MORGAN
CHAPTER NINE
On the fourth morrow since Hawisia fell ill, Morgan remained at her bedside, whither he had not left except to relieve himself. In the solar, Geretrudis snored in a chair near the hearth, and Anne stretched across the bench at the table.
“Lord Wiltshire, you must sleep.” The physic assessed Hawisia’s condition and frowned. “Whatever happens with Lady Wiltshire, naught is to be gained if you become sick.”
“I am not leaving her.” Clutching her hand, Morgan brought her knuckles to his lips. “She knows I am hither, and I will not have her wake to find me gone, now stop nagging me.”
“My lord, it is my duty, as your physician, to offer my best advice.” The man shook his head. “Do you think it would please Lady Hawisia to discover you have scarcely eaten since she took to her bed with fever?”
“No, it would not,” Hawisia responded, and Morgan dropped to his knees.
“Hawisia, my love.” Relieved beyond words, all Morgan could do was weep, as she cupped his cheek and smiled.
Geretrudis and Anne loomed in the entry, as he eased to sit beside his wife, and the physic perched opposite Morgan.
“My lord, I believe I shall steal your pet name for me, because it applies to you, too.” When she yawned, he bowed his head. “And when I am recovered, I will have words with you about caring for yourself in my absence, as I will not have you risking your life, which is precious to me.”
“The fever appears to have broken, my lord.” The physic glanced at Geretrudis. “Prepare a light broth and some weak tea with peppermint.”
“Aye, sir.” The housekeeper clapped her hands, and Anne followed Geretrudis into the hall.
“My lord, I shall check Lady Hawisia’s progress, on the morrow.” The physic gathered his things. “See to it she remains in bed, even if you have to tie her to it.”
“I just may do that.” Morgan peered at his bride, kissed her forehead, and fluffed her pillow. “You gave me quite a scare.”
“I am so sorry.” She furrowed her brow. “What of the family I helped?”
“The grandmother died, but the mother lived.” From a bowl, he drew a wet cloth and wiped Hawisia’s face. “I had the father and the children moved to another lodging, until we can make repairs to their home. And the family wishes to pay their respects, once you are well enough to receive callers, but I have half a mind to do as the physic recommends and chain you to our bed.”
“That is not necessary, as I know the situation was grave, but you know I had to assist them.” She twined her fingers in his. “Just as you are so intent on feeding them.”
“We are a fine pair, are we not?” There was so much Morgan wanted to tell his wife, yet he did not want to burden her, when she was so weak. “How do you feel?”
“Tired.” She gazed into his eyes. “I do love you. Now, tell me what troubles you.”
“You always know what to say, do you not?” And mayhap that was wherefore she was meant for him. “I was so afraid I would never get the chance to declare my love, especially as you repeatedly professed your undying devotion, while you languished from a fever.”
“I did?” She searched the haze that comprised her memory. “Are you certain you did not imagine it?”
“Oh, I am positive, as you also mentioned a few personal recollections that brought a blush and a smile to the physic’s face.” As the tension of her illness abated, he relaxed and resolved to dote on his wife, endlessly, for the remains of his days. “He may never look at the dais the same again.”
“I should apologize.” She bit her bottom lip.
“Nay, I do not think that will make the situation better.” Now he laughed. “And we should pick another meadow in which to make love, as I would take no chances.”
“That, too?” Despite her expression of contrition, she giggled. “My love, it is not my fault, as you are quite imaginative when it comes to connubial games, and that is not a complaint.”
“So I gather, as did the physic.” He rolled his eyes. “And I think we will take it slow, once you are fully recovered, as I would not stress you, my love.”
“But I can take you.” Hawisia stuck her tongue in her cheek, and he thrilled to the glimpse of his spirited bride.
“My love, you were made for me.” Then he studied their clasped hands. “I have a confession to make, which I vowed I would honor, if Our Lord let you live.”
“Morgan, what have you done?” She sat upright, and he steadied her, as she leaned against his shoulder. “Tell me.”
“I wish I had not sinned, prior to our nuptials.” At last, he unburdened himself of his great sorrow. “I regret that I was not a virgin, when we first made love, as I should have come to you as a clean man. Instead, I am forever sullied.”
“Nay, my love.” Wrapping her arms about his waist, she nuzzled his chest. “In a sense, you were a virgin when we first made love, as that was not the morrow when we consummated our vows. Rather, it was the eventide when you bade me ride astride you, after you bathed me, and I would argue we both came to that magical moment, untouched. So you are not spoiled.” Then she stretched her spine and rubbed her nose to his. “You are mine.”
~
As her father’s traveling coach pulled into the courtyard, Hawisia stood at the ready to welcome him and a very special visitor. Garbed in the blue gown Morgan gifted her, along with the sapphire necklace, she wanted to greet her guest in a manner befitting his eminence.
“Papa, I cannot thank you enough for helping me with this adventure.” She hugged her father and then addressed the tall gentleman, who bore more than a passing resemblance to Morgan. “You must be Guarin Le Aguillon. I am Lady Hawisia, countess of Wiltshire, and your brother’s wife.”
“Lady Hawisia, I know not what to say, given the gift you have bestowed upon me.” Guarin glanced about the castle. “And I am amazed by the display of wealth my brother amassed since we parted, when he was but eight. Whither is he?”
“In the fields, and I would take you to him.” She waved, and the master of the horse brought forth three mounts. “Let us ride to the north, whither you may enjoy a happy reunion, as Morgan does not know of your arrival.”
“What?” Guarin started. “Wherefore?”
“Because I did not want to give him hope, only to have you disappoint him, as I knew you could not send word to me, directly.” And Morgan had already endured enough disappointment, in her estimation. “He speaks often of you and your home in Rouen, and would surprise him.”
Beneath a cloudless sky, they embarked on a ride that would forever change her husband’s life, and Hawisia urged her mare faster. On either side, peasants worked the soil and the crops, as under Morgan’s supervision the community thrived.
Anon, she spotted his stallion, bereft of its owner, and the saddle empty, and she scanned the area. “There he is, near the heavy plow.” She pointed. “Go to him, Guarin. My father and I will wait hither.”
Deep in conversation, Morgan did not notice the approaching man, until Guarin waved. Hawisia clutched her throat, and tension weighed heavy in her heart, as Guarin advanced. At last, the elder brother dismounted and broke into a run and Morgan stepped from beyond the group. Then he dropped a hoe and charged his brother.
After a prolonged hug, they set each other at arm’s length. Then Guarin pointed to Hawisia, and she waved, as tears welled in her eyes. To her surprise, Morgan made straight for her, and he did not slow until he lifted her into his embrace. Whirling about, he showered her face in kisses.
“I cannot believe you managed this.” Now he set his lips to hers, and she speared her fingers through his thick hair. “I am truly a fortunate man, to have married a kind, generous woman of uncommon intelligence. But, above all, you are the most beauteous creature I have ever beheld, and I am but a beggar at your feet, my love.”
“Oh?” She cupped his cheek and whispered, “I prefer you in our bed.”
“Or in the ancere.” He chuckled and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Or in the stable. Or in the undercroft. Or in the north field.”
“Indeed.” She nipped his chin, as he catalogued the various places they made love. “I shall take you whither I may have you, my lusty lord.” As the guests neared, she wiggled free, and he lowered her to the ground. “For now, duty calls, so let us join our honored visitors and take refreshments in the great hall, and I will explain everything.”
Thus they repaired to Wardour Castle.
“How was your journey?” Morgan inquired, as he doffed his gloves and sat at a table, which bore a light repast.
“We met rough weather on the Channel.” Guarin snatched a chunk of bread from a trencher. “And I feared we might not make it.”
“There are always heavy seas in those parts.” Beneath the table, Morgan held her hand. “But I would know how my wife contacted you.”
“I can answer that.” Her father smiled and glanced at Morgan. “Hawisia sent a directive, asking me to make contact, as she feared any hint of a familial connection might imperil your relations. Whereas our name is relatively unknown on the Continent.”
“And the letter I received posed an innocent proposition.” Guarin shook his head. “The sender offered to pay for passage to England, in exchange for my agricultural knowledge, given the great famine.” He shrugged. “The plan was naught short of genius, as it made perfect sense and sparked no suspicion.”
“What of home and our parents?” Morgan scooted to the edge of his seat, evidencing the boyish impatience she knew well. “And have you a family of your own?”
“In your absence, the farm thrives, yet it was never the same without you. And I buried Louis, your childhood pet, in the family graveyard, near the old pine that overlooks the fields, whither you used to play. He lived another five years after you left Rouen. As for me, I married Alais, the neighbor’s daughter. We have four children, three boys and a daughter, and I cannot wait to tell them of their uncle and his achievements.” Guarin compressed his lips, and his expression sobered. “Nos parents have long since passed to the glorious hereafter, but you were never far from their thoughts and prayers.” Leaning forward, he rested elbows to knees. “In fact, both invoked your name, in their final moments, as I believe notre mère never got over your departure. And every year, we set a place for you at our table, a custom I have upheld, as we never forgot you, brother. You remain very much a part of our lives.”
In that moment, Morgan bowed his head and closed his eyes, and Hawisia rubbed his back. “See? You were remembered. You were never alone.”
“But I did not know that, until now.” When he met her gaze, tears welled in his breathtaking blue stare, and she ached to console him in the privacy of their chamber. “And I would have never known had you not acted. Thus, I am doubly blessed, and I owe you a debt I can never repay, dearest and most precious Hawisia.”
“If I may, I would know how you came to be in England, as we thought you dead.” Guarin scratched his temple. “After the scandal and the destruction of the Templars, we expected you might return home. When that did not happen, we suspected you were taken prisoner, and everyone knew what became of them.”
Little by little, Morgan relaxed at her side, as he recounted his sad tale, which wrenched her heart. Every now and then, he sought reassurance in a touch or a glance, and Hawisia vowed to stand strong for her man.
At last, she instructed a servant to show Guarin to his accommodation, that he might settle and bathe after his trip. Given her husband’s demeanor, which she could read like her prayer book, she issued a series of charges to her staff and then removed to the chamber she shared with Morgan. She had not long to wait before he joined her.
“My love, are you all right?” For a while, he simply stood and stared at her. When she splayed wide her arms, he walked right into her embrace. “I am so sorry my surprise has caused you distress, as that was not my aim.”
“Have I told you how very much I love you?” Shuddering, he clung to her and cradled her head. “How I am so fortunate to have you as my bride?”
“My love, you show me how you feel, every day, and I am beholden to you.” Framing his face, she kissed his cheeks, licked away the tears that streamed his beauteous visage, and rubbed her nose to his. “Thus, I am equally fortunate.” When he untied the laces of her gown, she grinned. “Your brother wishes to tour the estate, and I wager he will not linger in the tub.”
“I will show him, soon enough.” When she gave him her back, he loosened and dropped her dress to the floor. Cupping her breasts through her chemise, he nuzzled the curve of her neck. “Right now, I need you. I need to be close to you, as I struggle with so many emotions I cannot contain, and I would share them with you.”
“Then let us retire to our bed and make love.” With that, she turned and helped him disrobe.
Naked and aroused, they reclined amid the soft sheets, and he rolled her onto her back. “I warn you, this may take all afternoon.”
“Is that a promise?” Grasping his shoulders, Hawisia stuck her tongue in her cheek.
To wit Morgan cast his shy smile. “You may depend upon it.”