However, due to the heat and Uncle Martin’s low, soothing voice, she fell into a deep sleep in the comfortable chair without meaning to. Martin continued his stories for a good ten minutes before he realized what had happened. Quietly, he vacated the room and proceeded to find every servant in the house to personally warn them to remain silent while Lady Remington slept.
Satisfied she would sleep unimpeded, he moved to his own chamber and promptly passed out into a dreamless sleep of his own.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The first thingshe was aware of was a deep, rumbling voice. It was a rich voice, sensual and comforting, and it took her a moment to realize she was listening to Gaston. He wasn’t speaking to her, however; he was saying something to his uncle.
She twitched and opened her eyes, sighing deeply. Gaston was standing in front of her, still speaking to one of his men, but gazed down on her when she stirred.
“So you are awake,” he said gently. “Did my uncle put you to sleep with all of his talking?”
She sat up, smiling sleepily at him. “Actually, he did. But it wasn’t because I lacked interest in the subject; I am just increasingly tired these days.”
He took her hand in his glove. “No doubt,” he jerked his head at the soldier standing at the door and the man vacated. He looked down at her again. “Are you awake enough that we might carry on an intelligent conversation? We must discuss a few things.”
She nodded, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and he deposited his huge body on a very sturdy stool just in front of her. He still held her hand, his eyes on her warmly.
“I am glad you are back,” she said. “I expected not to see you for weeks the way you were talking. Did your meetings go well?”
The warmth in his face faded. “About as I expected,” he replied softly, holding both of her hands now. “Henry was receptive to me, as I knew he would be. I was able to speak to the bishop of Exeter and he assured me that it should be no problem to annul my marriage to Mari-Elle and he promised that he would see to it as quickly as he could. That portion of my talks went most favorably; however, the problems lies where we knew it would. With Guy.”
At the mention of his name, Remington’s face went white and Gaston squeezed her hands sympathetically. “Did you see him?”
He nodded. “He was not cooperative in the least, angel. In fact, he seemed to take delight in the entire situation. I fear he will make a nightmare out of all of this.”
She lowered her gaze, her stomach quivering nervously and making her ill. Gaston could see her fear and cursed silently that he was not yet finished with his news.
“Henry demanded that Guy be allowed to see you, under my supervision of course, and I had to comply. You knew that this might happen, Remi, and I am sorry that I could not prevent it,” his voice was soft. “But it might be more beneficial that we realize. Guy said that if you were to ask him for an annulment personally, that he might consider it. You do not have to do it if you do not want to, though. You can sit and stare at the wall the entire time if it pleases you.”
He could feel her hands shaking. “If there is a chance he will consider granting our request, then I will ask him. But I truthfully do not know why he would listen to me; he never has before.”
Gaston knew Stoneley’s request was probably a ploy to see his wife and nothing more, but if there were a chance that hehonestly would reconsider his position, then they would have to take it.
“I am sorry, angel,” he whispered again. He felt as if he were failing her somehow, unable to protect her from the turmoil.
She nodded shakily, acknowledging his apology. She opened her mouth to speak, but words would not come. Finally, she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him so tightly that she would have choked him had it not been for his armor. He held her tightly, wishing he could absorb all of her fear and pain.
“I am so scared, Gaston,” she whispered after a moment. “I have not seen him in over a year and I feel as if I am about to relive my worst nightmare.”
“There is nothing to be frightened of,” he assured her. “I will be there the entire time, love. There is naught he can do or say to you to harm you.”
She pulled back, wiping daintily at her nose and blinking back tears. “I know that, but I am still scared. I hate him so.”
“So do I,” he answered. “But you will only have to see him this one time if I have anything to say about it. Try not to let him upset you so. I do not like to see you so upset.”
She nodded again, attempting to compose herself. Gaston rose from the stool and pulled her gently to her feet. He sought to brighten the mood a bit. “Henry has invited us to sup with he and Elizabeth tonight. Why do not you go and change into a pretty surcoat.”
Her mouth fell open in horror, forgetting all about Guy for the moment. “The king wants to sup with us? Lord, Gaston, I do not own a surcoat worthy of the king’s table.”
“Of course you do,” he insisted, giving her a gentle tug toward the stairs. “Where are your things? I will decide what you are to wear.”
*
An hour later,looking absolutely ravishing in a scarlet brocade surcoat and a lovely necklace with rough garnets, Remington left Braidwood for the Tower. Gaston had commandeered a litter for her, which she thought was silly, but he insisted. She giggled as he settled her on it, complaining that she felt like Cleopatra. He eyed her sternly, but there was a smile playing on his lips. He was glad she was laughing, knowing the tears and anxiety would descend upon her quickly enough once they reached the Tower.
The Tower fascinated her as they passed through the entrance and through the narrow corridor between the Byward and Middle Tower. There were household troops everywhere, lining their path as they rode into the open courtyard.
In the middle of the courtyard stood the White Tower, looming above her. Her smiles faded and terror seized her; she knew Guy was watching her now. She could not see him, but she could feel him. Feel his evil. He was here, and she was quickly going back on her promise not to be afraid anymore. She was horrified.
