by Connie Mason
A short time later, Murdoc and Robina strode into the hall. Rose rushed forth to embrace Robina but was more reserved with her uncle.
“What brings you to Dragonwyck, Murdoc?” Nelda asked.“I should think you would be ashamed to show your face here after your detestable act. I never thought my own brother would wish harm to one of his kin.”
“I asked Murdoc to bring me,” Robina explained.
“I made a promise to Dragon and I mean to keep it,” Murdoc vowed. “Robina wanted to come, and I couldna sway her. I knew you wouldna turn her away even if I wasna allowed to pass through the gate.”
“I cannot believe you returned to Uncle Murdoc,” Rose said, bringing Robina closer to the fire. “You must tell me everything.”
“I was wrong, niece,” Murdoc said when Robina remained silent. “I dinna realize how much I would miss Robina until she left me. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. I went to Stirling and begged her to return.”
“I never expected Murdoc to show up at my father’s manor,” Robina said, taking up where Murdoc left off, “much less admit he missed and needed me. He refused to leave without me.” She sent Murdoc a loving gaze. “He has changed. He doesna blame me for releasing ye and yer vassals, Rose. He realizes his mistake and is sorry for it.”
“All that is behind us,“Murdoc said gruffly. “I am glad Robina wished to come to Dragonwyck, for it gives me the opportunity to apologize to Nelda. Rose forgave me, sister. Can ye? I was mad with greed for something I could never have. Tis the only way I can explain what I did.”
“I will consider it,” Nelda said coolly.
“Thank ye, sister, for that much.” His gaze shifted to the bundle in Nelda’s arms. “Is that what I think it is?”
Dominic took a protective stance beside his son. “Aye, ‘tis my heir, William.”
“Ah, wee Willie, is it? A fine name for a braw laddie.” He grinned at his wife. “Do ye want to tell them or shall I, Robina?”
Rose’s brow furrowed. “Tell us what?”
Robina smiled shyly and removed her mantle, revealing her swollen stomach. “I bear Murdoc’s bairn. I canna believe it! After all these years a bairn is growing inside me.”
“‘Tis true,” Murdoc said proudly.“Be it lad or lassie, it matters not, the bairn will be my heir.”
“What about Gunn?” Dominic asked. “I notice he is not with you.”
“I found a Highland heiress for Gunn, and he is content with the lass and her fortune.”
“I hope ye are not angry with me for coming to Dragonwyck,” Robina said anxiously, “but I wanted ye to know about my bairn, and to tell ye how impending fatherhood has changed Murdoc. I hoped ye and Nelda would forgive him, Rose. If ye want us to leave, I willna hold it against ye.”
Rose looked at Dominic with pleading eyes. “Can they stay? It would be nice to have Robina here for William’s christening.”
“Robina would like that,” Murdoc allowed, “but I willna ask for myself for I donna deserve yer kindness.”
Though Dominic was reluctant to offer hospitality to the Scotsman, he could not find it in his heart to deny Rose anything. “Aye, Murdoc and Robina can stay for the christening if they like.”
Little Lord William began to fuss, and Rose held out her arms. “‘Tis time for Will’s feeding.”
“I will carry him for you, mistress,” Raj said, carefully lifting the babe from Nelda’s arms.
Dominic stifled a smile. Raj never missed an opportunity to hold the infant, and Dominic had not the slightest doubt that the gentle giant would protect Will with his life if there was a need. Dominic’s gaze followed Rose from the hall, his groin tightening at the sight of her swaying hips. He had not loved his wife since Will’s birth and he was bursting with need.
“Make Murdoc and Robina welcome, Lady Nelda,” he called over his shoulder.“Rose and I will see you all at the evening meal.” Without waiting for an answer, he hurried up the stairs after Rose.
Raj passed him in the gallery, having just delivered Will into Rose’s arms. He knew not what Raj thought about his haste to reach the solar, but he heard Raj chuckling all the way down the stairs. Dominic shook his head. Did everyone in the keep know how besotted he was with his wife?
Dominic entered the solar and stopped in his tracks just inside the door. The sight of Rose nursing their child always moved him. A lump gathered in his throat and he swallowed convulsively.
“Come in and shut the door, Dominic,” Rose said.
Dominic closed the door and settled down on a bench beside Rose, watching with avid interest as Will pulled greedily at her nipple.
Thank you for allowing Robina and Uncle Murdoc to stay with us, my love. You have a generous spirit.”
“I would do anything for you, Rose. And I do believe Murdoc is sincerely sorry for abducting you. Tis amazing what the love of a good woman can do for a man.”
“Love is amazing, is it not?”
“Aye,” Dominic agreed. “As soon as our greedy son is through feeding, I will show you just how amazing love can be.”
“Our guests…”
“… can fend for themselves. It has been eight weeks since Will’s birth, and I am starved for you. Is it safe to love you, Rose?”
Will’s rosebud mouth slipped from Rose’s nipple. She smiled down at his dark head and placed him in his cradle. Then she walked slowly into Dragon’s arms.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
King John sealed the Articles of the Barons, known today as the Magna Carta, on June 15,1215. The remarkable fact is not that war broke out between John and his barons in the months following the compromise but that the king had ever been brought to agree to such a document at all.
I hope you enjoyedThe Dragon Lord. My next three books will be set in England in the early 1800s. I’m calling the seriesThe Rogues of London. Look forThe Rogue and the Hellion in June 2002.
For a bookmark and a newsletter, send a long, self-addressed.stamped envelope to me at PO Box 3471, Holiday, FL 34690. Visit my website to learn more about my books at www.conniemason.com or e-mail me [email protected] .
CONNIE MASON
Connie Mason is the bestselling author of more than thirty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Storyteller of the Year in1990 byRomantic Times, and was awarded a Career Achievement award in the Western category byRomantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida, with her husband,Jerry.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time, Connie enjoys reading,dancing, playing bridge, and freshwater fishing with her husband.
OtherLeisure andLove Spell books by Connie Mason:
THE OUTLAWS: SAM
THE OUTLAWS: JESS
THEOUTLAWS:RAFE
THE BLACK KNIGHT
GUNSLINGER
BEYOND THE HORIZON
PIRATE
BRAVE LAND, BRAVE LOVE
WILD LAND, WILD LOVE
BOLD LAND, BOLD LOVE
VIKING!
SURRENDER TOTHE FURY
FOR HONOR’S SAKE
LORDOFTHE NIGHT
TEMPT THE DEVIL
PROMISE ME FOREVER
SHEIK
ICE & RAPTURE
LOVE ME WITH FURY
SHADOW WALKER
FLAME
TENDER FURY
DESERT ECSTASY
A PROMISE OF THUNDER
PURETEMPATION
WIND RIDER
TEARS LIKE RAIN
THE LION’S BRIDE
SIERRA
TREASURES OFTHE HEART
CARESS & CONQUER
PROMISED SPLENDOR
WILD IS MY HEART
MY LADY VIXEN
br /> Connie Mason, The Dragon Lord