by Connie Mason
His hands slid into the tangled mass of her hair. "Stop, Mariah, for I can stand no more!"
He caught her, rolled, and brought her beneath him.
The weight of Falcon's hand slid over Mariah's breasts, over her belly, leaving languid heat in its wake. His fingers slipped between her thighs as he kissed her ear, her throat, her breasts, laving her nipples with his tongue, suckling them. Then he traced a burning path of kisses to her navel, finally easing between her thighs.
Lifting her bottom, he lowered his head and kissed her there, between her legs. Heat shimmered though her veins as his tongue sought out her sensitive flesh, delving deep, then laving the tender folds. She heard herself moan as desire built to a blinding crescendo. She was fully aware that this would be their last time together. Heat raged
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within her, growing hotter and greater than she had ever imagined possible. Nearly insensate with pleasure, she caught his hair in her hands and begged for release. His tongue darted inside her.
Mariah exploded; she feared she would be reduced to a burning cinder as she climaxed violently. Her taut body was still hot and explosive with need as he withdrew his mouth and thrust his turgid staff deep into her quivering center. She arched against him, her fingers digging into the muscles of his shoulders, her breath ragged. His eyes held hers, smoldering, intense. He drove into her harder, faster; she met him stroke for stroke, writhing, straining.
His mouth was on her neck, licking away a trickle of sweat he found there. He loomed over her, the muscles bunching on his arms as he filled her, expanding her, until tiny shudders wracked her body.
Pleasure renewed itself and washed over her in sweeping waves. She cried out. He captured her mouth, their cries mingling as he drove into her one more time, his body shuddering wim me force of his climax. Her body was still shivering deliciously when he collapsed beside her.
Mariah drifted to sleep, utterly spent, utterly sated. She had no idea how long she slept, but when she awakened, the chamber was dark and Falcon was gone.
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Falcon stared out the window into the dark night. He was a troubled man. Making love to Mariah had been a mistake. He knew he should leave Mildenhall. Leave now, and to hell with honor. He turned away from the window and began to pace. Mariah was a sickness inside him. The only way to cure that kind of sickness was to cut it out. Out of his life and out of his mind and heart.
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Rosamond was the woman he was going to wed; he owed her his fidelity. Why, then, couldn't he leave Mariah alone? He didn't love Rosamond, but then he didn't love Mariah either, did he? He wanted Mariah in his bed, yet Rosamond left him cold. Never had he been so conflicted. Though he had a rational reason for wedding Rosamond, he had no idea why he desired Mariah sexually.
He stopped before the fireplace, bracing his hands on the mantel and staring down into the flames. He'd lost his mind, and with it his judgment. He was so completely mired in thoughts of Mariah that he could no longer think clearly.
And yet, leaving wasn't the answer. He sensed there was something here he needed to know, something Mariah was keeping from him. Had he succumbed to Rosamond's urging to wed her too quickly, without considering alternatives? He hated this dilemma. Hated the way Mariah made him feel. Hated how his heart melted when Robbie lifted his arms up to him.
Wearied by his thoughts and having come to no clear conclusion, Falcon undressed and lay in bed a long time before finally falling asleep.
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A surprise greeted Falcon the following morning and another that same evening, neither of them welcome. The first occurred at breakfast, when Rosamond publicly announced their betrothal and intention to marry soon in London. Falcon would have preferred to delay the announcement, but Rosamond would not be denied.
The next surprise arrived that evening, when Falcon entered the hall for the evening meal. Osgood appeared
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at the gate, asking the gateman permission to enter. He was accompanied by his son, two women and several mercenaries.
"I've brought my wife and daughter to visit Lady Mariah," Osgood said. "Please inform your mistress of our presence."
Falcon received the news with mixed feelings. He decided to defer to Mariah's judgment in this and told her so.
"Why is Sir Osgood kept waiting at the gate?" Rosamond asked. "Is he not Lady Mariah's brother-in-law?"
"Why do you champion the man, Rosamond, when you know he does naught without an evil purpose?" Falcon asked.
"He has been naught but good to me," Rosamond shot back. "You and Mariah misjudge the man."
"Even the king is aware of his machinations," Falcon replied, holding on to his temper by a thread. "He kidnapped Robbie in order to force Mariah to his will."
She sent Mariah a sidelong glance. "Mariah could do worse than marrying Walter."
"Do you really think so?" Falcon mocked.
He turned his attention to Mariah. "'Tis up to you, Mariah. Shall you allow Osgood and his party inside the keep?"
Mariah searched his face. "What do you think?"
"How badly do you wish to see Osgood's wife and daughter?"
"They are both decent women, existing as best they can under Osgood's heavy hand. I would not withhold my hospitality, for I have not seen them since they attended my marriage to Edmond."
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"You must know that Osgood has his own reasons for bringing them."
"Aye, I know it well, but I cannot deny Martha and Elizabeth."
"Of course you can't," Rosamond huffed. "They are relatives; you must open your home to them."
"The decision belongs to Lady Mariah, Rosamond," Falcon reminded her.
Mariah summoned the captain of the guard with a wave of her hand. "Sir Maynard, tell the gateman to raise the portcullis to Sir Osgood and his party."
Falcon wondered where Osgood's visit would lead. To no good, he supposed, but he would not gainsay Mariah.
A short time later, Osgood paraded into the hall ahead of his party. He halted abruptly when he saw Falcon, and then seemed to regain his composure. His smile did not reach his eyes as he greeted Mariah. "My lady, thank you for welcoming us." He turned to Rosamond. "Lady Rosamond."
"Sir Osgood," Rosamond simpered.
"Sir Falcon," Osgood said with false heartiness. "I assumed you were in London by now. What keeps you at Mildenhall?"
"I have my reasons for remaining," Falcon said cryptically. "More importantly, what brings you to Mildenhall?"
"My wife and daughter expressed the desire to visit Mariah," Osgood said smoothly. "Since they cannot be expected to travel alone, it would be remiss of me if I did not provide escort." He glanced behind him. "Martha, Elizabeth, come greet Mariah."
The two women approached Mariah. Both were slim and of medium height. Martha, Osgood's wife, had sad
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eyes and graying hair. Elizabeth, a woman around Marian's age, appeared too blond and pretty to belong to Osgood. Falcon had but to look into her blue eyes to glimpse the fear her father inspired in her.
"Welcome to Mildenhall," Mariah said, smiling at the women. "This is Sir Falcon and his . . . betrothed, Lady Rosamond."
The ladies smiled shyly at Falcon and Rosamond. "Tis good of you to welcome us, Mariah," Martha replied, sending a fearful look at her husband.
"You must be tired and hungry. Come, sit down and sup with us."
The women followed Mariah to the head table, where servants scrambled to add extra chairs for the guests. Once the women were seated, Walter sidled up to Mariah.
" 'Tis good to see you again, my lady. I have missed your sweet smile."
Mariah stared at him. "Leave off, Walter. 'Tis not my sweet smile you crave. We both know you want to steal Robbie's birthright."
"You wound me, lady," Walter replied, placing
his hand over his heart. "I still want you for my wife."
"I don't want you for my husband," Mariah sniffed. She glanced at Falcon, signaling him with her eyes. He came to her aid immediately.
"Your place is beside your father at the end of the table," Falcon told Walter.
Walter sent him a dark look and huffed off to join his father.
"Thank you," Mariah said.
"What did he want?"
Mariah shrugged. "'Tis not important." Repeating
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Walter's words would only delay Falcon's leaving. She had lost her heart to Falcon five years ago and was in serious danger of doing so again. Last night had been her final good-bye to the man who continued to haunt her dreams.
"Mariah... about last night—"
" 'Tis already forgotten. Go to your betrothed, Falcon. I wish to visit with Martha and Elizabeth."
Mariah turned to Martha, who had been trying not to listen to the conversation. "Martha, 'tis years since you've visited Mildenhall. Why did you and Elizabeth not come to visit me while Edmond was alive?"
Martha glanced at Osgood before answering. "Traveling is . . . difficult. Osgood rarely allows us to leave Southwold."
Elizabeth gave a snort of disgust. "Tell her the truth, Mama. Tell Lady Mariah that Father keeps us virtual prisoners in our own home. He won't let me marry until he finds someone willing to pay the outrageous sum he asks for my hand."
Martha leaned over Mariah to touch her daughter's arm. "Hush, Elizabeth. Don't let your father hear you complaining. We are here now, though only Osgood knows why, so why not make the most of our visit before he orders us home."
"You and Elizabeth are welcome to stay at Mildenhall as long as you like, Martha," Mariah offered. "Unfortunately, my invitation does not extend to your husband, and I'm sure you know why."
"We understand," Elizabeth sighed. "It would be wonderful, though, to be out from under Father's thumb for a while. Since the king has banished Father and Walter from
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London, they have been difficult to live with. Mama and I are happiest when they are in London or off fighting."
The meal progressed. At length, Martha pushed her plate back, glanced once again at Osgood and whispered, "Walter intends to wed you."
Mariah stiffened. "Then he will be disappointed. I do not like your son."
Martha winced. "Walter was a good boy until Osgood took him away. Once I lost influence over him, he turned into someone I no longer know. I am sorry that he has hurt you, Mariah."
" 'Tis not your fault, Martha. Do you know why Osgood brought you here?"
"Nay. I would tell you if I did. I do not understand why my husband does any of the things he does. He is a greedy man."
"Mariah," Osgood called from the end of the table. "It grows late, too late to return to Southwold tonight. May we impose on your hospitality?"
"Your wife and daughter are welcome in my home, but since the keep is already filled to capacity, you and your men will have to camp beyond the walls in the outer bailey. Mildenhall will provide whatever you need in the way of tents and blankets. Take your requests to my steward."
Mariah could tell by the look on Osgood's face that he did not appreciate the arrangements, but there was naught he could do about them. Mariah spoke to Sir Martin, who was hovering nearby.
"Please show Martha and Elizabeth to their chamber, Sir Martin."
Martha touched her hand. "You are kind, Mariah, but I always knew that."
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Mariah rose and excused herself. Tonight she intended to sleep in the nursery. With Osgood nearby, she trusted no one with her son but herself. She paused briefly to issue orders to Sir Maynard concerning Osgood's sleeping arrangements. She would leave naught to chance.
Falcon waited until Mariah was gone before rising to make his own arrangements concerning Osgood's party. The moment Falcon quit the hall, Osgood joined Rosamond.
"So, my lady, when is the wedding to be?"
"Soon. We will be wed in London."
"I assumed you and Falcon would be long gone by now. Apparently, Lady Mariah has a stronger hold over Falcon than either of us imagined."
"Falcon has a strong sense of duty and honor. He believes he must stay to protect Lady Mariah from the likes of you."
Osgood threw back his head and laughed. "I wish the lady no harm. I merely want to wed her to Walter. Mayhap we can form an alliance."
Rosamond sent him an interested look. "An alliance? Kindly explain what you mean."
"'Tis simple. You want Falcon and Walter wants Mariah. Once Walter gets a son from Mariah, something unforeseen will happen to her bastard. I will claim Mildenhall and the earldom and everyone will get what they desire. But naught will go as we wish unless Falcon is out of the picture. Take him away from here as quickly as possible, before you lose him to Mariah."
Rosamond nodded. "I shall do my very best, Sir Osgood. Falcon cannot afford to deny me."
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Chapter 10
Falcon escorted Osgood, Walter and his mercenaries into the outer bailey, where tents had been set up for them. Only when the portcullis was lowered, cutting off Osgood from the keep, did Falcon feel that the occupants of Mildenhall were safe from Osgood's machinations, whatever they might be. -
Knowing that Osgood was up to no good, Falcon posted extra guards around the perimeter of the keep. As an added precaution, he intended to spend the night at Robbie's bedside, for the lad was all that stood in Osgood's way of inheriting Edmond's title and estate.
The nursery was dark when Falcon entered. As he neared the bed, he tripped over something on the floor. He started to fall, steadied himself, and stepped back, startled, when the figure let out a muffled cry and rose up on its knees. Light entering the chamber from the hallway wall sconce revealed a disheveled Mariah, something Falcon should have anticipated.
"What are you doing here?" Mariah hissed.
"The same thing you are, I suspect—trying to protect
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Robbie. You trust Osgood and his family no more than I do. Where are the women?"
"In the other wing. This wing is fully occupied. But don't worry; I'm not leaving Robbie's side tonight. Think you Osgood will depart tomorrow?"
"I know not what's in that man's mind. We must remain vigilant as long as he's here. Are you sure you'll be all right? I can stay if you'd like."
"That won't be necessary. There is no way Osgood can get into the keep without being seen. And I trust Martha and Elizabeth." "Mildenhall would be difficult to defend," Falcon mused. "The walls can easily be scaled."
"Stronger fortifications were never needed. We are too remote and unimportant to warrant more protection than we have now. Mildenhall has no enemies. Until Osgood, that is. But I doubt Osgood plans a siege. He fears the king's wrath."
Though reluctant to leave, Falcon could find no excuse to remain in Robbie's chamber. In fact, if Osgood left Mildenhall without making trouble, Falcon felt it would be safe to return to London. After making love to Mariah last night, he couldn't remain here. He had promised himself to Rosamond, and he had already dishonored his commitment. If he stayed, he knew he would dishonor it again and again. Mariah's hold on him had to be broken.
"Good night, Mariah."
"Good night, Falcon. Sleep well."
Ha! Falcon thought; as if he could sleep with his mind pulled in two directions. He returned to his chamber, dragged a chair to the window overlooking the portcullis and kept watch until streaks of mauve and orange chased away the night. Stretching, Falcon left the window and
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prepared for the new day, hoping that no more surprises would be forthcoming.
When Falcon arrived in the hall a short time later, men were beginning to bestir themselves. John was already up and waiting for him.
"Will Osgood and his party leave today?" John asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I find it difficult to believe
he came at the behest of his wife and daughter. 'Tis easy to see they mean naught to him."
John cleared his throat. "Is Elizabeth spoken for?"
"I doubt it. Osgood is asking a steep price for her hand."
"She's a comely maiden," John mused.
"But not for you," Falcon warned.
"Why not? I'm highborn and come from wealth. What if I'm willing to pay the price?"
"Forget her. Heed my words, John, for I love you well. You do not want Osgood as your father by marriage. 'Tis time to raise the portcullis and let Osgood and his men inside the keep to break their fast."
Falcon sat down at the table and accepted a mug of ale from a servant. Mariah joined him a few minutes later.
"Did you get any sleep?" Falcon asked.
"Enough. Will you open the gate to Osgood and his men?"
"I've already ordered the portcullis raised and expect them to arrive momentarily." He paused, then said, "Mariah, if Osgood leaves today, then so shall I. You have loyal men to protect you and Robbie. If I don't go now, I may never leave."
"What... what do you mean by that?"
"Mariah, you must know that I—"
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"Good morning, Falcon. I rose early in case today is the day we leave for London. You saw for yourself that Sir Osgood means no harm to Lady Mariah. There is no reason to linger here when our wedding awaits us in London. Leticia is packing my trunk as we speak. I can be ready to leave within the hour."
Falcon stood. "Whether or not we leave today depends upon Osgood," Falcon replied. "I intend to send a messenger ahead to inform your father of our impending marriage. He is in London, is he not?"
Rosamond shrugged. "Father was ill when last I saw him in London. I doubt he has the strength to return to Norwich. It matters not if he attends our wedding. I am a widow, capable of making my own decisions. I insist that we leave today. Unless," she said, casting a sly glance at Mariah, "you have a reason for remaining that I am not aware of."