Alexander had no words for the shock of the scene. Still in one another’s embrace, the look of mortification on Jean’s face was immeasurable.
“Brother, I can explain,” she said.
“Well, someone had better,” he said. “Because I am about to draw swords.”
His mind buzzed. Were they new lovers or had this been going on for some time? Was there sex involved or had he discovered them in time?
All thoughts of his own plans flew away with the morning mist as he watched them disentangle.
“I can explain, my lord,” Alain said.
“You will return to your home and await me there.” To Jean, he said, “You will await me in the library. Go straight there and say nothing to anyone. Do you understand me?”
“Aye, brother,” she said, and he was certain he’d caught sight of tears in her eyes as he passed.
Alexander did not wait to hear what Alain had to say for himself. He could not hear the man’s words at the moment. What he might have said if the man had come and spoken to him, he did not know. But this was betrayal beyond acceptance.
Chapter Fourteen
Marion stretched androlled over to gaze out at the pinkish-gray morning sky. She’d passed a fitful night, but in truth she was not troubled. She was, in fact, a little proud of herself for expressing what she wanted and was pleased that he was not so arrogant as to deny her some form of control over their relationship. Because they were in one now, whether either of them was ready for it or not.
Her thoughts drifted to the way he commanded her body when he pressed her against the wall. Thrilling shivers raced through her at the memory. Marion turned over onto her back and flicked her arm above her head. By God, but he was like something out of a dream. Everything about him drew her in and held her breathless under his spell. Maybe he was a magical creature straight out of one of the stories told last eve.
She smiled as she threw back the covers and got out of bed. It was too early to expect servants and so she donned a robe and stepped over to the window to gaze out over the beautiful gardens at the back of the castle. When she did, she caught sight of something unexpected.
Jean hurried away from the gardens with Alexander tight on her heels; behind them and, dragging his feet, was a very forlorn-looking Alain. What on earth could have passed that would cause so much distress among them?
She rummaged until she found her shift and a plain gown she’dbrought for daily wear then dragged her brush through her hair. She quietly exited her chamber after she was dressed and made her way downstairs. Just as she took the last step, Alexander and Jean entered the library and closed the door.
Not knowing if she would be unwelcome, she hesitated and walked toward the outside to see where the other man had gone. She found him pacing just outside the castle.
“Is aught amiss?” she asked, not knowing what else to say.
“Lady Marion, I am certain you mean well, but this matter is one of great delicacy as I am sure you can appreciate.”
Then it all clicked into place. And she absolutely did not want to interfere with matters between a brother and sister.
“Very well, I shall leave you to your musings,” she said and turned to retreat to her chamber.
Halfway back to the stairwell, the library door opened, and Alexander stepped out. His eyes widened at the sight of her, but then he frowned, and his brow drew in tight.
“Lady Marion, you are about early,” he said. He was probing. That much was obvious.
“Aye, my lord, I rise early each morn.”
“I shall have a servant attend you in your chamber.”
“There is no need, my lord.”
“Then why are you below stairs?”
She didn’t like his tone. Did he think she was being nosy?
“I was gazing out of my chamber window at the beautiful gardens when I saw three people exit. I merely came below to see if I could offer assistance in some way.”
“We have no need of your assistance, Lady Marion, and I trust I can rely on your discretion in this matter?”
It was clear from that comment, he didn’t trust her judgment at all, and that did not sit well with her.
