Rexanne Becnel (39 page)

She fought down angry words and faced her bland-faced tormentor. Plainly he delighted in the troubles between her and Corbett, as if somehow he benefited from his brother’s problems. Well, how much more would he delight if she magnified them even further?

Lilliane did not pause to consider the consequences as she declared war on Sir Hughe. She knew only that he was still her enemy—in spite of her marriage to his brother. She suspected that for some reason, he was Corbett’s enemy as well.

“I’m afraid Corbett has a suspicious nature,” she revealed slowly. Then she gave him a long, steady look. “I would not ask …” She faltered, then had to restrain a laugh at the avid expression on Hughe’s face. “Has … has Corbett always been inclined to drink?”

Any humor Lilliane felt fled at the quick flash of satisfaction that lighted Hughe’s gaunt face. If she’d had any doubt of Hughe’s true feelings toward his brother, they were now banished. For all his pretense of civility and even brotherly concern, it was apparent to her that he would take perverse pleasure in Corbett’s downfall.

Hughe smiled expansively and let his eyes slip assessingly over her. “He has always had a wild and ruthless streak. He was a jealous and cruel boy. No doubt he’s become a jealous and cruel man.” The last was said as a statement yet the arch of his brow lent it a questioning air.

Lilliane would not confirm it and thereby lie outright, but she did not hesitate to blush prettily and lower her gaze in apparent agreement. When Hughe took her hand and patted it reassuringly, she had to grit her teeth to prevent her revulsion from showing.

“Take heart, my dear. Despite the unfortunate past between Orrick and Colchester, rest assured that you may always turn to me should Corbett’s vile temper get out of hand. Just send word to me and I shall see to your safety.” His smile became more knowing. “And despite his absence, I know you may count on William’s unwavering loyalty as well.”

With that clear innuendo Hughe excused himself and retired to his chamber with many reassurances and smiles. Once he was gone Lilliane remained in the great hall fighting down a wave of nausea that might have been caused as much by the vile Sir Hughe as by her suspected pregnancy.

What was Hughe up to? she wondered in agitation. He and William were somehow tied together in this, and they both saw Corbett as their adversary. But why?

Her musings were halted by someone approaching. When she looked up she saw Sir Dunn’s curious face.

For a moment there was silence. They’d never actually sought one another’s company despite Dunn’s recent overtures of friendliness. Still, the suspicious expression on his face was more a reflection of the old Sir Dunn, and Lilliane almost felt relief as she snapped, “What is it?”

He did not respond at once and Lilliane was sure he debated in his mind how to begin. He finally drew a long breath. “I hope I’m not wrong about you.”

“Wrong? What is that supposed to mean?”

“You spoke a good while with Hughe. He seemed well pleased when he left you.”

Lilliane stood up in exasperation. “He is my brother-in-law. Should I not speak to him or put him at his ease? Besides, what right have you to spy upon me?”

His face grew grim and he watched her closely. “Your loyalty lies with your husband.”

At his solemn expression Lilliane drew back and her annoyance fled. “My loyalty is with him,” she vowed most earnestly. “Believe nothing else but believe that.”

The blond knight’s face was inscrutable as he weighed her words. When he spoke it was slowly and with much feeling. “I believe you. He is not so sure of it, but I leave it to you to convince him. Still, I caution you to be careful of Hughe.”

“Can’t you tell me what the trouble between them is?”

But Dunn only shook his head and, with a last intense look at her, quit the hall.

Lilliane did not have time to ponder Dunn’s vague warning. Much too soon she was called to inspect the four pigs roasting in the huge kitchen hearths. By then the ladies had begun to rise, and no sooner were they being entertained than the men returned from the hunt.

She dispatched a servant to see the game cleaned and dressed, then sought out her husband in the great hall. Corbett was laughing at some antic of Gavin’s when she entered, but though he retained his interest in the company she knew his eyes followed her.

“Good lady Lilliane,” Sir Roger boomed as he took her hand most gallantly. “Perhaps you can answer this puzzle. Your husband swears the woods of Orrick contain the wildest of creatures. He had us all watching our backs lest some strange animal attack us!”

“I never said the creature attacks,” Corbett countered. “Indeed, I told you repeatedly that it was quite shy and would flee at any pursuit.”

“But there was nothing there more than any greensward might hold: deer, the occasional hind or boar. I say he is just spinning some fantastic tale for his own amusement!”

“But I myself have seen the flighty creature.” He grinned then lowered his gaze to Lilliane’s puzzled face.

“But no doubt never caught it!” Sir Charles accused wryly.

Corbett hesitated and his eyes seemed to warm as he looked at her. “I don’t believe it can be caught, at least not as other creatures might be.”

Lilliane could not prevent a blush as she realized to which wild creature he referred. To her relief none of the others seemed aware of Corbett’s meaning as they continued in their boisterous conversation.

Once the servants appeared with ale for the guests, she beckoned Corbett away from the others. She wanted to tell him about Hughe’s arrival, but it appeared the raucous company had brought Corbett’s brother downstairs. When Corbett’s arm became rigid beneath her palm, she did not have to turn around to know who he had seen.

How she wished this animosity between the two brothers could be dissolved. But as Lilliane looked up at her husband, it was not so much dislike she saw as it was regret. That and an expression akin to pain.

But then that rare glimpse of his feelings was covered by a mask of polite greeting.

“Welcome, Hughe.” Corbett strode toward his brother. If he was surprised by Hughe’s broad smile and hearty slap on the back, he hid it well.

“Glad I am to share these festivities at Orrick with you and your lovely wife. It’s far too long that this valley has been torn apart by mistrust. Now the two of us can see Windermere Fold united.”

It should have been perfect, a pretty domestic reunion, Lilliane thought as she was drawn into the crowd that encircled the two brothers. Yet she could not escape her suspicious thoughts about Hughe; she was certain he planned something.

Corbett was behaving in a manner equally confusing, for he was maintaining a farce of his own. Unbidden, Dunn’s words exhorting her to keep her loyalties solely with her husband came to mind. Did that imply more than she had at first realized?

She truly did not know her husband well enough to decide. He held his feelings in check. Once she’d thought him capable of murdering her father. Lilliane stared at him thoughtfully and felt a twinge of doubt. If he’d had any part in her father’s death, then he was most certainly capable of plotting against his brother. She knew that to hold both Colchester and Orrick castles would give him immense power in northern England. And Corbett was most definitely a man who relished his own power.

But he had not contributed to her father’s death, she told herself sternly. That had been a natural occurrence, well attested to by old Thomas. What lay between the two brothers she could not say. She would just have to keep faith in Corbett.

Lilliane wearily rubbed the small of her back. It had already been a long day and the evening feasting was still to come. Then two more days until Christ’s Mass. At that moment Lilliane lost all enthusiasm for entertaining. She was exhausted by the preparations and tired of the endless machinations among the nobility. More than anything she wanted everyone simply to leave her and Corbett alone at Orrick. They might have a chance if Hughe and all the others were gone. Then she could tell Corbett about the child she carried and they might finally be happy together.

A short time later the head table was well filled, for Hughe, Odelia and Aldis, Tullia and Santon, and Sir Gavin joined them along with the earl of Gloucester, one of King Edward’s triumvirate. The seating arrangement had perplexed Lilliane sorely, but to her relief Sir Gavin was charming Odelia and the earl of Gloucester was keeping both Corbett and Hughe well entertained. Once the meal was underway she relaxed.

“How I wish Father were here,” Tullia said wistfully. “Everything has turned out as he hoped.”

Lilliane squeezed her sister’s hand. “You knew all along that he planned this?”

“I knew that you and the man you wed would rule at Orrick. That’s why he was so inflexible in the choice of your husband.”

“But he couldn’t have held out hope for my betrothal agreement with Corbett all those years.”

“No, perhaps not. But he didn’t truly hate the house of Colchester. Even after all the misery they brought to Orrick, he always respected their motives in avenging their father’s death.”

“But they were wrong in accusing him,” Lilliane insisted.

“Yes. I know. But that is all past now. All that remains is for you to bear an heir for Orrick.”

“Then our father shall soon be most content,” Lilliane confessed in a whisper.

“Oh! I knew it. I just knew it!” Tullia exclaimed, bringing a curious look from both Corbett and Santon. Tullia quickly composed her features, but her bright brown gaze was brimming with happiness for her sister. “Have you told him yet?”

Lilliane bit her lip and glanced at her handsome husband. He was speaking to Hughe and it appeared a most peaceful scene. But she knew much still brewed beneath the surface, for this festive occasion had not been planned by accident. She shook her head slowly. “I’ve told no one but you.” Then she looked at Tullia intently. “Say you’ll keep my secret for now.”

“Of course I will. But you might do well to tell Odelia also.”

“Odelia? She feels no good will toward me. Why, she and Aldis would be quite annoyed to see their right to Orrick further eroded.”

Tullia shrugged. “Perhaps that was the way of it once. But Aldis has heard much of Corbett’s connection to King Edward. He is wise enough to accept things as they are. Besides, his father now seems more willing to hand some of the responsibilities for Gaston over to him. Plus,” Tullia added with a secretive grin, “Odelia is also with child. But do not let on I told you!”

Three little cousins to be borne of three sisters. Lilliane smiled at the thought of the three families sharing many years of festivities such as these. When Sir Hughe retired early from the table, it seemed the best of omens. Those who then remained in the great hall were all of good nature and fine company. In her happiness, Lilliane finally pushed all thoughts of strife or plotting from her mind. They gathered to celebrate the Christ’s Mass, the birth of the son of God, the baby that had brought peace to all the world.

Lilliane let her hand slide down to rest comfortingly on her belly. Her eyes sought out her husband. God willing, this baby of hers would help bring peace to Windermere Fold.

Sir Hughe’s mind dwelt on Windermere Fold, but his version was far removed from Lilliane’s. Under cover of a moonless night he made his way toward the gate tower, startling the pair of guards who maintained the lower watch.

“Do you go without, milord?”

Hughe shook his head then groaned and put one hand to his brow. “Sweet Jesu, but the wine flows freely tonight,” he muttered.

At that the guard who had spoken began to chuckle. “Aye, it sounds to be a considerable feast.”

“And you stout fellows left out in the cold.” Hughe gave them each a sympathetic look. He took two more erratic steps then leaned heavily against the stonework of the gatehouse. “I’ll tell you what, my good fellows. I’ve a flask here. I’d intended to curl up with it and find my sleep—” He groaned again and this time held his stomach. “’Tis time to quit the wine.” He gave them a lopsided grin and struggled to stand upright. “Here. You take the rest. ’Tis sure to keep you warm despite the bitter cold.”

“We can’t drink during the watch,” the same guard replied reluctantly.

Sir Hughe stared at them both then shrugged. “Oh, well. ’Tis only a little left anyway.” Then he seemed to brighten. “Perhaps the creatures in the moat would like to drink as their betters do.” He pulled the stopper from the flask and began to make his way toward the bridge.

“No, wait!” The second guard grabbed Sir Hughe’s arm, then looked back at his partner. “’Tis but a taste left for each of us. Surely there’s no harm in just a swallow or two.”

Sir Hughe stood very still as the other guard weighed the matter in his mind. It was all he could do to restrain a grin of triumph as the two guards reached for the bottle. Within a matter of minutes they both had collapsed to the ground, victims of the strong dose of redroot he’d added to the wine.

Before any note could be taken of what he’d done, Hughe dragged the two men into the shadows behind a flanking wall and then assumed their position at the gate. When a single figure approached the bridge some time later, the upper guards hailed him. But when one of the lower guards questioned him then bade him enter, there was no further comment from the ramparts. Only then did Sir Hughe relax.

“You see, William, ’tis as I said. My brother is but a mortal man. And as easily as you have gained access to Orrick, so now shall you gain access to your child. Also to the fair Lady Lilliane. She will not hesitate to flee Orrick if she knows both you and the babe await.”

William pushed back the hood that covered his head. His face was grim but his eyes had come alive at the mention of Lilliane.

“Aye. She was so close to coming before. But that demon cast me from the castle.” His voice shook with emotion. “This time he’ll never know until it is too late!” Then he paused. “But he’ll follow. He’ll not lose easily.”

“I told you to leave that to me. Once he is dead you will be free to take Lilliane. Then you’ll have Orrick and we’ll be a force that Edward must reckon with.”