would like a word with you.”
Broc did not bother to turn his head. “Can it not wait? I am going hunting with my father.”
“Nay.” Ariel looked at Lord Eustance. “You do not mind if I borrow Broc for a moment?” Smiling, he led his horse a short distance away.
With eyes that blazed, Broc turned on Ariel. “What can be so important you must interfere with my plans for the day?”
After being ignored for days, Ariel’s anger flared to life. “It is important to me,” she said sharply. “It has to do with your attitude toward me. I am your wife. Could you at least give me a modicum of respect?”
“Not likely when you persist on having that man sleep under your roof.”
“His wife is with him. What do you think is going on?”
“Oh, I do not know. Maybe he would like to sample your wares again.”
A resounding crack echoed through the yard as Ariel’s palm connected with Broc’s cheek. “How dare you insinuate I would break my marriage vows to you. If you think any man would find me appealing while I am fat with your babe, you must be blind.”
There was an imprint of her hand on his face. Broc rubbed it. “He had you once. He might want you again.”
“Unlike you.” Ariel could not resist making that barbed remark. “You had me once, but now you avoid me at all costs. Fine, I give up. Have it your way. I only thought of Colwyn. When he is old enough to understand, you can explain to him why his father hates his mother so.”
Ariel swung away from Broc. She was not going to waste any more time on him. She was tired. Cramps had plagued her off and on since she had woken up this morning. As she took a step away from him, a shooting pain raced across her stomach. A moment later, a gush of warm liquid followed by another sharp pain. Unable to hold back, a moan escaped her lips. She clutched her belly and gasped. The pains came fast, not giving her much time in between before another hit her.
After the third, she noticed Broc was in front of her with concern etched on his face. “Ariel?”
“The babe has decided now would be a good time for it to come into the world.” Moaning, another pain hit her. This one stronger than the last.
Broc picked up Ariel and yelled at his father. “Go to the village and get the healer. Find Mother and tell her Ariel has need of her.” Lord Eustance left at a run.
Broc kicked open the door to the smaller hall. Lady Mary sat inside, visiting Lisette, Geoffrey, and her father. Ever observant, Lady Mary quickly assessed the situation and took control.
“Take her into her chamber. Geoffrey, fetch the healer.”
Broc shook his head. “No need, Mother. I sent Father for her.”
“Good lad. Lisette, come with us. I will need your help.”
Once in the chamber, Broc laid Ariel on her bed. He backed away to allow his mother to take his place. The two women started to remove Ariel’s gown.
Ariel held out her hand and called to him. “Stay. I want you here. Please.”
Broc stepped away. “Do not ask this of me.”
Ariel’s eyes begged him. “Please.”
“Nay.”
A pain overtook Ariel, causing her to gasp. “Then get out. I do not need you. I hate you.” The last part she yelled at his back before he closed the door behind him.
* * * *
After giving a final push, Ariel’s child slid from her body. The sound of a newborn’s cries filled the chamber. She collapsed onto the pillows and closed her eyes. Though her labor had not been long, she was glad to have it over.
Ariel opened her eyes and found Lady Mary hovering nearby with a mewling bundle in her arms. “Here is your daughter, love. She is beautiful.”
She accepted the bundle and stared at the new life she had created. She was indeed perfect. She kissed the velvety soft cheek before she passed her daughter back to Lady Mary.
“Take her to Broc. He needs to know how much of a fool he has been. You can tell the high and mighty lord I would rather walk over hot coals in bare feet before I have any intention of seeing him again.”
It was no secret that Lady Mary was not at all pleased with her son’s behavior, either. She nodded. “With pleasure.”
* * * *
Broc had finally stopped his pacing once the cries of a babe came from Ariel’s chamber. His mother stepped out with a well-wrapped bundle in her arms. He felt uneasy. His mother was not happy, and her anger seemed to be solely directed at him.
Without asking permission, Lady Mary placed the bundle into his arms. “It is a girl. Look at her.”
Obediently, Broc looked down. The first thing he noticed was the tufts of blonde hair that appeared almost white, so much like Ariel’s own. The little face tugged at his heart. He had never been this close to a newborn child. He was amazed at how small she seemed. Her hands were tiny with perfectly-shaped fingers. Tentatively, he touched a small fist. It opened and then she clasped his finger. He smiled at the strength one so small could display.
The child’s eyes had been closed, but they opened and looked up at him. He gasped. Gold eyes stared back at him. It had the same effect as having a fist slammed into his belly. Ariel had not been lying. This was his daughter.
Feeling knocked off kilter, he looked at his mother. “How fares Ariel?”
“She is fine. I have never seen a woman have such an easy time of it.”
“Can I see her now?”
His mother shook her head. “Nay.”
“Then when?”
“Ariel does not want to see you.”
Broc could understand Ariel not wanting to see him, but it did not make it hurt any less. “I know I was wrong.”
“Aye, you were wrong, but that does not make it right, either. What could you have been thinking? I am afraid you pushed Ariel too far this time. You have lost her, and maybe for good. To be honest, if it had been me, I would have had nothing to do with you long before now.”
His mother meant every word. It was he who had been in the wrong. “I know how much of an ass I have been. There is no need to tell me, Mother, but this is my daughter. She changes everything.”
“How stupid can you be? You called Ariel a liar and insinuated she was a whore for allowing another man take her. Would you have been happier if you found her beaten and broken?”
He was not very proud of himself at that moment. “Of course not. How I treated Ariel was unconscionable. I just could not seem to stop myself. Every time I picture her in Geoffrey’s arms my blood boils. I hate myself for it. I need to ask her for forgiveness, to see if we can start over.”
The baby squirmed. She turned her head and nuzzled Broc’s chest with her open mouth. When she did not find what she sought, she whimpered.
“Give me the babe. I have to take her to Ariel. She needs to be fed.”
Reluctantly, Broc handed his daughter to his mother. “Please talk to her. I never really stopped loving her, regardless of what I might have said. I want us to be a real family.”
Sighing, Lady Mary nodded. “I will try, but do not expect much. At least wait until tomorrow. She just gave you a daughter. Let her rest.”
“Fine. One more thing. Do you know if Ariel has chosen a name for our daughter?”
His mother shook her head. “She has not said anything about a name that I know of.”
“Ask her if she would not mind calling the baby Brianna.”
Lovingly caressing Broc’s cheek, his mother smiled. “It suits her. A pretty name for a pretty girl. I will suggest it to Ariel.”
* * * *
The next day found Ariel up and out of bed. Her labor had not been too strenuous, and the thought of lying around all day held no appeal. She put away her gowns
and again wore her tunics and trews.
Against her better judgment, Ariel had allowed Lady Mary to talk her into seeing Broc that day. Her mother-in-law could be a very convincing woman when she set her mind to it. What had finally brought Ariel around had been Lady Mary telling her how guilty Broc felt over his past actions, and how he wanted to try to make a fresh start. Ariel had no intention of forgiving him that easily, but she was interested in seeing what he would do. He had yet to arrive.
Ariel spent a peaceful morning with her father and Colwyn. The baby had been asleep in her cradle near the hearth, but she now made fussing noises. Her daughter was in need of feeding. She spent a great deal of time eating and keeping Ariel awake half the night.
Colwyn, who had taken an instant liking to his sister, rushed to the cradle. He placed his small hands on the side of it, bent down, and gurgled something to the baby. The new face above her distracted her for only a moment. Once it became apparent Colwyn would not be feeding her, the baby let out a hearty wail. The stricken look on Colwyn’s face made Ariel laugh. She held out her arms and gathered Colwyn close when he came to her. Swein picked up the baby. Her cries stopped once she was held.
Ariel kissed Colwyn. “Give your sister a few months, then she will be able to play with you.” As if he had understood, Colwyn clapped.
The baby let loose with another earsplitting wail. Swein cringed. “I think you had better feed this one before she brings the hall down around us with her cries.”
“Aye, she really does have a good set of lungs.” She released Colwyn and then took the baby from her father. Swein grabbed Colwyn by the hand before he left Ariel alone.
Ariel unlaced the collar of her tunic and then pulled it down, releasing her breast. Eagerly the baby latched on and sucked. Ariel relaxed as her head fell against the back of her chair. The heat from the fire washed over her, making her drowsy. Her eyes fluttered closed.
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