Bessie (12 page)

Oh! He just called me darling
.

Bessie was reeling in place at the endearment. It took several long moments before she could answer. She counted eight of Black-Heart’s strides.

“Devon. I must tell you. I am not poor.”

“Wed to me, you are.”

“Please. Listen to me. I am not poor. I told you on our wedding night. This marriage could bring you much, if you but ask.”

“Wasn’t there a willing part in there, too?”

“Are you asking?” she replied.

“Well. A few shillings wouldn’t go amiss. How much property do you bring to me?”

“Most of my properties are entailed.”

“Alas, most of mine are, too.”

“I’m telling the truth. Why do you make light of it?”

“If you were wealthy, your hand would have been sought after. You wouldn’t have been available to wed with me.”

“I have many properties, Devon.”

“And a castle in the sky, too?”

“Have you heard of the Twin Keeps?”

“Place in the south with two, nearly-identical keeps in the middle bailey? Aye.”

“That is the one. I own it. Crump Castle, too.”  It was on the edge of her tongue, but something stopped her. Bessie kept Stansbury to herself.

“Ah. I noticed they treated you like the lady of the manor when we stayed.”

“You didn’t pay any attention to me, at all.”

“True enough, but since we’re telling lies, I decided to enter my own.”

“It’s no lie. I truly do own Crump Castle. And Twin Keeps.”

“You can’t,” he informed her.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because the court spent time there not six months past.”

“I know. I vacated it for the occasion.”

“That would explain why I never saw you. I was really drawn to the stained glass portions. They are identical in both keeps, although mirrored. Do you know what I mean?”

“Of course I know. I had it designed.”

The horse snorted for him. Bessie didn’t look around Devon to see why. She knew who held the reins.

“I am not amused, Devon.”

“You can’t own Twin Keeps, Bess, my dear, although it would be a rich dower, to be sure.”

“Why do you doubt me?”  She was near tears. It sounded in her voice.

“Because when I admired it, Her Majesty said it could be mine. She said it was in her power to gift it to me, but she’d need a little time.”

“She said
what
?”   

Bessie’s question ended with a stifled scream. She was afraid to add more. She straightened her back. Her teeth clenched. Her eyes went wide. Her hands were in knotted fists. She’d never felt so angry and shocked. She had to control it somehow. This reaction was worse than stupid. She, of all people, should be used to Queen Elizabeth’s scheming by now.

“There was more. I believe she mentioned Bargelle. That’s another estate near the Twin Keeps. I suppose you will claim ownership of that, too?”

“That’s where I hid while the court was at the Twin Keeps, you idiot.”  Her voice was a harsh whisper, made through gritted teeth.

“You’re caught in a lie and how do you respond? By calling me names. That’s fairly childish, Bessie.”

“Oh! How I despise her! She schemes and entraps and acts like it’s nothing to play with other’s lives. I actually
fell
for it this time. I cannot believe my stupidity!”

“Who are we speaking of?”

“The queen, of course! Must everything be explained to you?”

“When you talk nonsense, yes.”

“Nonsense? I’ll explain everything. Please listen. Whatever you did, or did not do, it was of little import. She set this entire thing up! She already had our union planned when she summoned me to court! How could I have been so stupid?”

“Is being wed to me so horrid that you’d invent such a story?”

“You can’t possibly be this thick-headed.”

“I think I’ll leave off taking advice in the future. It doesn’t appear to be working. I was told my wife owns my dreams. What a horrid sentence that would be. I’d rather stay wakeful day-in and day-out. My wife is a veritable shrew, with a knack for telling nonsensical tales.”

“It’s not a tale.”

“I suppose the next thing you’ll tell me is that you own Stansbury Hall.”

“Of course I do!” 

Bess was agitated. Her voice was rising. She had to take deep breaths to calm this reaction. She wasn’t known as an emotional sort. She’d worked her entire life at outward composure. A forced marriage to Devon Hildebrand wasn’t changing that. His back shifted with what sounded like laughter. That wasn’t helpful. She narrowed her eyes.

“And Whitehall Chapel? How about the Tower? Maybe Howell? Do you own those, too?” 

“Just see us to your castle, Lord Hildebrand. Now.”

“It’s a bit delicate through here, Bess. Black-Heart has to pick his way. Don’t you, lad?”

The horse whinnied on cue.

“You aren’t planning on bogging your horse down, are you? I’d prefer to walk and allow you both to flounder. I don’t even think it would bother me.”

“Black-Heart would buck us off before he’d let that happen, wouldn’t you? See? He agrees.”

“You are a light-witted, very handsome, and charming fellow, Hildebrand. It has been an interesting three days knowing you.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s an apology. I’m sorry I baited you with words. I suppose I could petition the courts for an annulment. She owns the judges, though. I might have to seek one in another of my names. She might not be able to stop—”

“An annulment? Whatever for?”

“To release you, of course.”

“You truly don’t wish to be wed to me?”

Devon swiveled so quickly on his saddle that Bess lost her grip. Devon was right about the ground, too. It was very marshy.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Bessie couldn’t recall ever being so wretched. Nor so humiliated. Every step he took added to the misery. She covered it over with her cold, commanding voice. “I insist on walking. I do. Put me down.”

“You have slathered Black-Heart and me with mud. Do you think I wish the same on my floors?”

“I am used to having my commands obeyed, Lord Hildebrand.”

“You need to call me Devon.”

“Put me down! Put me down! Put me down!”

“Do you have to kick so?”

Bessie calmed her fit of temper with difficulty. She’d probably looked ridiculous as she’d arched her back and kicked. She was amazed Devon hadn’t dropped her.

“Ah. That’s better.”

“Stop treating me like a child.”

“When you stop acting like one.”

“I am not acting like one!”

“Of course you are. I should know. I’ve had the raising of my siblings since my mother died birthing Lizzie.”

“What of your father?”

“The plague took him. Earlier that year.”

“Oh. That’s...sad.”

“Sad or not, such is life. Why do you think I went to court?”

“To curry favor, of course. Do I look stupid?”

“No. You look like a mud-covered, shrouded—”

“Oh stop. And put me down.”

“But you told me to carry you, remember?”

“I did not! I distinctly recall it. I said nothing of being unable to walk.”

“Very well, let’s recollect. You fell. Then you sat in the mud and laughed. I think you were laughing, before you started crying. Then, you ordered me off my horse and said I was to assist you. I believe those were your words.”

“Assist me
from
the mud.”

“And I did, rather gallantly. I even carried you to Black-Heart. You didn’t argue with me over the carrying then.”

“If you don’t put me down this instant, I’ll scream.”

“You hadn’t much of a childhood, did you?”

“I’m the queen’s ward. I was raised at court. I spoke of it before. You should listen better.”

“You’ve quite a temper. Is that a family trait?”

“How would I know? I am an only child. I have no family.”

“Oh. Poor babe. There’s not a soul that cares where you are, how you fare? Or even if you live and breathe? That must be lonely.”

“I’ve an army of people that care for me.”

“Truly? And, where would they be hiding themselves?”

“At my estates.”

“You pay people to care for you?”

“Put me down, Lord Hildebrand.”

“Call me Devon. Ah. We’ve arrived. Hail, James! You saw us from the road?”

“We waited all day, Devon. What took so long?”

“My wife can’t keep a seat. I had to chase Black-Heart down. He wasn’t fond of carrying so much mud. I can’t say I am, either. She’s still covered with muck, as we speak. Make certain a fire is started in my chamber. And, James?”

“Yes?”

“My thanks.”

“Who is James?” 

Bessie turned to catch a slightly shorter, much leaner version of Devon grinning at her. James obviously didn’t work the fields.

“The fellow who is next in line to the title. That’s right, James. I have been lorded. I forgot to speak of it yesterday.”

“My congratulations, Devon!”

“James...is your brother?” Bessie asked.

“One of many.”

“How many?”

“Three or four.”

“You’ve three brothers?”

“More like four. And four sisters.”

Bessie gasped. “That...many?”

“My father was a lusty sort. I should warn you, ’tis a family trait.”

That was gasp-worthy, too. She managed to catch it, but the blush was beyond stopping. “Of all the puffed-chest! Arrogant—!”

“Never mind her words, James. She actually adores me.”

“She has a strange way of showing it. This is your wife, then? From the tourney?”

“The tourney?” Bessie asked.

“James was my squire. How do you think I got Black-Heart and my armor?”

“I hadn’t given it any thought. If I had, I’d have assumed it was borrowed.”

“I told you I was good in a joust, Bess. I couldn’t prove it in borrowed plate and on a strange horse.”

“I’m not giving that any thought, either.”

“Try harder.”  Devon tightened his hold on her and that lifted her closer. And that felt terrible. And wonderful.

“She looks different,” James interrupted.

“Change of clothing. She lost nearly a stone of weight with that ugly brown gown. I am not complaining...especially given the view.”

Bessie moved her hand from his neck to her cleavage. Silently cursed Roberta and Augusta again. And herself. She’d known to make the veil longer! Bessie cleared her throat. “Put me down, Hildebrand. Now.”

“I don’t think she likes being carried.”

“When I need your help with my women-troubles, James, I’ll knock on your door. Besides, we are not there yet.”

“We’re well inside your home,” Bessie remarked.

“How can you tell? You haven’t looked about you.”

“I can see by the rafters. We’re in a tower, now. See, we’re climbing.”

“You don’t say,” he replied. And then he winked. Her heart reacted. The man was too handsome and much too charming. Especially at such close quarters. She could swear she even heard a humming sound. And then his brother spoke again, dissipating it.

“Will you need help with the door?”

“You still shadowing me, James? Well. See that a tub is sent up. The servants are still here, aren’t they?”

“Aye.”

“Good. They haven’t heard yet, then.”

“Heard of what?”

“My marriage. And change of status. Now that I’m no longer under Her Majesty’s protection, I cannot afford to keep servants.”

Bessie opened her mouth to tell him, but James forestalled her. “Actually...more help has arrived while I was attending you at Stansbury.”

“More? Where the devil did they come from?”

“I sent them, my lord,” Bessie replied.

“Bess. Please. You need to use my given name. My brother is listening.”

Bessie considered him for long moments. He’d been using a teasing tone, yet right now he sounded and looked fairly serious. This was horrible. And wonderful. Being held in his arms was one experience. Locking eyes with him stole her breath and sent heat throughout her chest area. It was so stupid! She daren’t let him affect her this much. Why...even with a veil between them, she couldn’t keep eye contact. The man was too stirring. He jumbled her thoughts and altered the elements. She had to look away or lose the ability to think. And speak.

He cleared his throat. “Why would you send servants that I cannot pay for? One thousand pounds sterling will not last long with that sort of drain on it.”

“They are my servants. I can send them where I may. They should have arrived from Crump last eve.”

“Send them back immediately. I can’t afford them.”

“I shall send them back once I get this farce annulled. And not before.”

“You need to start obeying me. That’s what needs to happen. Or did you miss that portion of the wedding vows,
Wife?
”

His emphasis on her title wasn’t angered. It sounded more like a caress.

Bessie jerked. She knew he felt it. It was in the way he sucked in on his cheeks, the smile that hovered on his lips, and the heavy breath he sent across her exposed skin below her veil. She countered it the only way she knew. With her cold, calculated, measured tone. She was quite proud of that.

“Why do you argue, Lord Hildebrand? I heard you quite distinctly the first day as we left London. I also add our wedding night at Crump. You made certain I knew of your feelings.”

“Ah. We’ve arrived. James? Get the door.”

“How much farther are you carrying this farce?” Bessie asked.

He tipped his head to one side. “To my bed. What do you say to that?”

A shocked exclamation was unacceptable. As was swooning. Yet for the barest moment, Bessie nearly did both. Her eyes went their widest. Her mouth had the same issue. Everything went to a complete standstill. Except her heart. It sent quick, heavy beats through both ears. She’d never dealt with such a combination of sensations. It took every ounce of effort to rein any reaction back. And years of training. Her heart hammered through every bit of it while he stood watching. As if he could easily pierce the veils weave and knew exactly what was happening.

And finally, she felt confident in a reply. Her voice was as calm and cool as usual. Only the slightest tremor betrayed anything. “You are abusing my good nature, Hildebrand.”

“Did you hear that, James? She’s claiming a good nature. She keeps it well hidden, doesn’t she?”

“I am not entering your woman-troubles at this stage, Devon. I have a tub to order. Are you still of a mind on festivities this eve?”

“Festivities?”  Bessie looked back to Devon as she asked it. He wasn’t but a finger’s length away from her as he winked.

“Just immediate family, Bess. My siblings. Uncle Francis. They want to meet you.”

“I’ve nothing to wear, my lord.”

“If you don’t call me Devon, I’ll—”

He left his threat unfinished. It was her own stubbornness that made her ask.

“You will what?”

“I’m of a mind to see what secrets you hide beneath this veil of yours. And I’ve got James at my side for courage.”

“I don’t think you are amusing, my—Devon.”

He grinned, opened his arms, and Bessie dropped. She squealed as she landed on a feather-filled mattress, making a dent in it.

“I could warm to that endearment. ‘
My
Devon?’”

“I am getting my mud-covered petticoats all over your bed and that’s all you can say?”

“You can get whatever you like all over my bed, Bess. I’ll not be sleeping in it.”

Bessie’s heart lurched instantly. Painfully. She pressed a hand to her cleavage. She wasn’t able to stop the motion. Devon was absolutely right, too. Her bodice was cut very low.

“You may wish to look to your skirts as well, Bess dear. Why, I’ve not seen such a lovely turn of ankle since...well, since yesterday at the tourney. For a wench aiming for an annulment, you have a strange way about you. What say you, James?”

“I’d as lief leave, if you don’t mind.” 

“You can wipe that self-satisfied look from your face, Devon Hildebrand. I was dropped from a considerable distance to a mattress. Any lady that could keep her skirts about her proper in such a position is more practiced at it than I am.”

“Does that mean you’re inexperienced in the way of bedding?”

“I’ll not dignify that with an answer. You know my history.”

“Your other husbands were men. I keep forgetting it. I look forward to showing you what a younger man is capable of.”

“As you’re not sleeping here, it shouldn’t arise.”  Bess looked in surprise as both men laughed aloud.

“My. You are good with word games. Aren’t you?”

“I have no idea to what you’re referring.”

“And I believe every word of that.”

“You’re maddeningly dim and it’s becoming boring talking nonsensical things with you. Perhaps your brother has more wits. James? Perhaps you could see that I’ve a tub sent up? I am not fond of mud, despite the proof before you.”

“What?”

“She’s saying she’s decided to ignore me, James. She needs her bath. She needs clean clothing. She’s trying to pretend she doesn’t care where I sleep. It’s a very good game, isn’t it? She’s very good at it, too.”

“That’s what she said?” James asked.

“She’s using court speech. Like I said, it’s a game. Words can have several meanings. Nobody says anything at the queen’s court without blurring their meaning. I almost needed an interpreter at first.”

“But...I don’t care,” Bess said.

“It’s a round-about way to ask it, to be sure. I congratulate you, Bess.”

“You are the most insufferable, pig-headed, argumentative, maddening male of my existence, Lord Hildebrand! I grow tired of repeating myself. I neither care where you sleep, or if you do, or with whom! Is that clear enough for you?”

“There’s no need to shout, Bess, my dear.”

“I am not shouting!”

“I’d call it shouting. How about you, James?”

“I am not joining your women-trouble at this stage,” James answered.

“Why...you’d think she had red hair with this display of temper. Wouldn’t you?”

Bessie made a strangled sound as Devon’s words stopped everything. The red haze before her eyes. The pressured feeling in her chest. The acidic words. This was impossible. Unseemly. She didn’t know what was wrong. She’d never lost control like this. She took several calming breaths, trying to ignore the brothers as they continued their banter.