His eyes narrowed, but he composed himself to see thepanic in her eyes. But he could not so easily put aside his annoyance this time.
"If you knew this, then this makes your actions earlier the more foolish and risky to our endeavors. We could have lost all because of your temper."
"'Tis too late to change things."
He nodded, but his annoyance didn't ebb. "This information is useful. You have done well. I will try to determine who this bastard son is. He must be eliminated. Now."
He leaned over and she put her face close to the window. He brushed his fingers along her lips, savoring her sigh before he drew away.
"You'll be free soon. And we'll be together."
He turned and did not look back until he had climbed the stairs and closed the door behind him.
Chapter Three
Gillian sat beside her husband, still not sure precisely how she had gotten back to the great hall. She remembered nearly nothing of standing outside the chapel and reciting her vows, and even less of the long mass that followed. All she knew was she had been wed to the king's favorite earl.
The presence of the powerful man beside her took all of her notice. She'd studied him closely, looking for clues to the man he was, but his stony expression revealed nothing. A thousand different emotions ran through her, warning her of his effect on her. Still, nothing solidified enough to dwell on. The shivery excitement lurking in her belly taunted her, as did the frisson of fear that swept along her spine whenever he looked at her. She knew what was to come this eve, and the mixture of anticipation and dread left her with uneasy feelings in her heart.
Servants entered with the first course, trays piled high with mutton, beef and chicken, rabbit and duck, all prepared in rich creamy sauces and steaming from the ovens. Pitchers of spiced wine and ale were served for another of the many toasts sure to follow. Later, even more dishes would be brought out to the assemblage when the feasting continued through the day and into the night.
She wanted to stand up and have the room cleared. Her father had been buried only four days before. To celebrate now seemed wrong. And yet, no one appeared to care.
She glanced down the row of tables. Simon sat with the other men, instead of near her. She missed him. He looked up and caught her eye. The hint of sadness in his gaze told her he possessed similar resentful thoughts toward those around them. She lifted her goblet and took a long drink of wine, hoping 'twould steady the unbalanced sensation.
"Are you anticipating the coming night already?"
Gillian's head snapped up to find her husband gazing at her with amusement. The knowing curve of his smile caused beads of sweat to break out along her brow. She swallowed.
He leaned close, his mouth beside her ear. His lips grazed her ever so lightly as she spoke, his warm breath making her shiver.
"Fear not, my bride; I am as eager as you. Soon enough we shall be alone."
His hand covered hers, sending heat coiling up her arm and throughout her body. She looked away, taking a deep breath to steady her thumping heart. Her hand shook more than ever as she took another long drink of the cool, sweet wine.
***
Royce watched his bride closely. He smelled her fear and her excitement. The musk of arousal hovered over her, despite the wariness ever present in her eyes. The contradiction intensified his hunger. He didn't think he could wait much longer, but knew he had to endure at least two courses of the meal Lyndon's cooks had prepared.
He also wanted to find some way out of the traditional bedding ceremony. He would allow Gillian only her maid. How would he keep the other women out? He leaned toward Burke.
"I want no bedding ceremony. Spread the word to the men. I'll inform the women that because of the bride's recent loss, she finds the idea unbearable. They'll have more sympathy if I blame her for the reason."
"Do you fear she isn't pure?"
Royce shrugged. He didn't like thinking about it, but he couldn't forget the sight of Gillian in the arms of her guard. He glanced at her and followed her gaze. Anger burned his throat but he looked away from the stare she shared with Simon.
"Mayhap. I would not have that be known to all. I'm prepared should that be the case." Burke grinned. "I suspect Lyndon's daughter holds many secrets."
"And I intend to get every one out of her. Take care of what I asked."
He leaned back toward Gillian. She still held a stare with Simon. He reached for the goblet in her hand. She faced him, those alluring eyes wide with confusion.
"Have more wine. Then after this next course, seek out your maid."
"But I thought –"
He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "There will be no bedding ceremony. But I will give you until the vespers bells ring to prepare yourself. Be ready for me when I arrive."
