Courtly Love (2 page)

* * *

Serena knelt on the stone floor surrounded by bolts of material, her old nurse Nellwyn unraveling more cloth for her young mistress's inspection. The anger had spent itself, leaving Serena with a sense of having been betrayed and used. Tears flooded her eyes and trailed miserably down her cheeks. How could her father do this to her? He had promised her! A pair of leather boots came into her blurred vision and Serena looked up into her brother's face.

"You'll ruin the velvet, Serena, have a care." Bryan teased gently. He crouched beside her and swept her hair from her face. "Why the tears, sister? Has our darling Aurelia upset you again?"

Serena shook her head miserably. "Not this time. Oh, Bryan, I'm to be married in a month." At his frown she began to cry again. "I don't even know the man who is to be my husband—I've never seen him! And of course Aurelia thinks the match is perfect." She sobbed bitterly.

"But Richard—" Bryan began.

Serena shook her head vehemently. "I have no dowry! Aurelia spent it all on . . . on this!" She spat as her hand indicated the room. "All I have are mother's dower lands to bring to my husband. But I shall have my revenge on Aurelia. She beggared me for these materials and she will pay dearly! She'll not have anything left to choose from in this room. What I do not use I'll destroy!"

"Serena, calm yourself!" Bryan shook her roughly. "Now tell me_everything that's happened." Words poured over each other as Serena recounted the morning's events while Bryan listened in an angry silence. After a moment's silence he snorted in disgust. "Gyles the bastard. A Norman like the fair Aurelia. Well, no Norman pig will bed my sister; I'll see his head parted from his shoulders before he tries!"

"No, Bryan! Tis not that he is a Norman or even a bastard that matters most to me. "Us the fact I was not given a choice, nor was his proposal even discussed with me that rankles." Bryan rose, his hand still clenched on his sword hilt and anger glinting in his eyes. Serena tugged on his arm. "Bryan, what purpose will killing him serve? If you are caught, you would have to pay the wergeld. Could you face serving his family for the rest of your life?"

"If not me, then you, Serena. As his wife your lot will be little better than a slave. I have seen him, Serena. He has no respect for women. I have seen the bastard heartlessly ignore the following day the same woman he bedded the night before. He has no honor, Serena, and I'll not stand idly by and see you play his whore!"

"Bryan, that's enough! Even if he has no honor, I do. I told Lord Geoffrey I would honor the arrangement and I shall. Do you believe I shall cater to his every whim? If you do, you do not know me well. I shall be his wife, not his harlot! He is not wedding my mind, only my body. Only my body, Bryan, do you understand? He can take all the women he wishes, I shall not care. And if I am lucky, perhaps God has had the wisdom to make me barren, so that after a year or so I can return to my dower estate. Whatever, Lord Gyles will never possess me totally."

"And what of Richard? What part of you can he claim as his?"

Serena shook her head, the golden streaks in her hair catching and reflecting the sunlight from the open window. "None, Bryan. He has no ... no right. He can claim nothing of mine and he dare not take what I do not offer. He will understand."

"Nay, Serena, he will not. He has claimed you as his own since we were children; far too long for him to give you up docilely. He may even contest Gyles's fitness as your husband."

Serena paled. "He must not, for should he win, even then I fear Father would simply marry me to someone else." She sighed and leaned out the window. "I wish I had been born a boy. Men have far more freedom than women. Why is it that simply because I wish to decide my own fate, everyone gets upset? I can rarely slip past Father or Aurelia in your old shirt and altered pair of leggings to ride as I wish. Instead I am forced to ride at a sedate pace, on a sidesaddle, and with an escort! I thought Aurelia would swoon the day she found me in my suit of mail, sword in my hand as I went to join you in your lessons. That night she lectured me for hours on 'the proper deportment of a lady' until I thought I would scream! Bah! I should have run her through! 'Twould have saved our family much in the way of sorrow."

Bryan laughed as he tugged a curl. "I begin to think I should pity the Norman bastard. Tell me, do you plan to sleep with your sword on your wedding night to insure he gives you the proper respect?"

Serena's blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Nay, my dear brother, only with my sharpest dagger."

A Marriage of Convenience

S
now fell gently from leaden skies as the procession from Broughton neared the castle of Camden. Serena shifted in her saddle and glanced over her shoulder to locate Bryan where he rode with Richard. Seeing her look, Bryan raised his lance in salute and gave his sister a reassuring smile. Richard looked at Serena with a naked anguish and longing that tore at her heart. Why had her father insisted upon Richard attending her wedding? A warning to them both, Serena guessed. Her father's—no, Lord Geoffrey's—way of telling them both that she now belonged to another man.

In the past month, Serena had kept every promise she had made herself. Her father she unfailingly addressed as Lord Geoffrey, although his eyes had pleaded with her for understanding. Serena's revenge upon Aurelia was complete when—after Serena had returned the key—she went to the storage room and found it empty. Aurelia's enraged shriek had echoed through the castle and shortly thereafter Serena was summoned to the chamber Lord Geoffrey shared with Aurelia.

"You little vixen!" Aurelia's voice had been shrill. "What have you done with my materials, the trimmings? The room is bare, there is not so much as a scrap left!"

Serena had given her stepmother an innocent look. "Whatever do you mean, Aurelia? I was given permission to take whatever I needed, since 'twas my money that purchased the lot." Serena spread her hands. "My need was great."

"But . . . but there were colors that would not suit you in that room, several bolts that were chosen purely to compliment my complexion. Surely you didn't use those?"

"Of course not." Serena had affected a wounded tone.

"Well, then, what did you do with them?"

"Do with them?" Serena chewed on a long fingernail as she pondered the question, then flashed Aurelia her sweetest smile. "Why, since the colors did not please me, I burned them."

Bryan had choked back a fit of laughter that was entirely missed in the face of Aurelia's anger.

"Burned them!" Aurelia fairly screamed the words.

Serena shrugged. "Everyone else seemed determined to decide the disposition of my dowry, so I thought it best to lend a hand." She smiled brightly. "Was there anything else you wished?" Lord Geoffrey shook his head. "Then if you will excuse me, I have some fittings left on my gowns, and packing I must attend."

A sneeze shook Serena from her reverie, and she gave her nurse a sympathetic smile. "Poor Nellwyn, this journey's not been easy on you, has it?"

"Ah, child, me old bones ache, and I be chilled through and that's a fact. How much farther before we reach that accursed Norman's castle, lamb?"

"Hush, Nellwyn, the accursed Norman will soon be my husband." Serena giggled, belaying the stern command of her words, for Nellwyn knew full well the extent of her charge's dislike of the forthcoming marriage. "If you'll raise your old head, I believe that's Camden directly in front of us."

The four towers of Camden rose high above the stone rectangle of the castle proper. The windows were tall, narrow slits made for the purpose of defense; an archer made an insignificant target when in position by the openings. From the top of the walls and towers long wooden shafts protruded. Their use—Serena knew at once—was to support huge vats of boiling oil, which could be poured down on attackers. Guards were spaced at even intervals along the walls, and all carried the English longbow, that weapon having proven more effective at a long range than its Norman counterpart, the crossbow. Serena's brow furrowed as she studied the castle. It was perfectly situated for defense as it sat upon the crest of a hill. Undoubtedly there were numerous wells within the walls, an armory, graneries, and buildings to house animals as well as the serfs who would flee from their farms to the safety the castle offered during time of war. Serena lifted her eyes and scanned the walls, seeking the unknown man who was to be her husband among the unfamiliar faces gazing down at the procession in rapt attention. Leaving Nellwyn to grumble about the discomfort of her saddle, Serena touched a heel to her horse's flank and rode back to join Bryan and Richard.

"Serena?" Richard covered her hand with his, as she joined him. "You've been avoiding me. We haven't had a chance to talk since your marriage was announced."

"I've not been avoiding you, Richard. I've been busy, 'tis all. Besides, what do we have to discuss?"

"Why did you accept his proposal? You know we often talked ..."

"Don't, Richard, please! I'm sure Bryan has told you the matter was taken out of my hands, and your father would never have accepted me with such a small dowry. It doesn't matter now, anyway. Oh, don't make this worse than it is already. What's done is done, and there's no help for it!"

Her fears had suddenly caught up with her, and Serena sought refuge in Bryan's teasing banter.

"The one on her left is Bryan, Serena's brother. The other is Richard. I believe he hoped to wed the girl." The woman stepped from the window to begin dressing. "Go ahead, Gyles, take a look. Aren't you anxious to catch a glimpse of your blushing bride?" she laughed and slipped the kirtle over her generous curves.

Gyles shrugged as he belted his sword over his tunic. "I'll see her soon enough, and from the description you gave me, the lass has little to commend her." But he crossed to the window and squinted dark green eyes against the glare of the snow, as if hoping to see through the hood that hid Serena's features from him. "There's little enough of her from what I can see. How old did you say she was, Beda?"

"According to Aurelia, she just passed her seventeenth birthday." Beda studied Gyles's profile. "A Saxon virgin for your wife, Gyles. My sister and I arranged everything beautifully, don't you agree?"

"You always seem to get everything you want, Beda. On that point I agree. It was Kier's bad luck that you didn't want him I suppose." Gyles's voice held a bitter undertone.

Beda rubbed her now fully clad body against Gyles. "Ah, Gyles, how could I settle for him once I set eyes on you? I'll never forget the day you came here, so cold and arrogant in your manner, so openly disdainful of us all. But there was a chink in ypur armor, brave knight, and I found it. Do not forget our agreement."

"Do you threaten me, Lady Beda?" Gyles raised his eyebrows.

Beda's hand caressed the broad expanse of his chest. "Threaten? Never that, Gyles. I mean only to warn you. I doubt the fair Lady Serena will take kindly to having your bastard son raised under this roof."

Gyles's hand caught in Beda's white-blond hair, as he pulled her head back. "Bastard or not, he is my son and he goes where I do. No one threatens Alan or mistreats him."

"Of course, Gyles, I understand. It was Kier's misfortune that he chose to teach Alan a bastard's place in this world when he did. Gyles, you are hurting me!" This last emerged as a gasp.

Gyles's hand had tightened in her hair, briefly, but now Gyles pushed her from him roughly, as if he could no longer bear her presence. "I do not remember Kier's death, I do not remember killing him as I've told you before!"

"I know, Gyles. That is the basis for our ... arrangement, is it not? I have sworn that my husband drowned after he was struck by a tree limb. In return for that, you have agreed to see to my personal . . . ah . . . contentment and well-being. Tis a fair agreement, Gyles, we both have what we most desire. You have your freedom, your son, and now a wife; and I at last have a man to fill my bed instead of a pleading jackass. I am even willing to share you with your wife. Young as she is, I doubt she will think it amiss that you do not seek her company every night."

Gyles's green eyes clouded. "You cannot really expect me to play the part of your stud after my marriage, Beda. The idea is absurd."

Beda paused at the door that joined their bedchambers, her eyes flashing contempt. "But I do expect it, my handsome bastard knight. And if you don't do exactly as I say, I will see to it that the hangman stretches your neck. Then what will become of your son?"

* * *

Serena drew her mount to a halt and watched the tall, slim man descending the steps. His shoulders and chest were broad and tapered down to a flat belly, slim hips, and muscular thighs. His walk was steady and relentless, like a cat stalking its prey, one hand resting easily on the hilt of his sword. The thick, black hair glittered darkly against the white of the snow that fell upon his head, and his brilliant green eyes seemed to look through rather than at his guests. Serena gave a small shiver beneath her blue velvet cloak when she saw the small scar that curved down from the middle of his cheek to the corner of his mouth. Dark eyebrows the same color as his hair arched slightly at Serena as if he could sense her scrutiny, but she could not be sure, because at that moment Gyles strode forward to greet Geoffrey.

"What say you, sister, do you find the groom to your liking?" Bryan's voice was low, but Serena caught the hint of anger in it.

"He's so old, Bryan!" Serena murmured in dismay.

"Nay, Serena, only one and thirty. Still young enough to keep a new wife flat on her back in bed, I've no doubt."

"You're being crude, Bryan, and I'll not stand for it. Either keep your untoward comments to yourself or go away from me. You'd better keep that wineskin hidden. You know Aurelia doesn't approve. I have enough to worry abo—" Serena's voice died in her throat when she saw Gyles and Geoffrey approaching.

Bryan noted his sister's pallor and its cause and threw Gyles an angry look. Which is this one, thought Gyles, rejected lover or protective brother? He sneered silently as he watched Bryan lift Serena from her horse and set her upon the ground. Apparently he was not to be allowed to touch his future wife more than necessary before the wedding. Serena dropped into a deep curtsy when Gyles halted before her.

"Rise, Lady Serena. Welcome to Camden." Gyles extended his hand to help Serena to her feet and found himself staring into the loveliest face he had ever seen. Huge blue eyes generously fringed with long, sooty lashes looked at him unwaveringly, the delicately shaped rosebud mouth was slightly parted to reveal even white teeth and the corners of her lips turned upward into a small smile.

"Thank you, m'lord." Serena strove to keep her voice even as she gazed entranced into cloudy green eyes. The man had a magnetism about him that was undeniable. Her cold hand was enveloped by his large warm one and Serena found herself wondering what it would be like to be securely held against that broad chest surrounded by strong arms. Yet . . . she felt or sensed that he was angry, but at what... or was it whom?

Aware that all eyes were focused upon them, Gyles dropped Serena's hand and addressed her father. Serena turned and stroked the soft muzzle of her horse, all too conscious of Aurelia's high-pitched laughter floating back to her from the entrance of the castle. A hand grasped the bridle and Serena looked up into Richard's tightly drawn face.

"Serena, I—" Richard stopped abruptly, an apology in his brown eyes. He quickly walked away.

Serena was puzzled but relieved at Richard's sudden departure. Her nerves were strained to their limits and she feared that if Richard continued with his entreaty and imploring looks she would burst into tears. What she couldn't see was the warning look Gyles had bestowed upon Richard while they talked. Arranging a tryst with her lover already! Women were all alike, harlots the lot of them! This young girl for all her innocent looks was just like the rest All the women he'd bedded had been married and none—least of all Beda—felt any guilt at cuckolding their husbands. Well, his wife would not put horns on his head, of that he would make certain. Gyles went to Serena's side and drew her hand through his arm and led her to the castle entrance.

"I'm sure you must be tired and chilled after your journey. I'm afraid there are people you must meet before you can retire to your chambers. You will be expected to attend the evening meal, but you needn't stay for the entertainment afterward if your weariness proves too great."

Serena glanced up at Gyles, wondering at the harsh note in his voice. Now what have I done? He speaks as if he hates me and we just met.

The four women on the stairs turned as a body and fixed their eyes on Serena. Aurelia's sister, Beda, was simple to identify by her coloring and her resemblance to Aurelia. The other two women were the old lord's wife, Lydia, and his daughter, Mara. It was plain to see that both resented Gyles's presence and the fact that he was now lord of Camden. But Serena was sure that she had missed something in the exchange between Beda and Gyles. There was a certain predatory gleam in Beda's pale blue eyes when she looked at Gyles, and he treated her with a mocking formality that hinted of intimacy.

"Serena is tired, I'm sure. Mara, show her to her chambers." Gyles made the merest sketch of a bow and turned to join Lord Geoffrey.

Mara threw a look of disgust at her half-brother's back as he disappeared into the castle. "You will have to excuse Gyles, he's dreadfully lacking in manners. But you'll find that out for yourself." Serena said nothing, so Mara continued chattering as she led Serena through imposing, high-ceilinged halls and corridors. "I really don't know what Father was thinking of. 'Twas bad enough when Kier was alive, but now that Gyles is lord of the manor he's positively insufferable. I've had your chambers made up in the women's quarter; you have a beautiful view of the lands, and 'tis one of the coolest rooms in the summer."

"That's very nice, Mara, but I thought . . . well, I shall be sharing Gyles's chambers starting tomorrow." Serena's cheeks burned hotly and she avoided Mara's gaze.

Mara threw Serena an odd look. "Oh, yes, of course. Well, we shall see. In the meantime, Gyles said these were to be your rooms. Here we are."

The door to the chamber was open, and Serena's breath caught in her throat. A fire crackled in the huge fireplace, the large bed was covered with an emerald green velvet that reminded Serena of Gyles's eyes; tapestries hung on the walls, and wardrobe chests lined the outer wall. Serena dropped her cloak onto one of the chairs by the fire, scuffing the rich fur pelt beneath her feet as she did so.

"There is a private chapel in here." Mara opened a door and pointed. "There is a friar in the village so you can make arrangements for him to say Mass or hear your confession at your convenience. Is there anything you wish? No? Well then, I'll see you at the meal. One of the servants will come for you. I suggest you try to rest; you will need it before the night is over." With a faint smile Mara withdrew, the door closing softly behind her.

Serena threw herself upon the bed and pouted at the ornately carved headboard. What kind of a household was this? Mara and her mother obviously hated Gyles; there was a strange undercurrent between Beda and Gyles; and she, Serena, was to marry this cold, remote man. Gyles himself, well, that looked like another problem. Was he attracted to her, Serena wondered? The top of her head barely reached the middle of his chest, and she knew it would take little effort on his part to lift her in his arms and carry her to his bed. Serena's eyes widened at the thought. W
hat was she thinking of ? How could she even consider. . . . She didn't even know Gyles, and, yet, what would it be like to have that lean body pressed firmly against her own? Would those green eyes soften when he gazed down at her? How would his lips feel as they played freely over her own mouth? Enough!
Serena's mind screamed at her.
Rest now; time enough later, to sort out your thoughts.