It took Guy two days more to make certain that his lands were registered to himself and none other, and he also discovered that other land in his area was up for sale. The going price for a town seemed to be eight or nine ounces of gold.
It was a large party indeed that left London. Guy and Robert de Mortain traveled with Robert of Eu, who was going directly to Hastings, which he had just acquired.
Chapter 17
Rolf grew in strength daily, for which everyone at Godstone heaved a collective sigh of relief. Lady Alison examined André's thigh and pursed her lips.
"I am afraid as the leg heals the muscle will shorten considerably and you will only walk again with the aid of a crutch."
André's eyes burned brightly, and he turned his face to the wall while the horror of her words swirled around and around in his brain. She tried to get him to talk about it, but he would not respond, and later she learned from Rose that he would not eat. Lady Alison sought out Lillyth and confided her fears for Andre.
"Your words were cruel, mother. Could you not have softened the blow?" she asked.
"It will have to be faced sooner or later; I thought it best sooner," said Alison in her practical way.
"Is there absolutely nothing we can do?" Lillyth asked anxiously.
Alison pondered for a moment, then said without much conviction, "Perhaps if the leg was massaged it would keep the muscle more supple, but it's only a gamble." She shrugged. "Ah Lillyth, my hands are filled with too many patients, and tomorrow is Christmas. I want our people to enjoy it a little, as in the old days, but I have so much to do."
Quickly Lillyth cut in, I will take over André's nursing. He will be my patient from now on." She ran quickly up to her chamber and took a small chess set from a low table. She entered André's chamber in time to hear him yell savagely, "Get out!" to Edyth. Lillyth motioned for her to leave the room and went up to the bed.
"I have come to entertain you, my lord."
He turned upon her with cutting words. "It is my brothers who are being entertained at the coronation. I'm being pitied!"
She bit back the quick retort about self-pity that sprang to her lips and smiled at him prettily.
"Come, André, its Christmas, and I am here to relieve your monotony." His eyes narrowed and his lips set stubbornly in a tight, hard line.
"We will, play a game of chess ..."
"Chess!" he spat contemptuously.
"We will play a game of chess, and if you win, I will tell you a secret I have learned about your leg." The corners of her lips crept upwards, and his eyes opened wide at the mention of his leg.
"What about my leg?" he demanded quickly.
She shook her head and her hair cascaded about her. "First the chess!"
The first fifteen minutes Andre played without interest until Lillyth said, "I will not tell you about your leg unless you beat me, Andre." His interest quickened and in just over half an hour and five moves he had maneuvered his queen and shouted triumphantly, "Checkmate!"
"How impatient you are. A Montgomery trait, I think," she laughed. "It will help your leg muscle if we rub it with oil every day. Perhaps we can prevent it from shortening too much."
"Go and fetch the oil now, Lillyth, and I will rub it not once, but ten times a day."
"No, you cannot do it yourself. You must relax the leg and I will rub it for you. I will do it every morning and every evening. I will bring the oil now." She smiled.
She returned with a small stone bottle and a large clean linen cloth. She blushed as she told him, "Drape yourself with this and put the rest under your leg so we don't get oil all over the bed."
Under cover of the sheet, Andre draped one end between his legs and pulled the other end under his leg and threw back the sheet. The wound had closed, but the edges were red and puckered where flesh and muscle had been cut away. Lillyth took out the stopper and a pungent odor filled their nostrils, not unpleasantly, as she poured out a handful and applied it to the leg. His leg was very sore to touch, but the oil soothed it, and Lillyth's hands were so gentle as she massaged the skin that he lay back and relaxed to the even, sensual strokes of her hands. He became quickly aroused and knew that it was obvious to Lillyth, but she tried to ignore it and kept on rubbing with long, smooth movements. When she had finished she said, "I will bring you some supper now. Would you like me to eat up here with you?"
"There will be merrymaking in the hall tonight; go and enjoy yourself."
"I care nothing for that, Andre, I will spend the evening with you. Tomorrow we will play another game of chess, and, I will not let you win so easily, I can promise you."
"Ha! Don't pretend you let me win, for I don't believe you."
"We shall see," she laughed.
The next day she took out an old game of snakes and ladders she had had as a child and they laughed their way up the ladders and down the snakes.
She rubbed his leg morning and evening, and at her touch he became aroused every time, but as Lillyth always ignored this, it soon subsided and he half-closed his eyes and studied her lovely profile and the golden-red tresses that fell so prettily about her
It was decided that Andre could get up and walk about with the aid of a crutch during the afternoon, if he were back in bed by six each evening. On the fifth night Lillyth massaged his leg and he pretended to drift off to sleep, then with a movement so swift she could not prevent him, he had her in bed with him, cuddled against his side, and he was showering her with fiery kisses. She did not immediately struggle against him, but relaxed and allowed him a few kisses.
"Let me up, Andre, or I will tell Guy when he returns."
He laughed in his throat and said thickly, "I have been thinking about that, sweetheart, and I know that I can take you here and now and you will never breathe a word of this to Guy."
She stiffened and tried to pull away from him. She was a little frightened now
"He will kill you!" she cried.
"Yes, he would kill me, and that is why you will not tell him, cherie. You would never be the cause of his having his brother's blood on his hands, because you are clever enough to realize he would come to hate you for it."
She was fast losing her argument at the logic of his statements.
"Do not be afraid, my darling," he whispered, and she saw her opportunity plainly and laughed until tears came to her eyes.
"Why should I be afraid of such a little thing?" she asked pointedly, stressing the double entendre. He was immediately offended.
"You are a poor substitute for your brother. He is a magnificent lover." She removed herself quickly from the bed and said lightly over her shoulder, "I will be back tomorrow, and do try to be a good boy!" She spoke to him as she would to a child.
The next morning she went out to the huts of the peasants and sought a young, unmarried wench who would be able to help with André's nursing. Her notice fell on one of the girls who was quite pretty in a cheeky way. She had a head full of saucy red curls and a pert, turned-up nose. Lillyth asked one of the older women her name.
"Ah, lady, you would not want that one up at the hall. She is not a good girl," and she looked at Lillyth knowingly to make sure she got the message.
Lillyth beckoned the girl and said, "I think she is just who I am looking for."
She took her up to her own room and made her bathe and wash her hair. Then she picked out a pretty turquoise blue underdress and tunic for her. "Do you know any games, Bertha?"
"Oh yes, my lady, I know plenty" She grinned suggestively.
"I mean games such as chess," said Lillyth lamely.
"Let me see. I know hide-the-thimble and blind-man's buff, and such as that."
"Well, they might serve. Our patient is the lord's brother and he gets bored very easily. He is getting to be too big a handful for me to manage, so I want you to help me amuse him."
When Lillyth walked into André's chamber with Bertha in tow, their eyes met in amused understanding, and when Lillyth had administered
the massage to the leg, she left Bertha and Andre to their own devices.
Emma counted the days until Esmé's return. She was positive now that she was with child. She felt such security in the knowledge that the moment she told him of his baby he would do the honorable thing and marry her.
Rose discovered that she missed Nicholas with all her heart. The days he spent away in London filled her with apprehension, lest another maid catch his eye, perhaps one who was less shy, and more willing to do his bidding. She had almost decided that if he came back to her, begging for the same favors and liberties, she would give in to him. A picture of his dark, laughing face came into her mind, and she sighed with longing. Then she saw Emma across the room, jabbing at her needlework impatiently, and remembered her fainting and the things that were being whispered about her. She sighed again. Perhaps she would not let Nicholas have his way completely, after all.
Since Hugh Montrose had been gone, Adela had received constant attention from one of the knights Guy had left behind. Adela did not welcome these attentions. In fact, she did everything in her power to discourage the man. In truth, men frightened her. All except Hugh Montrose. Somehow, he did not pose a threat to her. She found herself wishing for his return, for when she shared the evening meal with Hugh, she was safe from unwanted attention.
Edyth was completely miserable. While Guy had been gone, Lillyth had taken over the care of Andre and had almost excluded her from nursing him. Edyth was sick with worry over his wound. She did not mind if he had a crippled leg, but she knew it would be such a blow to his pride that he would never be the same carefree young man again unless something could be done for it. Lady Alison and Lillyth had wonderful healing skills, and she prayed that their ministrations would be successful, but must they monopolize his every waking moment? When she found out about Bertha, she was so angry with Lillyth she vowed not to speak to her and avoided her at every turn.
Guy and his men, along with Robert de Mortain and six of his knights, rode south with Robert of Eu and his eighty men. Guy offered Eu the hospitality of Godstone, knowing full well what eighty men and their horses would cost to feed, but Eu declined the invitation, saying he wished to reach Hastings with all possible speed.
When they neared Sevenoaks, Guy drew him a map of the fastest route to the coast. At the crossroads they stopped for ale at the inn and Guy took this opportunity to send Nicholas with all speed to Godstone to warn Alison and Lillyth of the exalted visitor who would soon be upon them.
Lillyth looked out from upstairs and saw the huge horse approaching with the tall, dark rider.
Her heart gave a leap and she ran down the stairs and outside without stopping for a cloak. When she saw that it was Nicholas she was only slightly disappointed, as she knew Guy could not be far behind.
"Lillyth, the men are at Sevenoaks and Guy has the king's brother with him. I came on ahead to give you notice," he said.
"Splendor of God," she breathed, "it is not much notice! How many are there?" she asked.
"He's only brought six of his own knights with him and they can be bedded in the armory, so it's just Robert you will have to worry about, at least for the present."
"What do you mean?" she asked breathlessly.
"Mortain is traveling to the coast to bring his lady and his son, William. He is bringing them to Godstone to break their journey, and they will have their whole household with them."
Lillyth turned and fled without listening to more. She found her mother and told her the news as quickly as she could.
"I'll go to the kitchens, you go up and prepare the large chamber, Lillyth."
Lillyth moved all her belongings over to her mother's room, then she took Rolf's clothes from her mother's room and put them in the small chamber next door. She went back to the large chamber and debated about Guy's belongings. Should she leave them here so that he could share with the king's brother? Then she thought about his wife's arrival, and thinking they would wish to be together, she took Guy's things and put them in the small chamber with Rolf's. It took a considerable amount of time before the large chamber was vacant, and she found herself wondering why Edyth never seemed to be about these days. She went to fetch fresh linen sheets for the big bed. She could hear the riders arrive at the stables and hoped Nicholas had had enough forethought to send for plenty of men to tend and feed the horses, as the travelers would be weary and always appreciated help in this direction.
Rolf met Guy and Robert at the doorway to the hall, and. Guy swept his arm about Rolf and laughed with great relief to see him on his feet again. Robert shook hands with Rolf, whom he knew from many campaigns. Guy looked about for his women, and seeing none in evidence, he urged Robert to go upstairs and pick out a bedchamber while he fetched wine to clear the dust of the road from their throats.
Robert looked about the hall with great interest. It wasn't as large as a castle, but by the face, it was well appointed and rich tapestries hung everywhere. He idly walked up the stairs and spied Lillyth bending over the huge bed, spreading a fine linen sheet. He went swiftly up to her, picked her up and held her in the air for a moment, as large men are often wont to do when they see a small-boned woman who attracts them. Her mouth formed an oh, but no sound came out, so startled was she. "By the face, you are a beautiful little wench, and these damned Montgomerys have you working as a menial. I will take you back to Berkhamstead with me, where I promise you will only have to look beautiful and do the things that amuse you."
Guy coughed behind therm and said, "My Lord, this is the Lady Lillyth of Godstone— Lillyth, this is my good friend, Robert de Mortain."
Robert's countenance changed visibly. "My humble apologies, my lady. Montgomery, we should offer every courtesy to our highborn Saxon countrymen. Why is she doing menial work?" His plain, square face showed his annoyance.
Lillyth quickly said, "My lord, it is my pleasure and honor to prepare your chamber for you. Indeed I do not usually do this work, and my mother and I have received every courtesy from our new lord."
"Very prettily done too! My heartfelt thanks, my dear lady. Will you do me the great honor of dining at my side this evening?" he asked formally.
"Why, I humbly thank you, my lord, I would love to. I will have a bath prepared for you immediately. Have you had any refreshment, sire?"
"There is ale and wine below. Will you join us, Lillyth?" asked Guy in a formal tone.
"It would be my pleasure." She smiled at the two men.
When they went downstairs, they found Alison and Rolf serving wine to Robert's men.
"May I present Lady Alison— Robert de Mortain," introduced Guy.
"Ah, it is indeed an honor for me to entertain my countryman," said Alison with great warmth.
Robert replied, "The honor is mine, madame."
Guy smiled. "She is a wonderful chatelaine and indeed none of us could manage without her. Her nursing skills are unsurpassed— witness Rolf here who was done near to death. How is my brother Andre mending?"
"He is Lillyth's patient, my lord, but you will find she has him completely in hand."
Guy's eyebrow raised at Lillyth, and she hid a smile behind her wine. "He cannot manage the stairs without aid yet, so I think it would be better if you went up to him," she suggested.
Robert quickly spoke up, "I'll come too, lead the way, then I'm for that bath I was promised."
Lillyth could not forestall them and they burst in upon André and discovered him in bed with Bertha. Raucous laughter assailed Lillyth's ears, and she went quickly into her mother's chamber and closed the door. Only when Robert was safely in his chamber did Guy seek out Lillyth. He enfolded her in his arms and said her name over and over. She felt the prod of his manhood against her thighs, and demurred and tried to pull away from him.
"Sweetheart, don't you know it is the greatest compliment a man can pay a woman?"
"You pay me too many compliments, my lord," she smiled.
He threw back his head in laughter, "Ah, you lay me
low, wench. Sweeting, as soon as we are rid of our exalted company, we will be wed, but word of this must not reach William's ears, lest he try to stop it, so we will have to be careful." He bent his head and took her lips, his hands caressing her lovingly.
"I can behave myself. The question is, can you?" she teased.
"l don't know, it has been so long and I have missed you damnably, Lillyth!"
"Is that a present for me?" she asked.
He handed her the parcel. "It is a gown from London, made all in one piece, not an underdress and tunic. As soon as I saw it, I wanted to see you in it. It will cling to your body and show off all your lovely curves." He slid his hand down her body and drew her to him again. "But by all that's holy, if you wear it in front of Robert I will take my whip to you."
He looked so ferocious that for a moment she feared him. She told herself it was ridiculous to fear a man who would soon be her husband, so on impulse she kissed him and whispered, "Or one of your other weapons, my love?"
"You saucy baggage!" he said, but the ferocity had left him.
"I must go and help mother. At this moment she probably needs me more than you do."
"That cannot possibly be." He shook his head.
"Thank you for the present, my lord."
"I will enjoy it as much as you, I have no doubt," he grinned.
Robert de Mortain was a square-built, large man. He looked like a plain soldier except for his rich garments. He had nothing of the polished courtier in his looks; however, his manner toward Lillyth was all gentle courtesy. When she joined him for dinner, Guy was pleased to note that she dressed with extreme modesty, in flowing apricot velvet, and her hair was covered with a matching head scarf. She did not even glance in Guy's direction once during the meal, but he could not accuse her of flirting with Robert, because she kept her eyes lowered and answered him only when he ventured some remark or question to her. She listened to the men's conversation and gathered that they were leaving for the coast on the morrow and that Robert had requested Guy to accompany him. The party that would descend upon them within a couple of days threatened to be a large one, as most of the Mortain household was expected, along with furniture, baggage, servants, horses and priests.