“And the woman?” she asked quietly.
He sighed. “The wife of John Bollering. He lives. We staged the duel and pretended him dead to protect him from Lord Shayburn. Even now we await the king’s decision. He sits with Shayburn in the Tower.”
“And you could not tell me that he lives?” she asked with a strong hint of anger in her voice.
His arms tightened around her. “It agonized me to see you suffer with guilt because you thought him dead, but I knew that if you even unwittingly let it slip that he was alive, it could cost him his life. What John has done in Bratonshire could still have violent repercussions. Shayburn literally stole those lands from John’s father, and John has turned Shayburn’s game back on him. He was the thief who saved you from Captain Alex.”
Chelynne gasped. “He sent the knife to me!” Chad nodded. “Chad, he pitied my state! He hoped I would guess that he lived!”
“I think perhaps that was his intent.”
“What will you do now? Could John be hurt for this?”
“I think he will come out of it better than either of us dared hope. My work is done. I cannot hurt Gwen any more than she has hurt herself with her deception. I cannot help John anymore; that is left to the king. And Harry...I leave to you. He is your kin. If it is in your mind to forgive him, I will do my best to understand. If you will bring charges against him I will support you.”
Chelynne was quiet for a moment. “My work is done, Chelynne,” Chad said. “I know I’ve had a poor way of showing you how I feel. Even with all that has passed between us I believe there has always been love. Long ago I should have seen it and acted, but I was a fool. Even the strongest men are weak in some things.”
Just when she would have answered him the door to their coach opened and the footman looked within. Neither of them had even realized they were already home. Reluctantly Chelynne drew herself out of his arms and let the footman help her down.
Wordlessly they climbed the stairs. Chad held her arm, and when they came to his chamber door he paused and looked down into her eyes. His were aglow with warmth and sincerity. “We have allowed time to deal with family and friends, even with those who would tear us apart, but we have taken no time for ourselves. Our time has finally come, love, and I will hold you to me. Let me be your arm, for I would give you strength. And you...be my heart, for I need you to teach me the gentle art of loving.”
Chelynne looked toward her chamber door. There was a light from within that told her Stella waited patiently to help her make ready for bed. She wondered what words she could use to invite him to join her there. Then she realized no words were necessary. She turned in his arms and told him with her lips. Her arms held him fiercely and she kissed him with a passion even she did not know existed within her. He lifted her into his arms and carried her through the door to his bedroom. With his foot the door was slammed behind them and no servant would dare touch that portal until morning’s light.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Summer in the country was flooded with green, with the sweet smell of flowers and the melody of birds. Chelynne came awake slowly and watched the curtains dance in the morning breeze. She moved closer to the warmth of her husband’s body and let herself feel the full joy of her contentment. Here, in the lord’s chamber at Hawthorne House, she spent many mornings like this one in remembering the beautiful moments that had led to her comfortable place beside Chad.
Her mind voluntarily blotted out the troubles and recaptured the night she had surrendered the full sum of her love to him. She would never forget the love words whispered against her ear when Chad spoke of months given to foolish exile, the long nights alone when he would have had her at his side, and the pain of longing.
That night he was the very image of the warrior in her mind. He was in control. He knew everything there was to know about lovemaking and she was innocent of it. He was unhurried and methodical, as if leading her down a path in which every curve and turn must be carefully measured or the destination would be altered. Her transition from acquiescence to need was a gradual magic, her abandon spontaneous and her response natural. When she arched against him in impatience she heard his voice, thick and muffled against her ear.
“This once it will hurt and never again.”
He knew the way, even in that first coupling, to possess her body and soul. She gave herself entirely into his care, silently praying he would soon deliver her. Their gentle lovemaking became a wild and frenzied union that exploded within her, blurring and bursting into a wonder she had never before known. He had never doubted he was the first. It could not have been more beautiful in her mind if it had taken place on her wedding night.
At Chelynne’s insistence Chad’s son was brought to them that very next morning. Chelynne was charmed by Kevin and loved him at once. She found happiness in his presence and vowed he would never be sent to live in another woman’s house again. She let herself be consumed by the duties of wife and of mother to her husband’s son.
When she thought it impossible to find more joy in her life, yet another blessing came to them. John Bollering was given full title to the lands that had belonged to his father. The king did not wish to appear too kind and levied a heavy fine for the destruction that had occurred in Bratonshire. John willingly promised the sum would be delivered to the court at Windsor.
They all went to the country then, where there was a feeling of rebirth on the land. Newly sown seeds took life and a rich harvest was promised. When summer was full upon the land Chelynne watched the birth of an heir to the Bollering lands. Chelynne learned firsthand how carefully and dutifully Chad managed his holdings. The people grew to love him easily, and she grew to love his people. She found the immenseness of Hawthorne House could fit into the palm of her hand as the servants worked to please her.
Chad’s great energy for his duties had not vanished and if anything it was increased. But Chelynne did not despair when he rode off now, for she knew he would return to her for his ease. She would knead the tenseness out of his tired muscles while he discussed with her the needs of his people. She would warm his bath and keep his meals and mind his needs as carefully as a mother tends a newborn babe.
But it was here, in this great lord’s chamber, that she learned what it meant to be the wife of the earl of Bryant. When the door to this chamber was closed she was assured of adventure, tenderness and fulfillment. His methods were varied and unpredictable and he brought to life the most deeply hidden spark of her passion. His hunger for her was matched only by her eagerness for him.
Just the thought of feeling his arms around her stirred the embers and she reached for him. His response was automatic as his arms drew her near and he buried his face in her breasts.
“Ah, wench,” he mumbled. “In all my days I cannot remember such joy in waking.”
She laughed softly, knowingly. “I hadn’t expected such eagerness this morn. I thought I had satisfied your lust at last.”
“Aha! And you are so weary of my demands that I wake to find you fondling me!” He kissed her cheeks and brought his lips close to her ear. “Do you know what I do to a woman who teases me thus?”
His lips touching her brought the most delicious sensations. “The hour is early,” she whispered. “We needn’t hurry to break the fast.”
His lips found hers and she melted into his heated embrace. Just as they would have been lost in this early morning bliss, the door to their chamber crashed open and they bolted apart, covering themselves as best they could.
“Good morning, sir.” Kevin bowed. “And madam.” They stared at him in wonder. It was scarcely past dawn and he was fully dressed, sporting his miniature sword at his belt and wearing a very adult-looking plumed hat. “You promised you would rise early this morn, sir. Today is the day I will learn to hold a spear so I can ride with you in the hunt.”
Chad cocked a brow. “Am I allowed to dress and eat first?”
“But sir, Sir John will arrive early and I would show him
what I’ve learned. There’s not so much time if—”
“All right. I’ll be down directly.”
“Thank you, sir.” He beamed.
“Kevin?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Go first to Mrs. Connolly and ask her to school you on the proper way to enter a room. It shouldn’t take long.”
Kevin broke into a broad smile. He was very much like Chad in his looks, except when he smiled. That bright and wild smile must have belonged to his mother. It touched a place in Chelynne’s heart and she knew why Chad had loved Anne so deeply.
Kevin swept off his hat and bowed before them. “Yes, sir.” With a straight back and long strides that greatly resembled his father’s, Kevin left the room.
“I must be up and about my son’s business,” Chad muttered with exasperation.
Chelynne giggled softly and tickled the hair on his chest. “He speaks true. John and Tess will be here early in the day. There is a great deal to do.”
Chad threw his legs over the bed and stood. “And it will no doubt be days before we are allowed rest.”
“I do think him too young to ride in the hunt,” Chelynne told him.
“And so do I,” he grunted, reaching for his breeches. “But I am too old to withstand his begging.” He found his shirt and stockings and sat on the bed to finish dressing. “I will give him a small horse and personally keep him well behind the action. He will only think he’s joined the hunt.” He pulled on his boots and dropped a kiss on her brow before leaving. “If you have any love for me you will give me only daughters. They don’t require the energy sons do.”
Chelynne stayed in her bed for a long while, contemplating the chores that would command them now. John and Chad must oversee the harvest and with that came the celebrations within the farming villages. The people would expect their lord and lady to be present for the fairs and games. The earl of Bryant would begin the festivities with the christening of John’s son. Hawthorne House would be opened to all those who would bring gifts and pay their respects. Great quantities of food and drink would be set out and boar and mutton would be roasted over open pits. As soon as the christening and party were past, Chelynne would have to accompany Chad on a tour of the smaller farming villages on his lands and view their celebrations.
It was for this long week of celebrating that Chelynne and Tess together would plan. John and Chad rode with their men to hunt and prepare for the feasts and spend an equal amount of time in looking over the land. Each of them worked long days in making sure every detail was set. They were convinced at last that everything was ready on the eve before the christening.
The two couples settled in the sitting room to relax after long days of preparation. It seemed that only moments had passed when a guard wearing the livery of Chad’s house interrupted them. Chelynne had become accustomed to this now that she understood his many responsibilities, but she hoped he would not have to ride out tonight when the hour was so late and the days ahead promised to be so taxing.
After speaking with his man for a few moments Chad returned to face her uneasily. “Chelynne, Harry has been found and brought here to me, as I requested.”
Harry had successfully eluded Chad’s men since Chelynne came to possess the stolen record of marriage. She had had hopes he would disappear forever, but those hopes were dashed tonight.
“It could wait,” Chad offered.
“No,” she said quickly. “It’s waited long enough. I won’t have the coming days spoiled. We’ll have it done tonight.”
John stood as if he would take Tess and leave Chelynne and Chad alone to deal with Harry, but Chelynne quickly stopped him. “No, John. Stay and stand witness to what he says. You were the first to find him guilty of his crimes.”
Chelynne sat looking at her hands, her mind sorting out what must be done. Chad came to stand before her and dropped to one knee. “Tell me what you would have done. I will do it in your stead.”
Her eyes lifted to his and she smiled her thanks. “You were right, my lord. This is mine to do.” She reached for his hand. “Stand by me, Chad, and be my arm,” she whispered.
When Harry came into the room it was several moments before Chelynne could look at him. It had been only a few months since she had seen him, but she hardly recognized him. He was thin and gaunt and his clothes ill cared for. His way of life had not helped his looks.
“I’ve learned that in stealing the record of the earl of Bryant’s first marriage, you burned a church and killed a priest. Harry, what say you to this charge?”
He bowed mockingly and grinned. “I say I had nothing to do with either, dear cousin.”
“I am not your dear cousin now. Please answer to your claim of innocence.”
“Cousin,” he sneered, pressing his face closer. “Dear.” Chad moved to stand behind the chair Chelynne occupied. He stared coldly at Harry. Harry did not tremble in fear, but he did straighten his spine and take on a more serious look. He knew the earl of Bryant would love to break his neck, and would, given the smallest excuse. “I claim innocence on the grounds that Captain Alex, whose company I was in, committed those crimes.”
“I name you responsible, being it was by your order.”
“My order?” he asked, laughing. “I was ordered by another, as was Alex.” Chad’s shocked expression led him on. “Aye, ‘twas my lady Graystone commissioned me to get my hands on the thing and hide it away. I had no idea murder would be done.”
“And how did she know about the marriage?” Chad asked anxiously.
Harry shrugged insolently. “She overheard you and your father speak of the place you were wed. She set me to the task on the morning after you were wed.”
Chelynne looked up at Chad and then back to Harry. “What was Lady Graystone’s intention?” she asked.
Harry laughed. “For a long while she was uncertain...until I told her you could be convinced that His Lordship was married twice. Then it was in her mind to draw you away from your husband and she would step in to console him.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “She nearly succeeded, didn’t she?”
Chelynne was neither amused nor relieved. “For the part you’ve played in this, Harry, you should be severely punished. You’ve caused countless problems with your own lust for vengeance. Many have been hurt because you would—”
“You will not sit judgment on me!” he shouted. “You’re no one to sit judgment on me!”
“I would see the money drawn from your own purse to rebuild that church but I fear you would bleed Welbering dry for the sum. My lady Graystone could afford—”
“Lady Graystone took ship when she was excused from the court. I doubt you’ll ever see that good lady again. And I will not answer to your judgments. You take a grave chance with me, princess. Aren’t you just a little afraid I’ll tell the truth about you?”
Chelynne drew in her breath for courage. “You see me surrounded by my friends and loved ones,” she said, gesturing with her eyes to Chad, John and Tess. “You are the one without allies in this room, Harry. Perhaps I should warn you.”
“Then your husband knows he’s married one of the king’s many bastards?”
John’s feet hit the floor as he rose furiously, but too late, for Chad had already come around his wife’s chair and seized Harry by the front of his shirt. Chad was ready to beat the insolent young lord soundly but Chelynne’s voice came through loudly, stopping him before he could do Harry any real injury. “Chad!” Then more calmly, “Chad, it is truth.”
“Chelynne,” he pleaded. “There’s no truth to that. I have long been aware of the rumor.”
Chelynne shook her head dejectedly. It was just as well out. “The king admitted the possibility, my lord. It could be so. And there was a letter...from my mother...”
Chad turned angrily on Harry. “And you, no doubt, nurtured that fantasy,” he growled. “Tell her what you know.”
Harry looked at the earl in confusion and held silent.
Chad shook hi
m soundly and the earl’s greater size and power rattled Harry’s thinking considerably. “Tell her what you know! I know you hold the truth to that lie!”
Finally Harry’s yelps and pleas indicated he had decided to cooperate and Chad set him on his feet.
“There was never any doubt,” Harry said bleakly. “We share a common sire. Madelynne only took to the king’s bed to protect my father.” He hung his head and muttered, “Likely she knew she was with child.”
Chelynne rose a little with every word and stood trembling and staring at Harry with wide eyes.
“How is this known,” she breathed.
“My mother has always known. And she has always hated you for the importance you’ve had in my father’s life.”
Chelynne sank into her chair, the life drawn out of her. She barely heard Chad’s words.
“You will be dealt with, Harry, in good time. For now there is too much astir in my house and on my lands to take the time with you. But you will remain as my guest and if you take that to mean you are a prisoner here, you are right. Your treachery will not be easily forgotten and I will work hard and long to find a way to force you to labor honestly for your retribution.”
Chad opened the doors to the sitting room and motioned his men to take Harry away. Still Chelynne could not look up. She felt the wetness on her cheeks before she realized she was weeping. It was not until Chad came to stand before her that she was able to look at him.
“How did you know?” she asked quietly.
Chad knelt and spoke softly. “Sheldon meant to warn me in the event a slander was brought against your name. I’m sure he never underestimated Harry’s actions. In his attempt to assure me it was not so he spoke too fondly of Madelynne. Even in my hardened state it was apparent he loved your mother...and he cared for you with a fatherly pride.” He gently touched her cheek. “You bear some resemblance to the Mondeloys, cherie. It was not hard to guess. But in his eagerness to convince me, Sheldon did not think to mention that you were aware of this rumor that followed your mother. For that reason I never mentioned it.”