Page 75 of The Daughters of Avalon
Merry Bells?
For all she knew Malcom’s horse was down in the stables, being pampered.
But, then, when she lowered her gaze into the dancing flames, she saw blood trickle from the mare’s black eyes, creeping down over her face. Slowly, as Elspeth watched, transfixed, her black coat turned blood red.
And then just as quickly as it appeared, the image faded, replaced by another… a man dressed in armor… holding a longbow… seated atop a pure-white stallion. He stood gazing upon a white-necked raven that was perched atop Aldergh’s tower—unmistakable for the red line of brick.
As Elspeth watched, entranced, the man loosed an arrow, putting the missile through the raven’s breast. And then the image suddenly vanished as Malcom opened the door, breaking her concentration.
Tired, but smiling, her husband sauntered into the room.
Malcom froze oncehe saw her.
“Dear God, you are beautiful.”
Whatever he had expected, it wasn’t this. Elspeth was standing near the brazier, wearing a scandalously diaphanouschainsethat left little to the imagination. The room was misty, perhaps from her bath, and the firelight played off the shadows in her gown, revealing the darkened valley of her breast and the hollow between her thighs. Her red-gold hair was still damp and braided into one full plait that fell over one shoulder. God help him, even as tired as he was, the sight of her hardened him fully.
“I was…”
“Waiting for me?” he said with a slow grin, and now that they were home, preparing to spend their first night together… alone… in their bed... he felt the rightness of this union down to his bones—and in one bone in particular.
He swept across the room and took her into his arms, kissing her soundly. “You’re here,” she said with a gasp once their lips parted. And then she reached up, caressing his cheek, smiling sweetly. “Tis no dream.”
“If it is,” he said, “would that I never awaken.” And then he drew her slowly toward the bed, kissing her shoulder, letting his hands roam over the treasure of her body, inordinately pleased to find that she had discovered her own treasures in the depths of his grandmother’s coffers.
“Malcom,” she protested. “There’s something I should tell you…”
He reached up, covering her lips with a finger, having heard more than enough for one evening. He kissed her again, laying her down on the bed, flicking her pouch aside as he said, “Save it for tomorrow, my love. Tonight there is only you… and me.” He kissed her again. “Husband and wife.” He kissed her again, even more slowly, with far greater purpose. He untied the ribbons ather throat with incredible relish, and finally, she slid her hands into his hair, pulling him closer.
“I love you,” he said. “Did I fail to say so?”
She smiled at him, a smile he was coming to know and love, and said, “I love you, Malcom.” And with those words, he was lost. All strife was forgotten. All that mattered was here and now, and the woman so pliant in his arms.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
As the bells rang Prime, Elspeth awoke to find herself alone in the bed she’d shared with her husband.
Her bed.
His bed.
Shewas the lady of Aldergh.
For a long moment, she lay contentedly, until she remembered and rolled out of bed with a gasp.
It wouldn’t do for her ladies to think her a lie-abed, and she wanted to make a good impression. After nearly asennightin the saddle, she was certain her blue dress needed a good cleaning. In a hurry, plucking up the rose-colored gown she’d set aside, she dressed quickly, with the intent of attending morning prayers before breaking fast.
More than anything she wanted to show these good folks that there was naught for them to worry over merely because she possessed talents they did not understand—of course, neither did she intend to broadcast her affiliations or her Craft. Malcom would prefer it that way. In good time, they would come to know her, and in the meantime, Elspeth wanted them to know beyond a shadow of doubt that their lady supported their love for the Church.
She realized, of course, this was not Llanthony, but she still wanted to be sure the souls of her people were well cared for. It was such a great responsibility that Malcom had given her and she would rise to the task with joy.
Hurrying so she wouldn’t be late, she left the pale-blue gown to be laundered, rushing down the stairs.
Later, when she had the opportunity she would teach her ladies the wonders of simples. She would take stock of what she had in her garden and plant what was necessary—tansy, perhaps, and lavender and pennyroyal to rid the house of flies, moths and fleas; cloves and sandalwood for all their bed linens; sweet bags filled with orris root, red rose petals, marjoram and sweet basil to sweeten the coffers; sage, basil and rosemary for hand-washing at the table; and mint and vinegar to sweeten the breath—which, by the way, she wished desperately that she had right now.
Testing her breath discreetly behind a hand, she rushed down the stairs, more than prepared to greet the day as the lady of her house. In fact, she was beside herself with joy, even despite her lingering malaise, and she was mired in thought, trying to interpret her vision of Merry Bells when she was set upon by Cora at the bottom of the stairs.
