Perhaps he had paid the lady for that knowledge with a kiss.
Or more.
Why did she wish to know so badly?
Anna burned to ask him for the truth, but she could not do as much so long as they were at the board. Some event had made his manner more attentive and more amorous. She feared to think how the Lady Marie might have inspired such an inclination.
Not that it should matter to Anna what amorous adventures Bartholomew might pursue, on this night or any other.
Her thoughts and fears were as troubling as his persistent touch. She found her agitation growing and her voice growing higher. She was out of familiar circumstance and felt that her own reactions spiraled from her control.
By the time they left the board, Anna was humming with a newfound need. She had consumed an unfamiliar quantity of wine, which made her feel both daring and warm. Bartholomew’s touch had left her desirous of more, and she was glad to take his hand and be escorted from the hall.
They walked in silence to the chamber, and she noted how watchful he appeared to be. That drove the heat of the wine from her veins.
It was only when the door to their chamber was closed behind them that Anna dared to take a full breath in her relief. “Praise be,” she whispered, but Bartholomew gave her a sharp glance. He rapidly touched his ear, then his eye, and glanced toward the wall that was common between their chamber and that of the Lady of Haynesdale.
Anna felt her eyes widen even as she understood.
There were knots aplenty in that wooden wall, and she could readily imagine that some of them were holes. The hair prickled on the back of her neck.
Were they being observed?
She amended her comment quickly by yawning with vigor. “As kind as you have been on our journey, husband, I am fair glad to see a plump mattress awaiting me this night.”
“Are you then?” Bartholomew mused, a twinkle lighting his eyes.
Emboldened by the knowledge that she was not truly alone with him, Anna laughed. “You, sir, will never be sated.”
“Not soon, wife of mine, not soon.” He caught her up and spun her around, and Anna enjoyed the charade of being a happy couple. “Perhaps you will be warm enough this night that you will have no need of me in your bed,” he teased and she laughed again.
“Oh, husband, how can you suggest such a possibility?” she murmured, pulling back to watch Bartholomew’s eyes darken. She caught her breath when his gaze fell to her lips and felt his fingers spread across her back as he gripped her more tightly. He held her above the floor but she dared not struggle, as willing a wife as any man might want.
Her heart thundered with the possibility of another kiss.
Even as a quiver began in her belly. She licked her lips and he watched her with a hunger that made her shiver.
He bent and touched his lips to her ear, causing a most delicious sensation. “We must create no suspicion,” he murmured. “But I have given you my vow.”
Not to touch her.
Anna nodded as she looped her arms around his neck. She looked up at him, giving every sign of doting upon him. In truth, it was not that hard to pretend. “Is it true, husband, that some couples do not share a bed each night?”
“I have heard it said,” Bartholomew acknowledged. He pulled her against his chest so that she caught her breath. “It seems wrong to me, I must admit.” His hand slid down her back, pressing her against him, even as he kissed the side of her neck. Anna felt shivers run over her skin and a warm thrum between her thighs.
“I cannot imagine being without your warmth all the night long,” she agreed, trying to look flirtatious. Her heart was racing with the prospect of him lying beside her.
Would she sleep?
Would he?
Did she dare to trust his sworn word? Anna thought she could.
“I think it is more than my warmth you desire at night, wife,” Bartholomew murmured. He considered her, smiled a little, then lifted her to her toes. He held her gaze, his own gaze dropping to her lips for a moment.
Anna understood. He was asking permission. She took a breath and nodded quickly, knowing that their ruse had to be maintained.
Bartholomew did not give her the chance to change her thinking His mouth sealed over hers with such purpose that Anna was momentarily startled. She dared not pull away, though, so compelled herself to lean against him as if she truly were a submissive bride, and open her mouth to him. Bartholomew made a little growl in his throat, one that sent a thrill through Anna, and deepened his kiss.
