“And you are nothing like him, Peter. I never knew who my father was. Once William took me in, no one raised a hand to me.”
“I envied you for that.”
“No one raising a hand to me?”
“Not knowing who your father was. It must have been a blessing.”
John didn’t respond immediately. “A father should not beat his son although some believe differently. He also should not subject him to cruel taunts and make him afraid. I never imagined that my father would be like that. I’d have to disagree about not knowing being a blessing.”
“I know how much you wish to know where you came from. I’m sorry,” Peter said.
“William never allowed a hand to be raised against you either.”
“I’d been told so many times that I was worthless, that it was my fault my mother was dead, that I was a curse upon humanity.”
“Your sire told you those lies?”
“Repeatedly. Fear had been instilled in me. I believe I deserved every beating my father gave me. Any of those knights knew that just by looking at me. I had not the makings of a good soldier. All they needed was to take one threatening step toward me and they would have me cowering.”
John put a hand on his shoulder. “I did not realize that was how it was for you. Is that why you preferred to squire for FitzOsbern?”
“That one never obeyed William. He cuffed me several times and I felt we were a good match. I knew what to expect. As I grew, he taught me to subdue my fear. To use it as a weapon. Turn it against the enemy. He turned me into the soldier I am.”
John squeezed his shoulder. “Should I have kept the truth from you about Jeanette?”
“Never.”
John pulled him into the Great Hall. “Come. Let us interrupt the eager pups circling your wife.”
Peter sneered. “With great pleasure, my lord.”
Brighit glanced toward the two knights in the doorway for the hundredth time. They were in deep conversation and it did not bode well for her. Barely a bride for an entire day and her husband appeared ready to ride off to battle.
“Do you wish to remain here?” Sean’s audacious question sent a new ripple of laughter through the men surrounding her.
Brighit gave him her most tolerant smile. “I am well married now. Enough with your foolishness.”
Sean stepped closer, looking down into her face. His own eyes twinkling with the mischief he intentionally ignited. “It would have been good with us, Brig.”
His impassioned words sent a shiver of repulsion down her spine. She could never have submitted to this man. Not like she willingly gave to Peter. She glanced toward the tall, blond Norman making his way toward her. True, she’d had a glimpse of what was hidden beneath his tunic and hose before her wedding night but the reality was far different. The touch of him, like solid rock, made her innards turn to mush. And those hands—what his hands could ignite inside her. His mouth mesmerized and enticed.
“You’re bright as a cardinal, Brighit! Are you thinking about us?”
Her mouth fell open. “Never in your wildest imagination! You are like my brother. I could never allow you to touch me—”
“Mhwah, look at her! She’s besotted by the Norman.”
Brighit realized it was her expression from the glance toward Peter and the longing her thoughts had stirred they were commenting on. She pressed her lips together.
“Enough with your silliness. I am a married woman and I’ll have no more of your teasing.”
Peter was close behind her. She could feel him. His all-encompassing heat. He laid not a single finger on her but he was requiring all her attention with his mere presence.
“Is aught amiss?” He kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Are these lads bothering you?”
Sean’s nostrils flared like a mad bull. Bracing himself as if ready for battle, he confronted Peter. “Hurt our Brighit and I’ll come back and drive a dagger straight through your heart.”
Peter’s relaxed stance never wavered, even as he broke into a huge smile. A smile that seemed to say he had won and he knew it. He allowed the threat to pass. The tension Sean’s earlier words had coiled in her stomach lessened. There was no way to let Sean down easy. It was true. She was totally besotted by her handsome Norman.
