His Rival's Daughter (Stafford Family Book 1)

by Catherine Woodville

  ***

  The flames rose high into the night sky, making it bright. The fire was surely visible for miles around. William rushed to the village as fast as he could, his men following him. In such hot weather as had been prevalent for the last week the fire could spread quickly and the entire village could go up in flames. Every minute was precious.

  When they reached the village, William’s worst fears were confirmed. The fire had spread to nearby houses and the village folk had been trying to fight it without success.

  “Shit,” James swore, dismounting and rushing to help. “‘Tis worse than I expected.”

  William followed him.

  The fire was spreading fast, just as William feared.

  The entire village seemed to be gathered around the blazing buildings. People had been bringing buckets of water and pouring them on the fires, but the flames were too strong. No one could get close enough– the intense heat kept them away. They were tossing water from their buckets, but most of the time the water didn’t reach the fire, falling to the ground and evaporating from the heat.

  “It’s no use,” William cried to his brothers. “The fire is too strong. We cannot beat it now. We have to stop it from spreading to the other buildings.”

  “What do you suggest?” Stephen asked.

  “We need to soak the walls and roofs of all of the houses in the area. The flames won’t spread to them if they are wet. Tell people to do so,” he commanded, then took a bucket of water, ran to one of the closest houses, and poured water on its wall.

  Some people watching him were confused.

  “Do as I do to protect the houses that are not yet burning! Otherwise, they will burn, too.” He explained, and people started following his example.

  Soon, all the villagers moved from fighting the fire to saving houses yet untouched by the flames.

  Hours later William stepped away from the last house, covered in ashes and dirt, his face all black. Only now did he realise how tired he was.

  Still, there was fire they had to deal with. Having no choice but to continue, William gathered all his strength and rushed to the houses still aflame. The fire had slightly weakened but was still burning.

  “Damn it,” William whispered, staring at the tongues of flame, dancing around the doomed structures, and started fighting the fire with renewed vigour.

  ***

  The first beams of the rising sun lightened the horizon, when the fire had finally been extinguished completely. William was exhausted. His skin, hair, and clothes were covered with ashes. His lips were dry, his eyes red after the sleepless night and constant exposure to smoke. He walked to the nearest tree, sat down under it, and leaned against its trunk. Black ruins spread in front of him, smoke and heat still rising above them. James, as dirty as William, sat down next to him.

  “What a night. I can’t believe it’s all over,” he said and closed his eyes.

  “I hope you will never have as bad a wedding night as I just had,” William grinned and shook his head.

  “You can still return to the castle and do what you ought to do,” James winked at William.

  “No,” he smiled and shut his eyes. “All I need is bed and a good rest.”

  “And ale.”

  “Yes, and ale.” William chuckled and turned serious again. “Has anyone been injured or died? Someone could be in one of the houses.”

  “No one has died,” James said. “Everyone was celebrating your marriage, and no one went to bed. At least not in those houses. The celebration saved them.”

  William sighed with relief. “Send families from these houses to the castle. They will return once we rebuild their homes. But for now, they need somewhere to live.”

  James nodded in agreement.

  Stephen appeared, walking their horses with the reins in one hand. His blond hair was black with soot and ash, only his eyes showing white in his face.

  “‘Tis time to go home, lads,” he croaked, his voice ruined from yelling over the roar of flames.

  Fighting through his fatigue, William got up and mounted his stallion.

  James grabbed his horse’s reins. “I will catch up with you later,” he said and walked away.

  Stephen followed William’s example and soon they were on their way to the castle. Both were silent. Neither wanted to talk about the last night. All they wanted was a bed and rest.

  By the time they reached the castle, James caught up with them.

  “You are good at keeping your promises, James,” William grinned when his brother’s stallion levelled up with his.

  James kept his silence. Only a tired smile appeared on his face for a moment and instantly disappeared.

  “The people are going to the castle. They will be here soon.”

  “Good,” William nodded in satisfaction.

  When they finally entered the castle, it was already morning and the castle was going about its normal routine. The brothers rode through the outer and inner baileys, catching glances: some questioning and some thankful.

  When they reached the keep, William dismounted, threw his reins to the groom who had seen them and ran to assist, and rushed up the stairs.

  To William’s surprise, when he entered the great hall what he first saw was Elizabeth. She was sitting by the table, her eyes fixed on the door. When she saw William enter, she got up and rushed to him. Usually bright and smiling, she looked tired and had deep shadows under her eyes.

  “You haven’t slept,” he noticed, both pleased and annoyed when she came closer. She should have spent the night sleeping. But to be honest he was happy that she had been too worried for him to stay abed.

  “No,” she shook head, “How could I sleep when you were in a danger? I thought there might be need for a healer as well, so I prepared the castle to care for any wounded. Thank God there were none—at least none that were brought here.”

  These words, said in such a caring voice, were like a healing balm to his wounds. That she would care so deeply, not only for him, but for his people sent a wave of tenderness through him.

  She frowned, looking at him, and lifted a hand to wipe dirt from his cheek. “Have you managed to stop the fire?”

  “Yes,” William said, looking into her eyes.

  Her hand was so soft and caring, that something deep inside of him responded to the touch. He thought that part of his soul had died when Jane first married another, but now it was returning to life. Was that possible?

  He covered her hand with his and kissed it. Elizabeth blushed with embarrassment and pulled her hand away, but William didn’t let go. He took her hand in his, pulled it away from his face, and walked Elizabeth to the table. As they sat on a bench William spoke again.

  “By the time we arrived the fire had spread to the nearest houses. They are all burnt to the ground now. Three families are left without homes.”

  “Poor people,” Elizabeth gasped with sympathy. “What will happen to them?”

  William shrugged. “They will stay in the castle until we build new houses for them.”

  “Ho, there!” James called one of the servants who walked by, “bring us something to drink. We’re thirsty after breathing fire and smoke all night.

  William grinned. He had forgotten that there were people other than he and his beautiful wife.

  James and Stephen sat next to William.

  “I hope my future wife will be as caring as yours.” James commented, making Elizabeth blush again.

  “Do you know why the fire started?” Elizabeth asked, changing the topic.

  “I wish I had the answer,” William muttered under his breath.

  Servants brought three mugs with ale and James took a sip of his. He seemed instantly rejuvenated.

  “Villagers saw strangers in the village yesterday,” he said between sips. “First, when I heard it, I thought it was Humphrey, but then,” he paused. “It was a wedding day and there were many people from surrounding neighbourhoods. These strangers could be anyone, either
friends or enemies. But we believe that someone intentionally set the first house on fire. Everyone was celebrating the wedding. There was no one around that part of the village when the fire began.”

  “You might be right about Humphrey,” William mused and took a large gulp of ale. “I will think about it when I wake up. Now, I need a bath, and my lovely wife and I need some rest,” he got up and helped Elizabeth to her feet. “Do not wake us up unless there is something serious.”

  ***

  Although it was early morning, Harmton Castle was already bustling. Edward walked through the great hall, putting on his riding gloves. He threw a look at the maids who were cleaning tables after breakfast. Some of them were particularly tempting and he would love to spend some time with them, but his duty called. His men were waiting for him outside and that was more important.

  When Edward reached the door, it flew open and Humphrey stormed in, furious.

  “Your sister,” he pointed at Edward and cried, out of breath, anger preventing him from talking clearly. “She… she married the bastard!” He moved his eyes from Edward to the table. “Hey, leave it there.” He shouted to the servants. “I’m starving! And bring me something to drink!”

  He rushed to the table, acting as if he were lord of the castle. The servants looked at Edward, confused, waiting for approval. Edward nodded, confirming Humphrey’s words.

  “What do you mean?” Edward asked, faking surprise and following Humphrey to the table. The news was good, indeed. The king had approved the marriage and William had kept his word to marry Elizabeth. But he had to hide the joy he was feeling from Humphrey.

  “Baron de Broke and Elizabeth got married,” Humphrey spat on the floor. “Now she is his wife! Bastard,” he said quietly. He turned his gaze toward Edward. “I will kill him!”

  “No,” Edward shook his head. “You will not do that.”

  “What can stop me? William kidnapped the woman I was betrothed to, then he married her. I am not going to leave it like that.”

  “She has never been your betrothed,” Edward cut him off, “and she has never promised to marry you. William did a noble thing – he married Elizabeth and didn’t ruin her name. Now she is Lady Stafford and deserves our respect.”

  “Respect?” Humphrey gaped at Edward.

  “Yes. You must leave Elizabeth and William alone now. Elizabeth will never belong to you. Get used to it.”

  “No,” Humphrey smiled with an odd smile. “Elizabeth is my woman and I won’t let her go. Sooner or later she will be my wife.”

  Humphrey sat by the table and started gulping food. “I need to talk to the earl. Order someone to summon him.”

  “Father is still sleeping,” Edward answered. “He drank too much last night and left orders not to be disturbed. You know what can happen if someone disobeys him.”

  Humphrey grinned. “Yes, I know. I will wait.”

  Edward did his best to stay calm outside, although it was damn hard. Humphrey had something on his mind, it was as clear as day, but Edward had no idea what. He was certain it had something to do with Elizabeth. Neither his father, nor Humphrey cared for her wellbeing. The two of them could ruin her life.

  Edward would not allow it. He walked outside and dismissed his men. They would train later in the afternoon. Edward had to take the situation under control. When he returned to the great hall, he sat down by the hearth. Waiting. He could not miss the moment when Harmton met with Humphrey. Humphrey seemed to be as hungry as if he hadn’t eaten for several days. He consumed everything that was within his reach, drinking large portions of ale continuously. When Humphrey put a large piece of meat in his mouth, he grinned. “I made them a wedding present.”

  These words and the tone in which they were said alarmed Edward. He all but turned into an ear, so attentive was he to what Humphrey was saying.

  “I burnt a few houses in a village close to the castle. Right on the wedding night.”

  “Leave them alone,” Edward spat out every word, unable to fight his rage any longer. “Or our friendship will end.”

  These words took Humphrey aback. He frowned at Edward and stared at him for a long time, before talking again. But as soon as he opened his mouth, they heard steps at one of the staircases. Both men fell silent, waiting to see who was coming.

  A few moments later Jane entered. She was as beautiful as always. The red dress that she wore emphasized her thin waist, a deep necklace showing the tops of tempting breasts. Edward’s heart started beating faster, just like every time he saw her.

  This woman reminded him of a diamond hidden in a pile of trash. She was the only reason why he stayed in this castle and tolerated his always drunk father. If it wasn’t for her, he would have left a while ago. Her beauty and gentle smile enhanced their dark castle.

  Edward had never thought of this woman as a stepmother. She was young, beautiful, and deserved a better husband than his father.

  Edward’s mind flew back to the kiss they had shared on the stairs. He shook his head to cast away the memory. That kiss made Edward lose his mind completely. He had been dreaming about this woman day and night. Dozens of times he had imagined holding her in his arms, making love to her, making her forget all the nasty things that his father had done to her.

  Jane slowly walked into the great hall and made a curtsy to the two men.

  “Lady Jane,” Humphrey nodded in greeting, wiping his mouth with his hand.

  “Do you have any news about my stepdaughter?” Jane asked, full of dignity.

  “Yes,” Humphrey swore. “She married Baron de Broke. Two days ago.” he paused, but then continued with contempt. “Now she is Lady Elizabeth Stafford, Baroness de Broke.”

  “Bastard,” Jane swore under her breath.

  Edward’s brows rose at her words. Her face darkened with anger. Her chest moved rapidly up and down, her lips formed a thin line, and her brows furrowed. Damn, she was furious, yet she was stunningly beautiful.

  “How dare he?” she whispered.

  Edward was watching her and couldn’t understand what was going on. Jane almost didn’t know Elizabeth. Edward doubted that Jane would feel this way about someone she hardly knew. Was she angry at William because of another reason? Was it possible that the anger that she was trying to hide, was mere jealousy?

  Edward felt a flash of anger at the thought. He wanted Jane for himself. He could deal with his father, as Jane was his wife, but he would not tolerate another man in her heart.

  Jane turned around and slowly went upstairs, her entire body shaking.

  Edward wanted to follow her, but it would make Humphrey suspicious. Edward could not let it happen. He would use another way to get to Jane.

  Humphrey was watching Jane, too. Edward could only imagine what dirty thoughts crossed his mind at that moment. When Jane disappeared, Humphrey moved his entire attention back to the food and the great hall plunged into silence.

  Patiently, Edward waited for several minutes, before leaving the great hall. The castle was full of secret passages. He and Elizabeth were the only ones who knew about them. And Edward would such passage to get to Jane’s chamber unnoticed.

  He crossed the yard and walked to the inner wall. Then he walked down to the donjon and appeared in a labyrinth of underground passages. He could reach any place in the castle from here, but he needed only one. Jane’s room.

  When he reached her chamber, he gently pushed the door and it opened under his touch.

  The scene that met his eyes stunned him. A mess reigned in the chamber. Clothes, blankets, and pillows had been thrown to the floor and Jane was carelessly walking over all of it. She was in a fury. Rage had twisted her face, her eyes flaring. She threw things to the floor, at the walls, not paying attention to Edward. “Bastard,” she cried staring into the air in front of her. “How dare you?”

  Suddenly she stopped, her back to Edward. “I will kill the bitch,” she whispered in a cold and emotionless voice. “No one dares to take away my man.”
>
  Edward did not know what to do. He had never seen a woman so angry before. He stepped forward and tried to embrace her from the back, but she jumped away as if he burned her.

  “What are you doing here?” she looked at him, her eyes wide. “How did you get inside?” she looked at the wall behind his back and her eyes widened, when she saw the secret door. “Leave!”

  “I am not going anywhere until you calm down,” he said, his tone making it clear that he wouldn’t bear objections.

  “Calm down? Me?” hysterical laughter escaped her, and her face darkened again, anger coming back with full force. “William was my man!” she screamed into his face. “And your sister,” Jane stepped towards him and poked a finger into his chest, “She took him away from me! Now I am married to your beast of a father, and have to suffer because of that, and your sister sleeps with my man. It was my place, and I am the only woman who should be sleeping there.”

  Edward did his best to stay calm, but her words about William made him furious. A mixture of anger, jealousy, and desire was rising within him. “You cannot change anything,” he tried to stay calm, but it was damn difficult to do. “They are married now.”

  “Of course, I can,” her eyes were dark with hatred and scared Edward. She suddenly calmed. “I can kill her.” She was so calm that it sounded almost like a promise.

  A chill ran down Edward’s spine at the change in her, then fury overtook him, mixed with desire to possess this woman. She was deeply unhappy and all she needed was a good lover in her bed. Edward refused to believe that she had been in love with William. Refused to believe she could be as disturbed as her actions suggested. He could believe that she had lost a good lover and was furious about that. Well, Edward could be even better.

  This thought stirred his desire. Edward lost his battle for control. Completely. Silently, he lifted Jane up and threw her to the bed. The next moment he covered her with his body, leaving no chance for her to escape.