by Connie Mason
"I have wealth and land, everything Falcon desires from a marriage," Rosamond purred. "He wanted me once, and now that I am available again, naught stands in the way Of a match between us."
"Why did the king not mention this to me before I left London?" Falcon wanted to know.
"Henry hadn't considered it until I approached him, but I believe he would have gotten around to seeing me as a mate for you sooner or later. He is newly returned to En-
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gland after a long absence and had more important things on his mind. Everyone knows he's been looking for an heiress for you to wed, so I reminded him that I am available and willing."
Falcon's eyes narrowed. "Are we to wed by the king's order?"
Rosamond hesitated.
"The truth, lady, for I have but to send a message to the king for verification."
Rosamond sighed. "Though he did not order us to wed, he hoped you would find the match appealing."
"So the choice is mine to make," Falcon said.
Rosamond smiled up at him, her eyes promising untold delights. "Aye, but I hope to convince you of the rightness of it. Do you remember how well we dealt with one another when we were betrothed?"
"Aye, I remember. But I also recall how quickly you wed another when I failed to show up for our wedding."
Rosamond shrugged. " 'Twas Papa's doing. When the search parties returned without you, we all assumed you were slain by bandits and eaten by wild animals. Sir Albert immediately offered for me. Papa deemed it a good match and saw no reason to wait. I had naught to say about it."
Falcon glanced at Mariah, saw her staring at Rosamond and wondered what she was thinking.
"I will have a chamber prepared for you, Lady Rosamond," Mariah said. "Is your stay to be a lengthy one?"
"That depends on Falcon," Rosamond purred. "If you have a resident priest, we can be wed immediately and leave Mildenhall for London to receive the king's blessing."
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Falcon did not answer immediately. He needed time to think before committing himself to Rosamond, even though marriage to the wealthy heiress would gain him everything he had ever desired. He would no longer be a landless knight. It was difficult to forget, however, that she had waited less than a fortnight after his supposed death to wed another.
"I need time to think," Falcon said.
Rosamond voiced her displeasure with Falcon's answer. "What is there to think about? The match is a good one." She turned her glittering gaze on Mariah. "What say you, Lady Mariah? Do you not agree with me? Falcon has made no secret of his desire to wed wealth and acquire land through his bride."
Mariah lifted her eyes to Falcon, eyes shadowed by an emotion Falcon found difficult to read. "Falcon is his own man. He will do as he wishes." She turned away. "Excuse me; I must see to your lady's chamber. Let me know if you require the services of Father Francis."
"Mama! Falcon!" Robbie spied his mother from across the hall, ran toward the group and skidded to a halt before her. Mariah scooped him up and carried him away from Falcon and Rosamond.
"So that's Lady Mariah's bastard," Rosamond said disparagingly.
An unaccountable anger made Falcon turn on Rosamond. "The boy's name is Robbie, and I have yet to prove his birth is anything but legitimate. If you continue to refer to him as a bastard, I shall have to ask you to leave."
"Sir Osgood swears that his brother was too ill and too old to get his wife with child," Rosamond argued.
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"Sir Osgood is an immoral man with an evil tongue. Believe naught of what he says."
"If you believe the child to be legitimate, why are you still here? Could it be Lady Mariah who keeps you at Mildenhall? Sir Osgood told me she is your mistress."
Falcon muttered a curse beneath his breath. "What keeps me at Mildenhall is Lady Marian's need for protection. I do not trust Osgood. Once I leave, there is naught to stop him from riding roughshod over Mildenhall. And the king cannot spare men at this time to come to Mariah's aid. The bulk of his army is protecting England's borders from the Welsh and the Scots."
"Do you deny that Lady Mariah is your mistress?" Rosamond prodded.
"I cannot believe this conversation is taking place, lady. Norwich is but a day's ride from here; perhaps you should remove yourself to your father's keep and await my answer there. I will provide an escort for you."
Rosamond rose to her diminutive height. "Nay, Falcon, I will await your answer here. I am weary; I should like to rest."
Mariah returned just then. "Your chamber is being prepared as we speak, my lady, and your maid awaits you there. Allow me to show you the way."
Falcon watched the women leave, his mind spinning with confusion. Why hadn't he jumped at the chance to wed Rosamond? At one time he had been eager to wed the dark beauty. He still needed a wealthy bride and he still wanted land to call his own. Rosamond could provide both.
Sir John joined Falcon as he contemplated this surprising turn of events.
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"You look befuddled, and I don't blame you," John said. "What brings Lady Rosamond to Mildenhall, in the company of Osgood, of all people?"
"Apparently the king is promoting a match between Rosamond and myself. Osgood told Rosamond that Mariah is my mistress, and she decided to come to Mildenhall to lay the proposal before myself."
John choked back a laugh. "It must be nice to be sought after. You could do worse than Lady Rosamond."
"Henry has left the decision of whether or not to wed her to me."
John's eyes widened. "Never say you're thinking of refusing."
Mariah reentered the hall; Falcon followed her with his eyes. "I haven't made up my mind."
John threw up his hands. "What is there to decide?" His gaze followed Falcon's. "Ah, I see. Tis Lady Mariah you desire. You are a fool, Falcon. Lady Mariah can bring you naught but trouble. Osgood will never let this matter between them rest."
"What do you suggest, John? That I wed Rosamond and leave Mildenhall unprotected? That I abandon Mariah and her son to Osgood's machinations?"
"Henry will intervene if Osgood continues to harass Lady Mariah."
Falcon shook his head. "You know that is not true. Henry's army is spread too thin to come to the aid of a widow of no importance."
"I wonder," John mused. "You and Lady Mariah have a history together. She saved your life, though you appeared none too grateful when you first arrived at Mildenhall."
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" Tis a long story, John. Marian lied to me. I did not know the truth until I returned to Mildenhall. Nevertheless, she did save my life. My honor will not allow me to leave Mildenhall while the lady needs protection."
"Are you sure that's all there is to it?"
Falcon stiffened. "Your questions are beginning to annoy me. I would be better served if you joined the men on the training field. Your expertise with a broadsword is second to none."
Sending Falcon a wry look, John took his leave.
A few minutes later, Mariah approached him and cleared her throat.
"Your betrothed has been made comfortable," she reported. "Will you be wed here or at Norwich?"
"I have yet to agree to the marriage," Falcon growled, his mood deteriorating from bad to worse.
"According to Lady Rosamond, there will be a wedding. She was quite adamant about it."
Falcon chose not to reply.
"You would be a fool not to wed her, Falcon. She was your first choice, and wedding her now is still to your advantage."
Falcon's gaze met hers, held, and then he looked away. "You're right, of course. I am a lucky man. But do not rush me into marriage when my work here is far from done. Once I am certain Osgood has resigned himself to losing Mildenhall, I will leave."
Mariah's mouth dropped open. "You will stay, even though you despise me for lying to you?"
"I do not despise you, Mariah. I loathe what you did, but I don't hate you. All I've ever wanted from you is the
truth."
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Mariah lowered her head. Falcon would never hear the truth about Robbie from her lips. The truth could cost her Mildenhall and her son. She couldn't take that chance.
"Think you Lady Rosamond will accept your decision to remain at Mildenhall?"
Falcon shrugged. "She can wait at Norwich if she so desires. Wedding plans, if there is to be a wedding, will be deferred until I decide Osgood and his son are no longer a threat to you."
"Lady Rosamond will not like that."
" 'Tis the way things have to be. I will speak to Rosamond and explain the situation."
Mariah wished him luck. Rosamond did not seem to be blessed with patience. She had wed another far too soon after Falcon's supposed death.
Mariah was about to excuse herself when Robbie ran into the hall—he rarely walked when he could run—with his nursemaid trailing behind him. He skidded to a halt before Falcon, raised his arms and said, "I want to ride on your shoulders, Falcon."
"Robbie, nay," Mariah scolded. "Falcon has no time for you."
As if to disprove Mariah's words, Falcon lifted Robbie up and set him on his shoulders. Laughing in delight, Robbie grasped a handful of Falcon's hair to steady himself.
"Go, Falcon, go."
"One turn around the hall and then I have to join my men on the training field," Falcon told the lad.
"You will spoil him," Mariah chided. "He is taking advantage of you."
Falcon sent her a quelling look. "One turn around me
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hall can do no harm. I will return him to you directly.1' Then he took off.
Mariah wrung her hands as she watched Falcon parade around the hall with Robbie on his shoulders. Her son was becoming too fond of Falcon. He was bound to be hurt when Falcon left.
Falcon returned and set Robbie down on his feet. "I will see you at the evening meal," he said as he strode off.
"I like Falcon," Robbie said. "Can I have him for my papa?"
"No, you cannot," a voice from behind Mariah answered.
Mariah spun around. "Lady Rosamond—I thought you were resting."
"Send your bas . . . your son away. We need to talk."
"Go along with Becca, darling. Mama wants to talk to our guest."
"Will Becca take me to watch Falcon train?" Robbie asked.
"I'm sure she will if you ask her."
Robbie skipped off. Mariah reached deep inside herself to summon a smile. "What is it you wish to discuss, my lady?"
"Your relationship with Falcon."
"Our discussion will be a short one then, for there is no relationship," Mariah said evenly.
"Your son seems overly fond of Falcon."
"Robbie is a child; he admires Falcon."
"Do you admire him, too?"
"What are you hinting at, my lady?"
"Sir Osgood claims you are Falcon's mistress."
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"Sir Osgood lies. Even the king is aware of his evildoing."
"Still, you kept Falcon at Mildenhall while his brains were addled instead of allowing him to return to London for our wedding."
"Your accusations are false," Marian corrected. "No one here was aware of Falcon's identity. He could have been a simple peasant, for all we knew. He returned to London the moment he regained his memory. He would have died if my healer had not nursed him back to health."
Rosamond sniffed. "Very well, I will allow you that much. But I give you fair warning. Falcon is mine. Stay away from him. You will no longer make him welcome in your bed."
Anger roared through Mariah, and she clenched her hands to keep from placing them around Rosamond's neck.
"Do you always speak so frankly?"
"Nay, just when another woman is infringing upon my property."
"You are welcome to Falcon," Mariah stated. "He holds me in little regard. Feel free to leave with him whenever you wish." Spinning on her heel, her color high with anger, she strode out the door. She needed a breath of fresh air after her confrontation with Rosamond.
Edwina intercepted Mariah in the courtyard. "Who is that woman?" Edwina asked. "I do not like her."
"Your instincts serve you well, Edwina. The lady is Rosamond of Norwich, Albert of Melrose's widow."
"What does she want here?"
"She has come to wed Falcon."
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Edwina snorted. "The woman is daft, Mariah, that wedding will never take place. Falcon will not have her."
Mariah gaped at the healer. "What makes you say that? Rosamond has a great deal to offer Falcon."
" 'Tis not enough," Edwina sniffed. "Mark my words, Mariah, Falcon does not want Rosamond."
"But.. ." Before Mariah could voice her question, Edwina hobbled off, cackling to herself.
Mariah shook her head. Though Edwina's ways were strange, she loved the woman dearly. Time would tell if Falcon would have Rosamond.
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Falcon returned from the training field well in time to bathe and speak privately to Rosamond before the evening meal. There was a great deal for them to discuss before he made his decision.
A half hour later, Falcon stood outside Rosamond's door. He rapped sharply. The door was opened by Rosamond's maid. Rosamond heard him speaking to the girl and came to the door.
"Falcon, please come in. Have you come to escort me to supper?"
"We need to talk, Rosamond."
Rosamond turned to her maid. "You are dismissed, Leticia. Return to help me prepare for bed." The maid slipped out as Falcon stepped inside the chamber. Rosamond closed the door behind him. "Do you wish to discuss our wedding? Shall it take place at Mildenhall?"
"You take too much for granted, Rosamond," Falcon said. "I am in no position to marry at this time."
Rosamond tossed her dark head, her voice filled with scorn. "It's because of her, isn't it?"
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"If you are referring to Lady Mariah, then yes, in a way it is because of her. Tell me, Rosamond—do you trust Sir Osgood?"
"I traveled with him, didn't I?"
"Aye, and that surprises me. Osgood does naught unless it serves a purpose. He wants me to leave Mildenhall and is hoping you will lure me away."
"Why do you care? Mildenhall means naught to you. My wealth puts Mariah's widow's portion to shame."
"Mariah hasn't enough men to properly protect Mildenhall. Once my men and I leave, she will become vulnerable to attack. Osgood cares not what the king says. He knows Henry will not bestir himself for so obscure a holding. If Osgood seizes control of Mildenhall and forces a marriage between Walter and Mariah, Henry will not interfere."
Rosamond pressed herself against Falcon, looking up at him from her diminutive height. "Again I ask: Why do you care? You wanted me once, Falcon. I can make you want me again. Do you not remember how sweet our kisses were? I have learned a great deal since those innocent kisses we shared."
Falcon felt her breasts pressing against his chest, heard the promise in her words and wondered why he hesitated. Rosamond was beautiful, passionate and eager to share her body with him. Desire began to build inside him. Wedding Rosamond would be the practical thing to do. He drew Rosamond into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers.
Then, unaccountably, he envisioned Robbie holding his arms out to him, and desire fled. He released Rosamond and stepped away.
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"What's wrong?" she demanded. "You were going to kiss me. What stopped you?"
"It isn't the right time," he demurred.
"The time will never be right as long as you remain at Mildenhall. Come home with me. We can be wed in the chapel at Norwich Castle. Papa is ill, Falcon. When he dies, there is no heir for the earldom. The king could very well give it to you."
"We will speak of wedding plans after I leave Mildenhall. Meanwhile, you will continue on to Norwich with an escort I shall provide."
"Nay, I will ab
ide here until you are ready to leave," Rosamond maintained. "I refuse to leave you to that whore and her bastard son."
Falcon grasped her shoulders and gave her an ungentle shake. "I warned you, Rosamond. You are not to speak of Lady Mariah and her son in a disrespectful manner."
Rosamond seized the opportunity Falcon afforded her by wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his head down for a kiss. Stunned, Falcon felt his lips grow pliant beneath hers, and then he stiffened. It wasn't Rosamond's lips he wanted to kiss, it was—
"Oh, excuse me," came Mariah's voice. "I knocked, but you must not have heard me."
Falcon groaned as he removed Rosamond's arms from around his neck.
"What do you want?" Rosamond snapped.
Mariah was standing in the doorway, her gaze shifting from Falcon to Rosamond. "I was passing by your chamber and wondered if you needed help finding your way to the hall." Her gaze returned to Falcon. "I didn't know you had company."
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"Do you always enter a chamber without knocking?" Rosamond said.
"Forgive me. I did knock, and when I received no answer, I thought you were already in the hall and decided to make sure your chamber had been properly prepared. This is my home, after all, and I am responsible for the comfort of my guests."
Falcon shook himself free of his languor. "Come, ladies, I will escort you both downstairs."
"You may escort Lady Rosamond," Mariah said. "I want to look in on Robbie first."
Rosamond grasped Falcon's arm, her possessiveness obvious as she sent Mariah a sly smirk. Falcon had no choice but to leave with Rosamond clinging to him. But it was Mariah he watched as she exited Rosamond's chamber.
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Confusion swamped Mariah. When Falcon's betrothed had turned up at Mildenhall, she'd felt as if someone had delivered a fatal blow to her. How could Falcon make love to her one day and claim another as his betrothed the next? Following on that thought was another. Falcon, like most men, took what he wanted when he wanted. The promise of Rosamond's wealth would be difficult to give up.