Page 5

L ondon

K nights , stable boys, cooks, and servants crowded the inner bailey of the Great Tower, all busy with their daily tasks.

Timber buildings, housing people and animals, extended almost to the Thames River.

Melissa found the excitement contagious despite her misgivings this morning.

She put the dream from her mind, determined to enjoy the day.

Within the hour, she would meet the Duke of Sunderland, her future husband.

She observed the commotion of the courtyard from atop her horse. “I can’t imagine the organization needed to run such a complicated household.”

“Your mother runs ours with great efficiency and tells me you are a good student.” Lord Garrick smiled at the women in front of him. “’Tis a pity your brother could not be here.”

“John, how could we anticipate the death of our bailiff? Someone had to manage our lands while we are away.” Lady Agnes nodded her head at another noble family as they passed by. “Methinks Broden worried we might find him a bride next. He seemed relieved to stay back.”

Melissa smiled at her mother’s comment. She did know her children well.

While Broden had regretted saying goodbye to his sister, he despised the thought of a dozen mothers with eligible young women on his heels for a month.

His good looks and title made him a good match for many, and her marriage to a duke would only increase his standing.

“He promised to be here for Christmastide.” Lord Garrick turned to one of his men with instructions. “We shall all be together before Twelfth Day, suitors or not.”

The group made their way through the courtyard and dismounted. Her father went in search of a boy to take the horses. While they waited, her mother interrogated a knight about the preparations going on in the city.

Melissa pulled her cloak tightly around her and took in the huge stone keep near the river.

It had a tower on each corner: two were square, one was round, and the fourth had a semi–circular addition.

The structure, with its intricately carved facing, emanated wealth and power.

Her father was right. London would provide many new experiences.

Her mother rejoined her. “That addition over there is the chapel, according to Sir Blackbourne. And the round tower has a circular staircase that leads to the Royal Apartments. It is said to be the tallest castle in the world.”

Melissa held a hand over her eyes and peered up at one of the turrets. Far above her, she saw a bird land on a parapet. As it stared down at her, she shivered with the same familiar unease of her dreams . It cannot be. You are a dolt and in need of sleep.

“All settled. Let us find a seat in the hall and wait for the duke,” her father said, rubbing his hands together. “Come, daughter, let us finalize these negotiations.”

She followed behind her father but took one last glance up at the parapet. Gone . Or her tired mind had only imagined the falcon. Taking a deep breath, she shook off the apprehension that hovered over her like a dark cloud and walked up the wooden stairs to the entrance of the keep.

It took her eyes a few moments to adjust to the dim light inside the building.

The large room held at least a hundred people.

Small groups lounged in corners or around benches placed against the walls.

Huge, colorful tapestries covered much of the stone, and a mammoth fireplace took up one wall.

The slate floor chilled her feet through her soft leather shoes.

Her father found a vacant bench, and Melissa sat down on it with a silent prayer of thanks.

“You look pale, dear. Are you feeling faint? It could be nerves.” Agnes patted her hand. “So much excitement after a long trip can be difficult.”

“I admit sleep has not come easy the past few nights,” she answered truthfully. “But I am not some weak-spined girl who needs reviving over nerves. Methinks meeting Lord Roker will ease... Oh, my.”

Lord Garrick approached them with a tall, impeccably dressed man.

His broad shoulders filled out the full–length indigo tunic, and striped matching hose covered his well–muscled calves.

Thick blond hair hung straight just below his ears.

He laughed at something her father said, showing slightly crooked but white teeth.

This is more than I hoped for. She stood with a smile and waited for her introduction.

“Gracious. You will be a happy girl in the marriage bed,” Agnes whispered, a knowing gleam in her eye. “I am glad you wore the rose kirtle. The waist is tight and the color compliments your hair. I wish you had put on the ruby pendant. We need to dress according to our station.”

Melissa gave a quick snort and picked at the long cream–colored sleeve that hung to her waist. “I do not care for the added jewels. But I will heed your advice in the future, my mother.”

“May I present my daughter, Lady Melissa.” Lord Garrick made the formal introductions. “Lord Roker, the Duke of Sunderland.”

“A long–awaited pleasure. My father told me you would grow into a lovely woman.” He bowed low, flipped over her outstretched hand, and placed a kiss upon the palm. Done in one smooth motion, no one noticed except herself. “You have turned into quite a beauty.”

“Thank you, my lord.” She curtsied and bent her head in response.

As she met his eyes, her smile faltered.

His blank, dark gaze did not match the pleasantness of his tone.

But hunger soon filled the void as he straightened and took in her womanly curves.

The look left her feeling bare and vulnerable.

The approval that registered in his gaze was flattering, though his eyes lingered on her breasts and sent a flush to her face.

“Good work getting an appointment with the King so quickly, Lord Roker. Every noble in England is trying to get his ear. And I was at court very little during Stephen’s reign.

” He rubbed his hands together. “It is only a formality. Yet with a new monarch, we must be certain not to step on any toes, especially royal ones.”

“Yea, you shall have an audience with the King by the end of the week.” Roker’s eyes again roamed over Melissa. “I do not see any obstacles in our way. We are both of noble blood and in good standing with Henry.”

“Once it is settled, we will make the final arrangements for the ceremony. I assume you will want to proceed before my wife and I return home?”

Melissa listened to the men discuss her future as if she was not involved at all.

Did it even occur to them to ask her opinion?

She felt her mother’s fingers on her sleeve.

She worries I will say something and embarrass them.

It would do no good. Her fate was decided, and she fared much better than most young women that she knew.

Once she and her new husband reached Sunderland, she would find her place and assume her duties.

“Do the ladies care to sit?” asked Lord Roker, and indicated the benches behind them. He turned his full attention on her. “Did you have a pleasant journey?”

“Yea, my lord. We were blessed with mild weather,” she answered, grateful for the distraction of everyday conversation.

She sank down on the wooden plank and remembered her mother’s instructions.

Keep your head lowered and at least give the appearance of a modest and demure lady.

“Mayhap you would be kind enough to tell me more of your home.”

She peered through her thick lashes and saw the warmth in his expression as he described the Sunderland estate.

His tone became almost urgent when he spoke of the renovations begun shortly after his father’s death.

Spittle formed at the corners of his mouth, and he used his finger and thumb to wipe it away impatiently as he spoke.

The conversation relaxed her, and she chided herself for needless concern. She would keep an open mind.

“My father, may God assoil him, did not see the benefits of improving our estates for defense or beauty. It saddens me to say it was a crack between us. I believe we should always live according to our lot in life, and our surroundings should reflect that.” Lord Roker gave her a small smile and shook his head.

“I want my castle to be impenetrable yet fit for the King should he honor us with a visit. My father wasted too much money on paltry affairs.”

The pride in his voice was undeniable. Melissa found herself imagining her new home from his descriptions. Before she could ask what the duke considered trivial concerns, a horn blew from the floor above.

“Lord Roker, may I ask about your mother’s health? It has been too long since we have corresponded.” Lady Agnes placed her hand on the duke’s arm. “I had hoped to see her here in London.”

“Thank you for your concern, my lady. I’m afraid she has not taken my father’s death well. I cannot get her to leave his rooms, her grief is too heavy at this time.” He shook his head. “It was so unexpected. She needs time to accept it.”

“I will write her soon. Mayhap I will visit this spring. We have known each other since we were children.” She squeezed his arm again. “Your mother is a strong woman. She will come around.”

“I hope you are right, but she has never been so melancholy.” He smiled at Melissa. “Another female for company might be just the distraction she needs.”

“If there is anything I can do to help the duchess… I so look forward to meeting her.” Melissa’s heart opened to the poor woman. She could not imagine losing her father so suddenly.

“Come, we are summoned for dinner.” Lord Garrick held out an arm to his daughter as she rose from the bench. “The meal will be served in the great hall.”

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