Jenna Jaxon - Time Enough to Love 03 (18 page)

Guy turned accusing eyes to de Courcy. “You said she was mine!”

Etienne came forward
, shaking his head. “Longford said they had
not
wed, that they were merely willing to wed.”

Alyse sent a look of appeal to Geoffrey.

Aye, the truth should have been spoken ere now, but de Valere had appeared, and his anger and jealousy had gotten the best of him. Again. He raised an eyebrow, but nodded.

Alyse continued. “After Thomas died, and Geoffrey’s wife
, Mary, we went to the princess’s chapel, and before the altar we spoke our wedding vows. Geoffrey gave me a ring.” She waved her hand at the men. “And we swore an oath that I was his wife before God.” She sighed and wrung her hands. “According to law, we are married. But the words were spoken in the sight of God, not of man, for everyone else had died or run away. In our hearts, we are married and…” She faltered.

“And she carries my child
,” Geoffrey finished for her, thrilling to the sound of the words for the first time.

Guy’s body stiffened.

“
Mon Dieu
!” De Courcy moaned and shook his head.

“So what say you, Guy?” Alyse stared at her longtime friend, still held captive by Geoffrey’s keen blade.

Guy shook his head. “I have long held hopes we would wed,
chérie
. I offered for you three times, but your father never accepted my suit until now. I have waited and have gained nothing.”

Alyse knelt and put her hand to his face. “You will retain your life and my friendship, Guy.
’Tis all I could ever have given you. An you persist and force Geoffrey to take your life, your death will lie on my conscience. You say you have regard for me. Then take pity on me, for I already have sins enough in the taking of life.” She dropped her hand and stepped back.

“Do you yield, Guy de Valere?”

Guy took one more long look at Alyse. “
Oui. C’est finis
.”

Geoffrey released him at once and sheathed his sword.

Alyse hurled herself into his arms. Geoffrey pressed himself to her lips, her breasts, her hips. Let the world wait. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and greedily tasted all that was now completely his.

“Humph.” Etienne cleared his throat quite forcefully
, and Geoffrey broke the kiss.

He looked around the
Great Hall, but Guy had disappeared. His gaze next landed on Alyse’s father, who regarded them with a deep scowl.

“So,
Seigneur
Longford,
ma fille
is with child, yet there is at best only a clandestine marriage between you? Why have you not married in all the time you have traveled from Bordeaux?”

“Do not be angry, Papa.” Alyse clutched his hand. “We tried to find a priest and witnesses, but we rode through many villages where the priests had either left or died. We feared to venture into the larger cities where the plague still rages. Is there still a priest in Belcour? If we brave the snow
, we could be married tomorrow.” Her face lit up with a glowing smile at the prospect.

’
Twas hard to breathe when he beheld such beauty.

Her father’s mouth puckered into a half smile. “If you wish,
ma chère
, you can be married tonight. Even now.”

“Do not tease about such things, Papa.” She hugged Geoffrey close again. “Where do you propose to find a priest this hour of the night in a blinding snowstorm?”

De Courcy’s laugh rang out. “On the second floor of Beaulieu, Alyse. Uncle Antoine has been living with us since the pestilence struck. He has been Belcour’s priest for almost three months. I will send Gaston to fetch him, if you wish.”

With a cry of joy
, Alyse launched herself into her father’s arms. “And you will bless this match you made, Papa? It truly was not either Geoffrey’s or my wish for the betrothal to be broken.” She hugged him close. “You chose the best, the only man who will make me happy for all of my life, Papa. So, you see, you must trust your first instinct, as I trusted you.”

De Courcy nodded and kissed her cheek. “Yes, I will countenance this match again, but with one stipulation—I will see the marriage concluded this evening.” He wound her hand firmly in the crook of his arm. “Just to be sure.”

* * * *

They were married that night by the light of torches in the
Great Hall at Beaulieu. Uncle Antoine performed the simple ceremony, having them repeat vows almost identical to the ones they had pledged to each other three months before. Geoffrey again produced her ring and slid it onto her finger, raising her hand to seal it with a kiss. He whispered, “Forever,” and her heart swelled so with love she could not speak. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks.

Later, upstairs in her childhood chamber, as Alyse sat and brushed her hair, she fixed her gaze on the delightful sight of Geoffrey as he removed his clothing.

Mine
.
Finally mine until death do us part
.

This
happiness had been too long in coming. She drank in the glory of her husband’s big, muscular body as he came to loom over her. She put her brush on the table, eager to be in his arms once more.

Geoffrey raised her up from her chair and slid the shoulders of her shift over her arms until the garment pinned them to her sides. He lifted her face to his and pressed his lips to hers in a sweet kiss. A married kiss. They were married. Finally.

He slipped his lips from her mouth, to her neck, to her shoulders. Wonderful shivers raced down her arms. When he encountered the nightgown, miraculously it fell neatly to the floor. He reached her breast, engulfed her nipple.

“Oh, Geoffrey.” She twined her arms around his neck. He picked her up and carried her to their bed. Lying cuddled in his arms, she sighed. He felt so good against her. “I can scarce believe I am here in your arms. That I am in truth your wife and we are bound together forever, my lord.” She
clambered up on top of him. “And this is our wedding night.”

Geoffrey’s smile widened wickedly. “
We may be the only couple ever to have a second wedding night.”

“
Hmmm.” She well remembered the night of passion that had followed their first vows. “But there are no honeyed pears. Whatever will we do?”

He groaned. “Aye, madam, there are not, but I vow between the two of us we will think of some
other way to pass the night.” Then he rolled her beneath him and sank his mouth onto hers in a slow, sensual, toe-curling kiss that made her ache for him anew.

And
, in the end, she decided, they scarcely missed the pears at all.

Chapter 19

They remained at Beaulieu through the winter holiday season and into the spring. Although Alyse seemed to enjoy the time spent with her family, Geoffrey yearned to be at their journey’s end—Longford Manor—for he wanted their child born on the estate he would inherit. So he chaffed through the dreary months until the weather improved from cool misty rains into days of brilliant sunshine in late March. To his surprise, de Courcy insisted his daughter travel in his carriage, sending Louis along to drive her. A very great boon considering her now advanced condition.

The final leg of their journey thus proved surprisingly uneventful, for which Geoffrey offered up a sincere prayer of thanksgiving. With the sky’s cooperation, by the first of April they were back on English soil. And on a day filled with warm sun and a gentle breeze, they came at last to Longford Manor.

Geoffrey leaned forward, trying to get a glimpse of the house as they turned into the long avenue lined with tall oaks that led to Longford. They rounded a curve and the greystone manor came into view, a daunting sight as always. A large, rambling affair with a central structure—an original keep three stories high—to which additions had been built on either side. Even with multiple windows, the manor looked forbidding, as though no warmth penetrated its walls. Very little had, in fact. But that would change now. He glanced toward the carriage. How would Alyse find her new home? If he knew his wife, she would at once plan changes to make their home into a friendlier haven.

They stopped in front of the portico
, and Geoffrey jumped down to hand Alyse from the carriage then offered her his arm. “Longford Manor has never been very welcoming, I fear, my love. I have some few good memories here, but some very unpleasant ones as well.” Geoffrey scowled, the thought of his brother’s death and his marriage to Lady Mary coming immediately to mind. He shrugged and shook off the chill that memory always brought him. “The lands surrounding it are pleasant enough, but the house itself has always wanted a woman’s touch to make it a gracious home.” He smiled and squeezed her hand. “Now you are here, my sweet, all will be remedied in an excellent manner.”

“I truly hope so, my lord. I would have our home be inviting to everyone.” She frowned as they neared the portico. “But Geoffrey, we do not know whether or not your father still lives. If he does, will we make our home here, even though he may disapprove of our marriage?”
She clutched his arm.

“Be easy, love. He should have no quibble with our marriage, for he approved it himself last year.” Geoffrey took her by the shoulders. “He never disapproved of you, Alyse.
’Twas his ambition to see the family name linked to royalty that made him break our betrothal.”

The great door to the manor opened
, and a gaunt face peered out.

“But, look, here is my father’s steward. Now we will see how the wind blows. John.” Geoffrey stepped onto the portico as the elderly man rushed out in an ambling gait.

“Sir Geoffrey.” John gazed at him, a wide grin splitting his face. “Beg pardon, my Lord Longford.” He bowed.

Lord Longford
.

A heaviness descended on his heart that surprised him. His hatred of the man should have precluded any feeling, save that of satisfaction. Yet the sense of loss clutched him. Apparently
, the bonds of blood bit deeper than he had believed.

“We were afraid you too had been taken by this cursed pestilence,” John continued, not seeming to notice his silence. “God be praised that you stand here, my lord, for we have heard nothing of you since last summer. Welcome home, my lord.” He grasped Geoffrey’s hand and pressed his forehead to it.

Dear Lord
.

This would take some getting used to. He nodded and withdrew his hand, not knowing where to look.

Alyse rushed forward and placed a soft hand on his arm. “I am so sorry, Geoffrey, that you are met with this sad news on your homecoming.”

He shook his head and covered her hand with his. “John, this is my wife, Alyse, now Lady Longford.”

The elder’s eyes widened, as he took in Alyse’s swollen body. “My lord and…my lady, welcome home.” The question was in his voice and his eyes.

Geoffrey sighed.
’Twould not be the last time he would make this explanation. “I am certain you remember well, John, when last you saw me, ’twas Lady Mary who was my wife.” No one in the countryside would have forgotten his ranting on the fact.

The steward shifted uneasily
, nodded then glanced at Alyse again.

“
Sadly , she died while we were in France,” Geoffrey continued.
God rest your soul, Mary. You deserved better than me.
“Lady Alyse is the woman Father betrothed me to at first. And dearer to me than any other.”

“My lady.” John bowed to her. “I am so pleased you and his lordship are home at last.” The old retainer turned to usher them into the house
, but Geoffrey stopped him.

“Who is left, John? I assume Father…died of the plague.” The words still could not be believed, despite the many people he had known who had died. His father had seemed too strong willed to let a mere illness strike him down.

“Aye, the scourge hit Longford hard, mayhap a month after you sailed to France. His lordship held the sickness at bay for near a month more. Then one morning he did not appear to break his fast. I found him in his solar.” His face changed as he spoke, seeming to draw in upon itself until deep creases showed at his eyes and mouth. “The ones of us remaining managed to give him a proper burial.”

Geoffrey crossed himself. Let the man have peace and be done. He cla
pped John on his shoulder. “So there are others left of the household?”

John nodded. “Aye, there are five still here, my lord. Everyone else either took sick and died or left to avoid the illness.”

“That is better than at Beaulieu,” Alyse said, and squeezed his hand. “And with Louis, we now are eight.” She indicated the coachman, who was unloading the carriage.

His wife ever
looked to the bright side. ’Twas not nearly enough to run the estate. Yet it was a start. “This is Louis, sent from Lady Longford’s father to be head groom here. Has anyone been tending the stables?”

“There is nothing to tend, my lord. The horses were all taken when people fled the pestilence.” John pursed his lips
and grunted.

Geoffrey gave Alyse a grateful look. “
’Tis a good thing then, my sweet, that you had the forethought to bring an extra horse. It seems we will have need of breeding them soon if we would have a stable again.” He turned back to John. “See to it that our chests are taken to the master chamber, John. And show Louis where to put the horses.”

“Aye, my lord. I’ll send him to George. He’s been taking care of the grounds these many months.” John made his ambling way toward Louis
, and the two began to speak.

Geoffrey took Alyse by the hand and led her to the front door where there was one more ceremony to be performed.
He swept her off her feet and into his arms.

“Ahhh. What are you doing?” Alyse grabbed his neck
with a vice-like grip. “I weigh as much as Mirabelle, Geoffrey. You will injure yourself.” She clutched him closer.

He laughed, the joy of her presence here overriding all the sadness of the homecoming. “You weigh less than a goshawk, my dove. And I would begin our marriage aright by carrying you over my threshold.” He rested his head against hers. “Mayhap we could use some good luck from now on.”

“Aye, my lord.” She smiled and caressed his face. “I would not turn down any boon now.”

Geoffrey stepped over the threshold and into the
Great Hall. Instead of putting her down, however, he held her close to his heart, relishing the feeling of her in his arms anew. His bride in his home. Despite treachery, tragedy, and pestilence, life had become good again. A deep rumbling laugh bubbled out of him, a swelling of joy he had never experienced before. On a whim borne of pure happiness, he twirled her around at a dizzying speed.

“Geoffrey! You must stop
. I will be ill!”

He halted at her command, but did not release her. She deserved a proper homecoming. He tasted her lips, deeply and thoroughly. “Welcome home, my love.”

With that, he started up the steps to the second floor, carrying her into his father’s solar where he finally let her slip to the floor. “This is our chamber, sweetheart.”

Geoffrey surveyed the familiar room with new eyes. Windows along the south wall looked out on the manor’s central courtyard and brought in the warm sun every afternoon. Tapestries of hunt scenes and dragons in rich greens, golds
, and reds adorned the walls. The wooden floor had its own carpet as well in a pattern of concentric squares. He smiled at the small table and single chair huddled near the fireplace. The room had been arranged for the comfort of one very demanding man. Little had changed here since his boyhood.

The final piece of furniture was the immense oak bed that took the space of an entire wall, and jutted into the room with
impudence. The thick mattress and rich velvet coverings were the one luxury his father had allowed himself. ’Twould serve them well also. But what would Alyse think of it?

She stood in the middle of the floor, turning around and nodding as she took everything in. Her inspection complete, she approached the massive bed and ran a hand over the soft bed coverings.

“’Tis the bed we will share from now on, my love,” he said, going to stand behind her. “The bed where our children will be born and bred.” He smiled and placed a protective hand on her burgeoning stomach. “Except for this wee one, who stole a march on us.”

Alyse’s face went from sunny delight to a dark, brooding frown.
She slid her hand across her belly and rubbed it absently. The lines of her puckered brow deepened.

“What is wrong, my love, that you frown so? Is the chamber not to your liking? Or does the babe make himself known?” Geoffrey had been amazed at the ferocity of the child’s activity, for Alyse often drew his hand to her belly that he might feel the forceful kicking.

She smiled and moved to sit by the fireplace. “I was wondering who will attend me when the child is born, Geoffrey.” She glanced up at him then away. “I have only ever seen a birth once, and I do not know what to do. Is there a village nearby where we may ask for a midwife? There should be someone who has taken care of the women of your shire when their time is due.” Still she would not meet his eyes. “I am afraid the sickness may not have spared a midwife more than any other person.”

Geoffrey knelt before her, clasping her hands tightly.
’Twas a need he had somehow not anticipated. “I will ask John at once if he knows who is attending the local women. Once we are settled in, I will ride out and fetch the woman that she may be known to you. If she does not suit you, I will ride to the next town and the next, until I find someone you can trust. Someone I will trust with you and our babe.” He cupped her face, so beautiful despite the furrowed her brow. “I know your time draws near. ’Tis no shame to feel afraid. Any soldier does before a battle.”

She smiled at that. “You think of this as a battle? I hope it is not near so warlike.”

He smiled back, massaging her hands. “Not warlike, but unknown. Like any untried soldier you will need the best commander possible, to instill courage in you and lead you through it. I promise you will have the best care I can provide, love.”

Geoffrey pulled Alyse into a strong embrace, hiding his face over her shoulder for he had caught her mood. The thought that he might lose her in childbed twisted his heart, filled him with more fear than any foe ever could. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and quit the chamber quickly, before he revealed his alarm. He
would not wait another moment before seeking the woman they needed.

The news he returned with was far from encouraging. The plague had not spared the local midwife, according to John, so Geoffrey had gone into
Longford Village to find out who had been attending the women there. What he found disturbed him greatly. Only three women had delivered babies since the plague had struck last August. All other pregnant women had died of the illness. Of the three who had gone into labor, two had borne children before and so had been able to help each other. Both those mothers had survived, although one of the children had died. The third woman had been carrying her first child and had gone into labor in the middle of the night without assistance. Both she and her babe had died.

At dinner
, Geoffrey glossed over the details of his trip as much as possible, instead focusing on redoubling his efforts to find a midwife. Alyse tried to put on a brave face, but she had paled when he mentioned the woman who died. Damnation. He could have withheld the information from her, but he would not deal double with his wife. She deserved to know the truth of their circumstances. He could, however, give her some reassurances. “An I am unable to find a midwife, I will hire the two mothers who recently had their lying-in. They will know well how to help you when your time comes.”