“But I do not want to discuss that with her just yet.”
“Why not?”
He looked at her, frustrated. “Can I not simply enjoy this marriage for a few short hours? Why must I immediately speak of war and death to her? She does not want to hear it, anyway. She does not like conflict.”
Katharine lifted a gray eyebrow. “She has married you,” she replied pointedly. “War and death are part of your life. Whether or not she likes it, it is a reality. What happens if you do not return, Davyss? What shall she do? You must make your wishes clear to her.”
He abruptly stood, heading for the door. “I will,” he said as he walked. “But not right now.”
“If you leave with Henry tonight, you do not have much time.”
Davyss didn’t reply. He continued through the elaborate foyer and to the great oak door. Throwing it open, he emitted a piercing whistle between his teeth and motioned to Nik and Philip when they turned to look at him. The Catesby brothers, at the back of the column, began to shout and move the men as Nik and Philip went to the carriage. Philip opened the door as Nik extended a hand to Devereux.
“Lady de Winter?” he said politely. “Your husband has requested your presence.”
Devereux climbed out of the cab, her eyes still on the elaborate home. Davyss met her at the gate, taking her from Nik and kissing her hand sweetly before tucking it into the crook of his elbow.
“We will only be here a short time,” he told her as they approached the mammoth stone entry. “I must attend Henry sooner rather than later and I intend to bring you with me.”
Devereux gathered her skirt as they mounted the steps. She was wearing one of the surcoats he had given her for their wedding, a pale blue confection with silver embroidery along the neck and sleeves. With her blonde hair pulled back and secured with a blue-glass comb, she looked enchanting. But Devereux wasn’t so sure.
“Am I appropriately dressed to meet the king?” she wanted to know, smoothing down the skirt when they reached the door. “Should I change into something else?”
He shook his head. “You are exquisite,” he kissed her cheek before encouraging her into the house. “We will say a few pleasantries to my mother and be on our way.”
Devereux still wasn’t convinced that she shouldn’t change into something more elaborate and put on every jewel she had, but if Davyss said that her appearance was acceptable, then she would trust him. Upon entering the magnificent four-storied foyer, Lady Katharine’s two little dogs suddenly rushed Devereux in a barking frenzy. The first thing they did was grab the bottom of the surcoat with their sharp little teeth and begin ripping.
Davyss swooped down and grabbed them both by the scruff of the neck. He would have thrown them through the window had his mother’s sharp voice not stopped him.
“Hurt those dogs and I will disinherit you this day,” she boomed as much as she was able. “Put them down, Davyss; do it now.”
Davyss’ jaw was ticking as he looked to the dogs squirming in his grip. “These are vicious little beasts, Mother. If I put them down, they may do more damage.”
“Put them down.”
“If they bite her, I will kill them.”
“Put themdown.”
He did, but not before kicking one of them. He actually shoved the dog with his foot more than he kicked it; the little creature skidded across the floor, barking furiously at Devereux until Katharine’s sharp voice silenced it. Then the dogs did nothing more than sniff at Devereux before trotting obediently back to their mistress. Devereux watched them with big eyes, not at all pleased that the savage little rats had just wrecked her skirt.
“It is ruined,” she whispered to her husband, trying to get a good look at the damage. “I will most definitely have to change before we see the king.”
Davyss, extremely displeased at his mother’s wild animals, gently took her into the solar where his mother now sat with her two bodyguards. Lady Katharine’s gaze was intense upon Devereux.
“My lady,” she greeted. “I apologize for the dogs. They do not like strangers. I will replace the dress, of course.”
Devereux smiled weakly. “It is of no matter, my lady,” she replied, dipping into a gracious curtsy. “I am honored to be in your home.”
Katharine watched her very carefully; the last time she had seen the lady, she had been distraught and harried. The woman before her was lovely, graceful and calm, which was something of a pleasant surprise. Even though Davyss had told her that he was coming to appreciate his new wife, still, given their rough beginning it was difficult to comprehend that the situation was easing between them. She indicated the chair next to her.
“Will you sit?”
Devereux planted herself carefully into the chair, sitting straight and properly, hands folded in her lap. Katharine watched her expression, the body language, before speaking.
“You are looking well,” she said. “I understand that marriage agrees with my son. Does it agree with you also?”
Devereux’ eyes widened briefly at the blunt question. “It seems to, my lady,” she replied honestly. “Davyss has done much to make it agreeable.”
