achievement of her goal was worth any means, because her plan worked to his benefit as much as hers.
“Your memory also serves. What if I’ve changed my mind?”
“What changed your mind in such a short span of time?”
The line between truth and deception was slim. She didn’t want to cross it. She wouldn’t break her promise to be honest, she couldn’t lie. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t do her best to influence him.
“How long will you be away?” She pitched her voice low, as sultry as she could make it.
“A month, at least.”
“Such a long reprieve,” she whispered. She met his gaze boldly and traced a finger down his sleeve. “Longer than I expected without you to warm my bed.”
The slight narrowing of his gray-green eyes told her he understood.
The hum of conversation continued around them. Richard saw only Eleanor, even more beautiful today then yesterday, when shock and dismay had paled her skin and dulled her violet eyes.
She wanted to go to court with him. Her not so subtle hint about their lack of consummation was unconvincing, however. The more sincere a woman seemed, the deeper the betrayal likely to follow. He’d allowed himself to be beguiled by Blanche and had learned caution from his mistake.
Mere hours ago Eleanor stood firm in her love for another. She couldn’t have changed her mind, developed feelings for him so quickly. What was her ploy?
“Do you hope Arthur will be at court, too?”
“He’s not my main concern,” she replied. “As you’ve said, you and I are wed. We should be together.” As she rested her hand on his sleeve, her wedding ring sparkled.
The first time she’d touched him of her own accord. He liked that.
“I don’t believe you’re going just to be with me.”
“You’re right. There is another reason. I can’t stay here with my traitor father. This is no longer my home,” she continued. “And since I haven’t yet been to Glasmere, that isn’t my home, either.”
If she joined him, he could be escorting his wife to the man she said she loved. Not a pleasant prospect. Blanche would likely return to court as well. He didn’t want Eleanor anywhere near her, either. Between his business with the king and his and Eleanor’s former betrotheds, he’d have his hands full. And he’d have to postpone his search for his father’s missing alchemy scrolls.
But he wanted his bride to get to know him better, and he had to well and truly consummate this marriage. Neither could occur if they were separated.
Which was least selfish, to bring her or leave her behind?
Chapter 5
“I can’t go to court!” Alyce cried. “Now that you’re finally wed, I am for the Church. ’Twasn’t only your life affected by delays. Politics and war kept you from Arthur and me from following my path.”
“Now who sounds like a spoiled child?” Eleanor demanded.
They walked to the small chapel where Alyce would spend the rest of the morning in prayer. Regular services weren’t enough for her devout sister.
“Obviously you haven’t made up your mind about what you truly want,” Eleanor said. Morning sun set the sapphires on her ring aglow. She dropped her hands to her sides. “Remaining here was an excuse. You could’ve gone to the convent at any time and returned for a visit. You kept putting off your departure. Why?”
“I—”
“Your chamber reflects your interest in taking the veil, but your words and actions don’t. Who did I catch eavesdropping on two of the maids last week as they engaged in frank discussion not meant for a maiden’s ears?”
“You listened with me,” Alyce said.
“I needed to know, as a woman about to become a wife. We have no mother or aunt to explain such things. But you, only this morning, wanted to hear about my wedding night.” Eleanor could have kicked herself for bringing that up again. “This journey could help you make your decision. Going to court will give you a taste of the secular world. If you enjoy
“Your memory also serves. What if I’ve changed my mind?”
“What changed your mind in such a short span of time?”
The line between truth and deception was slim. She didn’t want to cross it. She wouldn’t break her promise to be honest, she couldn’t lie. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t do her best to influence him.
“How long will you be away?” She pitched her voice low, as sultry as she could make it.
“A month, at least.”
“Such a long reprieve,” she whispered. She met his gaze boldly and traced a finger down his sleeve. “Longer than I expected without you to warm my bed.”
The slight narrowing of his gray-green eyes told her he understood.
The hum of conversation continued around them. Richard saw only Eleanor, even more beautiful today then yesterday, when shock and dismay had paled her skin and dulled her violet eyes.
She wanted to go to court with him. Her not so subtle hint about their lack of consummation was unconvincing, however. The more sincere a woman seemed, the deeper the betrayal likely to follow. He’d allowed himself to be beguiled by Blanche and had learned caution from his mistake.
Mere hours ago Eleanor stood firm in her love for another. She couldn’t have changed her mind, developed feelings for him so quickly. What was her ploy?
“Do you hope Arthur will be at court, too?”
“He’s not my main concern,” she replied. “As you’ve said, you and I are wed. We should be together.” As she rested her hand on his sleeve, her wedding ring sparkled.
The first time she’d touched him of her own accord. He liked that.
“I don’t believe you’re going just to be with me.”
“You’re right. There is another reason. I can’t stay here with my traitor father. This is no longer my home,” she continued. “And since I haven’t yet been to Glasmere, that isn’t my home, either.”
If she joined him, he could be escorting his wife to the man she said she loved. Not a pleasant prospect. Blanche would likely return to court as well. He didn’t want Eleanor anywhere near her, either. Between his business with the king and his and Eleanor’s former betrotheds, he’d have his hands full. And he’d have to postpone his search for his father’s missing alchemy scrolls.
But he wanted his bride to get to know him better, and he had to well and truly consummate this marriage. Neither could occur if they were separated.
Which was least selfish, to bring her or leave her behind?
Chapter 5
“I can’t go to court!” Alyce cried. “Now that you’re finally wed, I am for the Church. ’Twasn’t only your life affected by delays. Politics and war kept you from Arthur and me from following my path.”
“Now who sounds like a spoiled child?” Eleanor demanded.
They walked to the small chapel where Alyce would spend the rest of the morning in prayer. Regular services weren’t enough for her devout sister.
“Obviously you haven’t made up your mind about what you truly want,” Eleanor said. Morning sun set the sapphires on her ring aglow. She dropped her hands to her sides. “Remaining here was an excuse. You could’ve gone to the convent at any time and returned for a visit. You kept putting off your departure. Why?”
“I—”
“Your chamber reflects your interest in taking the veil, but your words and actions don’t. Who did I catch eavesdropping on two of the maids last week as they engaged in frank discussion not meant for a maiden’s ears?”
“You listened with me,” Alyce said.
“I needed to know, as a woman about to become a wife. We have no mother or aunt to explain such things. But you, only this morning, wanted to hear about my wedding night.” Eleanor could have kicked herself for bringing that up again. “This journey could help you make your decision. Going to court will give you a taste of the secular world. If you enjoy
Similar Books
