Davyss watched the entire event. In that moment, that space of time, he sprouted a healthy respect for his wife. He’d never seen anyone so selfless or kind and his initial treatment of her began to gnaw at him like nothing he had ever experienced. He had indeed been cruel and callous to this glorious creature, someone so gentle that she treated the poor as if they were God’s greatest creatures.
Given his background and noble status, he should have found her behavior repulsive but he did not; there was something holy and compassionate about it. As Devereux returned to him, only now beginning to clean the vomit off her sleeve, he watched her through new eyes.
“Is there something more I can do?” he asked, nodding his head in the direction of the old couple. “That woman is ill.”
Devereux glanced at the pair as the old man began stroking his wife’s hair. “She is old and sick,” she said softly. “I am afraidthere is nothing anyone can do, although I thank you for your offer.”
Davyss wasn’t sure what more to say; he suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if he didn’t belong at this place. He only brought death and destruction. This place brought hope. He gazed down at his wife, so lovely he could hardly believe it. But she had something more than beauty, something his mother had seen. He was beginning to see it, too. He took a moment to summon his courage and swallow his considerable pride.
“I must be honest with you, my lady,” he finally said. “I am not entirely sure why I came here today, only that in the month we have been apart, I have thought of little else but you. Our marriage got off to a very bad start and for that, I am sorry. I will accept the blame but in that blame, I find that I must also accept responsibility for rectifying the situation. I am hoping you will allow me.”
She looked up at him, her suspicions on his appearance confirmed; the pig had indeed been a peace offering. She was oddly touched by the gesture and by the fact the man wanted to make amends for his boorish behavior. In fact, she could hardly believe he had voiced an apology. If he had put aside his conceit to show her some honesty, then perhaps she should as well. She reasoned that she at least owed him that chance if he was willing to try. She realized, as she gazed into his handsome face, that she was willing to try as well.
“Our rough beginning was not entirely your fault,” she admitted, although it was difficult. “I did not make it easy.”
He smiled, a genuine gesture. “I am not quite sure how else you were expected to react when four enormous knights broke in to your home and abducted you.”
She heard her words echoed in his statement and it brought a grin. Somewhat sheepishly, she averted her gaze. “They did not exactly break in,” she informed him. “They did, in fact, knock.”
He laughed softly. “Ah, then I am glad they at least showed some manners,” he said, sobering as he watched her lovely features. There was something more he wanted to ask but was fearful of her reaction; even so, he continued. “I was hoping you would sup with me tonight so that we may discuss the situation further.”
She nodded after a slight hesitation. “I would be agreeable.”
“Good.” Relieved, his eyes twinkled as he continued to watch her, every move she made. “When shall I return for you?”
“Return?” she cocked her head. “Are you leaving, then?”
He shook his head. “Not really; we are moving on to Castle Acre Castle for a while. I will return at sundown if that is acceptable.”
“It is.”
“Will you see me out?”
She nodded and he thought he saw a blush. Enchanted and thrilled, he took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. The entourage that had followed them into the hall now fell in behind them as they retreated, suspicious glances and expressions passing between the Longham brothers and Davyss’ knights.
Hugh was especially suspicious, casting threatening expressions at Stephan, who simply gazed back without response. Lollardly actually had to put himself between Hugh and Stephan for fear that something would erupt. Devereux and Davyss, oblivious to the posturing going on behind them, didn’t say a word to each other as they returned to the brightening morning outside.
Davyss motioned to his men to mount their horses before turning to Devereux, still clutching his elbow. Their eyes met and they gazed at each other for several moments, silently, each re-evaluating the other. This visit had been something of a newintroduction for them both. Davyss could only pray the meal that evening was equally successful.
He smiled faintly. “I shall see you this evening, then.”
She nodded. “I will be here.”
His smile broadened and he took the hand on his elbow, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. Devereux tried not to react, but it was difficult; in that kiss, she remembered his scorching touch as he had consummated their marriage, making her feel and behave in ways she never knew possible. It was enough to flush her cheeks.
Devereux watched as he mounted his horse and winked at her before donning his helm. The destriers were kicking up loads of earth as they began to tear off down the road and she stood back, watching Davyss balance atop his dancing animal as he finished securing his helm. Once the fasten was closed, he lowered his visor, raised a hand to her, and then spurred his charger after his knights. Dust swirled and dogs barked as the thunder of hooves faded into the distance.
Devereux wasn’t sure how long she stood there, her thoughts lingering on Davyss. It took her some time to realize that Stephan was standing next to her.
“He is a big brute,” Stephan muttered. “Thank God he has gone.”
Devereux glanced at the young man beside her. She wasn’t sure how to respond so it was best she say nothing. Turning back to the hall, she made her way inside with Stephan on her heels.
During the day that followed, she made her way back to her father’s home to change out of the vomit-stained dress. Although she did not understand why, she took her time dressing. Something in the way that Davyss had looked at her made her want to appear presentable and elegant. Odd thoughts, but the more she thought on Davyss, the more consumed with him she became.
When Davyss returned to The House of Hope promptly at sunset, she was waiting.
CHAPTER SIX
