Peyton looked down at her own mark, feeling more baffled by the moment. “Neither do I. And do you know what else? I hated you yesterday.”
Ivy did not look overly surprised. “I hated you, too. You were very cruel and unreasonable.”
Peyton’s pretty mouth twisted with regret. “I know, darling, and I am sorry. ’Twas just that I was so confused about everything and when I saw how you were coming to terms with Ali, I was angry at you for surrendering so easily. And…. and I think I was jealous in a way.”
“What way?” Ivy asked softly.
“Because you have found someone you can tolerate, and I am saddled with Alec the Giant.”
Ivy shook her head. “Peyton, I simply cannot believe that you do not find Alec attractive. He is the most beautiful man I have ever seen. Even Jubil is smitten with him.”
Peyton sat down on the bed, looking dazed, and shook her head. “Ivy, I love James. I cannot find another man attractive.”
Ivy felt a stab of pity for her sister. “I know, darling,” she said gently. “But he is gone and Alec is to be your husband. You must come to understand that, the sooner the better for you both. Do you not think you could grow to like him?”
Peyton shrugged, confused. “He is kind at times and humorous too. I…. I simply do not know.”
Ivy sat down on the mattress next to her sister, feeling the familiar pain they had shared so often over the past year. Grief,as ugly as it was, was a binding emotion and Ivy understood Peyton’s reluctance.
A soft rap came to the door and Ivy rose to answer. Lady Celine’s bright face entered the room as she smiled at the two young women.
“I heard voices,” she said. “’Tis nearly the nooning meal and I thought to help you dress.”
Before Peyton could open her mouth to reply, Thia entered the room behind her mother and immediately the tension in the chamber thickened. If Lady Celine detected the hostility, she did not react. Instead, she sent a serving woman running for hot water.
Ivy, however, sensed her sister’s distress and cast a long glance at the large Summerlin sibling. They’d barely been introduced the day before, certainly not more than two words spoken between them, and Ivy had not been told about the confrontation between Peyton and Alec’s sister. Now, however, she sensed loathing from her sister toward the robust young woman and responded with dislike of her own.
Tactfully oblivious to the animosity between the three young women, Lady Celine went directly to the wardrobe. “Lord Brian is completing the marital arrangements this morn and tonight after vespers, the marriages will take place,” coming across an acceptable dress, she tossed it to Thia and eyed the two sisters still huddled on the bed. “Hurry, ladies! There is much to do!”
Several serving wenches brought hot water in large basins and Lady Celine ordered the girls to disrobe. Her manner was brisk and no-nonsense, indicative of a woman who had raised four children, and Peyton and Ivy looked to one another in horror. Were they to disrobe in front of Lady Celine, the unmistakable marks of passion would be displayed. But they also knew they had no choice but to obey; Lady Celine was fargone into the large wardrobe, clearly expecting naked women to dress momentarily.
Peyton’s eyes were fixed on Ivy. They simply stared helplessly at each other while Lady Celine chattered continuously and Thia stood silently by the bed. Finally, Peyton lifted a resigned eyebrow and began to untie her sash. After all, she and Alec were to be married and the fact that they had briefly tasted one another before the ties of matrimony were secured should come as no great shock to Lady Celine. At least, she hoped not. Moreover, she was at a loss to think of a plausible stalling tactic.
The robe and shift came off. Ivy’s followed shortly.
*
Alec and Aliwere waiting patiently at the base of the stairs when the ladies descended, appreciation in their expressions. Ali moved directly for Ivy but was foiled by Lady Celine, who grabbed him by the ear and pulled him into the small solar near the entry. Ivy looked stricken and Peyton turned to Alec.
“Do something,” she whispered urgently, pointing to the solar.
“What do you mean?” he was planning to greet her fondly but his compliments died on his lips.
Peyton motioned for him to lean closer to her and he did gladly. In fact, he was preparing to kiss her but she frowned at him irritably.
“Your mother discovered a passion mark on my sister while helping us with our toilette this morn,” she whispered hastily. “I fear Ali is in for a thrashing.”
She watched with satisfaction as Alec passed a concerned glance in the direction of the solar. “I would assume, then, that she did not see my signature on your abdomen?”
Peyton shook her head. “I was able to conceal it somewhat.”
He wriggled his eyebrows. “Clearly. Had it been discovered, I would undoubtedly be receiving a thorough reaming at this very moment,” patting her gently on the arm, he turned toward the solar. “You will excuse me for a moment, my lady.”
He moved into the small room determinedly and the ladies could hear him exchanging words with his mother. Lady Celine’s voice was angered while the low baritone of Alec’s rumble was maintained and calm. As his mother became animated and agitated, Alec remained quite cool and collected. Even when she pinched him.
After several minutes, Lady Celine exited the solar with her head held high and motioned to Thia, standing by the stairs, who followed her mother obediently. Without a glance at Peyton or Ivy, the two women disappeared into the grand hall. The sisters looked to each other in confusion as Alec and Ali emerged from the solar, wolfish grins on their faces.
“Ali, are you all right?” Ivy asked with concern.
