Chapter 3

Chapter 3

In her entire life Blaze had never ridden more than a few miles from Ashby Hall. Within an hour the landmarks well known to her disappeared, and the countryside became unfamiliar. Her childhood home was located within clear sight of the Malvern Hills on the east side of the River Wye. They traveled northwest, for RiversEdge was set upon the west bank of the Wye with a view of the Black Mountains. The land was overripe and lush in the September sunshine; the green pastures with their grazing cattle and sheep giving way to greener fields of ripening hops and golden fields of ripening grain. The road wound through ancient orchards of apples ready for the harvest, whose fragrance perfumed the air to the point of excess.

It was a peaceful land. There was little serious need for the escort of armed men who accompanied them other than the fact that they did the bride honor. Blaze had been given a lovely white mare to ride. Master Anthony rode beside her upon a dappled gray stallion with Heartha behind them upon a fat brown pony. Their pace was easy, but not leisurely, for they had some seventeen miles to go using the roads between Ashby and RiversEdge. They would ford the Wye some four miles below their destination.

The sun was at its zenith when to Blaze's relief Anthony Wyndham called a halt to their journey. She was starving, as the marriage ceremony had been in the early morning. She had not eaten before the Mass. After her health had been drunk in the Great Hall she had been dressed and hustled off. No one had thought to offer her some food before her departure on a day's ride to her new home.

Easing himself gracefully from his saddle, Anthony walked over to Blaze's mount. Lifting her down, he felt her stiffen as his fingers tightened about her narrow waist.

She moved away from him as quickly as possible, saying as she did, "I am ravenous, sir. I hope this halt is so we may eat. I am certain the Ashby cook has not let you get away without providing food for our journey."

"The halt is mainly for the benefit of the horses and so that the men may relieve themselves, madam," he said wickedly, enjoying the deep blush that reddened her cheeks.

"Ohh, you are insufferable!" she cried.

"Perhaps you would like to relieve yourself," he said, continuing his gibing. "We will not stop again until we reach RiversEdge."

"Cease your teasing, Master Anthony!" said Heartha, who had managed to dismount her pony by herself. "Ohh, he's got a wicked reputation for such behavior, my lady. Pay him no mind. There's a lovely spot over there by those trees for you to rest and eat. Poor lamb," she rattled on, "ye've had naught to eat today, have ye? Well, the Ashby cook did pack a fine basket, which is in the coach. As for you, Master Anthony, 'twill be up to the countess as to whether you gets anything to eat or not." She led Blaze to the spot she had so quickly located. A small narrow brook not clearly visible from the road tumbled over its rocky bed just past the trees where Heartha ensconced her mistress.

"Oh, how lovely," said Blaze as she knelt down to bathe her face and hands in the crystal cold water. Then, spreading her skirts, she sat down, her back against a tree.

Heartha, who had gone to the coach to fetch the basket of food, now hurried back with it. Blaze motioned her servant to sit, and together they rummaged through the contents. Within the basket were two loaves of freshly baked bread, each loaf carefully wrapped in a linen napkin with a small slab of marble that had been heated to keep the bread warm, which it still was. There was a small pat of butter, and a wedge of hard yellow cheese. There was a broiled rabbit which had been cut into several pieces, a little plum cake, several apples, a few pears, and a small corked bottle of sweet golden wine.

"Eat!" Blaze encouraged her tiring woman as she tore into a loaf of bread, spread it generously with the butter, and topped it with a slice of cheese she cut off the wedge with her own knife. "Ummmm," she said happily, and reaching for the wine bottle uncorked it. Heartha held out a cup, which Blaze filled while chewing happily upon the bread and cheese. Swallowing, she reached for the cup and quaffed down a deep swallow. "Oh, that tastes so good! Heartha, eat something yourself. I can't finish this all."

"What of Master Anthony, my lady?"

Blaze looked toward the road where Anthony Wyndham stood amongst his men speaking while they appeared to be eating something. "What are the men eating, Heartha?"

"They carry wine and bread with them, my lady."

"Does Lord Anthony have a ration?"

"I do not know, my lady. I believe he expected to dine with you."

Blaze frowned. "I cannot let him go hungry as he leads our party," she said. "Take him some food then, Heartha."

" 'Twould be unkind before the men, my lady," Heartha gently advised her young mistress. "You should really ask him to join you."

Blaze's pretty mouth made a moue of annoyance, but she nodded to her servant. "Very well, then, Heartha. Ask him to join me."

Anthony came, silently determined not to offend this prickly new aunt of his. That Blaze seemed to dislike him was evident to him, although he did not really know why, for their acquaintance was much too short for her to have formed an opinion. Perhaps because he was Edmund's heir right now she resented him. Proprietary little witch, he thought, amused. He hoped that once she found he was not really a threat she would like him better. They were a small family, and they should be close, for a close family was a strong family. It was time, he suddenly realized, that he choose himself a wife. Perhaps one of the other fetching Morgan sisters would do him. Gentle Blythe was a possibility, or perhaps the merry Delight.

Reaching Blaze, he was his most charming. "Thank you, my lady, for offering to share your meal with me. May I sit?"

She nodded regally, motioning with her hand to a place opposite her. Then, handing him a napkin with buttered bread, cheese, and the haunch of a rabbit, she said, "Eat, Master Anthony."

His fine white teeth tore into the meat, and quickly he stripped the bone clean. Fascinated, Blaze handed him another piece of the rabbit, which disappeared as swiftly, to be followed by the bread. Blaze nibbled daintily upon a single piece of meat, her appetite having been eased by the bread and cheese.

"Wine, sir?" she offered him as with her nodded permission he helped himself to more bread and cheese.

"I've some of my own, thank you, madam, and there is, I think, just enough for you. I would not deprive you."

There was little other conversation between them. Blaze broke the plum cake into three pieces, sharing it with Anthony and Heartha. When she had devoured the sweet, a particular favorite of hers, she ate both an apple and a pear. As nervous as she was about getting to RiversEdge—and they were already halfway there—she felt at ease for this break in their journey.

Anthony Wyndham wiped his hands upon the napkin, and arose saying, "We will be on our way shortly, my lady. Forgive my lack of delicacy, but this really is the last opportunity you will have before we resume our journey to, ah, attend to, ah, personal matters for yourself." Then, before she might reply, he turned and hurried off.

"He is right, my lady, and nothing's more uncomfortable than riding along when one has to ... well, you know, my lady," put in Heartha.

"Aye," said Blaze with a grin, "I know, but 'tis still very annoying to have to be constantly reminded, as if I were a child, Heartha. Keep watch for me now."

They continued upon their journey, and soon they could see the River Wye before them stretching its silvery self in the warm, golden midafternoon sunlight. When they finally reached its banks a ferryman was awaiting to transport them across the water.

"Is this the bride then?" he asked Anthony frankly.

"Aye, Rumford, this is your new mistress, the Countess of Langford. Madam, may I present to you the keeper of the Michaelschurch ferry, Master Rumford."

Blaze smiled at the weathered man. "I've never crossed a river before," she said. "It cannot be an easy task to bring the boat safely to the shore each time, Rumford."

"Aye, m'lady, and a child could do it," the ferryman replied modestly, pulling his cap from his head and bobbing politely. "I've been the boatman for his lordship since my father grew too old for it, and I've three sons to carry on after me. 'Tis Rumford business to guide the boats, and yer not to worry, for the old Wye is as smooth as glass today. 'Twill be no more than a glide across a millpond."

The ferryman was true to his word, and three trips saw them all safely across the river and on the other side.

"You're now on Langford land," said Master Anthony. "There are two roads to RiversEdge from here. The more direct one runs along the river, and the house is but three miles away. If you are not too tired, Edmund wanted you to go the long way around, which will take you through two of his villages before you reach RiversEdge. I was to leave it up to you."

Blaze stretched in her saddle. More than anything she wanted to reach her journey's end and have a hot tub. She had never ridden so far in her life. She was both tired and sore. Still, it was important that she get off on the right foot with her husband. He wanted her to do this. "We'll visit the villages," she said quietly.

"Good girl!" he approved, and though his patronizing tone annoyed her, she was relieved to have her judgment confirmed.

Afterward she was glad that she had done it. The warmth of her welcome and the obvious approval of the villagers in Michaelschurch cheered her, giving her courage for what was to come. They poured from their houses smiling and greeting her with friendly words. A small girl rushed up to her mare to press a hastily made bouquet of Mary's Gold and asters into her hand. She smiled down at the child, calling her thanks, and received a host of, "God bless yer ladyship," from the little lass's family. Her welcome in the second village was even warmer, and her cheeks grew pink as she overheard several groups of goodwives loudly approving her form as a good one for successful childbearing.

"They mean well," Master Anthony said, "and though they do not wish to embarrass you, they are anxious that my uncle have an heir of his loins."

"I understand," said Blaze tightly. "Is that not the purpose of this marriage? Has it not been drummed into my head for the last two months?" She smiled and waved at the last of the villagers as they passed by them by moving out onto the open road again.

"Edmund is a good man," Anthony ventured. "I hope you will learn to love one another. I believe that love is important to a marriage."

"Did my lord love his first wife?"

"Aye, he loved Cathy. They had known each other since they were children."

Blaze grew silent. If he loved his first wife, was he capable of loving her? Oh, she hoped so! She did not know what love between a man and a woman was, but she knew that she wanted to feel that most fabled and desired of emotions. To think of going through life without knowing that emotion was very frightening.

Then suddenly Anthony said, "Look! There is RiversEdge."

They had climbed to the top of a hill, and below them, the River Wye, its eastern boundary, RiversEdge was placed like a fine jewel within a parklike setting. Its well-tended gardens were abloom with early-autumn color. The house was built in the shape of an H to honor the king who had elevated the Wyndhams to their earldom. It was of dark redbrick, its walls embraced by shiny green ivy. From the gray slate roof at least half a dozen chimneys soared. Blaze could see the busy daily activity about the house as they descended the hill, and her heart began to beat quite quickly.

She dared not look for fear of what she might see. What if she were disappointed in him? What if he were disappointed in her? Of its own volition her mare came to a stop. Strong hands reached up and clamped themselves around her waist, lifting her from her mount's back and setting her firmly upon the ground.

The thumb and forefinger of an elegant hand caught her chin and tilted her head up. She found herself staring into a pair of the warmest and kindest brown eyes she had ever seen. The most beautiful voice she had ever heard—a deep and caressing voice—said, "Welcome home, Blaze Wyndham. I am your husband, Edmund." The eyes twinkled down at her. "I am most anxious to know if I meet with your approval, madam."

"Oh, yes, my lord!" she burst out, the relief in her voice very evident. Then she blushed, realizing how her words must sound to him, but Edmund Wyndham laughed.

"It only dawned upon me this morning as I awoke that although I had been most happy to carry away from Ashby a miniature of you, you had no possible idea of what I might look like because I thoughtlessly neglected to send you a miniature. I hope you will forgive me, Blaze. I promise I shall make up for that neglect if you will but let me."

Again she blushed. Did his words hold a deeper meaning than they appeared to, or was she simply imagining it? Seeing her confusion, Edmund Wyndham tucked her small hand within the safety of his, and led his bride into the house. She was very charming, he thought. He realized that he was surprised by her complete innocence, but then, should he be? His single visit to Ashby had told him the complete and utter isolation of the Morgans' life.

As for Blaze, she was greatly relieved to have a moment to recover her poise. She could not yet believe her good fortune. When she had hidden with her sisters behind that hedge at Ashby and spied upon Lord Wyndham and her father, she had not really been able to see him, nor had it even mattered at the time. Then she had learned her fate, and she could not for the life of her remember any of the earl's features. Now she was delighted to discover that she was married to an extremely handsome man. How envious Bliss would be if she but knew!

She must write to her sisters! Write and tell them that her husband was as tall as Lord Anthony. That his hair was a dark brown, and that his eyes were the warm color of sherry wine. Curiously she gazed down at the hand holding hers. It was not an overly big hand, but large, the fingers long with well-shaped almost square nails. He was dressed in black velvet with a doublet that was heavily encrusted with jewels. The dark fabric made his fair skin even fairer.

He led her into the Great Hall of RiversEdge, a marvelous room with a soaring ceiling and carved beams that were gilded with a scrolled design. There were four huge fireplaces, all burning fragrant cherry wood, and beautiful windows which lined both sides of the hall high up. Through those windows that faced west could be seen the beginning of sunset. The high board was carved beautifully of golden oak. Behind it, centered, were two thronelike high-backed chairs. The room was filled with servants.

"I know how tired you must be, Blaze," the beautiful voice said in a low, intimate tone meant just for her, "but can you compose yourself just enough to greet your servants, my dear?"

"Yes, my lord," she answered him softly, thinking: If you asked me to fly to the moon right at this minute, I believe that I could. Was there another man alive so thoughtful and kind? She had been so afraid that he would be like his arrogant and mocking nephew.

The next few minutes passed, and it was as if she were within her own body looking out at all that happened about her. She greeted all of the house servants and the headmen of the outdoor hierarchy graciously, smiling, and with a kind word for each. Her mother, she thought, would have been proud of her, for she hid her real feelings well. All she wanted to do was to be alone with this man with the marvelous voice. To learn more about him, to please him. Yet she stood straight, doing her duty as the new Countess of Langford, until the last servant had gone his or her way.

"That was well done," the earl approved, to her intense delight, when they were once more alone in the Great Hall. "You are tired, I can see. Let me take you to your apartments, my dear. When you have bathed and are comfortable, I have arranged for us to have supper within your chambers if that pleases you."

"Oh, yes, I should like that very much," Blaze told him. "It was just about this time yesterday afternoon that I learned I was to come to you today. It has all happened so quickly that I can scarcely believe that I am here myself."

Edmund Wyndham smiled at her ingenuousness. "I realize," he said, "that having our wedding date changed so precipitously must have been a shock, but I am certain that Tony explained to you and your parents the pressing reasons for it. You came through Michaelschurch and Wyeton, and you could see yourself the happiness that your arrival has generated. The events of this summer have frightened my people. There were those old and superstitious goodwives who claimed that someone had put the evil eye upon Langford, her master, and its people. It was necessary that I counteract such rumors as quickly as possible. I would not have stolen your wedding day from you except for those circumstances. I shall make it up to you, however, Blaze Wyndham. That I promise you."

They had walked from the Great Hall while he was speaking, and he had led her up a wide staircase and down a wide hallway that was lined with windows on one side. Stopping before a dark oak door and turning the brass handle on the door, the earl flung it wide. Then to her complete surprise he picked her up and carried her over the threshold into the room. When he placed her back upon her feet Blaze was not quite certain that she was going to be able to stand, for her legs were suddenly wobbly.

"I will leave you in Heartha's capable hands," he said quietly. "When you are ready to receive me, you have but to send for me." Taking her by the shoulders, he placed a gentle kiss upon her brow, and turning, left her.

Blaze stood there rooted to the floor, staring at the door which had closed behind him. She should get down on her knees and thank the Blessed Mother for providing her with such a wonderful and kind husband. She almost laughed aloud to think of how reticent she had been about this marriage. Ohh, if only he would love her! she thought. She believed she was already falling in love with him.

"My lady." Heartha lightly touched her shoulder.

Blaze looked up and laughed softly. "I think I have been moonstruck," she said in gentle self-mockery.

"We all want you to feel that way about him," said the tiring woman quietly. "He is such a good man, my lady, yet his luck these last few years has not been good. We all believe that you will bring him good fortune as well as healthy children. Come now, your bath is ready for you."

For the first time since she had entered the house, Blaze concentrated upon her surroundings. The receiving room in which she stood was paneled in linenfold paneling. Upon the well-polished wide board floors was a beautiful red-and-blue wool carpet such as she had never seen. At Ashby the hall floor was covered with herbs and rushes, and the bedchamber floors were bare except in deep winter, when they had sheepskins upon the cold boards. The lead-paned casement windows were hung with French-blue velvet draperies. The furniture was carved and polished oak, and upon a long table was a pottery bowl filled with pink roses. A cheerful fire burned in the fireplace.

Blaze had never seen such a lovely room, but she had scarce time to admire it, for Heartha was leading her into her bedchamber. Blaze's mouth made a small O as she viewed this second room. Like the receiving room, the bedchamber walls were linenfold panels and the windows velvet-draped. The great oak bedstead was also hung with the soft blue velvet. The bedchamber had a fireplace too that even now warmed the room. There were several carved oak chests about the chamber, and small tables set on either side of the bed. Upon each was a silver candlestick with a pure beeswax taper.

"The garderobe and your dressing room are through here," said Heartha, pointing to a paneled door.

Blaze was stunned. Her parents' bedchamber wasn't this big. "Was this Lady Catherine's room?" she asked her servant.

"Of course, my lady. By tradition this is the countess's apartment, but my lord has had it redecorated for you. In Lady Catherine's time the hangings were crimson, for 'twas her favorite color, and it suited her; but come, my lady, your tub will grow chill if we do not hurry."

Blaze looked to see a huge oak tub sitting before the fireplace. From it arose a fragrant steam. Their tub at home was half the size, but it seemed that everything here was larger. She allowed Heartha to undress her and bathe her. The tub water was oily and smelt of violets. When she was dry Heartha came forward to dress her in a cream-colored silk chamber robe. As she fastened the last of the small pearl buttons, Blaze glanced through the windows and saw that night had fallen. Heartha drew her over to the pier glass so she might see herself.

"Are you not beautiful, my lady?" the tiring woman said. "You cannot fail but please his lordship."

It was then that Blaze realized that it was her wedding night. There had been no time to think today. So much had happened. Now suddenly she was to be faced by a bridegroom anxious to claim his rights, and equally eager to sire a child upon her. She gazed into the mirror and because she was no fool she saw a face and form created to tempt the strongest man. She saw a girl who stood no taller than five feet, three inches and whose clinging robe with its deep V neckline offered an enticing view of firm young breasts. Her brown-gold hair was loose and fluffy about her face, and poured down her back as soft as the silk against which it lay. She trembled, then started nervously at the knock upon the door.

A pretty maidservant popped her head around the door, saying, "Excuse me, m'lady, but Cook wants to know if you are ready for supper to be served."

Before she might reply, Heartha did so for her. "Of course she's ready, lass! Send the footmen quickly to remove that tub before his lordship comes. Hurry up now, girl!"

Blaze watched in amazement as the footmen, eyes politely averted, hurried into the room to remove the tub, while through the door between her receiving room and her bedchamber she could see the maidservants setting up a table with snow-white linen and a silver candelabrum.

"Shall I send for his lordship now, my lady?" Heartha asked.

For a moment she hesitated, but then Blaze nodded. She had no excuse for denying him. It would certainly cause a scandal should she do so. She kept trying to remember what it was her mother had told her, but it kept getting mixed up with what her little sister had seen and reported upon to them all. She was becoming more frightened as each moment passed.

How could she give herself to this stranger, no matter how kindly he was? She wanted to know him better. Right now she knew nothing of him but his name. She didn't even know his birthdate, or if he liked music, or what his favorite food was. Suddenly she realized she was alone, and when a door well hidden in her bedroom paneling swung open, she almost screamed in her fright. Edmund Wyndham stepped into the room. He was wearing a quilted gown of dark green velvet.

"Blaze, what is it? You look positively terrified," he said, his voice rich with concern.

"I ... I did n-not expect y-y-you to en-enter quite that w-way," she managed to stammer.

"The door connects my bedchamber with yours," he explained. "It is not necessary that our comings and goings be public knowledge."

"Oh." Did she look as great a fool as she felt?

He moved to take her hand in his, leading her into the other room, where their supper awaited them at the table before the fireplace.

"You must be quite hungry," the earl said. "Tony told me that you stopped only briefly just after the noon hour for a small repast that your cook at Ashby packed. You will find the cook here at RiversEdge an artist of the first rank. Was your journey a pleasant one?"

"Aye, my lord, it was. The countryside is so beautiful between Ashby and RiversEdge. I have never seen it before, nor the river this far north."

He smiled, and seated her at their supper table. "Tonight," the earl said, "I shall serve you, my lady." He walked to the sideboard, and taking a plate, filled it, pausing before each covered dish to consider before lifting the lid from it. When he set her plate before her, Blaze saw that she had a slice of delicate pink salmon set upon a bed of cress, a slice of breast and the wing of a capon that had been prepared with lemon-ginger sauce, a baby lamb chop, and some pale leafy greens that had been braised in white wine. There was a hot loaf upon the table, a silver crock of sweet butter, and two cheeses—a hard, sharp golden one and a soft French Brie with which Blaze was unfamiliar.

The earl had filled two plates for himself. Upon one were at least a dozen open shells containing raw oysters, and upon the other was a large slab of beef, the leg and thigh of the capon, three chops, and some of the braised lettuce. Before sitting, Edmund Wyndham poured a fruity, dark red wine into the chased-silver goblets by each place. Seating himself opposite her, he cut two slices from the loaf and gave her one.

"Have you ever been away from Ashby, Blaze?" he asked her.

"Nay, my lord. No more than a few miles. On my twelfth birthday I asked to go to Hereford to see the cathedral. The trip was planned, but alas my younger sisters all came down with some complaint of the belly and running bowels, so we never went." She shrugged, and bit into the capon wing.

The earl wolfed down his oysters, then said, "When you are settled and comfortable here at RiversEdge, perhaps you would like to have your sisters for a visit."

"Ohh, yes, my lord!" Her very look lightened, and he suddenly realized that she was afraid. "Ohh, I should like that very much! I miss them already. We never thought to be separated from one another even in marriage, for of course none of us ever thought to make such a fine marriage." Her words tumbled out hurriedly as her lovely violet-blue eyes looked directly at him, rendering him breathless with her beauty. "How can I thank you for your kindness, my lord?" she continued. "You have become a fairy godfather to us all by first making me your wife and then dowering my sisters so that they might make good matches also. I shall endeavor to be the best of wives to you, my lord, and surely God will bless us with the sons you desire!"

Fairy godfather!He almost winced at her earnest words. For almost two months he had stared at her miniature, but the reality was far better than he could have ever anticipated, surpassing the painted image by far. He didn't want to be her fairy godfather. He wanted to be her lover. She was the most tempting creature he had ever seen, and already he desired her. Instead he said in a calm and grave tone, "I am certain you will be a perfect wife, Blaze, and that we will have a houseful of children, some of whom will be sons."

They ate, and when they had pushed back their plates he noticed that her plate was still half full, though her goblet was empty. There was an apple tart upon the sideboard along with a bowl of clotted cream. Rising, he removed their dinner plates to that sideboard, and served them each a slice of the tart, placing cream upon their table. That, he noted, she ate. When they had finished and she had wiped the crumbs from her mouth, he arose. Coming around the table, he drew her up, slipping his arm about her waist.

Blaze stiffened. She knew she should not, but she simply could not help it. Anxiously she bit her lower lip, her gaze now averted from his. She could feel her heart beginning to beat more rapidly within her chest. He is my husband, she thought desperately. I must acquiesce to his every demand. I must please him. I cannot give way to childish fears. I am a wife now. She trembled against him.

"You are afraid," he said quietly. It was a statement.

"Aye," she whispered, hating her cowardice.

He tipped her little face up so he might look at her, and bending his own head, touched her lips with his. They were cold and stiff, and at his touch she began to shake uncontrollably. He was surprised, but following his instincts, he held her in his protective embrace. "You are a virgin," he said. Another statement. "It is natural for you to be afraid. Has your mother told you what to expect?"

Mutely she nodded, hiding her head again from his direct glance.

There was more to this, he realized, than just a virgin fearful of her first sexual encounter. "You must not be afraid of me, Blaze," he said in a calm voice. "I want you to tell me why you are frightened. You must not worry about the fact that I am your husband, and think that you owe me any loyalty. I would have the truth from you, my dear. Truth between a husband and a wife is the cornerstone of a strong and happy marriage. Look at me now, sweetheart, and speak."

She raised her face to his, and her wonderful eyes looked into his. "I know that you will think me foolish, my lord, and I pray you not be angered by my words. I know that women wed with men that they do not know; and I know they are expected to bed with them immediately, but it is not my way. I do not know you. I know that you would have a son, for that is the purpose of our union. It has been pounded into me by my family for weeks, and by your nephew both yesterday and as we rode from Ashby this day.

"Still, I am uncomfortable with the notion. I am happy and honored to have been chosen to be your wife. I swear to do my best to give you a son, but you, sir, have stolen my courtship from me. I would have it of you before you have my maidenhead! Perhaps you will not ever learn to love me, but I want more between us than sacred bonds and children. I already have evidence of your kindness. If you would just give me a little time until we could at least become friends. Is that so very much to ask?" she pleaded of him.

To court his own wife.It was a fascinating and piquant idea, and strangely one that was not displeasing to him. He had grown up with his first wife. Their marriage had simply been the end result of a long friendship and practical necessity. Although he found that he already lusted after this charming stranger who was now his wife, he was a man of delicacy. The thought of bedding her so impersonally was, now that she had pointed it out, beginning to seem highly unattractive to him.

Gently he grazed a knuckle over her right cheekbone, and then he said slowly, "What you say has merit, Blaze. I would very much enjoy paying you court. Passion between a man and a woman should be mutually enjoyable. Tell me, though: for how long is this courtship to go on?"

"Will we both not know the right time to end it, my lord?" she answered him.

"Why, Blaze," he said with a smile, "what a wise little creature you are. Very well then, I will agree to your proposal. I shall court you with all the skill of my years and experience. Then when the right moment comes we will be united in the true sense of a man and his wife. First, however, I would teach you how to kiss."

"I have never kissed a man before," she admitted.

"It is painfully evident," he teased. "Your lips were as cold as ice toward me, and worse, as stiff as untanned leather."

"Perhaps," she returned with spirit, "now that I do not feel so threatened by you I will do better. Shall we try?" Closing her eyes so that her thick dark gold lashes fanned out across her cheeks, she raised her heart-shaped face to him, pursing her lips adorably.

He almost laughed aloud at her artlessness. Damn, but she was sweet! He bent to kiss her, this time finding her more compliant within his arms. Her lips softened beneath his, as smooth and delicate as a rose petal, parting slightly with some deep and primitive instinct as he increased the pressure of his mouth upon hers. Finally he drew away reluctantly and quite intoxicated with the fresh innocence of her. He was almost dizzy with her kiss.

"Is that better, my lord?" she asked him demurely. Her own heart was pounding violently. Her belly was doing flip-flops, and although she knew he could not know it, she could not quite focus her eyes clearly for a moment or two.

More experienced, he managed to regain his equilibrium quicker, and he laughed to cover his own surprise. "Much better, madam. You are an apt pupil. I think you will make great progress under my expert tutelage."

Recovered slightly herself now, Blaze twinkled back at her husband. "I think, sir," she said, "that you are probably a master of the art."

He caught her two hands in his, and raising them to his lips, kissed them. "I do not think, Blaze, that it will be hard to love you."

Her eyes widened with this flattery, and she thought silently to herself, although she was too shy to say it: Neither, my lord, do I think it will be hard to love you.

"I know you are tired," he told her. "Let me call Heartha to ready you for your bed." He brushed her cheek with his lips. "Sleep well and safe, Blaze Wyndham." Then he left her.

She was almost sorry to see him go, for she had enjoyed their meal together, and his company. Still, she was relieved to be left her maiden state for at least the time being.

While Blaze pondered her mixed feelings within the privacy of her bedchamber, her husband descended the main staircase of his house to the Great Hall of RiversEdge. There he found Anthony sprawled in a tapestry-backed chair by the fire enjoying a goblet of his best Rhenish. Edmund poured himself a matching goblet and joined his relative.

"What, uncle? Not upstairs enjoying the favors of that tasty little sweetmeat I brought you?" Anthony grinned lecherously.

"My many years have taught me, nephew, that a man cannot force a horse to water, nor an unwilling woman to his will," was the droll reply.

"She refused you?" The younger man sat up, looking aghast. "She is your wife, and you her lord."

Edmund Wyndham laughed. "Have you ever known me to force a woman, Tony? She is young, frightened, and a virgin. Until several hours ago she didn't even know what I looked like. She wants to be courted."

"Courted?"

"Aye, courted."

"But you're already wed!"

"Because a man is married doesn't mean he should cease to court his wife. I must live with Blaze until death parts us, which I trust will not be for many years. How we begin will determine the course of our lives together. Should I destroy our chance for happiness to satisfy a moment's lust? God and his Blessed Mother forbid it! Blaze wants a little time to know me, and she is right. I intend giving it to her." He drank deeply from the goblet.

"I do not understand you, Edmund. You mourned Cathy a full year, during which time you did not to my knowledge lie with any woman. You then immediately sought for a new wife. You even hurried the wedding day in order to soothe the nerves of your people. I still do not believe you have had a woman. Now this lovely creature is wed with you, and you will not lie with her because it does not suit her. Will you not spoil her with such indulgence, and lead her to believe that it is she who wears the breeches in this family?"

"You do not understand women, Tony. Blaze is here, and that is the important thing for my people. Whether I bed her tonight, or few weeks hence, will make no difference to anyone but ourselves. You have never had a serious relationship with a woman in your life. You do not comprehend that a wife cannot be treated like a common whore. Blaze would get to know me before she gives herself to me. She has denied me nothing, but rather pleaded her case quite well."

"God's foot! You're already besotted with the little creature, but let me warn you, Edmund, that I have seen a side of your bride that I hope you will not soon see. She has quite a temper for such a small thing."

"Aye, I expect that she does, for most women do. Did she turn that temper upon you when you lectured her about her duties to produce an heir for me?" His brown eyes were twinkling with amusement.

"She told you that?" Anthony was surprised.

"Aye, she told me. She was very outraged, for it seems that everyone has been preaching to her of her duty toward me since our betrothal became official. She was willing to take such instructions from her family and her priest, but I'm afraid she did not consider it your place, Tony. I should like to see her in anger!" He chuckled.

"I'm going home," said Anthony, disgusted. "There's a moon to light my way, and I suppose I had best see Mother before tomorrow. She will be mightily curious about my new aunt."

"Tell Doro that Blaze and I will receive Father Martin's blessing before our people upon the church steps at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning. I would like her there. Will your father be well enough to come?"

"If it does not rain or grow damp, he should be fine," said Anthony. "How I dread the coming winter! I have never seen Father so crippled up as he was last winter. Yet he is so brave. He rarely complains."

"Your father is not a young man any longer. He is close to sixty, Tony, and he has never been strong of limb. I am surprised that he has survived this long. It is a tribute to Dorothy's determination, for she has loved your father her whole life. That's the kind of love I would have develop between myself and Blaze. Can you understand that?"

Anthony Wyndham arose from his chair. "Aye, Edmund, I think I can."

"You should really think about seeking a wife yourself now, Tony. You are your father's only heir, and in a position to make a good match."

"I thought of that myself today," came the reply. "Perhaps one of my new aunt's sisters. They seem to be a comely, lively bunch of girls, and the stock is good. Aye, it would please my father to dandle grandchildren upon his knee before he dies."

The earl now arose himself, and putting an arm about his nephew, he walked with him from the hall to the main door of the house. Within minutes Anthony's horse was brought around. Mounting it, he rode off northwest along the river road to his own home of Riverside. Edmund watched him go until he was out of sight. Then he stood for a long minute in the warm September night staring up at the moon, which was almost full. Finally with a sigh he stepped back into the house, closing the door behind him, and sought his own yet lonely bed.