The Defiant Bride (24 page)

“He is probably well enough, but Hildy and Megan cannot release him from their care as yet. Well, it is more likely they don’t wish to. You know how they are. Never happier than when they have someone to tend.”

William and Dariana grinned. It was then the earl cleared his throat, demanding an introduction. Embarrassed at her rudeness, Dariana made amends. Then Leah’s words came back to her.

“Leah, what did you mean about Moonshadow?”

“Did not William tell you? The gelding was the one who alerted us. He led William to the spot where Richard lay. William, did you not tell her of her horse’s sagacity?”

Dariana looked at him in question and William smiled. “In truth, I forgot. However, ‘tis not as though you could be kinder to the animal or spoil him more.”

“Oh, I am sure I could find some way to ease his lot. More oats, perhaps, or some other treat.”

William just shook his head. Turning to Leah, he placed his arm about her shoulders. “So, I take it the plans have been made?”

“Plans?”

Dariana moved to William’s side, smiling knowingly. “For the wedding,” she declared.

Leah blushed furiously. “But, how—?” William and Dariana laughed at her puzzlement.

“Why, a blind man could see it was but a mater of time. Wounds have a way of speeding the inevitable.”

“As in our case, my lord?” Dariana asked coyly.

“It was a wound, indeed, that brought us together,” William declared. “I assume Richard’s had the same effect on you, dear sister.”

“’Tis true we gave voice to our feelings for each other, but we would have done nothing until we were assured of your safe return.”

“Well, now you have it,” Dariana stated. “So, when is the wedding?”

“Why—I—we—” Leah stammered, her cheeks flushing redder still.

“I say the sooner the better,” William declared. “No more delays. We shall post the banns and the wedding shall be in four weeks’ time. Is that soon enough, Leah?”

The reality seemed to tie her tongue, so William nodded. The mater settled, they went to seek Richard.

Richard lay propped among the pillows like a king. The frown on his face, however, spoke of his impatience. When he saw them, he nearly leaped up.

“Do not even think of getting up!” The imperious voice belonged to Hildy. “You are not well until I declare you so.”

Richard looked to William in appeal. “Please tell these witches to release me. I am fine. I already missed what I am sure was a glorious battle.”

“Oh, it wasn’t so impressive.”

“I beg to differ, my lord,” Dariana said. “It was indeed glorious! But Richard, I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving me.”

“I fear I failed you, my lady.”

“Nonsense. You were halted by miscreants. Your bravery speaks for itself.”

“I am so glad to see you safe and sound.”

Dariana smiled. “No more than I. So do tell us—who broke down first?”

“My lady?”

“And admitted devotion? You or Leah?”

“Oh, I am certain it was she.”

“Hah!” They turned to see Leah smiling, her plump cheeks pink with delight. “If you recall, Richard—your precise words were ‘What is it exactly you require, woman, to believe a man is hopelessly in love with you?’”

Leah turned to William and Dariana. “I had only dared hope, you see. I thought he was just doing his duty.”

“I shall show you my ‘duty’ as soon as those old crones release me from their care. A more wonderful ‘duty’ a man will never have. Truth be told, though, it was she who proposed.”

“Only because you seemed unable to find the words. I suppose I have my brother’s patience.”

Richard now faced William. “Tell me everything. Did you rout the bastards at once or was there an intricate plan?”

After seeing Dariana settled and her father of to court, William took his leave to visit Lady Bethany. He dreaded delivering the sad news.

She was heartsick to learn of her husband’s murder and cried out to William to help her make sense of her husband’s death and Dariana’s abduction. “Why? He was such a kind man. Everyone
loved him. Who would gain from setting up an ambush and taking his life? I am grateful that you recovered your wife. She has a generous heart and it would have been unspeakable if that blackguard had killed her, too.”

“I am convinced Justin was an innocent pawn in a plot to harm me. I cannot tell you how full of regret I am that he was murdered.”

“I understand not of what you speak.”

“It is my thinking my half-brother, Cedric, was anxious to take me from my lands and therefore leave them vulnerable. He knew if I believed Justin to be at risk I would come to his aid. Then he would be free to take my wife and use her to exact revenge upon me.”

“Why would he hate you so?”

“He is a bastard, my father’s natural son born out of wedlock. Cedric has always felt cheated and has blamed me for every lack in his life. Revenge has been the focus of his being. It has blinded him to all else, including honor.”

“I trust Dariana did not suffer overmuch at his hands?”

“He locked her in a cell but she and the babe did not suffer unduly.”

“She is with child? How wonderful! So, my beloved Justin’s soul has fled but another will take its place on the earth. Such is the way of things. But what of Cedric? Must we yet fear him?”

“We engaged him in battle north of here, but once the fight began, he ran like the coward he is. I am convinced you are safe from him, The attack on your husband was not personal but merely a means to an end.”

“I blame you not for Justin’s end. Do not think it. Men do what men do for their own reasons, so often not thinking of the pain left behind. You are such a fine man and I have always known you to be so. It saddens me that anyone should hate you so when it is so undeserved.”

William bent to kiss her hand in farewell. “You are a gracious lady. If you ever have need of anything, I and mine are at your disposal.”

C
HAPTER
18

T
he next several
weeks were a blur of activity. Preparations for the wedding occupied everyone, servants and masters alike. Dariana found herself tiring, but she was grateful the sickness had stopped. Every afternoon, just before sunset, she sought a nap to lessen the exhaustion. She would slowly make her way to her chamber and William would appear moments later to rub the stiffness from her back or comb her hair to help her sleep. She was filled with pure contentment these days and prayed the sheer pleasure of living would never change.

After her sleep, she and William would make slow, sweet love. Their passions ignited, they would seek their release with the same exquisite spirit. On one such afternoon, they lay wrapped in each other’s arms, William stroking Dariana’s cheek.

“Does all this make you long for one of your own?” he asked softly.

“You puzzle me, William. One of my own what? I have everything my heart desires.”

“Do you wish to have a true wedding, with flowers and feasting and guests?”

“A true wedding? Are we not truly wed, then?”

“Yes, love, we are wed. I meant a celebration, like that we plan for Richard and Leah.”

“Can I not attend theirs?” She was very confused by the direction of this conversation.

“Of course. I meant, one of your own.”

It took Dariana a moment for the realization to strike her. “Do you feel you have cheated me out of a wedding?”

“Have I?”

“Well,” Dariana teased. “’Tis true I had no celebration. Not even a real feast or a tiny flower.” William looked heartstruck by this, so she baited him no more. “However, I have you, my dearest love. No quail or pheasant or fancy tarts or flowers could ever make me happier than you have.” She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him soundly on the mouth.

A smile lit his face and he chuckled low in his chest. “You are a minx to torment me so.”

“Torment you?” she returned, innocently. “I was the one lacking the feast and the flowers.”

“Aye, but lately you eat enough to supply several feasts at each meal.”

She shrieked in mock outrage. “It is your son that demands I feed him so. I am a lady and only require tiny bits of food. Recall you not how little I ate before your son began his demands?”

William smiled lovingly at his wife. It was clear further discussion was futile. Dariana stroked the muscles of his chest and she could see his thoughts taking a different course. She moved her fingers along the smooth sinews and marveled at how her husband, a man possessed of such strength, could also be so gentle and caring. He kissed her softly and they melted together.

The day of the wedding finally arrived. The sun lit the land with the warm glow of early summer. The fragrances of the seasonal blossoms were everywhere and a slight breeze cooled the air. Leah was in her chamber with Dariana, trying to dress, but her hands shook so badly even her maids were becoming fretful.
The usually kind and patient woman was so restive and fussy that nothing could be done to her satisfaction. Dariana took charge. Leah needed some calming or she would surely not enjoy her day of days.

Dariana sent the grateful maids scurrying from the room and approached the beleaguered woman. She reached over to a table nearby and poured a generous cup of wine, which she offered to her sister-in-law. “Drink this, dear sister. It will help.”

As Leah drank, Dariana circled her. She took in the lovely, light blonde curls pulled away from Leah’s sweet, round face. She noted the cut of the pale blue silk gown, of simple design with little flourish. Dariana smiled.

“You are beautiful,” she breathed, as she finished her perusal. “Richard will be awestruck.”

Leah flushed with pleasure. “I am so unnerved, Dariana. I have loved the man as long as memory serves me, but the thought of marriage at my age…”

“You are a perfect age. If you fear the wedding night, do not. There is naught to cause you worry, as the pleasure of giving and receiving love is a wondrous thing.” Dariana gave Leah a warm embrace.

“Dariana, I owe you an apology. I was so ashamed I did not have the nerve to broach the subject before, but I feel I must clear my conscience ‘ere I speak my vows before God.”

Dariana was puzzled. “Apology? Why, perchance, would you need to say such a thing to me?”

Tears sprang to Leah’s eyes. “I—doubted you.” Dariana was surprised. Leah hurried on with her explanation. “The day you were taken, I had gone to Richard to besmirch your reputation. I sent him to follow you. You were seen in the stables with Cedric. I was told you were kissing him. And I believed the slander. Can you forgive me?”

“I only thank God you did send Richard after me. If you had not, William would not have been able to fathom my direction.”

“You do not understand. I sent Richard to watch you, not protect you. I feared you might betray my brother. Richard never doubted you, but I did.”

Dariana was shocked. “Why? What would lead you to think such as that?”

Leah seemed too embarrassed to continue, but she swallowed hard and went on. “Because you were with Cedric and I knew the
circumstances of your marriage. It occurred to me you resented the situation and sought an escape.”

Dariana nodded knowingly. “I have no doubt Cedric planned it that way. As we know, Cedric is the master of the game. I was so foolish to fall into the trap he set. If I had not ridden off—”

The tears streamed down Leah’s cheeks in earnest now. “If I had been wiser and trusted you as I should have, I would have seen to your protection. Cedric never would have taken you. Can you ever forgive me?”

“There is nothing to forgive. It is over now and I am safe. There is no need to berate yourself. Please dry your tears and prepare for the joy that is to come.”

“I am so sorry. I will never doubt you again.”

“I am so proud you are my sister. Now you must wash your face and smile. You are a bride today and the man you love waits impatiently to call you his wife.”

Dariana fussed over her for a few moments more. She failed to mention her fears that Cedric was still roaming the land and none could really rest until his evil was halted.

Dariana had no sooner left Leah’s chamber when she spied William standing nearby, his back resting against a wall, a secret grin on his handsome face.