Elthea glanced around to everyone present. “Nothing of this shameless calamity shall be spoken henceforth,” she instructed.
Maggie breathed easier, yet kept her gaze on Robert as he made to leave on unsteady feet. Thank goodness Elthea had arrived when she did!
Robert passed his mother without answering. He seemed to stagger, as though fighting to maintain his balance. Once at the doorway, he turned back, and said, “My sincerest apologies, Lady Margaret, for disrupting thy ablutions.” He bowed clumsily and stumbled out.
“Evan, prithee, see that my lord son gets to his chamber in good speed.”
“As ye wish, m’lady.” Evan hurried to Robert’s side and supported him as he closed the door behind them.
Finally, the two women were alone, and Elthea turned to Maggie. “What transpired here? When Evan informed me Lord Robert was in your chamber I nearly lost my senses. I came as quickly as my feet would carry me.”
“Here.” Maggie held out her goblet. “Drink something to calm your nerves.”
Elthea, wearing her own dressing gown with her graying hair braided down her back, accepted the goblet and sank into a chair before the fire, saying nothing.
Still squatting on the stool, Maggie pulled the linen gown over her head. She was grateful that Elthea kept her gaze on the fire, as she rose and straightened down the fabric. “I’m sorry I’ve been so much trouble; none of this would have happened—”
Elthea interrupted. “Maggie,” her voice nearly trembled as she spoke, “the course has been set.”
“But listen, Elthea, I need to tell you something important. I…” Maggie stammered, “I told Robert tonight that his wife would behave and not embarrass him, but I also said that in return he would have to account for any money he spends and he would respect his wife and never force himself upon her.” She drew in a deep breath. “I figured it was the least I could do for Lady Margaret, since I’ve messed up so much already.”
In spite of the situation, Elthea chuckled. “Somehow, I shall explain this comedy of errors to my cousin. It appears the advantage will be hers, and she may likely wish to thank you for it. In truth, I was concerned that in her grief she would not protect herself. The agreement may have been made vicariously, but it is struck,” she finished with a wink.
“For her sake, and yours, Elthea… I certainly hope so.” Maggie smiled. “And I wish the woman good luck with Robert. Your son can be a fulsome character, at times, can’t he?”
“My son is my blood, but he is first my lord. For a mother, that is the way of precedence, yet, this is my worry. There are greater worries ahead for thee, Maggie.” Elthea sipped the ale and continued. “The plans have been made. It is certain the Lady Norreys shall arrive soon, and I fear the comedy of two ladies betrothed to Robert would not be taken in much humor.”
“Hey, there’s only one lady getting stuck with him…” Maggie stopped as she realized the possible insult in her words. “What I mean is, Lady Norreys can have him, I’m already spoken for.” Maggie grinned as she warmed her backside to the fire.
“’Tis done. On the morrow, Nicholas shall escort thee to London, dear Maggie.”
“Why can’t we just leave right now? Robert’s drunk. He won’t know a thing.”
Elthea stood up. “Robert has seen to it that Montague is on garrison duty this eve.” She walked toward the window, and continued, “It would be impossible to ready the horses until he takes rest at morning’s light. ’Tis then Evan may ready the horses, and Nicholas shall escort thee far from Greville Manor.”
Maggie followed her to the window. “And Robert will be nursing a hangover while all this is going on?”
Elthea chuckled. “If you imply he shall be taken ill by the drink, it is not likely. Robert never deviates from his itinerary. He would sooner die than be known for slovenliness. ’Twould be as unseasonable as snow in summer for him to do so. My son has good qualities in him, Maggie, though I regret his actions toward you have not revealed them.” She turned her gaze from the moonlit garden and smiled apologetically at Maggie.
Suddenly, Maggie felt great sympathy for Elthea. The woman was a mother, and although Maggie had no children of her own, she knew that a mother’s love was eternal, regardless of the child’s deeds.
“I know you love him,” Maggie reassured.
“I do, very much.” Elthea turned back to the window. “And I shall do whatever I must to protect him. It pains me deeply that should include deception, but it is for his benefit, and thus, the good name of Ames-bury.”
Maggie consoled Elthea, rubbing her arm tenderly.
“As for our itinerary tomorrow, child,” she continued, taking a deep steadying breath, “Nicholas shall have thee nearing London before nightfall. When Robert discovers thy absence, too much time will have passed to form a reconnaissance. London will offer many places for you both to safely disappear within the city.”
“Then I guess we won’t be coming back here again,” Maggie said as she felt a lump coming to her throat.
Elthea turned to her and nodded. “Aye, it appears your time with us is finished, dear Margaret Whitaker. I think not, after this night, that I shall ever see you again in this lifetime. When next we meet, may we both remember we have fulfilled our purpose together in this time here.”
Maggie could see tears beginning to well up in Elthea’s eyes.
“I think I’m going to miss you most,” Maggie managed to say through the tightness building up in her throat. She suddenly felt like Dorothy in the Wizard Of Oz when she said good-bye to the Scarecrow.
“And I, thee, child.” Elthea maintained her composure. “Come, Maggie,” she insisted, quickly changing the subject. “Rest thyself from worry now.” She gently led Maggie to the bed.
“But I’m not really tired right now.” Maggie tried to dissuade the woman.
“’Tis best to rest while you can, child. Much strength is required for the adventure that lies ahead… and forget not, there are no detours on the path to grace, Maggie. Rest and repast is necessary for the balancing of our human selves.”
Maggie watched as the woman turned down the fur cover and continued, “One should always derive pleasure and comfort from these essentials, for they provide balance to thy spiritual self.” She turned toward Maggie, patting the straw-filled mattress in invitation. “Life offers many luxuries, save that of passions, child,” she said with a wink. “I assure thee, indulgence of rest now shall assist you in fortifying not only your courage, but your spirit on its ultimate journey home.”
Maggie giggled with a blush as she crawled into bed. “Okay, I think I get it, Elthea.”
Elthea smiled, pulling the heavy fur blanket around Maggie. “Aye, child. I know my words have struck chords in your mind and heart. I can only hope they resonate long and true.” She smiled. “The maids will arrive anon to retrieve the tub. Then in a small while, Evan shall come to escort thee to your beloved’s chamber.” She lit the candle as she spoke. “For tonight, Margaret Whitaker, you are born again. I celebrate this day of your birth, for my life is much richer now, having had you in it.”
“Oh, thank you for remembering, Elthea,” Maggie whispered while fighting back tears.
“This night is thine, my present to you, that you may truly be born once again spiritually and reunited with thy twin. Cherish it, dear one, for after this I know not what your future may bring.”
“It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, Elthea. Thank you for being instrumental in all of it.” Maggie sat up and quickly hugged the woman.
“Aye, and the gift is mine for receiving so gracefully, child. Now rest.” Elthea began tucking Maggie in once more. She was forty years old yet felt much younger.
“Oh, and please tell Lady Norreys I’m sorry, okay, Elthea? Tell her any problems I’ve caused were unintentional, and I truly wish her a long and happy marriage.” Maggie shook her head. “She’ll understand, won’t she?”
“Who knows that answer, child? I hav
e not seen my cousin in many years. I know not what her travels have taught her about life. Perhaps, she will.”
Maggie looked up at the countess and smiled sadly. “I can never thank you enough, Elthea, for everything you’ve done. Please know you have a place within my heart forever. Bless your soul, for it is wise and compassionate. You really are helping to create Heaven on earth. I’m just sorry I’ve been so much trouble—”
“Hush now, Maggie. I call thee child as an endearment, not that I might be elevated, for is it not true we are all students and teachers to each other?” Elthea smiled and, bending down, placed a sweet kiss upon Maggie’s cheek. “Until I bid thee farewell, rest easy.”
She walked away from the bed and opened the door. The maids were waiting to enter. Elthea directed them to make haste and turned once more to Maggie. “I shall miss thee most as well, dear child.” Elthea smiled lovingly and closed the door.
Maggie was again alone, wondering what her future might bring. It didn’t matter as long as she was with Nick.
Somehow, some way, they were going to face it together.
Chapter Fourteen
“Come, m’lady… the time has arrived.”
Maggie quickly picked up her gown, her underclothes, her shoes and hose, and followed Evan from her chamber. She looked back over her shoulder and tried to memorize everything. The time she had spent in this house had changed the way she viewed life.
“Hurry, m’lady,” Evan urged, holding his candle higher.
Maggie didn’t need further coaxing. Her future waited for her down the hall. She followed Evan into the darkened hallway. Deep shadows were cast along the stone walls as they hurried, and Maggie felt a shudder of fear. She still didn’t trust Robert. Even his own mother worried that he would demand retribution from Nick. Such silliness, Maggie thought, the way these men prized their reputations. In this time, one would even kill for it. Once they left this place, she and Nick would be fine. She had to believe that, but right now she couldn’t wait until Greville Manor was just a memory.
Evan lightly knocked on a door, then stepped aside, and Maggie’s heart pounded in expectation.
The old door creaked open slowly and when Nick saw Maggie, he flung it wide to clasp her in his arms. She felt his body against hers and his heart beating against her breast as he pulled her farther into the room.
“Thank you, Evan,” Maggie murmured with a blush as she turned back to the servant.
The man smiled slightly and nodded before closing the door. Nick took the clothes from her arms and set them on a chair. Again he pulled her into his arms and whispered against her hair, “Verily, I have worried for thy safety. I promised to protect you, then I was forced to desert you to my enemy.”
His eyes looked tortured, and Maggie brought her finger to his lips. “Hush, my love, it was a very courageous thing you did today. We would not have this moment right now had you resisted Robert.” She kissed his lips and smiled. “A small price to pay for this, isn’t it?”
Nick grinned, and Maggie saw the worry and anger leave his expression. “I would bear anything to hold thee, to love thee again…” And his mouth captured hers in a breathtaking kiss.
Maggie felt her senses reel with passion and, as her knees actually buckled beneath her, Nick reached down and did something no other had. He picked her up, as if she weighed nothing, and carried her to the bed. His chamber was dark, save for one candle on a table and the light from the fireplace. In the low amber glow, Maggie looked into Nick’s eyes and knew she was home, that place of belonging she had been struggling to find all her life.
“Nick…” She breathed his name when he laid her down and bent over her. Brushing a lock of blond hair away from his eyes, Maggie whispered, “Make love to me… please? I don’t know about the future, but I do know mat right here is where I belong. With you, wherever you are.”
“Oh, my lovely lady,” he said, bending down and kissing the tip of her nose. “Verily, I have wanted to worship thy body from the moment I met thee. I grant thy wish with gladness… t’would be a pleasure of discovery and recollection, for my mind tells me that we have loved many times, in many lives, and our reunion was destined.”
“I don’t understand it, but I feel I have known you forever,” she whispered.
He stripped the ruffled shirt from his body and Maggie gasped as he looked at her with an expression that she had known forever. It was love. Love. And it was a love that she recognized. She didn’t need to understand it, yet she couldn’t deny that in his eyes she saw a passion they had shared before.
She held out her hand and welcomed him back into her heart, her mind, her body.
He came to rest with his knee between her thighs on the bed and untied her robe. Seeing the thin gown beneath, Nick sharply inhaled as his fingers traced a line to her breasts. “You are so beautiful,” he breathed.
Maggie smiled and raised her fingers through the air. “I’m sprinkling faerie dust in front of your eyes,” she whispered. “I hope you always see me like this.”
He captured her hand and kissed her palm. “My eyes need no magic to behold the woman I have waited for my entire life. Thou shalt be always beautiful in my eyes, my sweet, sweet lady.”
She pulled him down to her and kissed him with all the love she contained. He answered her love with his own and added passion to bring her higher. Gasping when they parted, Maggie pushed herself into a sitting position and began to pull the robe from her arms. “I don’t care anymore… I have to feel you against me.” It was a bold and honest statement. She had waited long enough for this moment.
Nick laughed. “As ye wish, my lady,” he complied and began to unlace his tightly fitted breeches.
Within moments they were together, skin against skin, under a fur cover, shivering in each other’s arms with cold and anticipation.
“Ahh…” Maggie couldn’t contain the moan of pleasure as she was pulled against the hot length of him. Immediately, she wound her arms around him and caressed his back, using her hands to memorize each muscle. She raised her chin and looked into his eyes.
“I love you,” she whispered. “I don’t understand it, but I know it’s true. You and I have been like this before. I know you, Nicholas Layton… as I have never known another. You truly are the other half of my soul.”
His eyes closed briefly, as though taking in her words. “I am so honored,” he answered, lightly caressing her back, her hip, her thigh with such tenderness that the small of her back arched in response… “Honored, thou has recognized me, accept me, and allow me to share my love. I would die for thee, Maggie Whitaker. I cherish you that much.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want you to die for me, Nick. I want you to make love to me. I’ve waited a lifetime for you.”
Words were no longer needed as hands became instruments of discovery and mourns tasted skin aflame with desire. They stared into each other’s eyes, watching the changes upon each other’s faces as new discoveries were made. It was as if he knew exactly how to touch her, what would excite her and build her passion, and Maggie thrilled to see that instinctively her hands, her body, would do the same for him. This was the rediscovery of each other.
When Nick slid on top of her, Maggie closed her eyes and held him closely, never wanting to let go. His hot breath was in her ear, whispering her name over and over as she arched her back and invited him into her. “Not just yet,” he gasped. “Patience, my beloved, I must adore every bit of you.”
She moaned as he slid down her body, capturing first one breast and then finally, mercifully, paying homage to both. She clutched his shoulders and wound her fingers through his silky hair as she ground her head into the pillow. Her hands dropped, clutching the fur blanket to anchor her, while charges of exquisite pleasure raced through her body, inflaming her already hot blood. His lips traced an intricate line down her belly, around her navel, and Maggie was shocked to discover the intensity of her reaction. No longer did her mind torture her with insecu
rities. She belonged to him and surrendered to an ageless, timeless passion.
He worshiped her completely, bringing her to the very edge of rapture, only to stop and slide up her body. She felt tears run down her cheeks and clasped him tightly against her, as if just the pressure of his body might ease this exquisite pain in hers. Her legs entwined with his as he breathed deeply into her mouth, “Now we shall be one. One mind. One heart. One body. One soul… Come dance amid the stars with me, my precious… for surely that is where this love began.”
Her legs encircled him in a sensuous movement and he entered her gently, slowly, almost reverently, allowing her time, as his eyes spoke to her with such love that again, Maggie arched her back and this time he entered her fully as together, as one, they were joined completely and eternally. She was inflamed, hungering for something that was just out of reach, and her movements matched his as he took her higher and higher into uncharted territory, beyond the candlelit chamber… beyond bodies where lovers of old meet and dance amid starlight. And all the while, he stared into her eyes, watching her, speaking to her, guiding her, promising to love her not just now… but forever.
Their movements quickened as the pace of the ancient dance increased. He was leading her now, and she surrendered everything, save the exquisite pulsing sensation that seemed to build in intensity with each thrust of passion.
“Please,” she cried out, wanting to end the magnificent torture.
“As ye wish, m’lady,” he whispered in a low rumble of passion, and brought her back to the edge and then, suddenly, together, they broke free of all earthly bounds and soared beyond themselves, holding on tightly as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over them.
Maggie felt herself shattering, coming apart into thousands upon thousands of fragments of such intense pleasure that she cried out his name in awe.
“Nick…”
He quickly followed, holding her so close that when his body arched, Maggie melded into him, grabbing her shattered fragments and merging with his.
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