The Dumont Bride (9 page)

“And since he has performed most efficiently, you may return to whatever you were doing before this interruption.”

The force of his words rocked her back on her heels, like a blow across her face would have. Trying to control the anger and humiliation was nigh to impossible and her temper got the best of her.

“Did you never think to tell me of your brother, my lord? Did you not think that
a wife
might be interested in knowing of her husband’s family?”

“I did not think he would be coming here so soon, so I thought to tell you of him later.”

“Are there others in your family who may arrive unexpectedly, my lord? A mother? A sister? Another brother? A wife should know these things.”

His voice dropped in tone. “There is no one else, Emalie. Geoffrey and I are the last of the Dumonts…at least until you give me an heir.”

Unable to soften her stance, she asked one more question. “Is his illness the same as that which plagued you, my lord?”

He stepped back from her and raised himself to his full height. New muscle filled his tunic, new strength filled his muscles. He was gaining vigor with each day and the presence of it so close was a bit unnerving to her.

“I have said that I will not discuss my illness with you and that has not changed. That Geoffrey suffers from the same matters not to you. Simply treat him as you did me.”

He raised his arms over his head and stretched them out. She could not help but look. Then a terrible thought entered her mind—mayhap she should have told him the truth when he did not have the strength to hurt her. Alarmed, she bent down and escaped his block.

“Aye, my lord,” she called out as she walked swiftly away from him. “I will get my medicaments now.”

After a few strides, she gathered her skirts and ran the rest of the way down the corridor, ignoring any and all. Without thought, she headed for the one place where she could gather her control and her thoughts before facing him again.

“That was poorly done, brother.”

Christian turned at Geoffrey’s voice.

“I thought you asleep.” He reentered the small room and approached the bed. “How do you feel?”

“Not as well as you, I can tell. You must be feeling much stronger if you can torment a lady.” Geoff tried to sit up but gave up the struggle after a few moments.

Christian looked at the doorway and realized that Geoff could see and hear everything that passed between him and Emalie from his place on the bed. He grinned at his brother.

“Actually, I feel well enough now to train. And soon so shall you.”

“If your ladywife gives me the correct brew and not the one she probably now has planned for you.” Geoff laughed, a weak chuckle, but it was wonderful to hear. “Is she truly your wife?”

Not in all ways, he thought but did not say. But soon she would be, for with his returning strength came his
desire for her. A desire that was pushing him to act on it and claim her in his bed. A desire that warred with his concerns of her loyalty. A desire and a wanting that interfered with his attempts to decide what place she should occupy in his life.

And since his efforts to determine her true character had turned up nothing untoward, he was now thinking about making the marriage a true one.

“Aye, she is my wife, given to me with lands and titles and riches by the king.”

“At Chateau d’Azure, you would only say you had duties to carry out for the king in exchange for our freedom and our name. You said nothing about marrying.”

“I knew nothing of the marriage when I arrived here. I was taken by surprise as much as you were by finding it out. Here now, enough talk of this. I came to make certain you are being well cared for.”

Geoff laughed softly at him. “Aye, my lord, I am well.” His face then grew serious. “However, from where I lie, your words hurt your wife’s feelings most grievously. If you wish to do something, attend to her.”

“Hurt her? Nay, she is but troubled over the changes I have brought here.”

“You never did have an understanding of women, Christian.”

“And for one so young, you claim an impossible knowledge of them, brother. Let it be for now and rest. I will visit you later.”

Christian pulled the boy’s cover higher onto his shoulders and mussed his hair. It felt incredibly good to have Geoff here with him. Walking out of the room, he wondered at Richard’s actions. He had said Geoff
could not join him for several months and yet, here he was. Sometimes Christian’s head spun as he tried to trace and understand the machinations of the Plantagenets’ mother and sons. And trying to discern Richard’s true aim under this was impossible for him.

Was his brother correct? Had his rightful attempts to bring Greystone Castle and village under his control somehow hurt Emalie? Those in their social class knew the workings of a modern marriage, for whether in England or his native Poitou, the woman brought titles, land and money and the man controlled all of it.

But he had heard some rumors of her unconventional upbringing by her father, who treated her almost as a son. Oh, not in physical training, but in her control over the planning and records of their estates. Even the priest sang her praises, an accomplishment almost unheard-of. Mayhap this was the time to return to her the chatelaine’s keys and control over the household that she once exercised? He would continue in all the lord’s duties, of course, and make all the important decisions as was his role as lord.

He would seek her out later and make certain she understood his vision of how their marriage and their estates would work. For in that moment, he had decided to keep her and make theirs a true marriage. Once she knew that and they consummated their vows, she would know her place and all would be well.

Now that he had settled that, Christian sought out Luc for some swordplay.

S
he was tired.

It had been an extremely long and difficult day and she had decided to retire early and soak in a hot bath before bed. Alyce had prepared everything and assisted her and even now sat behind her brushing her hair in long strokes before the fire’s heat.

Now she tried to let go of all the turmoil the day had brought. In spite of her exhaustion and her recent ability to fall asleep instantly, she felt completely awake and not ready to sleep at all. Noises and voices raised in talk came through the wall from her husband’s chamber. She did not know who was in there now, but it sounded like male voices. After some laughter, the room next to hers was quiet once more.

The knock on their shared door was unexpected. At her nod, Alyce went to answer it, but Christian pushed it open first. With a motion of his head, he dismissed her maid. Much to Emalie’s dismay, Alyce never even looked in her direction for her permission to leave.

“My brother and Luc and his wife have all had at me this evening, my lady. I came to give you a turn.”
There was some levity in his voice and when she met his gaze, she even saw some amusement there.

“What were their complaints, my lord?”

“First, let us deal with mine.” Christian walked slowly toward her, his manner reminding her of a wildcat stalking its victim. The hair on the back of her neck stiffened and she waited for him to reach her, unable to move away.

“Yours, my lord?” Damn, but she could hear her own voice tremble.

He reached out and grasped her hands, guiding her to stand. Then he tipped her chin so that she would look at him.

“We have been married for almost four sennights and I have yet to hear my name from your lips. Say it, Emalie. Say it for me.” His voice lowered to a whisper, a very throaty commanding whisper and one she could not resist.

“Christian,” she said softly.

“Again,” he ordered.

This time as she opened her mouth to say it, he covered her lips with his and kissed her. He moved slowly and softly against hers and then pressed more firmly. Just when she thought it was over, she felt his tongue slip inside her mouth. He ignored her gasp and touched within. Heat built there, with every move of his tongue, and then spread into the rest of her until she was pulsing from it.

She felt his hands move into her hair and slide through as he wrapped the hip-length locks around his fists, holding her closer still. Her own hands moved restlessly on his chest. He lifted them to his shoulders and put his arms around her, drawing their bodies into tight contact.

The strength of his arms was new and had not been there during their last embrace. Good food and exercise had brought this about. Even as she tried to focus on her thoughts, her mind refused and went wandering. Her body turned traitor and reacted to his hot, wet kisses—the pulsing grew within her and centered on that place between her legs, which became hot and wet with moisture. And her breasts…her breasts felt heavy against his chest. Their tips ached and tingled with some unfamiliar urge to be touched.

As if he had heard her thoughts, his hand slipped between them and touched one of her breasts. Her body arched, pressing the sensitive tip into his hand, and he groaned as he closed his fingers around it. Her thin robe did nothing to slow his path or to lessen the sensations created by the friction of his fingers.

Their mouths still touched and now he teased her tongue to meet his, sucking on it gently. She had no idea that such touching of tongues could be so pleasurable. Once John had forced her into a kiss and pushed his tongue into her mouth, but in no way did that kiss resemble this one. Shaking her head at the memory, she tried to pull away.

“Ah, my fair Emalie,” he whispered against her lips. “Do not go yet. Let me…”

His words ended with his lips once more over hers and she felt the tugging and tingling caused by his fingers. Every movement against her nipple pulled a string within her until she wanted to scream. Just when she thought that she would, he slid his hand away and moved to her other breast. Within moments, they both felt heavy and throbbed against him.

He moved his mouth from hers and began to lick and kiss down her throat, untying her laces until she
stood bare chested before him. The cool air in the room did nothing to slow his ardor and, indeed, made her nipples even tighter. He looked at her with passion-glazed eyes before leaning to kiss her shoulders and even lower. Her knees buckled at the heat of his mouth and he lifted her and placed her on the bed.

Kneeling next to her, he slipped her gown off her shoulders and then licked each place where his fingers had been. Her neck, her shoulders, the soft plump rise of her breasts and then the nipples. She moaned against it. Her body stiffened as his mouth nipped and sucked and licked the buds he had made so sensitive. Again, close to screaming, she fought to control the myriad of feelings tearing through her. She clutched the bedcovers in her hands, fighting against something she did not understand. He lifted his head from where he teased and taunted and spoke to her.

“Emalie, I apologize for hurting you.”

“My lord?” He frowned and touched his tongue to her nipple once more, sucking harder and harder until she groaned. How could she think when he did that? Oh, he wanted his name used. “Christian?”

“In granting your reprieve, I believe that I have hurt you. For in not knowing me and I not knowing you, I continue to trample on your feelings.”

“My feelings, my lo—Christian?” How could she bring any thoughts together now? If he would move away and give her some room to breathe, mayhap she could think. Instead, his hand massaged her belly and began an infinitely slow movement toward the place that ached and throbbed the most.

“I know that it has been difficult to stand by and watch me take over your lands and your people. Al
though it is the way of it, I know you had hoped for something different here.”

This was not fair. His hands and mouth were creating fire within her and his words confused her. She did not want to think. She heard the apology he offered and would accept it later, when her body was cooled and her head was clear.

His fingers inched down closer to the tuft of hair and she held her breath for his touch there. Instead he offered her more words.

“I will try to be more considerate of you in ruling our estates, Emalie. I will try to ask for your ideas. I will—”

“Touch me, please, my lord,” she begged through clenched teeth. The screams lay just within her control, but she did not care. His touch had caused such a desire within her, she knew only that he needed to hurry.

He lifted himself away from her and pulled his robe off, baring him to her sight. She reached up to touch him, but did not get the chance. He lowered his head to her breast once more and she felt his hand sliding down to her thighs. Closer and closer he moved, until her thighs fell open to his touch. She ran her fingers in his hair, for his mouth never left her breasts and she knew she did not want him to stop.

Then his fingers slipped between the folds of heated skin and touched something that made her scream out. Her body tightened and arched beneath his hands and mouth and endless waves of heat and pleasure coursed through her. From his fingers and his mouth and out to every part of her, she throbbed and shuddered from within. As the vibrations continued and she watched him climb between her thighs, the passion of the moment clouded her thoughts.

She watched as though from afar as he lifted her hips and spread her for his entry. Every warning that should have gone off did not. She simply waited, aching and trembling, for him to fill her and end the charade between them.

Her heart pounded and her breaths were shallow and panting. He leaned over her and kissed her softly on her lips once more. She felt him positioning his manhood and waited for endless seconds for his entry and his reaction.

It did not happen.

The pounding on her door became louder and louder and finally a woman’s voice shouted over it.

“Milady? Milady?”

“Go away,” he growled in a loud voice as he held himself still. Emalie laughed and frowned at his animal-like sound of possession.

“My lord? Chris? Are you in there? Hurry, Geoff is worse,” Luc called.

At the mention of his brother’s name, Christian changed before her eyes. He pushed away from her and slid off the side of the bed. Grabbing his robe, he pulled it on and rushed to the door, leaving her alone and naked on the bed. Opening the door just a crack, he listened and then closed it.

“Luc says that Geoff is having a coughing attack and can not breathe. Can you help him?” She had seen his face covered in laughter, in anger and even in passion. But right now, a deep fear played over his features.

Still unable to calm her racing heart, Emalie scurried to the end of the bed and put on her heavier robe. Every part of her shook and she struggled to get the robe on.
His hands brusquely pulled it into place as she tried to think of what she needed.

“Go to him and I will be there anon, my lord.”

He nodded and pulled the door open completely. The servants who stood there gawked at her through the doorway until Alyce began shouting orders and cleared everyone from the hall. Emalie began to bring some semblance of order to her hair, and Alyce was pushing and pulling woolen stockings on her legs and tying them above her knees. A quick hunt in her trunk located a new chemise and, soon, it was on her under the robe and she was on her way to the room where Geoff lay.

The commotion in the hallway outside his room was considerable and many of those newly arrived were among the observers. With a loud announcement, Alyce cleared a path for her and she entered the room. Geoff was still coughing and his coloring was terrible. He struggled to take in a breath between coughs, but she could see the spasms in his frail chest. She went to his side, but Christian would not let go of him.

“My lord, you must let me see to him.”

“Please, Emalie. Save him?”

His familiar use of her name startled her; she was unused to hearing it from him. One of the servants entered with her chest and she went to work. Christian stood aside and did only what she asked him to do—assisting where and when she needed him. He allowed no other to touch his brother.

Within a few minutes, she had his coughing lessened and his facial color had turned from blue to a pale white. Not good, but much better than blue. When he could sit, she poured steaming water over a collection of leaves and had him breathe in the aromas given off
by them. Holly and hollyhock leaves were known to aid breathing and lessen coughs.

Soon Geoffrey was breathing better and not coughing. Emalie mixed up a number of herbs and poured them into a cup of warmed wine. This would keep him calm and breathing through the night, another one would stave off these dangerous attacks. Within a few days, the coughing should be under control.

Whether too exhausted or simply not inclined to fight, the young man did everything as she directed him. Soon he lay sleeping peacefully, and the only sound in the room was the occasional crackling of a piece of wood in the brazier. Emalie sat and watched the rise and fall of the boy’s chest, satisfied with her efforts to ease his breathing.

“Come, my lady.” Christian held out his hand to her. “I will escort you back to your chambers.”

Although her first impulse was to refuse and not face the completion of what had been begun earlier, she truly wanted to stay and watch over the boy. She shook her head.

“My lord, by your leave, I would stay here for a while longer.”

“You look exhausted, Emalie. You can be called if he has need during the night.”

“My lord…Christian, please. By the time I am wakened and arrive, his coughing can be out of control once more. I would like to be here until I am sure the herbs have done their job.”

He looked torn over what to do, but with a weary shake of his head he gave her permission to stay at his brother’s bedside. Soon all were gone except her, and she settled down for a quiet stay.