Captive Heart (25 page)

“Not even Andrick knows yet, Celiese, but I am certain I am already carrying his child. Since Mylan is no less of a man than his brother, is it not possible that you will have a child next spring as well?”

No matter how likely that event might seem to Olgrethe, Celiese hastened to deny it. She had never prayed for a child as most young brides did, and she grew pale at the very thought she might have conceived Mylan’s baby. “No, there will be no child for us, I’m certain of it.”

Not understanding her friend’s suddenly subdued mood, Olgrethe teased her again, whispering softly, “That is a possibility that shouldn’t be overlooked, Celiese. If you were to tell Mylan he would soon become a father, wouldn’t he be so proud he would forgive you anything?”

“I’ll not lie to the man!” Celiese insisted vehemently. That Olgrethe could even suggest such an unprincipled trick appalled her. “Besides, there is no reason for him to forgive me anything—I am the one who has been wronged!” Celiese stood up then, adjusting the fine pleats of her bodice so they fell in a flattering sweep. She thought the linen chemise so pretty she hated to add the soft woolen tunic over it, but she slipped it on quickly and fastened the two bronze brooches that held each shoulder in place. Since her marriage, Olgrethe had adopted more conservative dress, but Celiese thought the borrowed gown a most welcome change from trousers. The beltless dresses were not only attractive but practical as well, for the soft folds would disguise for several months the changes pregnancy would bring to Olgrethe’s figure. “I must thank you again for your generosity with your wardrobe. Had you not been willing to share your clothing so readily, I do not know what I would have done.” Celiese was sorry she’d spoken so sharply and gave her friend a warm hug, then confided, “I am happy you and Andrick will be parents so soon, but I’ll not hope for a child until I’m wed to a man who is proud to call me his wife.” Lifting her chin with a defiant tilt, she moved toward the door. “Shall we find Hagen, so he may tell his parents I’ve come for a visit?”

“A visit is it?” Olgrethe laughed at that term. “When you have nowhere else to go, Celiese, is this not your new home?”

Startled by the truth of that question Celiese did not reply, but how could she ever regard the Vandahl family home as her own when Mylan did not reside there as well?

Just as she had expected, Celiese was given a cool reception by Thulyn, followed by a stern lecture from Aldred. His arm still caused him considerable pain, and, as he saw it, the wound was partly her fault. “I was amazed when Mylan took you home with him, and that he has now sent you back to me is even more appalling. Since you are to be considered a free woman, and the close friend of my son’s wife, I will allow you to stay on the one condition that your behavior is as proper as Olgrethe’s. I will not allow your presence here to disrupt our home in any way. Is that understood?”

Before replying, Celiese glanced at the others in the room, using the time to control the flame of her temper, which threatened to ignite a bitter refusal of Aldred’s invitation. Andrick had come in and stood with his bride, and they looked so happy together, standing close with their arms entwined, that she longed to go to them, if for only a fleeting moment to be part of the love that shone so brightly in their eyes. Erik appeared fascinated, while Hagen’s pose was as unconcerned as his expression. He looked thoroughly bored, and she wondered why he’d not gone to attend to the business that had seemed so urgent earlier that morning rather than remaining to listen to his parents’ cool welcome. Had she anywhere at all to go she would have left at once, but knowing, such an announcement would be foolhardy for the time being, she attempted to smile graciously. “I am grateful you have invited me to share your home, Aldred. I will give you no cause to regret your decision.”

Aldred looked toward his wife, waiting to see if she had any objection, but when she shook her head slightly he said no more. “It is settled then. As my daughter-in-law’s friend you are welcome here, but had Olgrethe not wanted you to stay, you would already have been sent upon your way.”

Thinking the conversation far too severe in nature, Olgrethe turned the talk to inconsequential matters. She charmed Aldred as well as Thulyn with her warmth and easy praise, but once she was again alone with Celiese she revealed the truth. “I adore Andrick, truly I do, and I know now I was only waiting to meet him when I refused the proposals of other men, but sometimes when I enter the room Aldred will quickly change the subject, or Thulyn will take up her needlework with such great haste that I know they have been talking about me. I hope things will be easier for me after I have given them a grandchild, but just having you here with me again fills me with hope.”

Celiese returned Olgrethe’s fond embrace, but she had no such optimism for herself, for she had no handsome husband who adored her, nor the hope of bearing his child in the spring. “I have missed you too, Olgrethe.” But even as she spoke those sweet words she realized that in Mylan’s fascinating company she had not thought even once of her longtime companion.

As one week turned slowly to two, Celiese found the Vandahl home increasingly confining. Much to her relief, the slaves simply ignored her, but she found their silence far easier to abide than their insults had been and simply saw to all of her own needs herself without once calling for their assistance. The early morning weather was perfect for going out on horseback, but Olgrethe did not want to ride, giving the delicate nature of her condition as the reason. Although she longed for the freedom to explore the countryside, Celiese did not try and change Olgrethe’s mind, and she dared not go out alone, fearing it would cause unfavorable comment from her hosts. Aldred and Thulyn were civil, but only just barely, and Celiese spent no more time in their company than was required to share a meal. Andrick was so absorbed in his new bride that he saw little that took place in the house. Erik was charming, but Celiese found his youthful exuberance tiresome in the extreme. Hagen’s reaction to her was more difficult to describe, still a bit of a mystery. He said little other than a polite greeting, but his glance was no longer disapproving, and when he suggested they join Olgrethe and his brother for a walk after supper one evening she was happy to agree.

“I am glad you suggested this, Hagen, as the evenings have been very long for me here.” Celiese held her gown above her feet as they stepped upon the path. The trailing garment was far more practical for wear indoors than out, but she’d had time to complete only one dress for herself, so she had few choices of apparel as yet.

Hagen looked askance, then deciding her compliment had been sincere, he agreed. “Yes, I too have grown bored. Were Andrick not so enchanted with Olgrethe we would be at sea now. As it is, the summer has been almost entirely wasted.”

“In your opinion,” Celiese offered with a teasing smile.

After a moment’s pause, Hagen gave a surprisingly good-natured chuckle. “Yes, in my opinion only, for Andrick will no doubt recall this as the best summer of his life.”

As they strolled along, Celiese was surprised to find her escort in so charming a mood. He led her to the crest of the hill, the best vantage point for a view of the sea, and when Olgrethe and Andrick turned back toward the house he made no move to follow them. “I know things are as difficult for you here as they are for me, Celiese.” He scuffed the toe of his boot in the dust, unwilling or perhaps unable to say more.

Noticing a small bench nearby, Celiese asked shyly, “Could we sit down for a moment?” He seemed to be in the mood to talk and she wanted to give him the opportunity to say whatever he wished. “The night is so pretty and—”

“Of course, sit down; I will wait for as long as you wish.” Hagen quickly granted her request, but although he walked her to the bench he did not take the place at her side.

That he would stand so stiffly while she rested surprised Celiese, and she patted the place beside her as she invited, “Won’t you please join me here, Hagen, there is room for two on this bench, so you needn’t stand.”

Hagen hesitated for a moment, then sat down beside her and leaned forward to rest his forearms across his knees as he looked out at the sea. “I have been meaning to talk to you about something, Celiese. Andrick and I are partners, but since he is so busy I am considering making a voyage on my own. Our crew is experienced, and I can command our vessel alone.”

Sensing that he wanted her opinion, although she couldn’t imagine why, Celiese quickly gave it. “I made a voyage with you once; I’d say your skill is equal to that of your brother. Where is it you wish to go?”

Hagen sat up straight then, his light eyes aglow with excitement. “Do not start screaming, as I have no wish to make you hysterical, but there are many Danes who wish to go to your homeland. We are crowded here, you see, and they say France has land aplenty.”

Celiese gasped sharply, then closed her eyes tightly to shut out the horror that statement evoked. “Is that the tale, that land is free there for the taking now that the Danes have butchered all my people?”

Insulted by the viciousness of her taunt, Hagen grabbed Celiese by the shoulders and gave her a sound shake. “A province of France has been given to a Dane, to Hrolf, and he has invited other Danes to settle his land. I will be butchering no one if I take farmers there, and neither will they! Save your hatred for Raktor and his clan, for they are the ones who deserve it!”

She needed no permission from him to despise Raktor and his kind, but they were not the issue now. “Mylan told me that same lie, but I refuse to believe it!” Celiese screamed defiantly. She didn’t care how angry Hagen got, she’d never accept such an outrageous tale as the truth. She held her breath expecting him to slap her for such insolence, but he shocked her far more as he leaned forward to kiss her lightly, and when she was too stunned to draw away he mistook her reaction for acceptance and drew her into his arms.

Celiese could scarcely breathe as Hagen deepened his kiss. His lips were soft, his mouth warm, his taste sweet, but she was appalled that he would take her affection for granted and struggled to break free.

“What’s the matter? Do I not please you?” Hagen leaned back only slightly, just enough so he could look into her eyes to judge her true reaction no matter what she might tell him now.

“Hagen!” Celiese cried sharply, but no matter how hard she tried to push him away he would not release her. “Let me go!”

“Why? When you complain your evenings are too long, why not let me fill them?”

He was smiling widely now, amused by her display of temper, and Celiese tried to lift her hand to slap his face but he caught her wrist and held it firmly in his grasp. “Hagen, stop it!” She was tempted for an instant to remind him she was Mylan’s wife, but that statement was truly ludicrous. She’d heard nothing from Mylan in the last two weeks and with each passing day her hopes that he would come for her had grown more dim. It was clear he planned to live the rest of his life without her, but that prospect filled her with pain. Thoroughly depressed as she was by Mylan’s indifference she relaxed in Hagen’s embrace, but still managed to avoid his kiss. She laid her head upon his shoulder, hoping he would come to his senses rather than trying to take things any further. “I should not have come out for a walk with you, but I did not understand what you would expect.” He had certainly given her no reason to suspect he even liked her, let alone that he imagined she would welcome his kiss.

Hagen caressed Celiese’s soft curls lightly, content for the moment to let her rest in his arms. “I am a man, like any other,” he explained simply, certain she knew exactly what he wanted from her that night.

“No, you are like no other,” Celiese whispered softly. You are my husband’s brother she wanted to say, but dared not be so foolish.

“If it is Mylan you want, I’ll soon make you forget him.” Winding his fingers in her fair tresses, Hagen forced her lips back to his, but his kiss was gentle, soft and subtle with a tenderness that surprised her completely. When he saw tears fill her eyes he kissed her damp lashes sweetly. “You needn’t weep, Celiese, not when I want so badly to help you.”

“Help me?” Celiese saw only the golden sheen to his gaze and remembered another man entirely, although she was still dazed by Hagen’s kiss.

“Yes. If I take Danes to France, there will be room for you to make the journey as well. Does that prospect not interest you, even if I do not?”

Celiese’s long sweep of lashes touched her brows as she stared up at him, astonished by his question. “You would take me home? I could return home?” She had not dared hope such a possibility even existed, but she saw clearly in his expression that it did.

Hagen waited a long moment, enjoying the light that filled her sparkling green eyes with hope. It had been a long while since he’d found such an enchanting wench, and he knew if he were simply a little more patient he could have her heart for the asking. Mylan might be a fool, but he wasn’t. “Yes, I will take you home, Celiese, but we needn’t make our plans tonight. Come, let us walk back to the house before it becomes too dark for you to make the way safely.”

Celiese sprang to her feet, nearly dancing with joy as she moved down the path beside him and when he paused at her door she knew he was waiting for a kiss and lifted her lips shyly to his. He drew her into his arms then, his gentle kiss growing passionate, not ending until he’d loosened the ribbon at her throat and slipped his hand beneath her bodice with an insistent caress that left her blushing brightly with embarrassment rather than pleasure. He walked away then, as if he’d given her no more than a light kiss upon the cheek, but she was shocked by the liberties he’d taken and knew exactly what he’d expect were she to travel with him to France. Tears again filled her eyes, but she blinked them away, uncertain now if going home meant more to her than her pride.