‘You’d think the lady of the house would hold sway over it all, not that Joan,’ sniffed Osla. ‘And you are Lady Glendenning since your marriage. Jasper should shuffle her off somewhere out of the way. And if you know what’s good for you, then you’ll spend your time abed so that you have a son to give him, come year’s end, or else I’ll have another mistress, and a cruel one, most likely.’
Osla was blessed with boundless self-interest and a narrow view of life, but occasionally, she would reveal a nugget of good advice. And as Rowenna had few friends, she didn’t have much choice in the company she kept.
‘Where is he, lass - that husband of yours?’
‘I don’t rightly know,’ snapped Rowenna tartly, for her mood of late had been dark since Jasper had been avoiding her. He was now sleeping in a different chamber.
‘Why isn’t he between your legs?’ cackled Osla. ‘He seemed happy to settle there not too long ago.’
The thought of Jasper inside her brought a rush of blood to her cheeks and loins, and Rowenna bridled at Osla’s bawdy talk. ‘How should I know what a man wants or doesn’t want?
‘Oh, but I know what you want. You’ve been sour as vinegar these past few days, ever since you ran away. Seems Jasper didn’t chase you hard enough, lass.’
‘I don’t want to talk about men. They are a mystery to me.’
‘Tis no mystery. Keep him hard to keep him soft, that’s what I say.’
‘Oh, enough, Osla. I am going for some air, and I’m taking Caitrin.’
‘Mistress Joan won’t like it.’
‘You just said that I am the mistress here, not Joan. And so I will do as I please.’
Rowenna rushed away with Osla shouting after her, ‘See, tetchy, you are. Backed up with lust is what it is.’
Cursing silently, Rowenna headed to the yard, where chests were being loaded into a cart bearing all Maeve’s treasures to begin married life – pewter, crockery, dresses and fine tapestries. She would be a splendid bride, decked out in the finest, whereas Rowenna had been practically barefoot coming to Jasper. Has his lust for his lowly bride waned already?
She cradled Caitrin to her bosom for warmth. The bairn was fattening nicely. Her cheeks were now pink, plump and adorably perfect. Rowenna headed to the stable. A mare was about to foal. She was keen to see if it had arrived.
But when Rowenna entered the stable, Jasper was there, stroking the nose of his fine, black stallion. For a moment, she could not tear her eyes away from his broad hands, slowlymoving over the velvet of the horse’s nose. He could be so gentle when he chose to, and those hands could bring such pleasure. Rowenna began to retreat, but Caitrin gave a little cry, and she was spotted.
Jasper’s eyes went to his daughter and then her. The bairn settled back down, her little fist clenched on Rowenna’s bodice. ‘Well, aren’t you two a pretty picture,’ he said, his face softening, making Rowenna want to kiss him and feel his hands on her skin. Then he said, in a mocking tone. ‘What are you doing creeping around the stables? Not trying to steal a horse to escape, are you?’
‘I am doing no such thing. I just had to come out for some air. All this bustle in the castle is driving me to distraction.’
‘Well, it is necessary to get Maeve married and settled.’
Rowenna decided to pick a fight. ‘You are making a mistake, you know.’
‘And as I have told you these last few days, whenever you press me on it, that is not your concern. Give me my daughter.’
Rowenna handed Caitrin over, and he cooed at her. Jasper had such abject love for the little scrap that Rowenna was almost jealous. ‘Would you do the same to this little lass when she is of age – sell her off for an alliance?’
‘Would you care?’
‘Aye, for I want to see her happy. I love her.’
Jasper looked her in the eye. ‘Is that what you think I am doing to my sister? Do you really think I am that heartless?’ He heaved a great sigh. ‘Do you think I don’t love Maeve, even in all her silliness? I will tell it to you straight. The lass needs to be married before she shames herself any more.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know exactly what I mean. Maeve is a little too free with her favours, unlike some I could mention.’ Jasper’s jaw worked, and he stared into her eyes, his meaning all too clear. ‘I must curb my sister’s ways before she is ruined, and Carstairs is as good a husband as any.’
Rowenna was caught by Jasper’s blue eyes as he brought his lips close to hers, the bairn between them. ‘Don’t pretend that you didn’t know about Maeve’s excesses. The whole castle talks of it, and I am sure that big-mouthed wet nurse has mentioned it.’
Her heart raced. ‘Can’t you find someone she could come to love?’
‘That is not an easy thing, is it?’ Rowenna was mesmerised by the dark ring around his pupils, the almost-gold centre, which gave his eyes warmth even when angry. His eyes were beautiful, and it was not fair that she should admire them, that she should get a sudden rush of warmth to her belly when they held her in their grip.
