by Alexa Aston
She finished the broth and placed the bowl on the bedside table. She sank back into the pillows, her eyes closed, feeling utterly content.
Garrett had pampered her these last three weeks as she healed in his home, indulging her in ways she’d never dreamed. She remembered very little of those first few days. Images and sounds came and went in a blur—yet he was always there. He’d rubbed lotion into her bruises every day. Washed her hair and worked for hours combing out the many tangles. He’d sat and read to her and talked to her, rarely leaving her side. The few times he did, he always called Maude to stay with her. He even slept in the chair next to her each night, though she’d begged him to rest in a bed. He’d refused, a gleam in his eyes.
“Every time you’re out of my sight, you get into trouble,” he’d said. “If I have my way, you’ll spend the next threescore years with me by your side.”
She smiled at the sweet memory. She wanted to remember everything about him—every look he gave her, every word he spoke. Garrett had gone into battle for her, slaying the dragon that menaced her, almost losing his life in the process. Thanks to him, she could now wash clean her past. She reveled in her freedom—and welcomed their future. Because they would live it together, as one, their love ever strong forevermore.
The door creaked and she opened her eyes. Garrett came in and quickly closed it behind him. He came to the bed and sat, brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek.
“Ebony is ready.”
Madeleine knew how he longed to leave for Stanbury. Whatever had happened to Lynnette could only be answered there. Still, he’d nursed her until she was whole before trying to unravel the mystery of Lynnette’s disappearance. They could build no life together until they learned the truth.
“Are you sure you are strong enough for the journey?”
She saw his concern. She had a few qualms but knew he would refuse to leave her behind. She couldn’t deny him this.
“Yes, my lord, as soon as I dress, I will be ready to ride.”
“Yes, my lord?” His eyes sparkled at the address. He leaned over her, his hands cupping her face as he bent to kiss her.
Her pulse raced in anticipation.
He gently touched his lips to hers, slowly teasing back and forth. She reached up and caressed his cheek. He turned his head and pressed a fiery kiss to her open palm. She moaned softly.
His hands slipped from her face to her neck and his lips met hers again, kissing her with urgency and desire. His tongue slipped into her mouth, demanding and insistent. She responded to him, her arms going around his neck as her own tongue answered his call. Garrett deepened the kiss as her fingers entwined in his hair, urging him closer still. He trailed a line of kisses along her jaw and down her neck. The heat he gave off was immense.
His mouth reached her breast and he slowly dragged his tongue across it. She gasped in pleasure, her fingers pressing him closer. He lazily encircled her nipple and she couldn’t breathe. He slowly began sucking and waves of pleasure rippled through her. She arched her back and then cried out in pain.
He stopped immediately. “Madeleine?” he asked hoarsely.
She bit her lip to still its trembling. “My ribs. I stretched them a bit, that’s all.”
He nodded and rested his hand against them, his thumb stroking her gently. “I’m sorry, my love. I hadn’t meant . . .” His voice faltered with emotion.
“Garrett? You’ve been the perfect gentlemen for weeks, allowing my body time to heal.”
“God’s teeth, I’ve tried my best, Madeleine.”
She smiled. “Maude tells me my bruises have faded into shades of yellow and pale green.”
“They have. Even with them, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“I’m sure I look frightful and you are simply being kind.” She took his hand in hers. “Despite what I may look like, you haven’t kissed me—really kissed me—in a long while. I missed your kiss, my lord. Very much.”
She saw passion swirl in his eyes as he gave her a wolfish grin. “If I promise to be gentle, mayhap we can do a bit more? Then we can be on our way.”
*
Garrett could see Stanbury in the distance. His belly tightened at the thought of what lay ahead. He’d spent many hours at Madeleine’s bedside as she slept, wondering what he would find out when he returned. Had Lynnette truly fled with a lover or had something else sent her away? What role did Barth play in this mystery?
He would soon know.
Garrett sighed aloud, more weary than he’d imagined. The trip took three times the usual length due to Madeleine’s injuries. He’d refused to leave her behind, not wanting her out of his sight for a moment. He hadn’t even wanted to return in a cart, knowing the bumps along the road from London would be too many to count.
Instead, he’d walked Ebony all the way home, never allowing the horse to break into a trot. He’d embraced Madeleine carefully, watching for every pothole in their path. He cherished every moment of her closeness—the subtle scent of lavender that rose as a cloud to tickle his nose, the feel of her new velvet tunic against his hands. He’d remembered how she had said she loved the feel of velvet. He certainly liked the feel of her in it.
He stopped Ebony and stared at his home. Madeleine turned slightly and faced him. Before she could speak, he gave her a reassuring smile and a slow, lingering kiss.
“How do you feel?” he asked. “Tired?”
Her deep, rich laugh bubbled up. “Breathless.” She smiled at him with love and a warm glow filled Garrett.
“I love you,” he whispered, stroking her hair. He felt complete in her presence and utterly lost without her. He thanked God in His heaven that Madeleine had come into his life.
“Our journey was a bit different from the last one we took on this road,” she said, her eyes misty with tears.
“Yes.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss. “You know if it were possible, I would have made you Lady Montayne back in London.” He grinned. “Then I could have traveled with her both ways on the road to and from London.”
“You are impossible.” Her smile melted his heart.
“Are you ready for what lies ahead?” he asked.
She nodded. “Are you?”
In response, he flicked Ebony’s reins and they began the last few miles of their long journey.
Cheers greeted them as they entered the lower bailey just after midday. He’d written Ashby and his mother more than once while he and Madeleine remained in London. Both waited for them now, along with Lyssa.
Ashby reached up and gently removed Madeleine from the saddle. “It’s good to see you home,” he told her, a smile lighting his face. “We’ve missed you.”
Garrett dismounted and tossed his reins to a groom. “Enough of that, Ash.” He slapped his friend on the back.
Lyssa ran toward them, Edith following closely behind. “Papa! Papa!” She captured his waist and hugged him tightly.
Garrett kissed her soundly. “I’m very happy to see you, Lyssa.”
He leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Hello, Mother.”
His letters to her told that Madeleine would be coming home with him. He’d not given his mother all of the details but he made it clear that, as soon as possible, he planned to wed Madeleine. He didn’t know if what he learned this day would impact that decision or if he’d still need to wait for the bishop to act on his petition. Still, he wanted his mother to know that Madeleine was in his life to stay. He wondered briefly how accepting Edith would be because she had been very close to Lynnette.
He needn’t have worried. She embraced Madeleine carefully but warmly. “My dear, it’s so good to have you return to Stanbury.”
Madeleine blushed. “I’m afraid I left rather hurriedly.”
Before she could continue, Edith stopped her. “No harm in that.” She smiled at her son. “It’s rather romantic how Garrett raced off after you. I wish I had known such love.” Her expr
ession grew wistful for a moment then she brightened. “Mayhap you could turn it into a ballad.”
Ashby laughed. “That, I’d like to hear. Garrett, the love-struck fool, pining away. Madeleine, the heartbreaker, who makes him dance to her tune.”
“Enough!” Garrett cried, laughter in his voice. “Let us adjourn inside and remove ourselves from this cold wind.”
He draped an arm about Madeleine’s shoulders and found Lyssa between them, clinging to Madeleine’s skirts.
“You look funny, Madeleine. Your face has all different colors on it. Ashby said you fell. Did it hurt? I fell one time. Annie told me I was black and blue. I don’t think I turned any colors at all.”
“I did have a bad fall, but your papa took special care of me.” Madeleine glanced at him. “He’s made me better in every way.”
Garrett squeezed her lightly and they went up the steps and entered the great hall. Lyssa prattled on about her kitten. He let his daughter spend some time with them, chattering on about all the things that had happened while they’d been gone before he signaled Annie.
“Time for yer nap, Lyssa,” the nursemaid said.
“But Annie . . . Papa . . .” She looked around for support.
“But no,” he said firmly. “Madeleine is weary from our journey and she also needs to rest. You won’t miss out on anything.”
His daughter opened her mouth to speak but his stern look led her to close it again. Instead, she kissed both Madeleine and him and scooped up Luke before she went with Annie up the stairs.
Edith asked, “Would you like something to eat now, Garrett? Madeleine?”
Madeleine shook her head. “No, I am too tired, my lady. I want simply to lie down.”
“I’ve had a chamber prepared for you. Would you like me to take you to it?”
Madeleine looked to him.
“Go ahead, sweetheart. I’ve much to do before we settle the other matter.”
“You’ll wait for me?” she asked anxiously.
“Of course. Go ahead.”
Edith took Madeleine’s arm and they exited the great hall. Garrett’s eyes followed them the entire length.
When they’d gone, Ashby whistled low. “My God, Garrett. If this is what she looks like after three weeks, I shudder to think what went before.”
“I thought I’d lose her, Ash. He’d beaten her so badly. When I think . . .” His voice broke and he swallowed hard. “God’s teeth! When I think I could have lost her . . .”
Ashby placed a steady hand on his shoulder. “But you didn’t, Garrett.”
“Thank the angels for that.” He met his friend’s intent gaze. “I love her, Ash. I love her with every bone in my body. I love every inch of her, down to her smallest toe.”
“She is rather tall, Garrett. There’s a lot to love.”
Garrett broke into a smile. “I’ve missed you, Ash.” He grew solemn. “Barth?”
“He suspects nothing. When do you confront him?”
“Tonight. I’m exhausted from our ride. I’d like to have all my wits about me. I think I’ll sleep for a few hours and then attack one of Cook’s pheasants. Then,” he said, his eyes growing dark, “it will be time for the truth.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Madeleine awoke to find her hand in Garrett’s, their fingers entwined. His chair was pulled as close to the bed as possible. He seemed very uncomfortable, all rumpled and slumped, but how handsome he was. Her heart turned twice over just looking at him.
She thought about what it meant to return to Stanbury with him and how different her world had become. She had longed for sanctuary from her physical and emotional abuse in the confines of a nunnery. Instead, she had found salvation in the arms of this fierce, honorable man. Garrett had become her King Arthur, the hero from the stories Cadena had told her in her youth. He’d come to slay Henri-the-Dragon. She’d been rescued from her cruel captor and now she viewed all of creation through such different eyes.
She was safe—but not free from worry. What Garrett would learn from Barth weighed on her mind. He had pinned such hopes on what this one serf could tell him. She hated to see him hurt or disappointed if he hit a stone wall. He had delivered her from her worst nightmare; she wished she could do the same for him in return. All she could offer now were her love and support.
Madeleine marveled at that. The notion of romantic love, the dream of her youth, had disappeared during her time with Henri. All her emotions had, in truth. Henri had always been ready to pounce upon any weakness, any display of sentimentality or caring. She had hardened her heart to everything that surrounded her. The wall she’d erected had kept her strong, helped her maintain her sanity, and eventually allowed her the courage to flee.
How she thanked her Dear Lord that she’d run into the arms of her love. For months, she’d fought her growing attraction to Garrett, the need for his touch and the simple craving for his company. He was witty and intelligent, caring and passionate, everything her heart had ever desired.
His cold, grim exterior hid a gentle and loving spirit within. Garrett was a man like no other. She was certain God had led her to him. She prayed desperately that He would guide Garrett now as he searched for the answers concerning Lynnette. God created the love between them. Surely He would not have put them through so much only to keep them apart? He couldn’t possibly be the angry God the priests were so fond of portraying. No, God created this beautiful world and all in it. She must place her faith in Him.
Madeleine drank in the sight of Garrett a bit longer, happy to be in his presence. Finally, she wiggled her fingers slightly and he practically leaped to his feet.
“You are a light sleeper, my lord.” She grinned at him mischievously. “And very disheveled, I might add. Did you really have to sleep in that chair?”
He kissed her fingers. “Not for long, my sweet. I found it lonely in the solar, though. Now, if you’d rather me in your bed, I could—”
A loud rap at the door cut him off. Edith and Annie came bustling in with trays of food.
Garrett rose and helped Madeleine sit up against the pillows.
Edith smiled at them. “We thought you’d be hungry by now.”
“I don’t know about Garrett but I’m ravenous.” Madeleine glanced at the trays. “Why, you’ve brought enough to feed a small army.”
Edith laughed. “Garrett devours food much like an army.” She passed him a cup of ale. “The evening meal is about to begin downstairs but I thought you’d like a bit of time to yourselves.”
Garrett tore off a bite of the pheasant and chewed slowly, savoring its tenderness. “Actually, we both still bear the stains of travel, Mother. If we could have a bath drawn for each of us, it would be most welcomed.”
“I’ll take care of it now, my lord,” Annie said.
Edith made a motion to follow her, but Garrett stopped her. “Mother?”
She turned. “Yes, Son?”
He went to the door and took her elbow, moving them out into the corridor. The torches flickered, lighting the hallway. “Would you stay and assist Madeleine with her bath? I don’t want her left alone.”
Edith nodded. “Of course.” She started to enter the room again, but he stopped her.
“Mother.” He hesitated. “It’s bad what was done to her. I just wanted to prepare you.”
She sighed. “Oh, Garrett. I know. One look at her as you rode up and my heart was in my throat.” She faced him squarely. “I was married to Ryker, my son. I know from experience what a beating looks like.”
He wrapped his mother into his arms and held her for longer than his usual quick hug. Then he stepped back and saw her eyes brimming with tears.
“It’s over and done,” she reassured him. “Those shadows were lifted from Stanbury long ago. Come, finish eating. I’ll help your Madeleine. No prying servants’ eyes. Just your mother helping care for the woman you love.” She kissed his cheek.
*
Once bathed and dressed, Garrett returned to Mad
eleine’s chamber. He paused, surprised at the sound of laughter as he pushed open the door.
They obviously did not hear him come in and their conversation continued uninterrupted. Madeleine was seated upon a stool close by the fire, his mother braiding her hair.
Garrett watched Madeleine as the two women chatted, oblivious to their words. Despite the fading bruises, she appeared radiant. She had lost the harried look she’d worn in recent weeks, as if the weight of concealing her identity from everyone had been a physical one, pressing down upon her. With her so visibly relaxed, he knew her emotional scars, as well as the physical injuries, had begun to heal.
“Then Garrett tried to . . . oh, hello, Son,” Edith said, noticing him for the first time.
Madeleine glanced up. As their eyes met, she burst out laughing.
Garrett frowned playfully. “What’s so amusing?” He crossed to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Both women looked at each other and erupted into giggles. Edith finished her work by tying a ribbon of midnight blue on the end of Madeleine’s braid.
“I’ll tell you more later,” his mother said mysteriously and left the room.
Garrett began kneading Madeleine’s shoulders. She closed her eyes and sighed. “That feels wonderful. Don’t ever stop.”
“I’ll keep on. As long as you tell me what I missed.”
She opened her eyes. “Your mother was telling me the most amusing stories about you and Ashby.” A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I can’t wait to tease you both.”
His fingers slid up her neck. “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to speak with Ash anymore.”
She twisted around to look at him. “Why not?”
He stroked her neck as he said, “With all the lecherous looks he was giving you? I doubt I’ll trust him to be within twenty paces of you ever again.”
She cupped his face and gave him a light kiss. “You are so silly, Garrett. I should—”
“Kiss you again,” he replied. He leaned down for a hard, fast kiss. He smiled at her as they parted.
“Now I’m fortified for whatever occurs.” He squeezed her hand. “I must take care of the business at hand, though. Ash is awaiting word from me. I need to see him but a moment and then I will return to you.”