The Saxon Bride (The Norman Conquest Series) (23 page)

Rowena took the soapy cloth and dragged it down his arms, working the lather between his fingers. He watched her intently, refusing to take his eyes off her. Assisting in a bath was not unheard off. It was a common courtesy offered to guests but as a high ranking lady, she would oversee the duty not administer it herself. Her breathing grew quicker.

The wound was below the water, red and puffy, but clearly visible. She was careful to not damage the healing skin. He gasped under her ministrations anyway.

She pulled away, her eyes meeting his. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to cause you more pain."

He closed his eyes and exhaled, taking her hand and holding it to his chest. "Here, you will not cause me pain."

Her hand was hot on his chest, and she worked the circles as she washed him. The water was soon clouded, hiding all that lay beneath the surface. She jumped when he took the cloth from her hand and placed it in the water.

"You have taken great care of me, my lady. I believe you have worked my body to a sparkling cleanliness." A smile played on his lips as he spoke. "Now
, I would have a taste..."

His finger under her chin stilled her head when she began to turn and reach for the bread behind her. He urged her closer, her lips parting to receive his kiss. Her lips were firm and demanding
, parting slightly as she leaned into him.

"Mmm, I have missed you
," she said, her dark gray eyes sparked with desire.

"Do you speak the truth or wish to flatter me that a woman
so lovely as you could even notice my absence?"

"I did more than notice your absence. I had dreams of you every night."

"Ah, dreaming about me."

She blushed prettily. "Yes. You know what they can be like."

He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I do. I find them much to my liking, as is everything about you."

He kissed her again then leaned back in the tub with closed eyes.

"Dear husband, you are verily spent." Scooping the water, she began to rinse his body. "Can you rest before you see to your duty."

He opened one eye. "But that I could do more. Mayhap just a little reprieve with my wife in my arms?"

"I will be most obliging." She took the cloth and stood beside him as he stepped outside the tub.

There was a loud commotion in the hall and a rapid knock on the door.

John frowned at the intrusion, quickly wrapping the cloth around his waist. "Who is there?" he called.

"John? Is that you?"

"Yes." John rolled his eyes. Rowena smiled. "Enter if you must."

Peter burst in with a rush, his gaze intently perusing John up and down.

"Well?" John asked. "Is it me?"

"Damn it, John. We thought you were dead," Peter snarled. "If I hadn't found our little spy, I would still be looking for you now."

John motioned for him to close the door. "My apologies. I was in no way wanting to spend more time separated from my wife."

Rowena seemed to stand a little taller.

"I would like to know what transpired."

"As would I." Her concern quite visible
.

When his stomach growled, she stomped to the door, jerked it open, and ordered that food and drink be brought immediately.

Peter raised an eyebrow at her commanding tone. John felt a surge of pride at her desire to see to his needs. She came to stand between them, coming only up to his chest.

John studied her a moment and then began his story. "I was drugged upon my return and abducted."

Both dropped their jaws.

"From
within the castle?" Rowena asked.

"I was in the room off the hall, the wine was on the table and I drank it. I awoke to the stench of flowers."

Peter and Rowena spoke as one. "Abigail."

Peter added."But she couldn't have abducted you alone."

A knock at the door took Rowena away.

"You are correct. She had help. One man with a scar down the side of his face—"

Rowena gasped where she stood carrying a heavy tray covered with an assortment of foods.

"Do you know the man?" John asked her.

She placed the tray on the table, poured the wine into a glass and brought it to him. He took the cup and studied her face.

"I have seen him near the
chapel. There have been many here whom I no longer recognize. He appeared quite menacing."

Peter snorted. "It seems you
r assessment was correct."

Settling herself on the stool, Rowena placed her hands demurely on her lap, her eyes averting his. Something was amiss.

"Did the man approach you?"

"No. He did not." She still refused to look at him and a growing uneasiness spread through him
.

"Is there more you can offer, Rowena?"

Peter glanced at her and frowned.

"Would you be so kind as to give me time with my wife alone?"

"As you wish, my lord."

Peter closed the door behind him. Rowena darted a look toward John
.

"You appear to have much on your mind."

"You have no idea." She rounded her eyes as she spoke, with another cloth she began to dab at his shoulders, patting him dry.

"I would like to have an idea." He glanced at her over his shoulder. Her ministrations were getting a bit rough. "Methinks I would fare better if you tell me."

The cloth splashed when she dropped it and stood beside the tub. "My lord, I am unsure what to do with something."

She went to the table beside her bed and returned a rolled parchment. Holding it so he could see the seal, John frowned. "The House of Godwin?"

"I was given this by a young lad this very evening. I do not know what it is about."

It was unopened. "Have you any idea who would send this to you."

"I do have one idea."

She searched his expression he knew not for what. Nibbling at her lip, John waited patiently. When no further details were forthcoming, he asked. "Do you have something to tell me?"

"My lord, I was approached by my cousin Leofrid."

John felt like he'd been punched in the gut. "And you didn't feel you should share that with me? That your cousin was alive?"

"It was earlier. In the fall. You had only just arrived."

"Rowena, he is the enemy
."

"Am I as well?"

John frowned at her obtuseness. "You tell me."

"No." Her annoyance was apparent in her slanted brows. "But he is my cousin. I was glad my family was not all
dead."

He'd jumped to the wrong conclusion before and did not want to do that again. More information was what he needed. He took her hand in his.

"What did he want from you?"

"He said he wanted me to know he was alive." She shrugged her small shoulders. "And I
verily was glad to know I was not the lone survivor."

Her sudden blush made him question her answer. "Clearly he said something that upset you. I think you should tell me."

She closed her eyes as if for fortitude before answering. "He asked if I'd been bedding a Norman." Her blush deepened, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip.

"And what did you say?"

"I said of course not."

It must have been before their marriage was consummated. That would be embarrassing no doubt.

He nodded slowly. "And yet you were married to me. My apologies for putting you in that situation."

"Not for lack of trying on your part, my lord."

He took her hand to his mouth, kissing it lightly. "And yet you left me wanting but no more."

Still holding her hand in his, he filled his empty glass one handed and led her to the bed. He
sat down then pushed himself back to lean against the wall, bringing her to settle upon his lap.

Offering her the cup, he nuzzled his nose into her hair. Shifting it to the side, he kissed her neck and was rewarded by a shiver she couldn't hide.

"So tell me, my lady. What do you think your cousin was doing here?"

She tipped her head to one side, giving him better access. He didn't need to be asked twice. Putting his wine on the table, he pulled the edge of her gown down for better access and nibbled at the back of her neck.

"Umm, I don't know why he was here. Perhaps he felt safe here?" She shook her head as if to clear her mind. "No, he knew he wasn't safe."

John pulled back. "Why do you
say that?"

"He said he had to make alliances wherever he could find them. That's where I saw the man with the scar."

"With Leofrid?"

"Yes. He told me not to trust
that man and to stay away from him." She shifted to face him better. "I was just so glad he was still alive. I didn't see him as a threat. I am sorry."

John put his hand to the back of her neck, pulling her closer, pressing her lips to his. They were soft and warm. "Hmm, I have missed you so."

Rowena wrapped her arm around his bare back. "And I you."

"We will have time for this soon."

She tipped her head. "Yes. Soon."

"But for now we must see what message your cousin has sent."

She handed him the scroll without hesitation. "I don't even know if the message is for me. Young Sean found it and brought it to me."

John broke the seal and unrolled the short parchment
.

"Dearest Ro." He frowned at her. "Ro?"

"Yes. That is what he call
s me. And he was always Leo."

He returned to the letter. "I am very glad yours was not a marriage for love. We are ready to move against the
king. Stay closed up in the castle. I will return for you."

Not a marriage for love.
The words stung and yet he knew they were true.

Had Rowena told Leofrid that it was not a marriage for love?
How did she feel now?

"I am sorry to have your feelings so blatantly discussed." John didn't know what else to say.
He did love her but clearly she did not feel the same.

He got up from the bed and began dressing. "We need to move quickly to catch him unawares. If he hears I have escaped his bonds, he will not be found again."

Rowena reached for his arm but he evaded her touch. "John, wait."

He needed to locate Peter and make plans. Why was he wasting his time in here with baths? And his wife?

"Please, John." Rowena placed her hand over his where he held the grip of his sword.

Lifting his eyes to her, he could see she was confused. She would have to learn to adjust. "Rowena, I must see to my duty."

"But, John, his words are not true."

He stopped at the door and turned to face her. "What does it matter?"

"It matters to me."

"It shouldn't. We were never meant to be as one. This would never work. Someone has to be in control. It needs to be the Normans."

"And with us?"

"
I need to do what is best for all."

The pain in her eyes could not be acknowledged. "Then I will abide by your wishes."

Peter waited in the hall and John bid him to enter. "How would you have me proceed?"

John needed to catch Leofrid and knowing where he was to meet Abigail for the exchange gave him the upper hand.

"I was short-sighted...on many fronts... not realizing the consequences of returning here and being seen." John shifted.

"Who else knows that you are here?"

"I came through the kitchen—"

"Everyone. They have all seen him. The boys that came in with the tub, the maid that came to the door with the food..." Rowena stood, her voice raised higher with her concern. "Does it mean you are not safe here?"

John and Peter exchanged glances. "My lord?"

John shook his head. He saw his friend's considering gaze. "Rowena?"

"Yes, my lord?"

"Would your people keep my whereabouts secret to protect me?"

"I believe that they will."

"Then much has changed in my absence?"

"Yes, my lord, much has indeed changed."

Peter raised his eyebrows in question."Then I will secure the castle, bring in the men who are still searching for you, but give no details."

"We leave anon to confront the bastard."

Rowena's head shot up, her eyes wide. Peter nodded and left, closing the door behind him.

"You must leave so soon?"

"Aye. My abductor thinks he will be taking charge of me tonight. I do not wish to disappoint."

"But you have just returned. Surely another can go in your stead?" She worried her hands. "Forgive me, my lord. It is not for me to say how you complete your duties. I trust you to do what is best for us all but I would have you know one thing. Ours was not a marriage for love."