Chapter 19
L iana had never felt as beautiful in her life.
Evelina had assured her, as they headed to the hall for the midday meal, that it was important not to hide in her chamber. Although she and Darien had discussed the story they would share about her presence, Liana had imagined spending much of her stay at Castle Blackwood separated from the others. She did not wish to draw attention to herself, but the women disagreed.
Since she woke that morn, Evelina had remained with her as they spoke of everything from daily living at the castle to Queen Matilda’s cause and, of course, the men. As Liana tried on gown after gown, at Evelina’s insistence, the woman told Liana of the secret meetings that began courtship with Gareth. Of her father’s anger when his aim for Evelina’s husband had been much higher, and of learning Sir Eamon was her true father.
Not surprisingly, the discussion turned to Darien. Liana had not intended to share her feelings with a woman she’d met the evening before, but Evelina had shared so much that Liana found herself telling her of the reading at the cottage, the tapestry, and more importantly, how both simply confirmed what Liana had already suspected.
She was falling in love with the earl’s son. Unlike Evelina’s situation, where they’d had to overcome Lord Ashcroft’s objections, Liana and Darien faced different sorts of hurdles. Ones Evelina had brushed aside but that Liana knew would not easily be overcome.
“I did not expect you here,” she admitted to Darien now. “Lady Evelina said you typically train until nightfall.”
“Pardon me,” Evelina said beside her. “I will meet you in the hall. Darien, will you escort her?”
“Of course,” he said. His voice sounded different today than ever before. “Liana...”
He was looking at her differently as well.
“It is Evelina’s gown. ’Tis much too fine for me, but she insisted I wear it. I will admit...” She smoothed out invisible wrinkles in the fine material. “I was hesitant to come belowstairs this way.”
In response, Darien reached for her hand. It was so unexpected, she did not resist, but allowed him to lead her down a corridor, and another, and then another. Where there had been people all around them before, now there were none. Without hesitation, he pushed open a door, earning a look from one of the recruits who walked by, and tugged her inside.
Whatever chamber they entered, Liana could not tell, as it was too dark for her to see even Darien in front of her. But she could feel his hands slipping around her waist. And she could certainly feel his lips pressing against hers. Opening for him, she immediately sought the warmth, the sensations, of their previous kisses and was not disappointed.
Wrapping her arms around him, pressed against his chest, Liana had never felt more at peace in her life. Despite their situation, safety and comfort enveloped her like never before. A sound from the corridor prompted her to pull back.
“We will not be the first to be discovered in such a position.” Then, as if thinking on it more, he said, “Though I would not wish that on you. Not without first becoming?—”
Whatever he was about to say was cut off by another sound. This one closer to them. A banging of some sort. There were shouts too.
“Stay here.”
Darien opened and closed the door so quickly, Liana could not see anything but a sliver of lights. The shouts, and bangs, seemed to have stopped, but she held her breath, waiting. Would she be discovered? Had anyone seen him taking her hand? It seemed silly to worry about her reputation now after having traveled here with him, without an escort. But she did care what others thought of her, though Evelina had asked no questions, nor commented about Liana and Darien’s arrangement in any way.
The door opened.
“Hurry.”
The corridor was empty. Following Darien in the same direction they’d first come, she waited for him to explain.
“Two brothers thinking to settle a disagreement.” He shook his head. “It matters not.”
Just outside the hall where recruits streamed inside, some still wet, Darien stopped once again and pulled her to the side.
“I should not have done that,” he said. “When I saw you...Liana.”
Darien was many things, but rarely at a loss for words.
“I would speak to you alone this eve.”
“My chamber is?—”
“I know where it is located.”
She would have asked how he knew, but a voice behind them stopped her.
“You must be Mistress Aeliana?”
Liana blinked. Surely this woman was not real. Knowing there were few women at Castle Blackwood, and by her description, she guessed at the woman’s identity.
“Lady Elara?”
“Indeed.”
Liana looked from the spectacularly beautiful woman to Darien. He’d told her the men had all been half in love with their Strategies instructor, and she could understand why.
Had Darien too?
“Come. We have much to discuss.”
Walking into the hall with Darien on one side of her and Lady Elara on the other, in Evelina’s gown...it was as if she were a different person. One that was not forced to hide in the shadows but who could be seen, and maybe even accepted.
Their table was filled already. Darien’s friends, their wives. At first, she remained quiet, listening to their tales of training and lessons. Of Matilda and Stephen.
“FitzCount has captured William Martel,” Lady Elara said. “If our scouts can be believed.”
“The king’s chef steward?” her husband, Alden, asked.
“Aye. And put him in the prison FitzCount built within the keep for that purpose.”
At Liana’s expression, Darien leaned in to whisper, “Wallingford Castle. Its lord, Brien FitzCount, declared for Matilda and the king has been building countercastles nearby to attack from. It has become the center of much activity of late.”
She appreciated the information. And could have been content to listen all day, the men’s training having been cut short by the rain that continued to fall, if the state of newcomers to the mid-day meal were of evidence.
She was so busy thinking of Darien’s reaction upon seeing her, and of his kiss afterward, she realized belatedly that all at her table waited for her to respond. But she hadn’t heard the question.
“Apologies,” she said. “My mind was elsewhere.”
“I asked if you would like to visit with me tomorrow, at my herb shop,” Lady Amalia said.
“Of course. I would very much enjoy that.”
As the others continued their discussion, Darien leaned toward her once again.
“Do you know what I would very much enjoy?”
She took a sip of wine to hide her expression.
“Nay,” she whispered back. “I do not.”
“I will tell you this eve.”