Courtly Love (22 page)

Serena nodded slightly and in doing so, a strand of hair fell upon Gyles's chest. "I spoke to him, though I don't know if it did any good. Bryan is so stubborn, Gyles! If he doesn't listen to me, he'll find himself in William's dungeon yet."

"Perhaps 'twould help if I spoke with him," Gyles offered.

"Hah! Tis kind of you, Gyles, but Bryan would not listen to you." Serena placed a kiss on Gyles's neck. "Besides, I think I have found the solution. Her name is Catherine; I believe Bryan will be far too involved to worry about something as insignificant as William's crown."

Beside her Gyles chuckled. "Are you trying your hand at matchmaking, Serena?"

"No, indeed," Serena replied indignantly. "In fact, 'tis Catherine's idea totally. She spied Bryan tonight and thought him very favorable." Serena struggled upright and peered through the darkness, trying to see Gyles's face. "And, Gyles, you would not believe what Matilda's ladies discuss behind closed doors! Men! I vow that every man at court was the subject of heated debate tonight, and not in delicate, refined terms, either. Even Matilda joined in. Gyles, you should have heard, there is one lord here, at court who—"

"Serena, please!" Gyles's laughter cut across her speech. "I have no desire to hear any details." Gyles rolled to his side and pulled Serena back down beside him. "And what, pray, did you contribute to the conversation?"

"I, for once, had the intelligence to keep my thoughts to myself. And, compared to the other women, Catherine and I were the only ones who don't have a vast amount of experience," Serena said primly. Gyles began to nuzzle her neck and Serena sighed happily. Then she confessed guiltily, "But I wish Lady Elspeth would have arrived earlier. From what Catherine said, she could enlighten us all. Did you know that she caused quite a scandal at court four years ago?"

Gyles lifted his head and with a muttered oath rolled to his back. "Serena, you are impossible! Are you so taken with court life that you have no care for your husband? Cherie, we have not been man and wife for over two weeks, and... oh, what's the use?"

Serena tentatively touched his shoulder. "Gyles? Forgive me, I did not mean to run on so. Gyles, please. It has been such an enjoyable evening for me, let's not argue." Serena's hand moved in a circular motion over Gyles's chest and down his stomach.

Gyles's anger cooled and another, stronger emotion took its place. Gyles reached up and twined his fingers in a lock of delicately scented hair. "How can you bear to live with me, Serena? Since we were wed I have brought you naught but sorrow. Ah, lass, why do you stay?"

Serena laughed softly. "Because I love you, and I will keep telling you until you grow weary of hearing it. Because without you I would have nothing to live for. Because you are my life and I love and treasure you above all else. Because just looking at you fills my heart to such limits that at times I am sure 'twill burst in its joy." Gyles's arms went about Serena and pulled her effortlessly against him. Serena's hand reached up to lay against his cheek. "Shall I tell you more?"

"Nay," Gyles whispered just before his mouth slanted across hers.

"
S
erena!"

At the sound of her name, Serena paused in mid-step and turned. Catherine, her skirts lifted high above her ankles, was racing down the corridor in Serena's wake, her bronze hair escaping its ribbons and falling around her flushed face.

"Serena," Catherine gasped and rested a hand on her friend's shoulder in exhaustion. "I have been running all over this castle looking for you. Why weren't you in your room?"

Serena laughed. "Gyles was gone when I got there, so I decided to see more of the castle so I won't need a page to get around. Now catch your breath and tell me why you were looking for me."

Catherine took a deep gulp of air. "Matilda wants you. In her chambers. Immediately."

"But she told me I could have the rest of the day to myself!" Serena wailed, "Gyles and I planned to go riding this morning. Oh, Catherine, he'll be absolutely furious!"

"Well, it can't be helped. Matilda is selecting materials for her new gowns and insists upon you being there."

"I don't suppose I have the time to return to our chamber and leave Gyles a note?" Serena asked hopefully.

"Absolutely not, Serena. You've been at court two weeks and you know how Matilda is. The queen is sweet, generous, and mild-tempered unless her orders aren't carried out posthaste. Hurry, Serena, you've kept her waiting long enough." Catherine's hands urged Serena forward.

"Oh, wait, Catherine, wait." Serena came to an abrupt halt. "You must do me a favor, Catherine. Go to our chamber and wait for Gyles and explain what has happened."

Catherine looked doubtful, but eventually nodded her consent. "All right, I'll do it, anything to get you back to the queen. Now hurry, Serena, please!" As Serena sped down the hall Catherine called after her, "Don't worry, I'll speak to Gyles."

Catherine started off at a more sedate pace in the direction of Serena's chamber. In the past fortnight, Catherine had grown quite fond of Bryan's sister and Bryan himself. Catherine's whole life had changed since she met Bryan—because for the first time she was in love, and if she understood Bryan correctly, he was falling in love with her. And all because of a chance meeting with Serena. A small frown darkened Catherine's features. She was truly fond of Serena, but Serena's husband was a different matter. So arrogant and cynical, Gyles had effectively intimidated Catherine since Serena had first introduced them. That had been the first common ground Catherine and Bryan had found. While Catherine stood somewhat in awe of Gyles, Bryan passionately disliked him. Both agreed that Serena would be far happier had she married a different man. Simply, Gyles was not good enough for Serena. And something more plagued Catherine. Gyles was the kind of man not easily forgotten and Catherine was certain she had met him before. Something had flickered in Catherine's memory that refused to be pushed aside—a vague uneasiness that she could not define. Catherine was afraid that Serena would be deeply hurt by her husband.

Catherine rapped on the door of the chamber Gyles and Serena shared. There was no response and Catherine glanced down the hallway, hoping that Gyles would come into sight. She bit her lip nervously. If Matilda sent a page for Catherine, she would have no choice but to return to the queen's chambers, and then Gyles would never learn Serena's whereabouts; it would be Serena who would feel the full weight of his anger. Decisively, Catherine pushed open the door and entered the room. There was naught to do but wait, and Catherine irritably paced the room. Serena's tapestry stood in its loom by the window and Catherine stepped in front of it to admire Serena's handiwork. Serena had laughingly told Catherine that it would be a wedding gift for Bryan and herself and Catherine was amazed at Serena's tremendous undertaking. The tapestry was taller than Catherine and its width was more than Catherine could reach with outstretched arms. The scene was of Broughton, minute in detail and amazingly real—exactly as Bryan had described it to Catherine. How long it would take to finish Catherine could not guess, but she respected Serena's courage in her choice of subjects. If Serena meant it as a wedding gift, Bryan should not be in any haste to wed.

Catherine was startled out of her contemplation by the squeak of the door hinges as it swung open, and she had nearly stepped around the tapestry to declare her presence when Gyles's voice froze her to the floor.

"Come in then, if you must. I have no desire for Serena to find you here, so say what you will quickly."

A low, cultured laugh came from directly in front of her and Catherine moved backward until she felt the wall behind her.

"Gyles, you amaze me. Are you so afraid of your puny little wife that you dare not incur her wrath? Mon homme, you have changed much if that is the case."

"Four years is a long time, Elspeth. But you have not changed—still beautiful, still heartless."

"Not so heartless, Gyles. Remember? In the end I did as you asked."

A snort came from Gyles and Catherine heard him move around the room. Catherine's heart was thudding so loudly that they surely must hear it!

"Aye." The word sounded as if it were wrenched from Gyles's throat. "You did as I asked, but only after I threatened to hold you in irons."

Again that humorless laugh. "And now our circumstances are reversed. I am free and you are wed—how ironic, don't you agree?"

"Ironic," Gyles agreed.

"You have been busy these past years; indeed, you have done quite well. Lord of Camden." The title rolled from Elspeth's tongue. Then with a touch of sarcasm she added, "How lucky for you that Serena's greed for a title overcame her natural reluctance to wed a bastard. But then, since she is a Saxon, I suppose she could hope for nothing more."

"You've sharpened your claws sufficiently, Elspeth, so would you mind getting to the point? Serena and I are to go riding in a short time."

"Do not fret so, Gyles. Serena will not be coming—I have seen to that—so you and I can enjoy a leisurely chat. Your first evening at court was far too short and then to be interrupted by William Rufus was really too taxing."

"Come to the point!" Gyles bellowed and Catherine clapped a hand over her mouth to hold back her startled scream.

Elspeth sighed loudly. "Still impatient as ever, Gyles. Very well. I wish to resume our former relationship and I wish to see Alan."

A shocked silence reigned until Gyles finally spoke. "Elspeth, you have taken leave of your senses!" he said incredulously.

"Not at all." Elspeth was quite calm. "I have often regretted giving Alan up into your care."

"You did not want him, remember?" Gyles's voice was strained.

"No. But my husband would have believed Alan was his—when he wasn't on a battlefield he was drunk— and Alan could now inherit the estates."

"And you would not be forced to marry again."

Catherine could sense Elspeth's shrug. "Yes, that is unfortunate, but I have a plan for that."

Gyles's tone was dry. "Which includes me?"

"But of course, cherie. Perhaps I misled you when I spoke of our former relationship. What I propose is a marriage. Ours. I have proven my ability to bear children, Serena has not. The Church will easily grant an annulment to you. Alan can return from Normandy and at last know a mother's love." The rustle of Elspeth's gown indicated her movement to the door. "Come, Gyles, think on my offer. But for now, accompany me to the stables and help me select a mount."

The door closed behind them and Catherine's breath exploded from her lips. Gyles and Elspeth! Poor Serena! Did she suspect? No, of course not. How could she? Catherine tiptoed cautiously from behind the tapestry. Gyles should be far enough away by now so that she could make her way back to the queen without being seen.

Catherine's hand fell on the latch to open the door, then she jumped back with a startled cry as Gyles loomed in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" Gyles boomed.

Catherine retreated a step and swallowed convulsively. "I. . . Serena asked me to ... to find you. The queen summoned her back and she asked me to tell you that she wouldn't be able to go riding this morn." Gyles's green eyes bored into her with such intensity that Catherine began to tremble. "Well," she laughed shakily, "I must return to the queen. If you will excuse me?"

Gyles's fingers wrapped around Catherine's upper arm as he sent the door flying shut with a kick of his foot. "You are lying," he said in a dangerously controlled voice.

"Nay!" Catherine was thoroughly frightened. "I swear, 'tis the truth. Serena did not wish for you to wait vainly for her so she sent me."

Gyles relaxed his grip but remained firmly in Cath-rine's path. "And you only just arrived?"

"Nay ... I mean, aye ... I ... I came a few moments ago, but you were not here, so I thought to wait for you," Catherine stammered.

"Then why were you leaving?" Gyles queried softly. "Know you this, Catherine, I do not tolerate those who would spy on me. You will not leave this chamber 'til you speak the truth."

Catherine dissolved into tears. "I have told you the truth, as God is my witness! Please, let me pass."

Gyles's hand fell limply to his side and his face softened. "I have no wish to frighten you, Catherine, for you are Serena's dearest friend. Am I so fearsome?"

There was a poignant note in his voice and as Catherine's fear subsided some small amount she managed a tremulous smile. "You are accustomed to dealing with Serena and I vow she fears naught." Relaxed now, Catherine passed by Gyles only to be brought up short by his quiet voice.

"You heard it all, did you not?" Gyles turned slowly until he faced Catherine.

Fear returned with a heavy hand as Catherine stared back into that emerald gaze. She licked her suddenly dry lips and managed to choke out, "Aye, Lord Gyles. I did not mean to spy, what I told you is the truth. Serena did send me. Lord Gyles, you are not considering the Lady Elspeth's offer?"

Gyles's dark head shook slowly from side to side. "Not for an instant. Think you I am so addlepated that I do not know Serena's worth?"

"That Serena loves your son I am fully aware, but she does not know who bore him, does she?" Gyles again shook his head and Catherine gained courage. "I have no right to say anything, but you should tell her of Elspeth's identity. 'Twill explain the looks Elspeth gives you. Serena has already asked me if I have noticed the way Elspeth watches you."

Gyles appeared not to have heard her as he took her arm and guided Catherine to the door. "Say nothing to Serena," he warned. "I will tell her if the need arises."

"Well, child, what think you of this one?" Matilda draped a length of royal blue velvet over her shoulder.

Serena studied the color critically, one slim foot tapping impatiently on the materials that were scattered over the floor of the chamber. "I would say no, Your Highness." Serena sighed at last. " Tis far too dark."

Some of the women murmured in agreement and the velvet joined its companions in a rumpled heap. Matilda stamped back to a rack that held those materials not yet examined, petulantly kicking at the materials littering the floor.

"Your Majesty, if I may?" Serena suggested and waved a hand toward the rack. Matilda had been at the selection process for the entire morning and the better part of the afternoon and Serena was growing weary. The queen unfailingly selected dark, muted colors that only served to turn her pure complexion a sickly white. Matilda nodded her consent and Serena stepped quickly over the piles of cloth to the rack. Serena indicated several bolts to the tailor along with an assortment of fur and lace.

"Now, Your Highness, if you would consider this one." Serena pulled a length of peach-colored material from its bolt and held it up for Matilda's perusal. "There is also a yellow, a lavender, and a gold brocade, Your Majesty." The tailor quickly unrolled samples of all three, then stepped back.

Matilda frowned, considering her lady's selections. "I think those colors are better suited for someone younger."

"Nonsense, Your Majesty," Serena retorted boldly, then flushed as Matilda laughed with delight at her outspoken comment. "I mean, Your Majesty, that these are perfectly suited for you."

Matilda lifted each cloth in turn and then nodded. "You are right, child, and you have excellent taste."

"Of course she does, Mother. You would not allow any of your women to have otherwise." A lilting voice called from the door.

"Insolent cub! Henry, when will you learn that you must wait to be announced before you enter?"

Henry picked his way through the rainbow on the floor and, grinning, brushed his mother's cheek with his lips. Matilda pushed him brusquely away. "You are interrupting, Henry. What do you want?"

"Ma mere, do I need a reason to visit the most beautiful woman in all England?" Henry tossed her an impish grin.

"Hah!" Matilda snorted, but her expression mellowed and she signaled for her ladies to leave. "Not you, Serena," Matilda called as Serena made to follow the others. Obediently, Serena halted and awaited her orders. "You may instruct the tailor that I will have gowns from the materials you chose. The decision of the trims I leave in your hands."

Serena did as she was bade, struggling to calm the tailor's sudden attack of nerves while at the same time subduing her own impatience to return to her chamber. As the tailor fluttered about gathering up the strewn materials, Serena bent her attention to selecting the trims for Matilda's new gowns. Serena's hand paused over a pelt of silver fox, and she lifted the fur to test its softness against her cheek. It entered her mind to ask Gyles for a few coins with which to purchase the pelt or one greatly similar, but she immediately pushed the thought from her mind. Gyles had been moody of late and Serena never knew from one moment to the next what small thing would fire his anger. At first Serena had thought Gyles's ire stemmed from the fact that she had little time to spend with him; but the few days she had managed to wheedle from the queen had given the lie to that, for Gyles had been irritable and restless, unhappy with any diversion they indulged in.