La Flamme (Historical Romance) (5 page)

"Oh, yes, Garreth has no end of admirers; one cannot expect him to remember all their names. But he will remember mine," Eugenia vowed.

"It was I who found Anna's body," Cortland continued with a shudder. "So pale she was, so swollen with river water, that I hardly recognized her. Garreth must be made to suffer for her death!"

Eugenia reached for his wrist and her long fingernails dug into his skin. "I told you that Garreth is not to be harmed in any way, Cortland. Is that understood?"

He twisted his hand out of her grasp, staring at the deep nail marks. "I understand."

Eugenia looked into his eyes. His mind was twisted, and he would surely end up on the executioner's block. But little she cared as long as he didn't implicate her. Perhaps she would have to take him as a lover to assure his loyalty—but not unless it became necessary. She did not find him appealing.

She rose to her feet. "My coach is waiting. I'll send a messenger to you when everything is ready."

Suddenly Cortland reached out and took her hand. "Remain with me tonight."

She flung his hand away as if his touch was defiling. Then remembering that she must pacify him, she spoke softly. "You sorely tempt me, but we must be discreet. There is time enough for our own pleasures when we have carried out our plan." Eugenia tugged on her wrist-length gloves. "I advise you to seek your bed before you draw more attention to yourself."

He watched her leave and then called loudly for another drink, gaining notice of everyone in the taproom.

"Anyone who has ever slighted me will rue the day." He raised his tankard over his head. "Death to my enemy, Garreth Blackthorn!"

5

Sabine corresponded regularly with Garreth's mother, although she heard nothing from Garreth himself. Not that she wanted to after meeting Lady Meredith. The crested ring she wore was the only reminder that she had a husband.

it was a crisp morning as she walked down a grassy path toward the meadow. She tried to walk every day, hoping it would strengthen her leg. If only she'd thought to wear her leather boots because her thin-soled velvet slippers were wet clear through. In irritation, she removed them and climbed onto a stonewall to bask in the warmth of the sun.

Sabine had not heard the sound of riders emerging from the woods, so she was startled when she saw Garreth and another gentleman ride across the grassy meadow toward her.

Garreth greeted her as he dismounted. "Good morning to you, Sabine. Your mother told me that I'd find you here."

She pulled her gown down, hoping to hide her bare feet. "Your Grace, I had no notion that you would be calling on us today."

"Perhaps I should not have come unannounced?"

Sabine met his eyes, determined that he was not going to make her feel insignificant. She was still angry because of his mistress's visit. "Perhaps, next time you will give us some forewarning so we can prepare a fitting welcome."

His lips twitched in amusement. "I stand rebuked, and you are right, of course. My only excuse is that I joined Sir dander's hunting party, and since he's your neighbor, I took the opportunity to pay you a visit."

Garreth turned to the gentleman beside him. "I do not believe you have met Sir Stephen Meredith, although he did attend our wedding."

Stephen bowed gallantly to her. "Your Grace, I searched for you after the wedding so that I might be presented to you, but you had already retired. I am glad for the honor of meeting you today."

She remembered well the conversation she had overheard between Sir Stephen and the other gentlemen the day of her wedding. He had been the only one loyal to Garreth, and he had also attempted to defend her. There was genuine warmth in her voice when she greeted him. "I am glad to know you, Sir Stephen."

"I am your servant," he replied, flashing a most infectious smile. It would be hard not to be charmed by him and she liked him at once.

Reluctantly, Sabine turned her attention to her husband. He wore dark green tight-fitting breeches, a matching doublet, and black-cuffed boots that came halfway up his thighs. She noticed the way his black hair lay against his shoulder. He was even more handsome than she remembered.

When Garreth's gaze swept across her face, Sabine was mortified by the blush that tinted her cheeks. If only she could think of something clever to say to him.

He stared transfixed at his family ring circling her finger. His mother had taken it off the day his father died and placed it in his hand, knowing he would do as his father had wished and marry where the king commanded.

"My mother sends her regards and thanks you for your letters," Garreth said awkwardly.

"Her grace has been most kind. I await the day we meet."

Sabine became distressed when Garreth noticed her bare feet, and she cringed at the half smile that curved his lips. How childish she must seem to him compared to the beautiful Lady Meredith. She felt unattractive under the probing gaze of this sophisticated man.

Garreth sensed Sabine's discomfort and attempted to lighten the conversation. "How are you faring?" he asked. "How do you fill your days?"

"Mostly I take care of my brother, Richard. And I'm very well, thank you, Your Grace. I trust you are also well?"

"Indeed I am." He was silent for a long moment, not knowing what else to say to her. Finally, he suggested that they walk toward the castle.

With a resigned sigh, Sabine dropped her slippers on the grass with the intention of pushing her feet into them. But before the deed was accomplished, Garreth knelt to assist her, which only made her feel even more humiliated. She was grateful that Sir Stephen had tactfully turned away and appeared to be absorbed in examining something in the branches of an oak tree.

When Sabine's slippers were firmly in place, Garreth stood, towering over her. He had almost forgotten how young she was. He certainly didn't remember her having such spirit. At their first meeting she had been a frightened child. Now there was a spark of life and a hint of defiance in her strangely beautiful amber eyes.

When he offered her his arm, she hesitated for only a moment before she placed her hand on it. As they followed the stonewall, Stephen gallantly walked behind them, leading the horses.

The air smelled of wood smoke, crisp and clean. In the distance they could hear the cowbells tinkling as her father's herd was driven in from the meadow for milking. When they proceeded down a worn tree-lined path, a shower of multicolored leaves fell about them, a sign that autumn had arrived.

"Your mother was just telling me some of your accomplishments," Garreth said. "Lady Woodbridge is quite proud of the fact that you speak French as easily as you speak English."

"That is not such an accomplishment when you consider that my mother is French and taught me from early childhood."

There was sharpness in Sabine's tone, and Garreth wondered at the reason for it. He stopped, holding her away from him and inspecting her closely. She was a slender child, and there was a sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose. The most remarkable thing about her was her extraordinary topaz eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt. In truth, she hadn't crossed his mind until Stephen reminded him that the Woodbridge estate bordered Sir Clander's land.

Garreth was staring at her so intently that she looked away. "You haven't had much dealing with children, have you, Your Grace?"

He looked stunned. "I... no, I haven't. Do you consider yourself a child?"

"It matters but little what I consider myself because you think of me as a child. But I shan't be young forever." She frowned thoughtfully. "Actually, I am considered by most to be a young lady now that I am your .. . your . .. wife."

"I see."

Sabine could tell that he was uncomfortable with her. She gazed out at the pastureland without seeing it. "If it had been within my power, I would not have married you, Your Grace. But no one asked me what I wanted." She turned back to him. "I was told that if I didn't marry you our families might one day be on opposing sides in a conflict."

He stared at her in amazement. "I cannot imagine being your adversary, Sabine. Like you, I had little to say in the matter of our marriage. Perhaps, in time, when we come to know each other, we will deal admirably together."

She wanted to ask him about Lady Meredith, but she knew that would not be proper. "If you were free to marry where you chose, who would now be your wife?" she asked instead.

He laughed, knowing better than to step into that old female trap. With a courtly manner he bowed before her. "Perhaps I would still have chosen you."

She didn't think he would, but it was gallant of him to say so.

"Regrettably," Garreth went on, "I must leave for London at once. But first I would ask a boon of you."

"I will grant you what I can."

"Since I am your legal husband, could you not call me Garreth?"

"Yes, if that is your wish, Garreth."

"Much better." He turned to look at the imposing castle that appeared to be rising out of the mist. "It's lovely here. I am sure you will miss it when you leave."

"Yes, I shall. I am extremely close to my family. My mother does not often feel well, and my brother is so spirited that he quickly tires her, so I spend most of my day with him."

"That's very admirable of you. Was your childhood a happy one?"

"Exceedingly happy." Mischief danced in her eyes. "It still is."

Garreth laughed heartily. Taking her small hand in his, he stared once more at the Balmarough ring. "Now, lady wife, I fear I must leave you."

To her surprise, she felt a sharp pang of disappointment. "The day grows late. I suppose you must hurry or you will lose the light. Unless," she added hopefully, "you and Sir Stephen would like to bide the night with my family."

"I fear that we cannot. By morning we'll be halfway to London."

She wondered if he was rushing to see Lady Meredith.

Garreth had been watching Sabine out of the corner of his eye. There was pain etched on her face with each step she took, though she tried to hide it. He had the strongest urge to lift her in his arms and carry her so that he might ease her suffering, but he knew she would not welcome his assistance.

"Your leg troubles you, Sabine?"

"Tis of little consequence."

Garreth had discovered two things about his wife today: She didn't complain, and she was no one's fool.

"I wonder if you would allow me to send the king's physician to examine you? William Harvey is of some renown. It was he who first discovered that blood circulates through the whole body. I daresay that he can help you."

"It would not be wise to bring the king's physician to Woodbridge," Sabine said hurriedly. "Papa would never welcome him. Even if he did agree to our marriage, he still distrusts his majesty, and 1 don't believe he trusts you either."

"Do you trust me, Sabine?"

She considered his question seriously, and thought of his mistress. "I don't know you very well."

Her honesty was refreshing, and he realized it sprang from her youth. Unfortunately, as she grew older she would learn to hide her feelings and dance around the truth. "Perhaps William Harvey can examine your leg when you move to Wolfeton Keep. Tis a pity to wait so long, though."

By now they had reached the castle and Stephen joined them.

"I have brought you a surprise, Sabine," Garreth said. "You will find it in your room. I hope it pleases you."

Her eyes were shining. "I am fond of surprises, Your Grace—Garreth. What is it?"

"Uh ... if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" He softly touched her cheek and her eyes widened at his gentleness. "My mother is often lonely. It will be most pleasant for her when you move to Wolfeton Keep so you can be a companion to her."

Sabine quickly looked up at him, wondering if he had intended to insult her by suggesting he only wanted her as a companion to his mother. There was controlled anger in her words. "It is always important to meet with the approval of one's mother-in-law."

Garreth looked bewildered, trying to think what he had said to displease her. "You have no cause for worry. I believe my mother will be enchanted with you." He raised her hand to his lips. "Farewell, until we meet again." Then he pushed his booted foot into the stirrup and mounted his horse.

Stephen bowed to her. "I hope to see you again soon. Your Grace."

"I would like that, Sir Stephen. You will always find a welcome at Woodbridge."

She watched them ride away, wondering why she suddenly felt lonely. With a deep intake of breath, she moved up the steps, pausing often to rest her aching leg.

When she reached her bedchamber, she found that a neatly folded length of red velvet lay across her bed. Eagerly, she lifted the fabric and gasped. It was a floor-length cape, completely lined with ermine. Sabine flung it around her shoulders and moved before a mirror. She buried her face in the silky fur that almost felt alive as it softly caressed her skin. She had never possessed anything half so fine. She picked up the note that had fallen to the floor and read the bold script.

For my duchess. Let this serve as a twofold gift—to keep you warm and remind you of me.

How kind of Garreth to think of her, she thought. It was a gift she would treasure always.

She had no way of knowing that the words she cherished had not been written by her husband, nor had he chosen the gift.

Garreth and Stephen had been riding for over an hour when they reached the Duck and Fox Inn.

"My throat's dry. I could use a tankard of ale," Stephen said.

"Very well," Garreth agreed. "I could use one myself. It was damned hard talking to Sabine today. What do you say to one so young?"

Stephen laughed. "The first time you've met a female who didn't swoon at your feet and she's your wife. Could this mean that you're losing your way with the ladies?"

Garreth scowled as he dismounted and handed his reins to an attendant. "I find nothing humorous in the situation. Sabine is too young to be a wife. Most probably she still plays with toys. Besides, she liked you better than me."

Stephen laughed. "I don't think so, Garreth."

They entered the inn and found a table near the hearth. After the landlord had served them, Garreth took a sip of his ale and leaned back thoughtfully. "She has spirit—the kind I would wish for in a little sister, if I had one. I don't know that it's a quality I want in a wife, however." He looked at his friend inquiringly. "What is your impression of her?"

Stephen hid a smile behind his tankard. Garreth was more taken with his new bride than he wanted to admit. "I believe that she is the loveliest little girl I have ever seen. I could look into those golden eyes for hours."