Borderland Beauty (3 page)

Her mother and father came up behind them and Lucy didn’t miss the look of worry that passed over her father’s face. No doubt he knew well enough of Lord Dominic’s reputation and he feared for his daughter’s virtue.

Well, he had no need to fear. She had no intention of becoming another of Lord Dominic’s conquests. No intention at all.

The four of them stepped into the hall and she resisted the urge to breathe a sigh of relief as his hand left hers.

“Welcome to Thornewall.” He motioned to two serving girls, who scurried over to take their mantles. “I will have you shown to your chambers shortly but pray will you not rest a moment and…”

He trailed off and Lucy threw him a puzzled look as she handed her cloak to the young servant. Her heart hammered as Dominic stared at her, his blue eyes trailing up and down her as his mouth dropped open. Disconcerted, she glanced down at her gown but could see nothing amiss. Indeed, it was one of her best gowns with fine pale pink embroidery to match the dusky pink of the silk.

 Her cheeks warmed as he continued to stare and she darted a look at her father to see that he was more interested in the food and wine that occupied the main table. A glance at her mother told her that she was too busy taking in the grandeur of the hall to notice Dominic’s strange behaviour.

Drawing back her shoulders, she waited for Dominic’s eyes to meet hers. His gaze latched onto hers, making her throat constrict and a glimmer of uncertainty flashed in his expression before his air of assurance settled comfortably back into place.

Lucy drew in a deep breath, aware that her cheeks were still flaming. By God, she was a fool. She was a grown woman, not some young, simpering maiden, so why was she reacting this way to him? She had met handsome men - ones with less arrogance too - but they had never prompted her toes to curl simply by looking at her.

Not that they ever did look at her.

Turning her head abruptly away, she made a great show of taking in her surroundings. Aye, it was a grand hall with beautiful tapestries, an imposing fireplace and great iron chandeliers laden with candles, but while she observed it she was aware that it was Dominic who still held her attention.

She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he stepped quickly forward to usher her mother and father towards the banquet table. Easing herself away from them, she strolled around the hall, running her hands across the dark carved coffers that lined the walls. Books were scattered over one and she fingered them, noting the titles. Where they Dominic’s? She had not considered him the sort of man that would sit and read. He struck her as the active type.
Active in the bedroom at least
, she thought wryly.

A laugh from her mother drew her attention and she observed as Lord Dominic worked his charm on her mother.  His eyes flicked to her and his lips twisted as she glared back. Ack, he was used to women falling at his feet, mayhap he had expected her to, as well.

Lucy laughed inwardly. Mayhap he did make her toes curl, but she was made of stronger stuff than that. It would take more than a few smiles to charm her. She would not be falling at Lord Dominic of Thornewall’s feet anytime soon, she was sure of that.

Once they had replenished themselves with ale, Dominic beckoned to a maid. A plump older woman who had been fussing over some greenery that was being strung up in the hall, bustled over. Her flushed cheeks were squeezed into a plain white wimple and a woollen gown was pulled tight over a bosom that rivalled Lucy’s own.

“Winnie, pray see the lady to the women’s quarters. I will escort Lord and Lady Montgomery to their chambers.”

Lucy tamped down the flitter of disappointment that resided in her chest. Her eyes met Dominic’s briefly and her stomach twisted as she recognised the reluctance in his expression. Surely it was not possible he felt any kind of regret at being parted from her? She quickly cast her gaze away and offered the maid a timid smile as she gestured through the door.

“This way, milady.”

A large man hastened up the outer stairs and blocked their way. Lucy’s eyes widened as she took him in. He towered over everyone with wide shoulders and thick arms. She took a step back as he dipped his head in greeting.

Dominic came to her side and motioned to the tall man. “This is my brother, Jake. Jake, this is Lucy Montgomery.”

Lucy gave a tiny nod. So this was Dominic’s half-brother. She had heard much of Lord Jacob recently. His appearance has always been cause of gossip amongst the servants of Tyneridge and she could see why. Though his hair was of similar colour to Dominic’s, his features were more rugged and his eyes a warm brown. She knew they had different fathers, but the differences between them still surprised her. Not to mention, the man was as huge as rumours had made him out to be.

“A pleasure, my lady,” Jake greeted her gruffly. Though his brow remained stern, there was a warmth to his voice and her shoulders relaxed as she offered him a smile.

“And you, Lord Jacob.”

“Pray call me Jake.”

Lucy’s lips twitched as she darted a glance at Dominic. Dare she take such a liberty when she had already denied Dominic as much? A look at his confident expression sealed her decision.

“Jake,” she said amiably. Dominic’s eyes narrowed but he gave her a smirk and a faint shake of his head. Ack, she had not succeeded in riling him. Instead he seemed amused. “I hear I am to give my congratulations on your betrothal,” she continued.

Jake’s face split into a grin and the change it made struck her. Though he was not as handsome as Dominic, he was a fine looking man.

“I thank you, my lady.”

“Lucy,” she corrected. “Will your wife not be joining us?”

“Alas, nay. She is with child and I wished not for her to make the journey. I will return on the morrow to spend Christmas with Isabel.”

She watched Dominic carefully. Though servants gossiped about Jake’s appearance, his marriage caused a greater stir. His wife, Lady Isabel, had been betrothed to marry Dominic but before the banns had been announced, she had ended up marrying Jake instead. Lucy frowned as Dominic showed no reaction.

Dominic motioned to his brother. “Come, Jake. Lord and Lady Montgomery will be eager to see you.”

“Aye, as you will. I will see you this night, Lucy. Good day to you.” He bowed his head and headed over to greet her parents.

Dominic lingered behind, securing her with his eyes. “As will I. I look forward to it, Lucy.” He lowered his voice. “Very much.”

Lucy stiffened as her chest tightened at the tone of his voice. “Good day, my lord,” she said coldly as she dipped to him.

Keeping her gaze fixed on Winnie’s back, she followed her out, ignoring the dip of Dominic’s head towards her as she left. A shiver danced over her spine and she was convinced he watched her leave.

Sucking in the cold air as they stepped out into the courtyard, Lucy stared up at the four towers in front of her. Knowing the effect that Thornewall’s lord had on her made the keep even more intimidating.

Winnie motioned with her hand. “Follow me, milady.”

They entered the dark confines of the stairwell and Winnie’s huffing echoed against the cold stone as they ascended the spiral stairs. The corridor brightened as they reached the top and Lucy followed the maid in silence as she pushed open an oak door.

The guest chambers stretched across one side of the castle and were surprisingly bright and airy. The green tinged glass gave the room a luminescent glow and the heavy blue curtains added to this effect. The cloud of trepidation that lingered on her chest eased as she stepped in and ran a finger across a sea green tapestry that occupied the entire back wall.

Lucy noted that two beds occupied the chamber, both adorned with the same blue of the curtains. “Will I be sharing with another lady?” she asked Winnie.

“Nay, milady. The younger lassies are sharing with their parents and Lord and Lady Beaumont’s daughters are visiting with their aunt. The Earl and his wife have just had a son so they did not wish to travel, though I hear tell their daughter is heartbroken. ‘Tis said she had hoped to garner the affections of our lord.” Winnie gave her an impish smile.

Snorting, Lucy dropped onto the bed and gave a little bounce, testing it. “Aye, well if she is pretty, she would likely have garnered his affections easily. Whether she could have kept them is another thing.”

“Milady, ye should not speak so. Ye sound like a bitter old maid. And ye should not listen to gossip. My lord is a good man, if a little virile.”

Lucy’s eyebrows darted up a she studied the plump old woman and she smothered a giggle at her words. She appeared honest and forthright, but Lucy liked that. She gave a small nod and grinned. “Winnie, I
am
an old maid. Do not let my smooth skin deceive you, I am one and twenty.”

“Ack, my sister was five and twenty when she married. Ye have plenty more years left to find yerself a husband. Mayhap ye’ll find yerself one here. The other guests will be travelling in shortly and no doubt there will be plenty of fine men joining in the festivities.” Winnie bustled forward and perched on the bed next to her. “Shall I tidy yer hair, milady?”

“Aye, as you will.” Lucy twisted to give Winnie access to her hair. “I do not wish for a husband really, Winnie,” she admitted.

“Why ever not?” Winnie loosened her hair and thread her fingers through it.

“I should not like to settle for a man that merely tolerates me and I hold no hope of finding love. Men are but fickle creatures.”

“Not all men, milady.”

“I’ve yet to meet one that could persuade me in matrimony.”

“Ye’ve just not met the right one yet. Ye’d be surprised what ye’d be willing to do for the right man.” With a tug, Winnie pulled her ribbon tight and stood to admire her work. “There ye go, milady. Yer stuff will be brought up shortly.”

“My thanks.”

“Ack, ye are a beauty, milady. I’d wager you’ll catch someone’s eye this night.”

Lucy shook her head with a wry smile. “Winnie, I should like that we become friends. I fear I have need of an ally, especially one as capable of flattery as you.”

“‘Tis not flattery, milady, just the truth, but I should be happy to attend to ye, if it pleases.”

“Aye, Winnie, I should like that very much.”

She had begun to think she would need all the friends she could get now she was under Lord Dominic’s roof. A shiver wracked her as she remembered the lord’s gaze fixed on her. Thank goodness she didn’t like him or she would be truly lost.

Chapter Three

Stepping into the Great Hall, Lucy glanced around, drawing in a sharp breath as her gaze immediately settled on Lord Dominic. His piercing eyes snapped straight to her as he talked with his brother, tracing over her gown before come to rest on her face, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Fingering her skirt, she turned away and cast her gaze over the room. Greenery had been strung up from the rafters and twisted around the minstrel's gallery and large clusters of holly sat on top of the huge fireplace and the long tables, standing out against the crisp white linen.
No expense spared here, then
. Holly was hard to come by in the local woods, so Dominic had likely sent out for it.

The flickering candles warmed the white walls and created an almost cozy atmosphere in the huge hall, but Lucy shuddered as she made her way to her father's side. Dominic's eyes tracked her movements and as much as she endeavored to ignore him, she could not resist flicking her gaze to him. Ack, why did the man have to be so handsome? Her father greeted her with a nod and a fond smile as her mother fussed over her gown before Lucy pushed her hands away.

"How are your chambers, my dear?" her mother asked.

"Very fine."
Stop looking at him.

"And the maids? You have someone attending you?"

"Aye, Mother. One of the maids has offered her aid for the duration of our stay." She glanced over again.
Stop it, Lucy.

The clatter of plates and the scurry of servants announced the start of the meal and everyone took their seats. Lucy found herself guided towards the main table as her mother and father sat at one end and Dominic motioned for her to sit between him and Jake.

Gulping, Lucy lowered herself into her chair and the two men seated. Her body instantly heated as broad torsos enclosed her and she darted a look from side to side as her bodice tightened. Why did she have to sit here? Noting the narrowed eyes of some of the noble women, she focused on the embroidery on the linen as the warmth in her body surged up into her cheeks.

The rest of the guests settled along the long tables that ran the length of the hall, the bustle of silk and the clatter of eating knives drowning out the minstrels that played in one corner. Lucy could see the servants laying out the food on the serving table from the corner of her eye as she kept her gaze trained on the table.

“Good eve to you, Lucy.” Jake leaned over, forcing her to bring her head up. “Are you settled in your chambers?”

“Aye, thank you, Jake.” She remembered to use his first name but didn't risk glancing at Dominic to see if he had taken note. “The hall is looking very fine,” she added, inwardly cursing her lack of social skills.

“Aye, ‘tis all Winnie's doing. No one takes more pleasure in the decorations than she. If it were left up to my brother, I fear it would not look nearly so grand.”

Dominic chuckled, shifting forward. Lucy pressed herself back into her chair. Lord, all this masculinity!
It was enough to make even the strongest of women faint.

“If it were left to me, we would have but a few guests and little formality. Drinking, eating and dancing,
that
is my idea of a joyous Christmas.”

“Oh, indeed?” Lucy plucked at her napkin and laid it across her lap as the servants placed bowls of water on the tables. Dipping her fingers delicately into one, she wiped them on the napkin and met Dominic’s watchful gaze. “I am sorry that we interfere with your merriments, Lord Dominic.”

“Ack, you mistake me, lass. A few guests, I said. You would most certainly be one of them.” He stroked a hand across his chin. “Nay, in truth, I would gladly do away with the company of everyone but you.”