“You had better go with her,” he said. “De Wrenville is drunk and there is no telling how he will react if she truly intends to speak with him about his plans for Lady Emelisse. He was belligerent with Wolverhampton about it, so I cannot imaginehis wife will fare any better. Mayhap it would be better if she doesnotinvolve herself.”
Caius couldn’t see Hallam looking at the half-open door with a longing expression. He knew Caius was correct. Lady de Wrenville had no business involving herself in Covington’s business. Her intentions were good, but Covington would see it as gross interference.
An unforgiveable sin.
He needed to stop her.
Leaving the cat fight in Lady Emelisse’s chamber, Hallam quickly followed Lady de Wrenville’s path in an effort to avoid a disaster.
Hers.
*
“My lady,” camethe hiss. “Alice!”
Alice was about to head from the keep, out into the snow, and make her way to the great hall where her husband was making a jackass out of himself in front of Wolverhampton and the other guests. She was bundled from head to toe in furs and a cloak to protect against the raging storm, barely able to turn around when she heard her name called.
It was Hallam.
She paused, waiting for the man as he came up behind her.
“How is Lady Emelisse?” she asked. “Nothing more has happened, has it?”
Hallam shook his head. “Nay,” he said. “Caius has the situation under control for the most part. That is not why I have come. Alice, you must not speak with Covington about this. He would not react well and I do not want you to be the object of his anger. He would see it as you involving yourself in something that is none of your affair.”
Alice appeared to ponder that seriously. “I realize that,” she said. Then, she pointed to the stairs. “But that lady he has imprisoned should not be here at all. It is cruel and inhumane. And he intends to marry her to Marius? The man is a beast, Hallam. It is not right.”
Hallam nodded patiently, daring to put both hands on her arms to still her rising angst. “I know,” he said. “And I agree with you. But you must not involve yourself in this. It is better when he is ignoring you. You do not want him to focus his ire on you, Alice, truly. You know how he can be.”
His hands on her was her undoing. Alice softened, smiling at the man as he looked at her with concern. “I know you are trying to protect me, my darling,” she said softly. “But I feel strongly about this.”
Hallam almost said something, but he looked around as if fearful they would be heard. “Come,” he said, taking her by the hand. “Let us speak someplace more private.”
Alice gladly followed him into Covington’s elaborate solar. Since her husband was in the hall with guests, there was no chance of him coming in, but just in case, Hallam bolted the door. When he turned around, he saw that Alice was standing in front of the hearth, already having removed her furs and heavy cloak. She was clad only in her woolen dress, facing him expectantly. He paused a moment, taking time to simply enjoy the view.
For him, she took his breath away.
“I know you feel strongly about the treatment of Lady Emelisse,” Hallam said as he approached her. “But this is something that has been brewing long before you arrived. It would be best for you if you stay out of it.”
Her smile faded. “Covington made me part of this when he married me for my uncle’s army,” she said. “I have a stake in this as much as anyone else.”
She had a point, but Hallam shook his head. He again put his hands on her upper arms, caressing her through the fabric. “Listen to me,” he said softly. “Alice, you can do nothing about this. You must leave it to me and to Wolverhampton and his men. They will be the only ones who can convince Covington. He will never agree to anything you say because it will make him look weak, acquiescing to the demands of a woman. Surely you know that about him by now.”
For the first time, Alice seemed less determined. She sighed heavily. “He is an arrogant beast,” she murmured. “That is what I know about him. And what I know about you is enough to make my heart sing. Would that you could have been my husband and not him. You are my heart, sweet Hallam. I could never love anyone else but you.”
Hallam smiled faintly, a sad and remorseful gesture. “I knew the moment I first went to Dudley Castle with the marriage offer that I was in trouble. You smiled at me and I nearly forgot myself.”
Her smile returned. “You should have lied to me and told me the marriage offer came from you.”
He chuckled. “Had I been smarter or more devious, I would have,” he said. “Instead, I was truthful and now we find ourselves… here.”
Alice’s hands came up, gently touching his face. Alice’s true beauty was in her warmth, her good character, something Hallam loved dearly. To him, shewasbeautiful. But being with her alone like this was dangerous and he knew it. It was extremely rare when they were alone together, mostly because he was afraid of what would happen if they were. He doubted Covington would have cared in the least if he discovered their feelings for one another, but Hallam didn’t want to put Alice in that position. She was a married woman and he didn’t want to jeopardize her reputation.
She deserved better.
“My darling,” she said as she looked into his eyes. “You are the man I have waited my entire life for. You will make some woman a very fine husband someday. I am just sorry that woman could not be me.”
He knew he should pull away, but he couldn’t seem to force his feet to move. Her gaze was mesmerizing. He put his big hand over hers, turning his head so he could kiss the palm of her hand.
