The Lady of Fairhaven (12 page)

His mouth nuzzled against her silken skin and she remained still allowing him access. She stretched skyward freeing the swells that had been barely contained by her too snug bodice. Nipples contained by straining cloth were now free and hardened with desire. She rubbed one against his parted lips and before he could think, his mouth latched on to the exquisite rose colored nub for a brief moment. Luke’s hands came up and grabbed her above her waist, at first to hold the delicacy in place as he suckled. Her hand snaked down his chest and stomach to clasp his swollen shaft. With every ounce of self control he fought to break free from the sweet contact. Spewing a curse at himself as well as at her, he freed himself from the contact of her breasts and hand.

His shame had no limits. In his lust for Gillian, he found some comfort with Katherine. She was loathsome to be sure. And, heaven help him, she was so willing and so practiced. Every motion, every look, drove more blood to his over swollen manhood. Nearly in pain, he fought now to keep from driving himself inside this witch and spilling himself.

“
Enough!” he growled. “Be gone. I am clean.”

“
I think you want too much, Sir,” she whispered saucily in his ear.

“
What mean you, My Lady,” he hissed.

“
Just that your manners would speak of your regard for the Lady Gillian, and you would take me as well.”

“
I just tasted that what was freely offered.”

Katherine’s embarrassed flush deepened to anger. “Make no mistake, Sir Luke. Gillian may not have you as I would, but she would not like to share your attentions either. If you should have need of me I will come to you.” Katherine bent over to kiss his mouth but Luke turned away. “As you wish.”

Extracting himself from the bath, Luke wrapped the drying linen around his waist. He wanted nothing more to do with her. There was no doubt in his mind that this little tryst would come back to haunt him.

Katherine would find some way to use her seduction to her own advantage. He wondered how long he would have to wait before he found out?

For now Luke could only think of Gillian. Questioning Alice, he found that Gillian was having difficulty breathing, but she had forced herself to be up and out of bed today. It seemed like her to push herself so hard.

Gillian’s body lurched up in bed and she screamed. Just as suddenly, the door swung open and one of Luke’s men barged into the room, sword drawn.

“
Be at ease, Sir,” Alice said. “There is no danger here. My Lady has moved too quickly and is suffering the ill effects.”

The guard nodded and returned to his post.

Anne waited until the door was again closed, and said, “At least Sir Luke’s men take your welfare seriously.” She then rose and walked over to the fire. “You should have some herbal tea to aid your rest, My Lady,” she said.

“
Nay, I am well, I shall attend to my duties as chatelaine, I’ll not let these injuries get the better of me.” Gillian spoke with more confidence than she felt at the moment. Smiling at Anne, she said, “There is something I would like, if it’s not too much trouble.”

Anything, my Lady,” Anne said.

“
Bring me a hot bath with rosemary, and I shall soak some of the hurt out before I start my day.

“
While I agree to the bath, I would question the other. Please, Lady Gillian, you must take care. Your breathing brought you down yesterday. Nothing has changed your condition. Please do not overtire yourself. These injuries will be more sorely felt later today, and you may add to them if you do not rest.”

“
I shall do as you say, but I shall not sleep my life away. Those who did this to me shall not hold sway over my life. It shall not be! Now fetch my bath, please.”

Gillian soaked in her bath for nearly an hour before feeling refreshed enough to get out and dress. As Anne held out a dress, Gillian said, I feel well. I’m sure all I needed was to relax for a little while.” She was still smiling as she raised her arms to allow the dress to be slipped over her head. Gillian winced and almost fainted when a great pain in her shoulder overtook her. Looking at Anne, Gillian gritted her teeth and smiled. She said, “I many have been a little premature.” She then leaned against a chair while Anne tied the back of her gown. Soon they both left the room. Both had chores to do.

With Alice and Luke’s man standing at the ready, Gillian made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen. When the cook was not looking, Gillian picked a few carrots and an apple slice for Buttercup and made her way out toward the stable.

The men in the manor stopped work as she passed by, amazed that the lady had ventured out of her bedchamber after her ordeal the day before.

“
My Lady, I am pleased to see you up this morning, but do you think it wise?” Giles asked as he nearly ran across the yard. “You may have injuries that are of a serious nature.”

“
Well, then the injuries will need to be suffered while standing rather than sleeping,” she said. Besides, I have a matter of importance to attend to this morning.”

Luke stepped up behind the group. “Lady Gillian,” he began as he worked his way through, “why are you not still in bed resting?”

The look of concern touched her heart, but she would not give into the feeling. “Oh fuss and bother,” Gillian scolded. “I am up and around today. And that is as it should be. It seems everyone would have me tied to the bedposts today. I am here to see Buttercup. She is the one who has earned the rest. She was frightened terribly, and I thought…” A tear pooled and Gillian strained to keep from having another form after it. “I have come to check on her.”

Gillian walked without letting the agony she was feeling show in her gait. She approached the mare. “Buttercup. Come here lass. You are such a beauty. Come here.” Buttercup turned her head and moved over to the rail. Her nose came over and pushed against Gillian. “You know I have a treat for you.” Gillian held out the carrot pieces and the apple. “I’ve come to give you a prize for running so well yesterday.” The soft velvety lips delicately enfolded the morsels and the horse happily munched. Gillian gently ran her hands over the small white spot between the mare’s eyes. She then rubbed down the mare’s neck.

She turned to find Luke standing nearby. “How does she fare? I would not forgive myself if she were injured.”

“
All is well with the mare. Mayhap, more so than with her rider.”

“
It shall be hard to tell with either of us, as I believe we will not confide in any of you for fear of the penalty it might entail,” Gillian said. She turned back to the mare. “I believe, my beautiful Buttercup, I can now go on with my day, knowing you are well. I will go back to my bedchamber and prepare my clothing for packing.”

Luke took hold of Gillian’s elbow to assist her. Although she accepted his help, he found her to be a stubborn lady. It only increased his admiration of her courage and spirit.

But Gillian’s strength faded fast as she reached the top of the staircase. “Please may we stop for a moment,” she begged.

“
Of course,” he replied. “I can carry you if you wish.”

“
Nay, I will succeed in making my way around the manor. I just need a moment’s pause.” Gillian leaned slightly and felt Luke grab her gently at the waist. Her body was then pulled up next to his. Her feminine curves fit exactly against his hard body. Without realizing it, Gillian allowed her hands to rest on Luke’s shoulders. Neither moved.

“
What have we here?” Katherine said as she walked into the hallway. Her smile curled in a lopsided grin. “Lady Gillian, are you ill from your adventure yesterday?”

Pushing herself from Luke, Gillian said, “It was no adventure, it was an accident. And I am more weary then I had expected.”

“
And it was so lucky Sir Luke was able to come along to your rescue. How convenient.” It was clear from her tone that Katherine was insinuating more than she was willing to say.

“
Lady Gillian was checking on her mare, Buttercup. I merely offered to assist her back to her room so she can continue with her chores,” Luke interjected.

“
How nice for you, Lady Gillian,” Katherine said. “How nice for you both.”

Gillian turned from Luke toward her bedchamber. “Thank you, Sir Luke,” she said. “I believe I am strong enough to make my way to my chambers now.” Again she refused to let anyone witness the agony she was suffering by limping. She closed the door and hobbled to her bed. Slowly and with great care, Gillian lowered her sore body down to the softness of the mattress. Burying her head into the covers, she cried as silently as she could. Not that her cries would ease her intense pain, but it did ease the hurt she held in her heart for a lost love.

In the hallway, Luke faced his own brand of torture.

Katherine reached out and stroked Luke’s arm. “Perhaps you have some needs you might let me help you appease. I know how to relax a man. And you seem as though you might need some relaxation.” Katherine gently brushed her hand across Luke’s manhood. Her breast rubbed against Luke’s arm.

She had caught Luke off guard. Taking advantage, she pulled him around to face her, and she stepped into his body. Evidence of the sexually excited state Luke had developed while holding his sweet Gillian now pressed against Katherine’s soft stomach. There would be no denying his arousal.

And Katherine did notice. Her hips and stomach ground against his hard flesh. Her hands wrapped around Luke’s waist and held him closer. “Let me know if I can be of any service to my most honored guest.” Her voice was soft and sultry.

Luke pushed the woman out to an arm’s distance. “I need no coddling of any kind, Lady Katherine. Please save your effort for someone who desires it.” Luke then turned and walked away. He couldn’t see the smirk on Katherine’s lips as she watched him leave.

At the evening meal, Oliver and Luke spoke of the marriage contracts. After some discussion, Oliver said, “The steward is finished with the contracts; and as you say, Sir Luke, we should get them signed as soon as possible. Let us toast the occasion with some fine brandy.”

Oliver went over to Katherine and spoke to her. She disappeared. In a few minutes the brandy was served.

One brandy slid past Oliver’s lips and then another. In a short time he had downed five glasses of the drink and was struggling to keep his wits.

Luke was concerned that Gillian had not joined them for dinner. Finally, he said, “Perhaps we could get Miss Blakeley to sign the contracts tomorrow. She may be feeling better by that time.”

“
There will be no need to wait so long. We should be able to get the required signatures soon. The night is young,” Oliver contended. “Gillian is young and resilient. Besides I think she is most willing to marry, and therefore eager to sign.”

Luke could only hope her uncle was right. Indeed, he wanted the whole marriage arrangements to be complete. It was taking too high a toll on him.

Gillian knew she would be missed at dinner, but she knew she was in no shape to entertain. She had tried to sleep earlier, but had been awake for most the day. Every move still shot stabbing pain throughout her body. Now, at the end of the day, she lay exhausted and in desperate need of sleep. Although offered, she refused any drugging herbs that might aid in her sleep and comfort. Finally, Gillian dozed off. But it was cut short almost immediately.

Katherine’s hand shook Gillian’s shoulder until she stirred. A moan of pain as the result invited a smug smile on the leman’s face. Again the man positioned at the door entered unbidden.

Fully awake, Katherine looked at the man, and said “Leave us now.” Her voice was firm.

Although the man obeyed, he took a careful look around the room to make assurances that all was as it should be. After looking one last time at Gillian, he turned and slowly left the room.

“
Well, I see you are awake. It is a good thing,” Katherine hissed. “Sir Luke and your uncle wish to be rid of the responsibility of caring for you as soon as possible. They are waiting for you to come sign the marriage contracts.”

Gillian’s face blanched. She had known that Oliver wanted to be free of her, and from the castle rumors, she had caused Luke more then his share of problems. Was Katherine goading her or speaking the truth? In any case, a summons was a summons. It was not to be ignored.

Katherine held out a beautiful emerald green gown. While Gillian sat on the bed, the leman slipped the silky perfection over her head. In a matter of minutes the clasps and ties on every article of clothing were fastened and Katherine was wrapping Gillian’s long tresses into a simple but elegant style on the top of her head.

By the time Katherine had finished preparing the chatelaine for her entrance downstairs, Gillian was shaking with exhaustion. Just the mere exertion of energy to remain sitting transformed her bones to mush.

Lady Gillian’s trembling hand clutched to the leman’s arm to steady herself. It would be a long journey to the bottom of the stairs.

“
You look lovely in that dress, Gillian. It becomes your coloring. Well, some of your coloring. The bruises are, I’ll grant you, quite ugly, but no one will be looking at you. I’m afraid they are only interested in their precious documents.”

Katherine escorted her adversary to the top of the stairs, then rapidly began the descent.