“A mistake that I will not repeat in the future.” Hugh sipped wine from the cup. “I always learn from my mistakes, Dunstan.”
“Sir, I must tell you that she acted with great daring. Never have I seen the like. She rode through the gates of Rivenhall with armed men at her back as though she were a queen in command of an army.”
“Did she?”
“You should have seen the expression on Eduard of Lockton’s face when he saw that it was a woman who rode beneath your banners. He was most anxious. He did not know what to think. He fell back on the hope that you would not support her when yon discovered what she had done.”
“I had no choice but to support her. She left me no other option. She acted in my name.” Hugh’s mouth twisted. “Nay, it went beyond that, you know. She thinks herself my partner. A business associate.”
“Whatever else you may say about her, you must know that she possesses a courage that is the equal to that of any man.” Dunstan paused meaningfully. “Indeed, a courage equal to your own, my lord.”
“Do you think I am not aware of that?” Hugh asked very softly. “‘Tis one of the reasons I decided to wed her, if you will but recall. I wanted to breed such courage into my heirs.”
“Sir, I heard you tell her that power commands a price. Mayhap courage does also.”
“Aye, So it would seem. She has certainly seen to it that I paid a very high price for that commodity, has she not? And to think that I believed myself skilled at matters of business and bargaining.”
Dunstan drew a deep breath. “My lord, I ask that you consider that Lady Alice could not have known of the depth of your feelings toward all things Rivenhall.”
Hugh looked up from the flames at last, straight into his old friend’s eyes. “Ah, now that is where you are wrong, Dunstan. She knew how I felt about Rivenhall. She knew full well.”
“I vow, it was the most astonishing sight, Alice.” Benedict struck his staff against the floor to emphasize his enthusiasm. He turned from the window, his face alight with excitement. “Chests of spices were stacked to the roof. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper, and saffron. Lord Hugh is obliged to hire guards at all times to keep watch on the storerooms.”
“I am not surprised.” Alice folded her hands together on top of her desk and tried to listen with proper attention as Benedict described his trip to London. It was not easy. Her mind kept returning to the events of the previous day.
The storm had vanished with the morning sun. The warm light pouring through the window lit her collection of crystals, giving even the ugly green stone on her desk an inner glow.
Alice hoped the rare fine weather would find a reflection in Hugh’s temper, but she was not counting too heavily on that possibility. She had neither seen nor spoken to him since they had arrived home last night. She was not at all certain that she wished to do so.
She knew that she had roused the fires of the past within him. It only remained to see how long they would blaze before they died down once more. In the meantime she sensed it would be prudent to avoid the source of the conflagration.
“He employs many men, Alice. He has scribes and clerics and stewards. They deal with members of the Guild of Pepperers and they forge contracts with the captains of sailing vessels. They barter with powerful merchants. One afternoon we went down to the docks and watched as a ship was unloaded. It brought the most amazing goods from the East.”
“It must have been a fascinating sight.”
“Aye. But the most interesting thing was the library where the records of the voyages and cargoes are maintained. The steward in charge of that chamber showed me how each item in a shipment is entered into a log. He uses an abacus, just as Lord Hugh does, but he works it far more swiftly. He can do great sums in a moment. Sir Hugh says he is expert at the business.”
Benedict’s enthusiasm caught Alice’s full attention. She eyed her brother thoughtfully. “It sounds as if you would enjoy such work.”
“If I could work for Sir Hugh, I would certainly enjoy it,” Benedict agreed. “He says he hires only the most highly skilled people and then he gives them the authority to carry out their duties in whatever manner they see fit. He says that is the best way.”
Alice grimaced. “What does he do if someone in his employ exceeds his authority?”
“He dismisses the person, I suppose,” Benedict said carelessly.
“I wonder if he will dismiss a betrothed wife as easily,” Alice muttered under her breath.
A small sound out in the hall caught her attention. She glanced anxiously toward the door, hoping that the faint footsteps she heard heralded the arrival of Elbert or one of the servants. An hour ago she had sent the steward to Hugh with a request to speak privately. Thus far there had been no response.
The footsteps passed her study chamber door without pausing. They receded down the hall. Alice heaved a tiny sigh.
Benedict glanced at her. “What did you say?”
“Nothing. Tell me more about your stay in London. Where did you stay?”
“At an inn that Sir Hugh favors. The food was plain but the cook did not attempt to disguise old meat in her stews and the bedding was clean. Sir Hugh says that is what one looks for in an inn.”
“Were there any women at this inn?” Alice asked cautiously.
“Aye, some worked in the tavern. Why do you ask?”
Alice picked up the green stone and pretended to study it. “Did Sir Hugh talk to any of those women?”
“Certainly, when he commanded that food or ale be brought to our table.”
“Did Sir Hugh go off with any of them?” Alice asked softly.
“Nay.” Benedict looked puzzled. “Where would he go with a tavern wench?”
Something inside Alice eased. She set the stone down and smiled at her brother. “I have no notion. I was merely curious. Tell me more about London.”
“‘Tis an astounding place, Alice. So many people and shops. So many buildings.”
“It must have been fascinating.”
“It was. But Sir Hugh says he prefers the comforts of his own hall.” Benedict paused by a worktable to toy with the astrolabe. “Alice, I have been thinking about my future. I believe I know what I would like to do.”
Alice frowned. “You have chosen a career?”
“I wish to become Sir Hugh’s man.”
Alice stared at her brother, astonished. “In what capacity?”
“I want to deal in the spice trade,” Benedict said eagerly. “I want to learn to keep the accounts and make contracts with the ships’ captains. I want to supervise the unloading of the vessels and the sale of the spices. ‘Tis so exciting, Alice. You cannot imagine.”
“You truly believe that you would enjoy that sort of career?”
“‘Twould be ever so much more interesting than a career in the law.”
Alice smiled wistfully. “I see that Sir Hugh has accomplished what I failed to do.”
Benedict glanced at her. “What is that?”
“He has given you a taste of the world and a hunger for your own future. ‘Tis a fine gift.”
And while Hugh had been graciously bestowing that gift on her brother, Alice thought sadly, she had been depriving him of his long-sought vengeance.
A startled hush fell over the great hall that afternoon when Alice descended the tower stairs for the midday meal.
The clatter of mugs and knives ceased momentarily. The bustling servants paused to stare. The men seated on the benches at the long trestle tables stopped talking. A burst of loud laughter was cut off abruptly.
Everyone gazed at her in astonishment. Alice knew they were held rapt not only by her presence but by the sight of her new black and amber gown. The significance of her apparel was not lost on anyone. Hugh’s betrothed wore her future husband’s new colors.
A soft murmur of wonder and curiosity swept through the chamber.
Alice smiled wryly. Her entrance had created a sensation second only to the sort that H
ugh himself was fond of making.
She looked down the length of the chamber to where he sat beneath the new black and amber canopy.
In spite of the tension in the hall, Alice could not help but be pleased with the effect Julian had created. There were cloths on the tables. Tapestries hung on the walls. Fresh herbs scented the clean rushes. Many of the servants were already garbed in the new colors.
Hugh looked especially fine seated at the head table in his great black chair, Alice thought.
He also looked very cold and very remote. Her momentary flicker of pleasure evaporated. He had not forgiven her for going to the aid of Riven hall.
“My lady.” Elbert appeared at Alice’s elbow. His expression was anxious. “Will you dine with us today?”
“Aye.”
Elbert beamed with unmistakable pride. “Allow me to escort you to the head table.”
“My thanks.” It was obvious that Hugh was not going to perform the courtesy, she thought.
Hugh watched with chilling intensity as she walked toward the head table. He did not rise from his ebony chair until she was almost upon him. At the last moment he got to his feet, inclined his head in an icy gesture, and took her hand to seat her. His fingers were iron bonds around her own soft palm.
“How kind of you to honor us with your presence, Lady Alice,” he murmured.
At his tone she shivered and knew that he must have felt her reaction. She tried to calm her racing pulse as she took her seat.
“I trust that you will enjoy the meal, sir.” Alice hastily freed her hand from his grasp.
“Your presence will definitely add a certain seasoning to the dishes.”
She knew that his laconic remark had not been intended as a compliment but she decided to pretend otherwise. “You are most gracious, sir.”
Hugh took his seat once more. He relaxed against the inlaid back of the chair and rested one elbow on a massive arm. He studied Alice with dangerous eyes. “May I ask why a woman of such refined sensibilities has chosen to dine in such rude company?”
Alice felt herself turn pink with embarrassment. “I do not consider the company rude.” She nodded toward Elbert, who sprang into action. “I look forward to dining with you, my lord.”
“Do you, indeed?”
He had not even noticed her new gown.
This was not going to be easy, Alice acknowledged. But, then, things rarely were with Hugh. She cast about for a way to change the topic. Her gaze fell on an unfamiliar man seated at the far end of one table. He was dressed in religious robes.
“Who is our guest?” she asked politely.
“The priest I brought back with me.” Hugh flicked a mildly curious glance at an elegant dish of poached fish as it was set in front of him. The fish had been garnished with a saffron-tinted sauce. “He will perform the wedding service tomorrow.”
Alice swallowed. “Wedding service?”
“Our marriage ceremony, madam.” Hugh’s mouth curved in a wintry smile. “Or had you forgotten about it?”
“Nay, of course not.” Alice picked up her spoon, gripping it so tightly that the blood left the tips of her fingers.
By the Saints, he is furious, she thought. Far more so than she had realized. She wondered what she should do next. She had no notion of how to handle Hugh when he was in this mood. Despair threatened to sweep over her. She fought it with sheer willpower.
“You have not answered my question.” Hugh helped himself to a slice of the hot cheese and leek tart that a servant brought to the table.
“What question was that, my lord?”
“Why have you condescended to dine with your future lord and his men?”
“It was not an act of condescension. I merely wished to enjoy the meal with you. Is that so odd?”
Hugh considered briefly as he sampled a bite of the tart. “Aye. Most odd.”
He was toying with her, Alice thought. Baiting her, “Well, ‘tis the truth, sir.” She concentrated on a dish of almond-flavored vegetables. “I wanted to welcome you home from London.”
“Welcome me or placate me?”
Alice’s temper flared. She put down her spoon with a thump. “I am not here because I seek to placate you, sir.”
“Are you certain?” A humorless smile played around the edges of Hugh’s mouth. “I have often noticed that your manners improve greatly when you seek a boon. One could view your actions today as those of a woman who knows she has overstepped herself. Mayhap you think to make amends for what you did yesterday?”
Alice knew she could not eat a single morsel now. She stood up abruptly and turned to confront him. “I did what I thought was necessary.”
“Sit down.”
“Nay, I will not sit down, sir. I came to dine with you here today because I wished to see if you cared for the improvements that have been made in this keep.” She waved a hand at the black and amber canopy overhead. “You have not said one word about the decorations.”
“Sit down, Alice.”
“Nor have you bothered to pay attention to the excellent food.” She glowered at him. “I spent hours organizing this household while you were gone and you have not deigned to extend a single kind word. Tell me, do you find the tart tasty, my lord? Did you notice that it was warm, not cold?”
Hugh narrowed his eyes. “I am more interested in other matters at the moment.”
“Have you tried the ale? It is newly brewed.”
“I have not sampled it yet.”
“Did you enjoy the pleasant scent of your linens? What about the fresh rushes on the floor? Did you note that the garderobe shafts have all been washed with a great quantity of water and now exude a pleasant fragrance?”
“Alice—”
“What of the new colors that Julian and I so carefully chose? I added amber to match your eyes.”
“Madam, I vow, if you do not sit down immediately, I shall—”
She ignored him to shake out the folds of her skirts. “And what about my new gown, sir? The maids worked late into the night to finish the embroidery. Do you like it?”
He raked the black and amber garment with a single glance. “Did you think that the sight of you wearing my colors would sweeten my temper?” His hand closed fiercely around the arm of his chair. “By the devil, do you believe that I care more about clean garderobes than I do about vengeance?”
Alice was incensed. “I did no more than you yourself would have done had you been here when young Reginald came to plead for aid.”
Hugh’s eyes gleamed with fury. “You think to excuse your actions with such poor logic?”
“Aye, my lord, I do. You will never convince me that you would have let Lady Emma, her young son, and her entire household fall into the clutches of that horrible Eduard of Lockton. Regardless of your feelings toward Rivenhall, you are far too noble to allow the innocent to suffer for the sake of your vengeance.”
“You know nothing of my nature.”
“In that you are wrong. I know a great deal about you, sir. And in my opinion, ‘tis most unfortunate that your fine nobility of manner is exceeded only by your monumental stubbornness.”
Alice whisked up her skirts, turned, and fled from the high table. Tears burned in her eyes by the time she reached the door. She rushed down the steps and out into the sunlight.
She did not pause or look back as she dashed through the keep’s gate.
She did not know what made her choose the cave as her destination. But for some obscure reason Alice found solace in the shadows of the large cavern where Hugh had made love to her.
It had been a lone, witless flight. What had she, thought to accomplish by fleeing the keep so ignominiously? she wondered.
She sat down on an outcropping of stone near the cavern entrance and breathed deeply to recover from her wild run. She was disheveled and exhausted. The circlet that bound her hair had slipped to the side. Wispy red tendrils blew lightly about her cheeks. Her soft black leather shoes were scuffed. The skirts of her
new gown were stained with dirt.
She had been so certain that, once his temper had cooled, Hugh would comprehend why she had gone to the rescue of Rivenhall. So certain that he would forgive her. He was a man of keen intelligence, after all, not a brute of a man as was Eduard of Lockton.
On the other hand, Hugh was not known as Relentless for naught, she reminded herself. Those who knew him maintained that nothing could alter his course once he had determined upon it. And he had been determined upon revenge since the day of his birth.
There was a great heaviness in Alice’s heart. Her normally optimistic outlook had turned to a painful and quite unfamiliar mood of deep gloom. She was so accustomed to planning for the future that it came as a shock to realize that that future might well be empty.
She gazed out over the landscape of Scarcliffe and wondered morosely how she could marry a man who had no heart.
Mayhap it was time to reconsider a life within the calm, cloistered walls of the convent.
Mayhap it was time to abandon her fledgling dreams of love.
It was strange to realize that until she had met Hugh, she had never even been tempted to dream such dreams.
Alice tried to force herself to think calmly and logically about the situation. She was not yet wed. There was still time to escape the betrothal.
She could force Hugh to honor his portion of the bargain they had made. When all was said and done, he was a man who could be counted upon to abide by his word of honor. She’d had ample evidence of that last night at Rivenhall. He had stood by his oath to her even though it had cost him his vengeance.
Of course there was always the possibility that he would be only too happy to dissolve the betrothal, she thought bleakly. She had proven to be a good deal more inconvenient than even Hugh had anticipated.
The thought brought the tears to her eyes again. She started to dash them away with the sleeve of her gown, hesitated, and then succumbed to the urge to cry. She lowered her head down onto her folded arms and gave herself up to the storm of emotion that swept over her.
She had never felt so alone in her life.
It was a long time before the floodtide of feeling exhausted itself. Alice eventually ceased sobbing and sat quietly, her head pillowed on her arms, until she grew calm once more.