Chapter Twenty-Two
“This tale you have told us is fantastic, and to be quite frank, hard to believe. I know there are women who are strong willed and independent—your mother can be included in their ranks—but I have never heard one take it as far as your Saxon wife,” Broc’s father said with some disbelief.
“On the contrary, I find it quite believable.” This came from his mother. She sat in the middle of the hall floor, playing with Colwyn.
“I am glad to see at least one of you believe me, because it is true. All of it.”
“Never mind your father. He needs to see the facts with his own eyes before he takes anything to heart. I only have one question for you. How can you be so sure Ariel does not carry your next child?”
His mother’s gaze seemed to bore right through him. Broc knew that look. He had seen it many times as he grew to adulthood. There would be no sidestepping her question. She would not allow it.
Broc sighed inwardly. “She went to another man’s bed, Mother. I was only with her that one time.”
A very unladylike snort came from his mother. “That proves nothing. It only took one time for me to become pregnant with you and your brother. The St. Ceneri men are known for their virility. How far along is she?”
“Six months.”
His mother nodded. “She was forced to be a serf for five. It adds up. A woman knows these things. The child is most assuredly yours.”
Broc could only shake his head. Once Lady Mary made a decision, she stuck to it, no matter how others felt about it, but his mother was right about his father. He needed to see how correct Broc was in his tale.
“If you need further proof, Father, I will show you.”
Not one to be left out of anything, Lady Mary quickly gathered Colwyn into her arms and then followed them out the door.
The sound of clashing swords could be heard before they reached the practice field. At his mother’s questioning look, Broc nodded. Elbowing ahead, Lady Mary arrived at the field before Broc and his father. She watched in utter amazement.
Ariel and Ranulf moved across the field with swords flashing. Unlike the other times Broc had watched them, she was not taking it easy on the other man. Granted Ranulf let her gain the upper hand, but he still had to fight to keep what ground he had. It did not last long. With a savage thrust of her sword, she ripped the one out of Ranulf’s hands.
Lady Mary cheered, and Lord Eustance’s jaw dropped. It was obvious his father had gotten the proof he had wanted.
*
Alerted to the presence of others by the cheering, Ariel lowered her sword. She was surprised to see Broc’s mother clapping. She did not seem like the same woman who had ignored her an hour before.
Unsure of what to expect, Ariel remained beside Ranulf, making no move to go to Broc and his parents. Lady Mary took the initiative. She strode across the field to Ariel.
She looked her up and down, then with her free arm, pulled Ariel close. “It is so very nice to finally meet you, my dear. Broc wrote to us about you. Our earlier meeting, accept my apology. Your son overwhelmed me. He is our only grandchild, but from the look of you, our second will soon come into the world.”
Ariel could only nod. Broc had to have told his parents all they had gone through, but his mother had taken Ariel’s side. She did not know what to say.
Lady Mary laughed. “Have I shocked you, dear? That is something you will just have to get used to. I always speak my mind. As to my son accepting the child you carry as his, he will see how wrong he is. The St. Ceneri gold eyes are very prevalent in the family. When this child is born with the same ones your son has, Broc will realize what an ass he has been.”
Without further ado, Lady Mary linked her arm through Ariel’s and then led her away. As they walked, Lady Mary asked Ariel where her father might be.
* * * *
Swein had not been so entertained in a very long time. Mary St. Ceneri was a joy to watch. She kept the men in her family on their toes.
When Swein had first seen Broc’s mother striding to his hall with Colwyn in one arm and her other linked through Ariel’s, he had been a little apprehensive. Taking Broc’s almost violent reaction to Ariel into account, he did not have much hope in the younger man’s mother siding with Ariel. Broc was her son, after all. It was a nice surprise to find he had misjudged Lady Mary.
The first thing she did was leave Ariel’s side and kiss his cheeks in welcome. She said she was happy her son had married Ariel. Regardless of how Broc felt, she formed her own opinions.
After putting Colwyn down so he could toddle about, Lady Mary put the hall under close scrutiny. It must have passed muster, because she helped herself to a goblet of mead that sat on a table and then took a seat on a bench. Ariel and Swein joined her.
“Ariel, you live in this hall with your father and not with Broc?”
Ariel’s face flushed as she nodded. “Broc is your son, so you will find this hard to hear, but I could not live under the same roof with him.”
The hall filled with Lady Mary’s laughter. “I have lived with Broc’s father for over thirty years. Broc is very much like his sire. I know exactly how you feel. There have been times during my marriage I would have gladly gone to live elsewhere. The St. Ceneri men are a stubborn lot. Once they make up their minds, whether they are right or wrong, it is extremely hard to sway them. Broc’s older brother, Matthew, is the same way. The three of them get on famously, of course, where as I irk them on occasion.”
Ariel smiled. “I thought you would shun me.”
“Why should I? I must admit I envy you. Look at you, a woman who can handle a sword as well as any man, and a knight on top of it all. I would have loved to have seen Broc’s face when he realized he had knighted a woman. If I were twenty years younger, I would be out on that field with you.”
Swein cut into the conversation. “Ariel’s mother would have been proud of her. I am sure she sees what her daughter has become.”
Lady Mary patted his hand. “What happened to your wife?”
Swein still found it painful to speak of her, even now more than two years after her passing. “She became ill one evening. Throughout the night her fever rose. The village healer tried everything she knew, but nothing seemed to help. By morning, she was gone.”
Lady Mary shook her head in sympathy. “It must be hard to lose a loved one so unexpectedly.”
“Aye, it is. I took her death very hard. I shut out the world, even Ariel for a time. When Ariel became pregnant with Colwyn, I pulled myself together. It was my turn to be the strong one.”
“Obviously, that is when my son came crashing into your lives.”
Swein looked at Ariel and nodded. It had been a turning point for both of them.
* * * *
It had been decided everyone would partake the evening meal in the main hall. Ariel was not at all sure Broc would like the arrangement. She even went as far as to tell his mother that very thing, but Lady Mary would hear none of it.
At the appointed time, Swein, Ariel, Colwyn, and Lily stepped through the hall doors. Lady Mary took Colwyn from Lily and told her to sit with Ranulf. It would seem Lady Mary’s keen eyes missed nothing. She winked at Ariel as she gently pushed Lily in Ranulf’s direction.
Her next act was to seat Ariel beside Broc at the head table. He instantly bristled. He would have risen to leave, but his mother placed a firm hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down into his chair.
With everyone seated, Lady Mary motioned to one of the serfs to being serving. Platters of food were placed onto the table along with trenchers to hold it. Everyone was given one, except Broc and Ariel. One trencher was placed between them, the intention quite clear. They were to share. Along with the trencher a goblet was positioned next to it.
Broc craned his neck to look down the table at his mother. She smiled sweetly. Ariel had a feeling he was tempted to summon a serf to bring him another trencher. Lady Mary cleared her throat to gain his attention and shook her head. He sighed and made no move to have one of the serfs come to him.
Tentatively, Ariel filled the trencher with food. There was roasted venison and pheasant. Another platter held boiled greens covered in a creamy sauce. Fresh bread rounded off the meal. Allowing for Broc’s greater appetite, she took large portions of all the fare offered.
Broc cut off chunks of meat with his eating knife and then placed them into his mouth. He did not offer any to Ariel. She had to cut her own between his mouthfuls. They reached for the goblet at the same time. As their fingers met, they drew back their hands as if they had touched a live coal. Grunting, he allowed her to drink first. To add insult to injury, he wiped the rim with his sleeve before taking his drink.
For the sake of his parents, Ariel was willing to let it slide. Acting as if she had not seen what he had done, she continued to eat. Broc did not reach for more food. She cautiously looked at him. His attention seemed to be caught on an area near her lap.
She followed his gaze and realized Broc watched her stomach. The baby shifted around so much it visibly moved with each kick it gave. So used to such activity, she had paid no heed to it.
Without thinking, Ariel took one of Broc’s hands and placed it onto her stomach. The baby obligingly gave a hearty kick, lifting his hand. Her joy at having him share a moment with their unborn child burned to ashes under his stern scowl. His face contorted into a mask of rage.
Ariel released his hand, and Broc quickly snatched it back. His eyes burned a brighter gold. His anger could be easily seen.
With the full force of his temper directed at her, Ariel pushed back her chair and then left the table. She gave Lady Mary an apologetic look as she hastily walked out of the hall. She had tried to be civil to Broc while his parents were at Elmstead, but no more. That he could hate an innocent babe so, made her think he was not the man she had first thought him to be.
She crossed the yard before she headed through the village. Once inside the comforting walls of her father’s hall, Ariel relaxed. The door crashed open behind her, shattering her feeling of contentment. She did not need to turn around to see who had arrived. Her body became instantly aware. No other but Broc could cause her to feel his presence in a room before she saw him.
Ariel stood straighter and turned to face her enraged husband.
*
“How dare you walk away from me? Especially in the middle of a meal my mother went to great lengths to arrange.”
Not one to be outdone, Ariel equally raised her voice to yell back. “How dare you treat me as if I am not even in the room? Your mother’s idea was for us to share a trencher. Probably in the hopes your attitude would soften toward me. If I remember correctly, you taught me that when a knight is in that situation, he is to cut the meat for the lady and offer her the choicest cuts. I could take umbrage with your conduct this evening.”
Broc’s anger seemed to dissipate. He bent at the waist and bowed. “I am sorry. You are correct. I will try not to insult you in the future.”
He would have left then had Ariel not called out to him. “Broc, I need to know. Did you ever really love me?”
His gold-eyed gazed moved over Ariel’s face. “Of course I did.”
“Then why do you not believe me when I say the babe is yours? If you truly loved me, you would never have questioned my word.”
“I cannot.”
Ariel tried to push back the unshed tears that threatened to spill. “I still love you. How I feel will never change. I endured having you take two women to your bed. In that instance you made that choice. I was not given that freedom. My love did not die for you. You have my heart. It is yours to do with as you wish. Let it be known here and now, I will fight you if I have to. My love for you will not make me weak.”
Broc swept her form with his gaze once more. Without a word, he silently left the hall.
* * * *
One month passed and then another. The hot summer days gave way to the cooler nights of autumn. It became a busy time at Elmstead. The fields had to be harvested and winter stores had to be prepared. All did their part to insure the winter months would find the larders well-stocked.
Ariel’s time drew nearer. She no longer had the energy she once had. Her added bulk made her tire easily. She still kept up with her sword practice, but she had to limit the amount of time she spent doing it. Ranulf would only shake his head and tell her she should be resting. Every day she would tell him she knew when to call it quits, and it was not now.
After their heated discussion in her father’s hall, Broc avoided Ariel whenever possible. The only thing that brought them together was their son. She had stopped going to the main hall for her meals. Thankfully, Lady Mary made no more overtures. Their marriage had become a farce.
Ranulf and Lily grew quite close over the passing months. One was hardly seen far from the other. Many times Ariel found Ranulf helping Lily care for Colwyn.
A priest came to Elmstead. The village was not considered large enough to have their own to minister to them, so they relied on the ones who traveled the countryside. At these times, marriages would be performed, and children born in between visits would be baptized. It was not surprising when Ranulf and Lily announced their intentions to wed shortly after the priest’s arrival. Ariel and Broc were asked to act as witnesses.
The night before the ceremony, Ariel left Colwyn in Lady Mary’s care and went to Lily’s home. She carried a gown. It was a wedding present for her friend. Lily’s mother and a couple of girls from the village were visiting the soon-to-be bride. As she went to knock on the door, a burst of laughter came from within. They were probably giving Lily advice on her nuptials. Ariel regretted she had not received such treatment before she had wed Broc. Sighing, she knocked, and the voices fell silent.
Lily’s mother, Edna, opened the door. She clucked and pulled Ariel into the hut. “What are you doing, my lady? You should be resting, not walking around in the night.”
“I am fine. I came to give Lily something for the morrow.”
Unfolding the gown, Ariel held it out to Lily. It was one of her best. It was pale blue and had been made with the softest wool. Lily did not reach to accept it, so Ariel held it up against the other woman’s chest to make sure it would fit her. Lily made no move to claim it.
“Take it, Lily. I want you to have it.”
Lily shook her head. “I cannot accept this.”
“Whyever not? I have no use for it.”
“It is too fine for the likes of me.”
Ariel slipped the gown over Lily’s arm and smiled. “I will not take no for an answer. Every bride should have a beautiful gown on her wedding day. I brought it tonight so you could make any alterations that might be needed. I want you to keep it.”
With tears in her eyes, Lily hugged Ariel. “This means so much to me. I only wish you could have had what I will have. You deserve better.”
“Forget about me and think of tomorrow. It marks the start of your new life with Ranulf. I will leave you ladies. I will see you in the main hall come the morn.” Even before Ariel left the hut, the others had gathered around Lily to get a better look at the gown.
Once outside, darkness closed around her. The nights were definitely cooler. Ariel wrapped her arms across her chest and wished she had brought a cloak. She increased her stride and hurried in the direction of her father’s hall.
Before she reached it, a lone figure stepped out from the shadows. Not expecting anyone else to be about, a shiver of fear ran down her spine. The incident of being stolen away on another night came to the forefront of her mind. Thinking to escape the figure that stood before her, she took a couple of steps back.
Ariel did not see the rock behind her. She caught her heel on it and stumbled, throwing herself off balance. A large, male hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. Startled, she looked up to find a pair of gold eyes shining down at her. Broc kept his arm wrapped around her waist, holding her against him. It had been such a very long time since he had held her.
“Are you all right?”
“Thanks to you, I am.”
Broc made no move to release her. “That was a nice thing you did, giving Lily one of your gowns.”
Ariel’s brows drew together. “How did you know about the gown?”
“My mother sent me to tell you Colwyn had fallen asleep. She wanted to make sure it was all right if he stayed the night.”
“So you followed me?”
Broc shrugged. “You had already left the hall before I arrived. I wanted to see what you were about.”
“Now you know. Colwyn can stay in your hall. I would hate to wake him just to put him in his own bed. If you will excuse me, I would like to go inside. The night grows cold.”
Ariel shook with the cold, but also from being in close proximity to Broc. She hoped he did not realize it was not just the night air making her shiver.
“Here, I will walk you to the hall.”
Broc took off his cloak and then placed it around her shoulders. It was warm from his body, and his scent wafted over her with each step she took.
Once they reached their destination, Ariel pulled off the cloak before she gave it back to Broc. Their fingers touched as it passed between their hands. Expecting him to flinch at that brief contact, she quickly pulled back. There was no telling how he would react nowadays.
This time he did not shun her as he had so many times in the past. Instead, he touched his fingers to her cheek and gently caressed it. All the while his gaze never left her face. He looked so wistful, Ariel almost begged him to forgive her. Broc did not give her the chance.
Backing away, he said, “Until tomorrow. Have a good sleep.”
Broc until he disappeared into the darkness. Was he finally softening toward her? She could only hope.
* * * *
The ceremony took place in the main hall with everyone in attendance. Ariel stood at Lily’s side with Broc next to Ranulf while the happy couple exchanged their vows.
Lily was beautiful. The love she had for Ranulf made her radiant. The gown’s length had been shortened. Ariel had known it would not have taken much work to adjust the fit. Flowers from the meadow had been woven into the bride’s hair.
Once the ceremony reached the part where Ranulf spoke his vows, his gaze never left Lily’s face. His voice rang out loud and clear throughout the hall.
Ariel’s gaze strayed to Broc. He seemed to intently listen to what the priest said. He must have sensed her watching him. He turned his head and looked directly at her. Some unknown emotion flitted across his face. As quickly as it had come, it disappeared.
The couple sealed their vows with a kiss, which caused a cheer to be raised. Then one and all sat to a feast that would last throughout the day and well into the night. Spirits ran high, and the amount of ale, as well as mead, being consumed rivaled the amount partaken at Ariel’s homecoming.
Midway through the festivities, two villagers produced a drum and pipe. A space magically cleared in the middle of the hall to allow couples to sway to the music.
Once Lily and Ranulf decided to leave, they were met with some good-hearted ribbing. The bride’s face flushed red at the explicit instructions the village men gave Ranulf. The groom assured them their instructions were not needed.
Having sensed the excitement of the adults around him, Colwyn had taken to running around the hall. No one complained when he went from one to table to the next. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a sweet. The dancing continued.
Ariel happily sat next to her father, tapping her foot to the music. Colwyn had finally fallen asleep and had been put into Broc’s bed. She was free to enjoy herself without having to chase after her son. She rubbed her aching back as she watched the dancers. Broc danced with his mother. He had sat away from her all evening. She had felt him watching her, but every time she looked up he had already turned away.
The feast was still in full swing when Ariel decided she had had enough. She covered a yawn with her hand before she leaned close to her father and told him she was going to retire. Nodding, he helped her to stand.
Ariel slowly walked to the back of the hall to Broc’s chamber to collect Colwyn. It would be a shame to wake him, but she could not count on anyone hearing him if he cried. After quietly opening the door, she tiptoed into the chamber.
Colwyn slept in the middle of his father’s bed. His knees were drawn up under him with his bottom stuck in the air. Ariel could not help but smile. How he slept through all the noise coming from the hall was beyond her.
Ariel reached for Colwyn. Before she could lift him, someone came up behind her, close enough for her to feel the heat from his body seep into hers. Broc had followed her into the chamber.
“Leave him, Ariel. He is sleeping peacefully.”
“I wish to retire. Someone needs to be near in case Colwyn should awake.”
“Then sleep here with him.”
Ariel shook her head. “I could not do that. Where would you sleep?”
Broc waved away her question. “Do not worry about me. You are tired. Lie down and sleep. You look ready to drop where you are standing.”
Ariel stifled another yawn. “It is the babe. It drains me so, especially near the end. It was the same with Colwyn.”
Broc took her by the shoulders and pushed Ariel to sit on the bed. He took off her slippers. Before he left, he brushed a quick kiss across her lips. Stunned, she pressed her fingers to her mouth. The feel of his mouth on hers lingered. The sensation was still there when she finally allowed herself to lie beside her sleeping son.