His eyes twinkled. “Why, making your acquaintance, of course.”
She was thoroughly puzzled. “Making my acquaintance is a special occasion?”
His smile faded as he thought on the question. She truly had no idea the extent of it.
“Aye, demoiselle, it is.”
*
Lady Celine wasin Brian’s solar. When her son entered the room, she flew into a rage and rebuked him for his irresponsible actions. The more Brian attempted to explain the circumstances, the more upset she became and Peyton stood by, stunned, as the woman admonished Alec as if he were a naughty child.
Alec remained quite calm in the face of his mother’s rage and Peyton was positive she saw the corners of his mouth twitch with humor. Lady Celine’s fury continued for several long, agonizing minutes, but as her tirade began to die somewhat, she turned her attention to Peyton. Startled to find herself the focus of blazing sky-blue eyes, she was expecting to be dealt a measure of Alec’s treatment and braced herself for the reprimand. Instead, Lady Celine surprised both her son and his future bride by pulling Peyton into a protective embrace.
“Furthermore, Alec, you should know better than to force a delicate lady into the wilderness where God only knows what sort of horrible catastrophe could befall her. Wild animals, bandits…. and you do not carry a sword, dear, and it would be difficult to protect her. Did you not think of her safety when you suggested taking her from the protective innards of the keep?”
Alec looked at Peyton and she was shocked to see his gaze soften. “The lady can take care of herself, mother.”
“Ridiculous!” Lady Celine snapped. “I will hear no more of your nonsense, Alec. Get out of my sight; I am too angry to deal with you at the moment.”
Alec raised an eyebrow faintly and did as he was told. “Take good care of my wife, mother,” he said softly as he strolled past Celine.
Celine’s eyes widened with surprise as her gaze found her husband. Brian, sputtering with shock, stopped his son just as he cleared the doorway. “Alec? What’s this you say?”
Alec paused, turning to his stunned parents with faint amusement. “Why so surprised? Are you not pleased that I am doing as ordered?”
“Yes, of course, but….” Brian turned to Peyton, amazed to see that she was completely calm. “He…. informed you, my lady?”
Peyton nodded. “He did, my lord. And I have agreed.”
Brian’s amazement increased. “You have? Well…. of course you have!” he suddenly laughed loudly, from relief and joy. “A wise decision, both of you. What a pleasure it will be to have relations to the de Fluornoys. By this time next year, I shall have a grandson!”
Peyton blushed furiously as Alec grinned. “One step at a time, Da. We have not been married yet.”
“Soon!” Brian exclaimed, suddenly taking Peyton into his arms and kissing her loudly on the cheek. “Soon! And…. oh, my, you do taste nice. Alec, I cannot tell you how very pleased I am.”
They were laughing at his enthusiasm as well as his comment regarding Peyton’s flavor. Lady Celine wrapped her arms about her new daughter and hugged her gently as Alec came back into the room. Peyton, rosy with the compliments and excitement, met his gaze shyly and he smiled at her.
“As am I,” he responded softly. “I appreciate your insistence in the matter.”
“I am glad you think so,” Brian put his hand on his son’s shoulder and pushed him to the door. “We have many plans to make, Alec. I should like to see you married before the end of the week,” he suddenly paused. “But what of the other sister? Did…?”
“Ask Ali,” Alec stopped him. “He shall not dispute you in the matter.”
Brian smiled again, broadly. “I am pleased to see that you two are not intent on fighting me anymore on this matter. ’Tis time you both realize that I know what is best for your respective futures.”
Alec’s gaze never wavered from Peyton. Clasped against his mother’s breast she looked uncomfortable and uncertain, yet there was an excited flush to her cheeks. He was pleased that she was not intent on ruining his parents’ delight with declarations of her hatred for her future husband.
As he gazed into her lovely face, he reiterated his earlier thoughts; he did not want her to hate him. Strange that for a man who never wanted a wife, he was willing to accept this particular woman with a good deal of ease. He hoped that whatever animosity had occurred between them earlier would somehow slip away into forgetful oblivion. He was more than willing to forget their bitter words.
“I must send for Ali and Lady Ivy,” Brian muttered with excitement, distracting Alec from his thoughts as a servant dashed off. “We must celebrate. And, God’s Blood, I have forgotten Olphampa and Sula. I must….!”
“I shall send for them, dear,” Celine smiled at her husband. “You will sit and calm yourself before your chest begins to ache.”
Celine exited the room, but not before swatting her six-and-a-half foot son on the behind as if he were a wayward child. Peyton hid her grin as her future husband did not so much as move a muscle in response to his mother’s spank. Apparently, he was accustomed to Lady Celine’s gestures.
“Wine!” Brian suddenly boomed as if he had just remembered the secret to life. “Only the finest reserve will do. I must retrieve it this instant!”
He darted from the room, mumbling to himself and snickering at Alec as he moved past his son. The room was silent but for the sounds in the bailey as Alec meandered toward his father’s massive oak desk, cluttered with vellum and broken quills.
