Chapter Eight
Sinclair caught up with Gavin near the stables where he instructed his guards to prepare for their return to Hardigg Castle.
“I am ready to return. It’s been long enough of a dalliance here.” His brother walked to his horse and held out a carrot.
“Have you already plundered through all the women in the village, Brother?” Gavin shook his head when his brother grinned. “I am quite ready to return, as well.”
“Have you told your wife? Are you prepared for the forthcoming first time leaving dramatic farewell scene with her family?”
If he were to be honest, he’d been avoiding Beatrice. From the fire in her gaze, it was obvious she planned a row and he wasn’t sure how he would deflect her wishes without a huge argument. He’d have to be stern with her about certain things, but give her enough freedoms so not to break her spirit.
After several more instructions to the guards, Gavin asked Sinclair to walk with him.
“I am perplexed when it comes to Beatrice,” he admitted. “She wants to continue to hunt and traipse about the forest. I am not sure what to do about it.”
Of course, his brother was the least suitable to give marriage advice. But he trusted Sinclair and knew his brother had the best intentions when it came to the family.
Sinclair smiled. “The reason you married her was exactly this. Lady Beatrice will always be a challenge. One of your best decisions, Brother. However, in this case, you must be strong. She cannot run free and such. Someone could see it as an opportunity to harm her.”
The thought of harm coming to his new wife bothered him. True, he’d not known her long, but he was rapidly growing to care for Beatrice.
“Not to mention if rumor is spread of her freedoms, Aldorf could use it as an opportunity to cast doubt if and when she is with child,” Sinclair added.
He found Beatrice back in their bedroom. She sat in a chair next to the fireplace sharpening a dagger with a stone. Not exactly a scene a man expects to walk into the day after his wedding.
“Lady Alice informed me I must speak to you regarding your lack of decorum.” He walked closer and peered down at his wife, who ignored him. “Beatrice, what did you say to her?”
His wife let out a huff. “She asked if I slept well last night. I told her no. In making conversation, I described why.”
“I see. You did expect she’d be shocked by your frank speech did you not?”
Beatrice didn’t reply right away. Instead, she put the dagger down and looked into the fire. “I’m not sorry I did it. She described bedsport as unpleasant and I corrected her.” Her lips curved and he knew she thought about Alice’s shocked expression.
It was hard not to smile in relief that she’d enjoyed their first night enough to brag about it. “So you don’t consider it unpleasant then? I am glad to hear it. However, in the future, keep any conversation about what happens in our bed between us.”
“No.”
“What?”
“I will probably share with a good friend. Once I find one in Hardigg.”
It was hard not to laugh. “Very well.”
“About hunting...” she began, her nostrils flaring and her chin lifted in challenge. “We did not finish our conversation earlier.”
“We leave tomorrow, Beatrice. I came to fetch you so we can travel to the village and say farewell to your parents.”
Beatrice’s lips parted and she blinked several times. “So soon?”
He was rather proud of his deflection.
“I will call Grisilda to ensure my things are packed right away.” Beatrice got to her feet and studied him. “Why is everything so rushed? I feel as if there is a secret I am not privy to.”
Gavin took her by the arms and pulled her closer. “I wanted a wife. Although I didn’t plan to marry so soon, once meeting you, there was no doubt in my mind. As far as returning to Hardigg, it was planned for us to leave soon since I have matters to attend to there.”
With her head turned away, she slid a look up to him and pursed her lips. “How clever you are to have a reply for everything so quickly. I wonder if, perhaps, you plan every conversation before entering into it. I was told by Oscar, earlier, that you’d told him it was possible the visit would be extended. Why the change?”
Damn. He’d forgotten the conversation with the brother when he’d asked to join Gavin’s guard. “Tis true. However, after discussing things with my brother earlier, he reminded me it was not prudent to remain gone from Hardigg overlong.”
“Is there a threat of some kind?”
The woman was not only beautiful, but also intelligent.
“Wife, there are always threats when one is lord. Unfortunately, my title makes it even worse.” He pulled his wife against him and covered her mouth with his. Not just to quiet her questions, but because his desire for her rose more and more with each exchange.
When she softened against his chest and parted her lips to allow him entrance, Gavin feared losing control. He couldn’t take her again this soon; she’d be sore after her first time. However, he would barely be able to wait for the night after.
Three swift knocks forced him to tear his lips away from Beatrice. She didn't move away and he wrapped his arms around her. “Enter.”
Sinclair pushed past the door and smiled at him knowingly. “Our uncle requests that we come to his study.”
Without moving away from a now squirming Beatrice, Gavin pressed a kiss to her temple. “Is something amiss?”
“I believe it has to do with our imminent departure.” Sinclair looked to Beatrice. “I apologize, Lady Beatrice.” Sinclair lowered his head in greeting. “I hope my brother treats you well.”
Gavin glared at Sinclair’s most inopportune comment and let out a low groan when Beatrice pushed away.
“He treats me well. However, we will be discussing any plans to keep me from hunting and such. I suggest you speak to him about it. If I remember correctly, I bested you in competition once.”
Sinclair pressed his lips together, but it was obvious he was attempting not to grin. “I will endeavor to convince Gavin to see the error of his ways.”
Not convinced, Beatrice huffed and went to the wardrobe. She began pulling gowns out and putting them on the bed. “Please send Grisilda to me. You can probably find her atop a stairwell or window somewhere lurking around Oscar like a bird of prey.”
At her comment, Sinclair let out a loud guffaw and Gavin coughed to cover his chuckle. “I will, wife.”