Oh dear. She hadn't expected this dilemma. Shecertainly didn't want to drag Nicholas into their difficulties, or raise thechild's expectations. Then again, maybe he wouldn't like her and would find itno great loss when she was gone. She could hope so. It surely wasn't herintention to hurt an innocent child . . .
Unable to reach a decision, Leila bent down and tookthe boy's small hands in her own, asking gently, "What would you like tocall me, Nicholas?"
He pondered her question for a moment, studying her sosolemnly that she almost felt as if he could see straight into her soul.Strangely enough, it pained her when he answered, "Lady Leila, if youplease."
"Then Lady Leila it shall be," she replied,forcing a smile as she rose to her feet.
"And I would like to do the same, if I may,"Philip added. He stepped forward, appraising her not as a man might, but as ifweighing whether she would be a friend or foe. "Welcome, my lady. Henryhas told me a great deal about you."
Wondering what that might be and unsettled by his oddscrutiny, Leila answered softly, "Of course. That would be fine—"
"Did Langton tell you my wife is a trainedphysician?" Guy cut in, regarding her with pride. "She studied foryears. I'd wager she knows more than any other healer in Britain. It was herskill that saved my life, Philip. Perhaps she might be able to show you a thingor two."
Leila was amazed. The only time she and Guy haddiscussed her profession, he had told her she would never be able to practiceher medicine in England as she had in Damascus. Now he was boasting of herskill! Was this some kind of taunt? SweetJesu, shewould never understand this man!
"Yes, Henry informed me of your . . . profession,"Philip answered stiffly, resentment darkening his eyes.
Squeals of joy behind them shattered the awkwardmoment. They all turned to see wives and children running to greet the deWarenneknights who had brought up the rear of theircavalcade and were just now riding through the gates with the last of thepackhorses. Nicholas scurried off to join the fray.
"More crusaders come home again," Guy saidwith a hearty laugh, clearly enjoying the ruckus. He turned back to Philip. "Itake it a feast has been prepared?"
"The cooks have been at their spits since Henrybrought us the news of your return. In an hour's time, all will be ready."Philip glanced at Leila. "Perhaps until then, my lady, you might like torest."
She offered him a weary smile, which was not returned. "Thankyou. That sounds wonderful."
"Come. I'll show you to our room," Guy began,only to be interrupted by Philip.
"Forgive me, Guy, but there are pressing matterswe must discuss. The Welsh rebels . . ." He did not have to finish as Guyshook his head knowingly. "Enid will see that Lady Leila has everythingshe needs." Philip gestured to a buxom, middle-aged serving woman whohastened forward.
"Aye, Father D'Arcy?"
"Please escort Lady deWarenneto the lord's chamber."
"Gladly. If you'll come this way, my lady."
Anxious to be gone from the crowd, howeverwell-meaning, Leila quietly excused herself and began to follow Enid. As shepassed in front of Guy, she felt his hand lightly brush her arm.
"I'll wake you in an hour, my love."
She did not respond or even turn her head, just keptwalking, his endearment stabbing into her heart.
Those two words had become a constant reminder of whatshe could never be to him, yet what was this pain that always swiftly followedthe thought? And why, dearGod,was it becoming worsewith each passing day?
***
As Guy quietly entered their bedchamber on the topfloor of the round stone keep, he knew at once that Leila was fast asleep.There was no sound, not even a stir coming from the canopied bed that dominatedthe large, semicircular room.
How exhausted she must be, Guy thought, pulling asidethe linen curtains so he might gaze upon her. Studying her face, he wasimmediately flooded with concern.
Her cheeks were so pale.Dammit,he had pushed her too hard. What she needed was a good night's rest, not a longand boisterous feast. There would be time enough for her to become acquaintedwith her new home. He would show her around the castle tomorrow.
Tenderly Guy pulled the soft fur coverlet up over herbare shoulder, deciding against kissing her slightly parted lips for fear ofwaking her. He closed the curtains and left the room, descending the spiralstone steps with a secretive smile.
Yes, he could wait one more day to reveal his surprise.
After much wrestling with himself, love had finallyoverwhelmed his objections. He had found the perfect way to make amends forsome of the heartache he had caused her. The perfectway togive her backher dream.
Chapter 22
