“I thank you.”Melissande was surprised to find that she felt no reaction to his touch.
There was a puzzle, for Bayard was not hard upon the eyes.He had a charming smile and a confidence that many a maid might find alluring.
But not Melissande.
She turned and crossed the hall hoping her fear did not show.
“My lady, let me aid you on the stairs,” Berthe said.
Melissande felt Quinn’s gaze upon her but did not look back.The stairs required every measure of her attention.It was curious how they shifted and moved.Melissande knew that they had not acted in such a manner before, but this was yet another puzzle best left for later.
She conquered them with Berthe’s aid, as well as the hall above, which seemed to have developed a markedly uneven floor.Finally, they reached the chamber and Melissande sighed with relief.A fire burned brightly in the brazier and there were four lanterns lit, as well.The bed linens had been changed and turned down.The import of that could not be mistaken.
It would be soon.
And there was no escape.
“Come along, my lady,” Berthe urged.“We do not want to keep your lord husband waiting.You have fared well in this match, my lady.”
“I think not,” Melissande managed to say.
“Aye?”Berthe’s cheer sounded forced to Melissande.“He is young and unmarred.He is handsome and strong, a knight no less, and an heir in his own right.You could have been wedded to an old friend of Tulley’s, a cripple of good lineage, or a man much enamored of his ale.”Melissande might have fought to remain in her garments, but she was helpless against Berthe’s efficiency.The maid turned her around and removed her clothing quickly.Even the hope of remaining in her chemise was overcome.“You might have been bound to widower with a houseful of children, all determined to despise you because you are not their mother.You might have been...”
All too soon, Melissande was nude and bathed and being hustled toward the bed.
“I thank you, Berthe,” she said as she climbed into the bed.At least the linens would offer some modesty.“I shall count myself fortunate, with your counsel.”
“You do not sound convinced, my lady.”
“I suspect you are sufficiently convinced for both of us.”
Berthe scoffed, then kneeled on the bed.She unbraided Melissande’s hair and combed it out.“Do not concern yourself with this night’s task, my lady,” she said.“Your lord husband is a kind man, any woman could see that, and I am certain that you have naught to fear on this night.”
He was Jerome’s son.
She had no notion of whether his nature was deceitful or not.
And they would be alone together all the night long.
Melissande gripped the linens in dread.The sound of men’s voices came from outside the door and her heart skipped.Any effect from the wine seemed to be dismissed, leaving her both cold and uncertain.The men fell into silence outside the door, then a knock resonated through the quiet room.
It sounded imperious to Melissande.Commanding.Would Quinn command all her choices from this day forth, as was his right?
“Good evening,” Berthe called.
“Good evening, my lady,” roared one who might have been Bayard.“We found a gift for you in the hall!”
“Wretch,” Berthe whispered, fighting a smile, and rose to open the door.She did not reach it, though before it burst open.Quinn was shoved into the chamber, laughing and protesting.He clutched his tabard in one hand and his chemise was torn open.Laughter carried from the men outside the chamber.Melissande flushed as rude jests were made, knowing they would be seeking a glimpse of her.
“Spare the lady’s gentle ears!”Quinn insisted, but he was ignored.
Melissande could not look away from the skin revealed by Quinn’s gaping chemise.His skin was bronzed, no doubt from the sun in the East, and there was a dark patch of hair upon his chest.His sleeves were pushed up and she could see his forearms.She blinked and stared, even as Berthe made a quiet hum of approval.
A lady should have no interest in her husband’s physical charms.Melissande burrowed beneath the covers, feeling the weight of every curious male eye upon her.
“Come, Quinn,” Bayard said.“It is time to put you to bed with your bride.”
He might have followed his comrade into the chamber, but Berthe blocked his progress.His eyes twinkled as he surveyed the maid, but she held her ground.Indeed, she braced her hands on her hips.“You will do no such deed, sir,” she said, though she did not seem like a formidable obstacle to the knight.
