Bessie (11 page)

“Perhaps you should have padded your codpiece, Devon,” Bessie said sweetly.

The coachman grinned as she finished. He had to put his hand over his mouth to hide it. Devon lifted his head and glared at her. His nostrils flared with each breath. Bessie’s eyes widened. He was even more amazing-looking than he’d been yesterday after winning the tournament, if it were possible.

“I may not offer you a seat beside me, Mistress.”

“Well. I may not accept it, even if you offer.”

“Then, you’re walking.”

“That’s gallant of you. What should I tell anyone that happens upon me?”

“That your husband set you aside.”

“Are you going to do that?”

He didn’t answer because he was lifting a very long, wavy, recognizably red hair from the area near the top of his hose. Bessie’s heart lodged into her throat as he looked from it to her.

“The least you could have done was cleaned yourself off, Devon,” she said in as cold a tone as possible.

He didn’t answer; he simply started winding the hair about his index finger, his gaze never leaving hers. “Is my horse still tied, my good man?”

“He had an easier time with the bumps, my lord.”

Devon was talking to the coachman, but he was watching her. Bessie didn’t blink. Breathe. Move.

“Bring him around to the door. He’s docile.”

“Very good, my lord.”

The man was chuckling. Devon turned from her finally and looked out the doorway. Bessie tensed for his angry words.

“Don’t tarry. We’ve still some distance to ride. I’m not certain how well I’ll manage it, either.”

His calm, warm tone surprised her. She couldn’t imagine what the driver thought of it.

“Will you need help mounting him?”

“I’ll probably need help mounting my next woman,” Devon replied.

Their coachman laughed openly. Bessie nearly joined him. She had to put her hand to her mouth to stay it.

“I shouldn’t laugh overlong, if I were you, Mistress. I may not be able to hold the reins. Are you an able rider?”

“I can hold a seat,” she answered defensively.

“Good. Can you control a war-horse?”

“I’ve been married four times, haven’t I?”

“Don’t make me laugh. Oh. Blast.”

He groaned as he gripped himself, and Bessie lost control. She laughed until her sides ached. Tears spilled from her eyes. She’d never laughed that hard. Ever.

“You will pay that back, Mistress. I swear it. I do.” 

She heard him, but ignored it. It would be worth it.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Your castle does not appear to be getting closer, Hildebrand.”

“That is because we’re skirting it.”

“Why?”

“I’ve not had the chance to check the lands the queen gave to me. It’s quite extensive, isn’t it?”

“It’s leagues of swamp.”

“True. But it is my swamp. I’ve never owned much. ’Tis a strange feeling. I look about...and appear to own everything I can see.”

He waved his arm, turned his back to her, and his voice deepened. Bessie’s heart did a somersault. Or something as implausible.

“Except Stansbury, of course. The Hall does own the hillside. Cannot change that. I used to ride here when I was young and think foolish things.”

“Like what?”

“You don’t wish to hear.”

“I wouldn’t ask it, if I didn’t wish to hear.”

“Have you any siblings, Mistress? You know, I have been thinking. That’s an impersonal title. I could be implored to call you something simpler, like...Bess, if you continue holding to me this way.”

Bess sucked in a breath. She didn’t know what change had come over Devon, but it was making it much more difficult to continue hating him.

“I shall fall, otherwise.”

“You’ve a caress to your touch, then. Anyone else riding pillion holds to my belt, not about my waist.”

“As I’ve rarely ridden, let alone double, I think I’ll stay just as I am. I am not that confident of your ability.”

“You say that after seeing my win yesterday? Why...my destrier and I are like one. Aren’t we, Black-Heart?”

The horse snorted, as if answering. Bess peered from behind Devon.

“You pulled on his rein.”

“You’re an observant sort, too, aren’t you? I’m not certain I’m fond of that. Unless it’s directed toward me, of course.”

“Are you always this vain?”

“With good reason, I think. Watch this.”

Devon lifted the reins and his horse broke into a canter. Bess gripped harder about Devon’s waist. She was still holding him when the horse slowed to a walk again.

“You see?” he asked.

“Very good. I watched. He is well trained. Are you responsible?”

“Of course. I’m good at that, too.”

“Too?”

“Oh please, Bess. Grant me one thing in a wife. One. At least look to your husband with a slight bit of awe. I’m used to that from the fairer gender, you know.”

“Not from me. I’ve lived my entire life at court. The last thing I do is look at courtiers with awe. I am not fond of the punishment.”

“So you say. But I think you must have looked at me oft. And been caught at it. That might explain our union, would it not? How did you manage such a feat shrouded as you are?”

“You really are hard of hearing, aren’t you? I did not want anything to do with you.”

“And I believe you, too.”

The horse snorted, as if on cue. Bessie looked around Devon again. He glanced sidelong at her and winked. She had no choice but to dart back behind him.

“Are you ever...unsure?” she asked.

He shrugged. Her arms moved up and down with the motion. Bess tried ignoring the play of his stomach muscles beneath her forearms and palms. It didn’t work. She nearly sighed.

“I have plenty of enemies. They naysay me enough. If I do not believe in myself, who will?”

“Oh. My. I never thought of it from that angle. You’ve a deep side you keep hidden, don’t you?”

“Don’t tell anyone.”

“You may get me looking at you with awe, yet, Devon. I’m not certain how to go about it, though.”

“I don’t suppose your previous husbands garnered such a reaction, then?”

“I don’t...recollect much about them, actually. If you must talk, can it be of other things, please?”

“Very well. What did you do with your brown dress? Burn it?”

“I spilled an entire goblet of wine on it.”

“Oh. Good idea. I like this one better. Does it match your eyes?”

Bessie looked down at the light blue skirt. “Maybe someday you’ll find out,” she whispered.

“Never mind, then. I have decided not to force you. When you wish to show me, I’ll deal with it then.”

“Perhaps you should spur your horse. We won’t get there before nightfall at this rate.”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“It will be cold.”

“Hold to me. I’ll warm you.”

To her utter amazement, she squelched a cry that seemed to come from the depths of her being. It made her voice shake. Completely unsure. “What has brought about such a change? You...didn’t want my touch but two nights ago.”

“Perhaps your threat has worked. I’ve been too long without a woman. And I am still a man, despite your earlier efforts in the carriage.”

“Two nights is too long?”

“Where did you get your estimation of my abilities? More like two seasons. Maybe more.”

“But—you said—? What about the women you listed off to me?”

“Did you believe me?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Then it worked.”

“What? It wasn’t true? I can’t believe—. You truly didn’t—?”

“Nor, can you finish a decent sentence. That is a welcome change.”

“You surprise me, Devon.”

“The thought of a celibate state surprises you more than the idea of licentiousness?”

“You truly didn’t comport with those other ladies?”

“Of course not. With all the spies the queen pays, I’d have lost my head.”

“I
told
you that was the reason behind our marriage. Is that why you lied?”

“Please, Bess, that’s a harsh word for it. I didn’t have to confess, you know.”

“It’s still a lie.”

“You’re the persistent sort, too? I should have known. I said those things because I was angered. Bewildered. Out-of-sorts. I did not even know you. I wanted to get a reaction. Actually, I was trying to get to the truth. I still am.”

“I told you the truth.”

“You never lie?”

“Why would I?”

“If you say your hair is brown and your eyes are blue, I can take it for truth?”

Sickness hit her belly, putting a hitch in her breath, a start to her heart. Bess waited a few moments before answering. “I didn’t quite hear that, I’m afraid.”

“Really? Perhaps you should sit in front, instead of lazing about on poor Black-Heart’s flanks. That can’t be too comfortable for one as small as you.”

“You didn’t want me in front, remember? You were afraid of further injury...to your...uh.”

Her voice stopped. Her face was probably flushed. He chuckled.

“Oh. That. I have quite recovered. I’m willing to put it to the test, if you’d like to ride more comfortably. And just think. You wouldn’t have to hold to me.”

“I am holding you for my own safety.”

“I wouldn’t hold to you for any other reason, either.”

“Enough of this. Spur your mount and get us to Hilde. I grow weary of your company.”

“Really? I suppose I’ll just have to give you more, then. That should prove interesting.”

“I don’t understand this at all.”

“What’s to understand? We’re alone. You can’t escape. You cannot hide. And I’m using the time to draw out a bit of information about you. What is so strange about that? Then again, it’s just occurred to me that I have to introduce you to my horde of siblings and I haven’t the smallest idea of how.”

“Horde of siblings? Horde?”

“I’ve siblings. Quite a few of them. All younger.”

“Is that why you’ve warmed toward me?”

“Oh, Bess. My dear. I haven’t shown you warm, yet.”

Shivers flew her limbs. Her heart swelled. Her throat went tight. Her breath hitched. None of it was caused simply by the liquid softness of his voice as he’d spoken. Devon had compounded that by placing his hand atop where hers were linked at his belt, as if punctuating his words.

This was too much. She knew her husband possessed great handsomeness. Physical strength and beauty. Surely it was too much of nature to add in a charming manner and lover-like turns of phrase? She’d never withstand him if he resorted to such under-handed tactics. She needed to say something to change it. She looked out over the swampland. Swallowed.

“You overrate yourself again, Hildebrand. You do that oft. Is it a family trait?”

“We’re much the same in looks, yes.”

“That is not what I meant.”

“I know. You are trying to insult, but I forgive you. It’s clear what you’re up to.”

“Really?”

“You are trying to draw me into an argument. Probably to show off your wits again.”

Bessie’s eyes widened. “Why...would I stoop to such?”

“Because an argument also helps with your feelings towards me.”

She gasped. Her heart stopped. Restarted. His hand tightened atop hers. This was terrible. And wonderful.

No. Terrible.

She used her coldest tone for the answer. “You are mistaken. I have no feelings toward you, whatsoever.”

“Oh, yes. You do.”

“Very well. I have feelings. They are disgust. Distrust. And dislike.”

“Well. I think if you’d lift your veil a fraction, we’d be able to disprove most of that.”

“I really hate to disappoint your lordship, but I’ve no inclinations of any sort toward you.”

“You’ve a strange way of showing it then, Bess.”

“Oh! I believe I prefer Mistress, although I’d not thought it possible, earlier.”

“Your hands are making fists against me. I am guessing it’s either to hit me or to keep from holding further to me. I rather fancy the latter.”

“I suppose you think the same of every woman?”

“Of course.”

“What an overblown opinion you have of yourself.”

“Overblown? That is harsh. Deserved, but harsh. But it’s not overblown, Bess. It’s honest. I look forward to proving it to you.”

“Why have you warmed toward me? Why? I haven’t changed.”

“I beg to differ. You are much changed. You’re no longer draped in ugly, mud-brown material, with a shroud about your head. You’ve a womanly shape that you’ve decided to exhibit. I am simply being properly appreciative.”

Bessie glanced down. She’d known the bodice was too low when Augusta had hooked her into it. She was grateful to be behind Devon. “This is what the maid brought for me. I didn’t select it.”

He sighed heavily, shifting her hands. “Oh, very well. Do you always win every argument? The reason I’m taking this path to Hilde is due to some advice I was given last night. It surprised me enough I decided to look into it.”

“What advice...did you get?” 

“Perhaps I’ll tell you of it someday.”

“Why not now?”

“Tell me the shade of your eyes, first.”

Bessie’s smile faded. “I’m not certain I wish to know that badly.”

He sighed again. “My. My. You do win every argument.”

“I was not arguing.”

“You always argue. I’ve not spent any time in your company when you were in agreement with me.”

“Say something I agree with, then.”

“This really is marshy through here, isn’t it?”

“True enough. That’s a very good example.”

“My land won’t grow much of value, will it?”

“I...hadn’t given it much thought.”

“I still have the wheat and barley fields to the south. They’re productive enough. I know every inch of them, too.”

“Every inch?”

“I am the reason they’re harvested, my dear.”

At the endearment, a flash of something pleasurable hit her. Filling. Warming. Thrilling. Her voice carried it. She couldn’t think of one way to mute it. “I shall have to amend my opinion of you. I’d no idea you oversaw your property so closely.”

“Oversee? It’s a bit more than that. I work the plow, dig the rows, and swing the scythe. I didn’t get this large from lying about drinking ale, you know.”

He added to that statement by hardening parts of him she clung to.
So...that explained his physique.
Bessie’s eyes widened.   

“You...worked your own fields?” she asked.

“Does that shock you? I hope not, for I shall have to take it back up shortly.”

“Why...would you do such menial labor?”  Her voice was missing. He still understood it.

“I could not allow my family to starve. That is still an issue. My winnings won’t last that long.”

Oh dear!
Her throat closed off. If she let her husband work the fields, she was worse than the lowest shrew. She had to tell him...at least part of it.

“It won’t be a problem, Devon. I have field-hands to do such labor for you.”

“You don’t have anything, darling. Once you wed with me, I became the owner of everything you have. Are you going to tell me you’re a rich widow? I admit the gown you borrowed from Stansbury Hall is attractive, but it’s not real. Surely, if you had holdings, I would have been informed when they were trying to get me to agree to this union. I am not that stupid.”