Royal Feud

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

For a moment Delvin watched the newly married couple as the crowd milled around them. Then he strode to where Hermione waited with his men. Ordering them to prepare to ride, he led Hermione to his horse, lifted her up into the saddle, and mounted. He took her into his arms and led the way out of Carleigh to cheers from the villagers.

argaret sat in the ladies' solar with Elizabeth and Clare, each of them their laps covered with yards of linen in disparate hues-green, blue, and red. In response to the knock on the door, Lucy called out leave to enter. Wyham came in, shut the door behind him, and gave the women a courtly bow, As always, the sight of him thrilled and delighted her. sewing

"Good afternoon, ladies," he said with a smile. "I find myself at loose ends this afternoon with Ishton's absence, so I have come to offer you my services."

"Milord, your company is always welcome," Lucy replied. "Please, be seated." She gestured to the chair closest to her, then finished the leaf she was embroidering as he settled into it. "I am curious to know how you plan to be of service to us. sew, milord?" She smiled at him. Do you

"Nay, milady. Unfortunately, I have no skill with a needle. However, I do have some small skill as a raconteur. I would be happy to entertain you ladies with a story."

"That sounds delightful, milord." Lucy smiled at the other women. "We would very much enjoy a story, would we not?"

"Indeed we would, milord." Elizabeth's blue-green eyes twinkled as she winked at

Lucy. Clare nodded, her smile causing dimples to crease her plump cheeks. "A story will make our work so much more pleasant." "What kind of story would you like to hear, ladies? A romantic story? A humorous

story? A story about daring feats in battle? I am completely at your disposal."

"Hmm." Lucy gave him a mischievous grin. "How about a romantic story filled

with humor and daring feats?"

"Ah, milady." Wyham shook his head. "You have set before me a most difficult

challenge. I will try my best to please you."

He looked directly into her eyes, a sensuous smile upon his lips. Lucy found herself blushing in response to the promise in his eyes. She glanced at her friends and was relieved to see them sewing industriously. Although both of their heads were bent over their work, Lucy caught the smiles playing around each of their mouths.

"Aye, milord," Lucy said, "but the more difficult the task, the greater the service

rendered." "That is true, milady." Wyham nodded. "That is true." He leaned back in his chair and began to spin his story. Employing all of an actor's skill. Wyham's resonant voice soon captured Lucy's imagination. Enthralled in his narrative, she abandoned any pretense of working as she hung on his every word. She noticed that Elizabeth and Clare seemed likewise mesmerized by the courtier. When he had finished, Lucy sighed. "You are truly a gifted storyteller, milord.. Your engrossing tale had everything. I do not remember when I have laughed so much. And the love story." She put both of her hands over her heart. "Ah! It was so lovely and

poignant, it brought tears to my eyes. As for the daring, courageous feats of the hero, I

almost swooned. Thank you, milord, for such a marvelous story."

"The pleasure was all mine, milady." He inclined his head as he bowed toward her. Lucy stared into his amused eyes, her lips curled in a smile of pure joy. How she loved this man. It was amazing to her that she had known him for such a short

time, and now she could not envision a life without him. "Lucy, Lord Wyham, please excuse me." Claire put aside her sewing and stood. "I really should go and see what Nicholas is up to. "Tis amazing the mischief that a ten

year-old boy can get into."

"Please excuse me as well." Elizabeth stood. "I need to check on the spinsters and

see how they are progressing." Lucy was grateful for her friends' tact, as they left her alone with Robert. Sticking her needle into the green linen she was embroidering, she placed the gown onto Elizabeth's empty chair beside her. She studied Robert's face. His hazel eyes were warm as he gazed back at her.

""Tis a rare treat to have you all to myself," Wyham remarked when they were alone. "I shall have to take advantage of this golden opportunity." He grinned, transforming his suave features into boyish exuberance. "Aye. What do you have in mind?"

"Ah, let me think." He stood and took her hand, pulling her from her chair. "I

could take you into my arms," he said, suiting his actions to his words. "I could rain

kisses all over you."

He kissed the sensitive space behind her ear, then trailed kisses down her neck before reversing course, nibbling his way up her cheek. She gripped his waist, trying to steady herself against his strong lean body, as he ignited her ardor. "I could spend hours kissing you," he said, his mouth hovering near hers.

He captured her lips and lavished kisses on her to which she eagerly responded. Passion flared between them, the smoldering desire she always felt in his presence blazing into a conflagration. Wyham abruptly pulled back from her, cradling her head on his shoulder and holding her tightly in his arms.

""Tis like playing with fire, I am afraid. I want you so much. Lucy, I love you."

"Robert, I love you."

"Will you marry me?"

"Aye."

Wyham raised her head and kissed her. Her joy overflowed, as they sealed their troth with their kisses. The pleasure was so intense that Lucy groaned, Wyham to gently ease her away from him and place his hands on her waist. "Lucy, you have made me the happiest man alive." causing

He removed his hands from her and stepped away. Turning his back to her, he braced his hands on the back of a chair. Lucy went to him and laid her hand on his back. With his head bowed down, she could not see his face. "Robert, what is wrong?"

"I want you so much, 'tis a difficult test of my self-control." His voice was hoarse. "Aye." she said, lightly rubbing his back. She stepped back and cleared her throar. "I can arrange the wedding for the day after tomorrow. That will give Cook enough time to prepare a proper feast." She sat back down in her chair, primly folding her hands together in her lap.

"How can we marry now? 'Tis the middle of Lent."

"I am sure that if we contribute a large monetary donation to the Church, Father Thomas will grant an exception and allow us to marry."

"That is an excellent idea, my dear. I would be happy to make the donation. I just hope that I can last until Thursday." He grinned at her. Straightening, he turned the chair around and sat down. "Perhaps if I am far enough away from you, I will not be so tempted to touch you. There is something we should discuss before our wedding. Lucy." His voice had lost its teasing tone and become more somber. "I have seen how skilled you are at managing this castle. I have seen how much you enjoy interacting with the servants. You are a brilliant chatelaine." She placed her hand over her heart. "Why, thank you, Robert. Your praise means so

much to me. In truth, I have enjoyed the challenge of running this household." "I would hate to take you away from something you enjoy so much and for which you have a rare talent. We do not have to live at court. I could give up my position with the king. We could live at Wyham Castle, and you could become the chatelaine there."

"Robert, I really appreciate your selflessness and consideration." Lucy gave him a fond smile. "I have been chatelaine here for almost thirty years. Although I have enjoyed my life very much, I find I am ready for a change. I think it will be very exciting to be at court. I am looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing a different way of life."

"Are you sure, my love?"

"Aye, I am sure.

"You have quite relieved my mind, my dear. So, we will marry on Thursday and then leave Ishton sometime next week."

"Aye." She nodded, "I will let Delvin know our plans as soon as he returns."

"Delvin," Hermione protested. "I am fine. I can walk." He cradled her against his chest and strode toward the donjon. The twilight was

swiftly fading and he wanted to get her inside as quickly as possible before the cool air could chill her. "Nay, walking would cause you too much discomfort. I will carry you up to our

chamber."

The noise in the hall abated as people turned to stare at them when Delvin carried her inside. He ignored their speculative looks as he headed to the stairs, not stopping to speak with anyone, only nodding to his mother and Wyham as he caught sight of them. Renwold hurried to catch up with them as Delvin crossed the hall.

"Milord, a bath has been prepared as you requested. Food has also been provided."

"Good, Renwold. Thank you. Please send up a maid to attend to Lady Ishton." "Aye, milord." The steward bowed and hurried off.

Once they reached their bedchamber, Delvin carefully lowered Hermione's feet to the

ground and held out an arm to steady her when she stumbled as she tried to stand. "A warm bath should help relax your muscles," Delvin remarked. "I will await you in my solar. Soak for as long as you want. Let me know when you are done, and we can have our supper together."

"Aye. Thank you for your care today, Delvin." He nodded wordlessly, still blaming himself for her pain. A knock on the door

heralded the arrival of the maid, with Lucy close behind. "Welcome home, children," Lucy said. "Hermione, I have brought some herbs to

add to your bath water. They should help soothe your aching muscles." "Hermione, I will leave you in Mother's capable hands," Delvin said as he made his

escape.

Delvin went next door to his solar and poured himself a cup of wine. Renwold had

anticipated his every need, as usual, and arranged for a brazier to warm the room, as

well as food and wine. He was chewing a mouthful of cold fish when there was a knock

on the door.

"Enter," he called.

"Delvin," Lucy said, "may I come in?"

"Certainly, Mother. Would you care for some wine?"

"Nay, thank you. I would like to speak with you, if you are not too tired." "I am fine. What did you want to talk about?" He took a swig of wine as he stood next to the brazier warming himself.

"Lord Wyham has asked me to marry him, and I have agreed."

Delvin smiled at her with pleasure. "I hope you will be very happy together." "Thank you, my dear," Lucy said, returning his smile. "I have come to love

Robert deeply. I think we will have a good marriage. Tis exciting, but a bit scary to be starting a new life." "Aye, I imagine so. Wyham is an honorable man. A trustworthy man you will be

able to rely on."

Lucy nodded. "Aye, you are right. I know I will always be able to him." depend on

"When is the wedding?" Delvin asked before taking another bite of bread.

"On Thursday."

"So soon?"

"Aye. We want to marry as soon as possible since Robert needs to return to Henry's court. We will need to leave Ishton next week." "We will miss you. I will miss you." King

"I will miss you too, my dear. I will insist that Robert bring me to visit at least once

a year."

"Aye, you do that."

There was a pause.

"Delvin, how are things between you and Hermione?" Margarer's voice was hesitant. "I can tell that all is not yet right with your marriage." Delvin stared down into his wine. "Aye. She fears the marriage bed. I am trying to be

patient with her, and I think we are making some progress, but 'tis slow." "I am glad you are being patient with her. She has endured much agony in her short life. Be gentle with her. Your reward will be a willing wife in your bed." "Aye."

"I will leave you now, Delvin. I can see that you are tired." Lucy came to him

and placed her hands on his arms. "I am very proud of you, my son. I love you." She

drew him into her arms and embraced him.

"I love you too, Mother." He tightened his arms around her. She stepped back from him, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Sleep well, my dear.

Good night."

"Good night, Mother."