Chapter 23
Deva protested. “You look much too serious, Crispin. ‘Tis a joyous occasion. Save your foul mood for later.”
“’Tis something that cannot wait. We’ll be down shortly.” Crispin’s tone was dismissive, and Alita slipped out quickly. Deva flashed her husband a questioning look before she followed her mother-in-law out of the room.
Kallen was on edge. What was wrong? Didn’t he like her? She knew she did not resemble Bevia in the least. How could she prove who she was? She believed she was about to lose everything, and she didn’t understand why.
“Kallen, please sit.” Crispin’s tone was soft, but it came out as a curt command.
“No. I shall stand.” Kallen moved to the fire. Its warmth on her back bolstered her a bit.
She studied her uncle. His aura shone the same as before, but she could tell of an anger contained just below his surface. He was strong, determined, and very used to his own way.
“I have just come from speaking with Griff. He asked permission to court you.”
Kallen’s features softened at the mention of Griffith’s name. Then it hit her. This was the problem. Mayhap Crispin had been taken aback if Griffith pressed his suit too firmly. This would be easy to clear up.
“Surely ‘tis not a problem, Uncle? Griffith is a good, honorable man.”
Crispin snorted. “That good, honorable man knew not to ask such a favor of me.”
His words puzzled her. “Why?”
“Because you are to be betrothed to another. And he knew it was to happen.”
Kallen gasped as if kicked in her gut. “I’m to be married off?
Already?” Her anger exploded. “I have hardly entered the walls of Mangeron proper, and yet you seek to fend me off on another? I’d rather have stayed in the convent than be foisted upon some stranger.
I thought my blood kin wanted me, but you simply dragged me from the only home I’ve known to sell me to some stranger. ”
“I do want you! Of course.” Crispin began to pace about the room.
“My cousin... his wife was lost in childbirth. He has a small son. I thought you could be a mother to the boy. ‘Twould be but an hour’s ride away, Kallen, and we’d see you often.
I do want to get to know you and make up for my father’s transgressions against you. ”
Crispin frowned as if in pain. “But Harold’s lonely. His child needs a mother. He’s ignoring the babe. You’re the perfect answer. You’re family, as he is, and he would be so good to you. Harold is quite wealthy. You’d have everything you could ever want and still come to Mangeron frequently.”
It was too much to absorb. But what hurt her most was that Griffith had known of this planned betrothal before he’d even come for her. Why would he have bestowed sweet kisses and made false promises if he had the knowledge that she was promised to another?
“You say Sir Griffith knew of this arrangement?”
Her uncle nodded. “Yes, I told him myself before he left for the convent, though I did not tell him Harold would be the groom. Griff knew I planned to have the contracts drawn up, ready to sign. What I don’t understand is why he’s gone against me. He knows of my wishes for your happiness.”
Crispin came and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I can tell by your face you have some feelings for Griff already. I love him like a brother, and I’m sorry this has occurred. I never would have suspected it. He’s mourned the passing of his wife and child for over two years now.”
Kallen lifted her chin defiantly. “There’s a time to mourn. Griffith still remembers them, but his mourning is over.”
She touched a hand to Crispin’s arm. “I beg you, do whatever you must, but free me from this marriage. Let me be with Griffith.”
Crispin frowned. “I cannot. I gave my word to Harold. The de Mangeron word has always stood for something. Much as I love Griff and would not see him nor you hurt, Kallen, we must honor this obligation.”
Hers hand fell. “I have no say in the matter.”
“No,” he said softly. “I am sorry you were told in this manner. I wanted to wait a few weeks, let you get to know us, then broach the idea with you. Griff’s intentions forced my hand. I apologize for the abruptness.”
“I know not what to say. You have mapped out my future so tidily.” She turned away from him and stared into the fire.
Crispin placed both his hands on her shoulders. “Come make a new start, Kallen. ‘Tis angry you are now, but family must come above all else. Do your duty, and you’ll be surprised how happy you will be.”
He turned her toward him. “Come. Let us go to the banquet. ‘Tis in your honor.”
He offered her his hand, and Kallen took it reluctantly. Her heart filled with loathing for what Crispin had done, yet it broke at the same time.
They left the room and she soon found herself entering Mangeron’s great hall, full of boisterous people and music and food. Kallen planted a smile on her lips. She would not embarrass Crispin. ‘Twas not the time.
A servant announced their arrival, and the resounding cheers echoed throughout the room.
Suddenly, John jumped atop a trestle table. “I can tell you that are gathered that Lady Kallen is a brave one. And she tells great, wonderful stories.”
More cheers erupted as Crispin led Kallen to the dais where Deva and Alita were already seated. Griffith was there, too, smoldering as he glared at Crispin. Crispin gave Griffith a curt greeting and then turned to the women.
Alita rose and leaned upon Crispin for support. “’Tis been an exciting day, but a bit too much for me.” She kissed first Kallen’s cheek then Crispin’s. “I will excuse myself. Until tomorrow.”
A servant stepped forward and helped Alita down from the dais and led her from the great hall.
“’Tis only the four of us then,” Deva said. “And I am more than ready to eat. Please share a trencher with Griffith, Kallen. I’m sure you already know all his bad habits since you’ve traveled together.” She winked at Kallen.
Griffith offered Kallen a pained smile. “If that suits you, my lady.” He seated her and then himself.
Kallen sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap as food and drink were served. She had no appetite, but she knew she better make an effort, else Deva would notice.
Griffith took one of her hands and squeezed it. “’Tis not over yet, Kallen. Be strong. Believe in me.”
She glared at him. “How can I?” she accused. “You knew—you knew—and still painted a lovely picture of us together, knowing it could never be.”
Kallen tried to extract her hand, but he held on to it tightly.
“How was I to know your kisses were false?” she accused.
“You played me for a fool, Griffith Sommersby. I cannot tolerate your presence. Release my hand. I shall share a trencher with you and nothing more. I will be cordial for Deva’s sake, but you are dead to me. ”
As Kallen drew her hand from his, she was distracted by a servant’s shout at the door.
“Lord Hammond.”
A handsome man made his way to the head table. He had tawny hair and a ready smile. Crispin jumped to his feet and made the introductions.
“Lady Kallen, I would have you make your cousin’s acquaintance. ‘Tis Lord Harold.”
Griffith cursed under his breath. He could have sworn Kallen heard him, but she didn’t bat an eyelash. Her attention remained totally focused on the man before her.
Could she already be taken with Harold? Surely Kallen was not a fickle female?
He stared at the new arrival. Harold did cut a fine figure, though he seemed tired. Griffith knew that look. ‘Twas one of suffering. At least the man had his son still—if not his wife.
As Harold made easy conversation, Griffith blamed himself for the mess he was in. His knowledge of Kallen’s upcoming betrothal had haunted him, but he thought he could reach Crispin first and change his friend’s mind before Crispin revealed his plans to Kallen.
Their meeting had not gone well. Crispin remained adamant that the contracts would soon be signed, and there would be no going back on his promise to his cousin. It would keep Kallen close to Mangeron and in the family, though an offshoot of the de Mangerons proper.
Crispin had raged at Griffith, wondering that Griffith had taken an interest in Kallen since he either constantly moped about or took untold risks with his life, depending upon his mood that day.
His closest friend accused him of leading on a simple convent girl with his worldly charms, confusing her with affections she’d never been exposed to.
Griffith could not get in a word as Crispin roared at him, telling him he’d trusted Griffith like no other.
Then Crispin stormed from the room, claiming he went to straighten things out because he would not allow it to go further.
Griffith hadn’t even had a chance to reveal Rodger’s treachery and the fact that the Earl of Nowland had sent men to kill the de Mangeron escort party and abscond with Kallen.
Now everyone sat here, all smiles. Even Kallen.
Griffith couldn’t believe she could be happy in her present situation.
It was impossible. She loved him. She had to.
He refused to see her in another man’s arms when they were meant to be together.
He’d been miserable far too long. Kallen made him see what life still offered.
He would not lose her to Harold de Mangeron.
Griffith sat mutely as Harold seated himself and continued to chat away with Kallen.
“I am so happy to make your acquaintance, my lady.”
“I am happy to be here, Lord Hammond. Everyone’s been so kind, especially Deva. I look forward to spending time with her and getting to know my grandmother, as well. I cannot wait to explore Mangeron, inside and out.”
Griffith’s gloom increased at their prater. The dancing monkey, the jugglers, even the bawdy musician could not raise his spirits.
Then Crispin called for the dancing to begin.
Deva stood and nudged Kallen. “You must dance, Kallen, especially since I cannot. Too many apple tarts and swollen ankles bind me to this chair.”
Kallen pinkened. “But I do not know how to dance, Deva. I’ve never had such an opportunity,” she protested.
“I am a good teacher, my lady,” Harold interjected smoothly. “Allow me to partner with you.”
He stood and took Kallen’s hand and led her onto the floor since the trestle tables had been cleared and placed along the walls. Griffith seethed as he watched Harold touch Kallen.
Deva turned to him. “She is quite charming,” she mused. “Such a lovely girl. I cannot imagine being raised under the auspices of Julesa. Poor Kallen. And poor Bevia.”
His sister chattered on, but Griffith tuned her out. His eyes never left Kallen.
“Griffith? Did you hear me?”
He turned and stared at her. “What did you say?”
Deva laughed. “I asked if you would fetch me another tart.” She patted his arm. “Never mind. I see your thoughts are elsewhere.”
She glanced at her husband. “Crispin? Would you mind retrieving another sweet for me?”
Crispin lifted his wife’s hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. “Anything for the mother of my child,” and left on his errand of mercy.
Griffith continued to watch Kallen. After three dances in a row, she looked flushed.
“Kallen appears to be worn to the bone,” Deva noted. “’Tis probably rest she needs after such a long journey.”
He leaped to his feet. “I’ll see to her.”
He strode across the great hall. The next dance was about to start.
“Allow me to keep Lady Kallen occupied,” Griffith said to Harold. “You can go dance attendance on our hosts, my lord. Poor Deva is a bit forlorn now. She feels left out.”
Harold turned a sympathetic eye in Deva’s direction. “I’ll see to her right away. Deva is always so kind to me. My lady.” He bowed to Kallen and moved away.
Griffith took his place beside Kallen. As they danced, he whispered in her ear, “Kallen de Mangeron, we belong together. You feel it. I know you do.”
His words were met with a stony silence.
“What can I say to convince you?” Griffith tightened his grip on her wrist. “I’m sorry, my love. I did know of Crispin’s plans to arrange a marriage, though I did not know to whom and when it would occur. But when I met you, I knew everything must change.”
He frowned. “I had no idea Crispin would act so quickly and arrange for the contracts and speak to Harold while I was gone. I thought I had much more time. Though I’ve always been fond of Harold, I would never tarry if I’d known Crispin plotted like the Devil Himself.”
Kallen stared blankly at him, increasing Griffith’s frustration. “I tried to explain our feelings for one another to Crispin. He wouldn’t listen.”
Griffith swept Kallen in a circle. “He will listen, I swear, else…” His voice faded away, for he didn’t want to make idle threats toward the man he loved as a brother.
Kallen spoke for the first time. “Else what?”
Griffith stared down at her. Kallen’s eyes glittered. Her mouth was lush and trembling.
In a loud voice, he said, “I believe you need a bit of air, my lady. Allow me to escort you.”
He left the hall, practically dragging Kallen along behind him. He reached the outer doors and pushed through them. The cold night air hit his face, but it did nothing to cool his passion.
Griffith shut the massive door behind them and jerked Kallen against him.
He kissed her hard until they both were breathless.
Each kiss demanded more as he branded her with heat.
Kallen moaned softly and gripped his shoulders.
He pushed her against the door, his body pressed next to hers, the sparks between them like none he’d experienced.
He slowed his assault, though the urgency was still present. He kissed her leisurely, lovingly, drinking in her sweetness. His lips trailed from her mouth to her throat, where he licked the throbbing pulse.
“Griffith,” she cried weakly.
He searched her face. “You’re mine, Kallen de Mangeron, and no other man’s. What we share is rare. I will not lose you.”
She began to speak, but he laid a fingertip against her lips. “Hush, sweetest. I love you.”
She started in his arms, surprise crossing her lovely features.
“I’ll say it again and again until you believe me. You’re no light-o’-love, dearest. You are my always. I’ll be damned if Harold claims you.”
He pressed a soft kiss against her forehead.
“Believe me, Kallen. I would go to the ends of the earth for you. I swear my life and my love and my protection. I may have misled you, but I was certain Crispin would agree to a match between us once I made my feelings known. I saw no reason to worry you, with everything you’d been through during our journey. ”
He paused a moment. Afraid to wait for what her next words might reveal, Griffith kissed her soundly again. He finally raised his head, only to see Kallen dazed.
“Study me, Kallen. I never asked you what my aura is. Can you not tell above all others how I feel about you?”