Beyond Reason Page 4

  “Well, well,” he murmured. “It seems the little bird has some new feathers.”

  Robert followed Bernard's gaze, which matched the direction of everyone else in the great hall. When his eyes came to rest on the small, red-headed figure standing in the doorway, a smile began in his heart. By the time it reached his mouth he was already on his feet and crossing the floor.

  “Isobel.” He met her at the threshold, his eyes raking over the green velvet robe that graced her slender curves. The colour seemed to lighten her eyes to gold and darken her hair to a rich copper. She looked ... Beautiful. Exquisite. Angelic. He blinked. Christ, Rob. Say something.

  “Isobel.” He said again, aware of a growing tightness in his groin. “You look quite... lovely.”

  “Thanks to you, my lord.” She glanced down at her robe, a hint of rose rising in her cheeks. “I am truly humbled by your kindness.”

  “And I am delighted with the result. Besides, it's the least I can do after all that has happened.”

  Isobel glanced around the great hall, trepidation evident in her eyes. “Why is everyone looking at us?”

  He chuckled and presented an elbow. “I believe everyone is looking at you, my lady. It is but simple curiosity on their part. Come.”

  She gave a nervous smile and placed a hand on his arm. Robert felt the tension in her gait and placed his free hand atop hers. “You'll sit by me at the head table. That way, all and sundry can gawk freely at us.”

  Isobel laughed – the same sweet sound that had touched his spirit a few days before. “I don't believe I have ever been gawked at, my lord.”

  “It doesn't hurt one bit, I assure you.” He guided her to the seat at his right side. A bold move, he knew, but one intended to show that Isobel De Clancy had the full support of Glendennan's liege lord. No one would dare show her any disrespect after tonight, and if they did... Robert cast a challenging gaze around the room, and a low buzz of chatter started again as people turned back to their meal.

  “My lady.” Bernard, who had risen to his feet, gave Isobel a wink. “Did I not tell you all would be well when our lord returned?”

  “You did, Bernard.” Isobel smiled at him and sat down. “I find myself struggling to believe how much my life has changed in so short a time. But where is Elisabeth?”

  “Resting,” Bernard replied. “She's still weary from the birth of our third, and prefers to take her meals in our chamber.”

  Isobel's brow creased. “Ah. Then perhaps I might I visit with her tomorrow? I'd love to see her.”

  “Of course. She would like that.”

  Robert watched as the two exchanged pleasantries. He found himself studying every detail of Isobel's face, examining every curve of her body, committing each little nuance to memory. For reasons he couldn't fathom, the lass affected him as a good wine might – intoxicating his blood and divesting him of logic.

  Each time he saw her, it seemed, the attraction intensified. His arousal demanded release. At that moment he wanted – nay – he needed to take the lass to his bed, to explore every part of her with his hands and his mouth before burying himself in her heat. The fantasy set his shaft twitching and he shifted in his seat.

  “Folly,” he muttered, under his breath. He dragged his gaze away and explored the faces of his serfs, wondering if a pretty serving maid might have the same effect on him. Did he want sex, or did he want Isobel? She turned to him and touched his arm. The contact fired a bolt of desire deep into his gut. He wanted Isobel.

  Oblivious to his thoughts, she blinked at him. “Perhaps we should discuss what duties you'd like me to perform, my lord.”

  Robert cleared his throat, smiling inwardly at the timing of her suggestion. “Yes, we should. Actually, I received a missive from Baron Willoughby this morning. The wedding party plan to be here on or around the 27th of December – fifty guests in total.” Unable to keep from touching her, he dragged a fingertip along her jaw. “Do you ride, my lady?”

  Her chest rose and fell. “Aye, my lord. I do.”

  “Good. Over the next two days, we'll make a list of what is needed for the celebrations. On Friday we'll journey to Kirbie and place the orders. I thought you might like to come along.”

  Isobel's face lit with delight. “An outing? Oh, I shall look forward to that. It's been so long since I ventured beyond Glendennan's walls.”

  He smiled, gratified to see the pleasure in her eyes. “You'll bring a maid. Mary perhaps? We'll take a wagon for supplies.”

  Isobel nodded. “Mary will be happy to escort me.”

  “Good. I think my mother's chamber should be prepared for my w... for Lady Joanna. Perhaps you can arrange that.”

  She nodded again. “I shall not rest until everything is to your liking, my lord.”

  Robert raised a brow. “Oh, but you will, my lady. You'll rest as you should. It's not De Lisle who commands you now.”

  “Speak of the Devil,” Bernard muttered, drawing Robert's gaze to the doorway.

  As Felix De Lisle entered the hall, Isobel squirmed in her seat. Robert frowned to see her fingers knotting together on the table, knuckles white with tension.

  He placed his hand over hers. “Easy, my lady. One wrong word from our friend, and he'll find himself chained up in the dungeon.”

  Isobel's hands relaxed beneath his touch, yet as Felix's gaze wandered over to where they sat, she once again fidgeted in her seat.

  “Why do you squirm?” Robert asked. “He's no longer a threat to you.”

  Felix slowed as he neared, the height of the dais obliging him to look up to Robert and Isobel.

  “My lord,” he mumbled, inclining his head. “My lady.”

  Robert narrowed his eyes. “What do you want, De Lisle?”

  Felix cleared his throat. “I wish to offer my sincere apologies to Lady Isobel for my treatment of her over the past months. I am truly ashamed. My conduct did poorly represent Glendennan and what it stands for. Please forgive me, my lady.”

  Isobel opened her mouth as if to speak, but said nothing. Robert leaned toward her. “Remember who you are,” he muttered. “He is the servant. Not you.”

  She blinked, pulled back her shoulders and spoke. “Your treatment of me was beyond deplorable, Felix, and your apology is long overdue. I'm sure that if Lord Montgomery had not returned, I'd still be living in fear of your threats.”

  Robert gave a soft grunt of approval and gave her hand a squeeze.

  “Yet I do forgive you,” she continued, her voice strengthening. “To carry a grudge would only enslave me to you yet again. I wish to be free of you, that I may at last have the time to mourn my poor husband appropriately.”

  Felix bobbed his head and flushed to the roots of his hair. “Thank you, my lady. 'Tis more than I deserve.” He turned to leave.

  “Wait, De Lisle,” Robert commanded. “Lady Isobel is assuming Lady Elisabeth's duties. You'll give her your full attention when and if required. Inform the servants I expect no less of them as well. Is that understood?”

  “Aye, my lord.” Head bobbing once more, Felix looked at Isobel. “My lady, I am at your disposal.”

  “Indeed you are,” she replied, lifting her chin. “But have no fear, Felix. I'll be sure not to work you too hard.”

  If she had turned to look at Robert at that moment she might have noticed the firming of his jaw as he struggled not to laugh at Isobel's pointed remark. She both amused and amazed him. And he realized, with some dismay, that he was growing quite fond of the little red-haired widow.

  Chapter 6

  Isobel lay awake far into the night. Thoughts played incessantly in her mind, pestering her like flies in the heat of summer. No matter how much she tried to sweep them away, they returned again and again. Some were only reflections on the events of the past few days. Others were simple affirmations of her new responsibilities at Glendennan. Clear thoughts such as these she folded up and put neatly away in the corners of her mind.

  But there were others – thought
s clouded by emotion – that kept sleep at bay. These refused to be tidied and swept away. Isobel fought against them, argued with them, did everything to dispel them. Yet they persisted.

  All of them, without exception, had to do with what she felt for Robert Montgomery. But what she dreamt of could surely ever be. Her imaginings were simply that – imaginings. Besides, Isobel reasoned, Robert's treatment of her had to be based on sympathy. He showed her kindness because he was a good man and an honourable knight. Did he not show similar kindness to everyone at Glendennan?

  Yet there were moments during the meal. His hand on mine. The way he looked at me, listened to me. Or is it just fancy on my part? Could it be – Heaven forbid – that he is merely playing with me, toying with me?

  Frustrated and exhausted, Isobel moaned and buried her face in her pillow. Sometime during the small dark hours of morning, feeling lonely and bereft of comfort, she drifted into a ragged sleep.

  When Mary woke her a few hours later Isobel felt little rested, yet eager to leave her bed and her lonely thoughts behind.

  “Come take a look outside, m'lady!” Mary pulled the shutters open. “See what arrived while we slept.”

  Isobel went to the window and cried out in surprise, for snow had fallen during the night, and a good amount of it. The sombre grey stones of Glendennan were now clad in a splendid white coat. The hills beyond shone bright in the morning sun, blinding in their snowy splendour. It was a sight to behold, peaceful and serene.

  “Oh, Mary!” Isobel turned to her maid, blinking away the reflections that stained her vision. “It's beautiful.”

  “That it is, my lovely.” Mary smiled. “A bonny sight indeed. Now, let's get you sorted, for 'tis chilly and you're runnin' around half dressed. You'll catch your death.”

  Mary's sunny attentions cheered Isobel's tired spirit. With the dark lonely hours behind her, she headed along the hallway feeling much better about the day ahead. She knocked with purpose on the door. Beyond, she could hear the sounds of children playing and a baby crying. The door opened and a maid peered out. “Ah, Lady Isobel. You are come to see my lady?”

  “I am, if she is quite well enough for a visit.”

  “Aye, I'm certain she is.” The maid opened the door. “It will likely cheer her to see you.”

  A woman sat near a brazier, where the coals glowed as they threw heat into the room. Braids of dark hair sat coiled neatly around her head, framing a pale and gaunt face. Fatigue showed in the dark circles under her eyes. She cradled a bundle in her arms, crooning softly in response to the cries that came from within the swaddling cloths. Two small boys played at her feet, building some kind of fortification with a pile of wooden blocks. They looked up as Isobel entered, and their voices quieted. The woman's face lit up with a smile and she extending a hand in greeting.

  “Isobel! Oh, how it pleases me to see you. Come, sit with me.”

  Isobel, shocked at the paleness of Elisabeth's face and the frailty of her friend's body, forced herself to smile. She took the proffered hand, and leaned in to kiss the pale cheek. “How are you feeling, dearest? Bernard said you'd been poorly. Forgive me. I should have found time to visit sooner, but Felix had me working all hours.”

  “I know, and you were poorly too. Bernard told me what happened. What a blessing Robert came home when he did. You must be so relieved.”

  “Beyond relieved. Lord Montgomery has been so kind. I bless the day he returned to Glendennan.” Even as she spoke his name, Isobel felt the now familiar flutter in her chest. She smiled down at the two small boys who were staring at her with unabashed curiosity. “They grow so quickly. Bernard and William, right?”

  Elisabeth nodded, “Yes. And this little angel is Thomas. Would you like to hold him?”

  Isobel nodded. “Very much.”

  She took the child and settled into an adjacent chair. A pleasant hour ensued, with a sharing of quiet conversation and interaction with the children. Meanwhile, the baby had fallen asleep in Isobel's arms.

  “He's a good boy,” Elisabeth said, her face serene as she gazed at her newborn. “Worth all the discomfort I went through. We are very fortunate.”

  Isobel looked down at the tiny infant and was struck by a sudden rush of longing that caught her by surprise. Would she ever have a child of her own? It seemed unlikely now. Her eyes filled with tears. “He's beautiful. They're all beautiful You're fortunate indeed, Elisabeth.”

  “Oh, Isobel!” Dismay settled on Elisabeth's face. “Forgive me, I should be more considerate. Bernard is always telling me I should think before I speak. I tell him if I had done so five years ago, I'd never have shared our wedding vows.”

  Isobel laughed through her tears. “Nay, ignore me and my foolish emotions. Simon often told me my eyes teared too readily.”

  “I am sure you'll marry again, my dear, and have children of your own.”

  “Perhaps.” Eager to change the subject, Isobel gestured to the window. “Have the boys seen the snow? I can take them outside to play if you like. It would allow you to rest for a while.”

  Elisabeth chuckled. “Do I look that bad? 'Tis true I've not rallied as quickly this time, and I'm still easily fatigued. Aye, I'll accept your offer. The fresh air will be good for them.”

  “And me too! I'll fetch my cloak and boots and be back momentarily.” Isobel passed the sleeping baby back to his mother. “Perhaps your maid can dress the children while I am gone?”

  A short time later, Isobel found herself heading downstairs with a small boy on each hand. Her attempts at conversation were met with a timid silence, but their shyness disappeared as soon as they stepped outside. Upon seeing the snow-covered courtyard, each child looked up at Isobel in absolute delight and let out a loud squeal.

  Other sounds – those of swordplay and archery – echoed around the grounds of Glendennan as the knights and men-at-arms practised their skills. Isobel took the boys and headed for the gardens at the side of the castle. She knew they'd be quiet at this time of year.

  They did not stay quiet for long.

  ~ ~ ~

  The sounds of feigned battle in the practice area failed to drown out the children's screams of delight. Bernard lowered his wooden practice sword, frowning as the screams grew louder.

  “What the hell is going on?” he growled.

  Robert, breathing hard, wiped sweat from his brow. “It's only the sound of children playing, my friend.”

  “Aye, Rob. I know what it is. It's just...” He grimaced.

  “What?”

  “They sound like my children.”

  Robert laughed at the frown on his friend's face. “In that case, we should investigate,” he said, stashing his weapon and shouldering his cloak. “Perhaps your offspring have escaped.”

  As they headed toward the Glendennan's gardens, Robert's heart quickened at the sound of Isobel's familiar laughter carrying on the air. Anticipation fluttered like wings in his belly and the vision that met his eyes stole his breath away.

  Isobel's hair had escaped its bindings to float around her shoulders in a mass of brilliant copper curls. Tiny flakes of snow, trapped amongst the shining strands, glinted like diamonds in the sun. She was poised liked a spear-wielding warrior – the spear being a harmless snowball aimed at the children who ran around her feet. Her dark cloak sparkled with a covering of snow, surrounding her with shards of silver light that leapt into the air. Laughing again, she launched her missile, breath clouding around her in a soft mist.

  Stunned by a sudden and unthinkable realization, Robert paused. The truth of that realization, however, was crippled by reality. For how could he, in good heart, ever hope to pursue this copper-haired angel who played in the snow? He was, after all, promised to another.

  Isobel's eyes met his, and her laughter faded to a grin as she brushed a few stray tendrils of hair from her face.

  At that same moment, the boys noticed their father.

  “Papa!” Both children shouted in unison, flinging themselves
on Bernard who hoisted them in the air, one boy on each strong arm.

  Bernard grinned. “What is all this?” His voice, though gruff, held a hint of laughter. “Why are my sons making so much noise?”

  Without shifting her eyes from Robert, Isobel answered.

  “We were having a snowball fight and I was winning. Was I not, children?”

  “Nay!” The boys shouted and burst into fits of giggles.

  “I should hope not.” Bernard gave his children a look of feigned shock. “A lady cannot possibly be allowed to vanquish two of Glendennan's best knights.”

  Robert had yet to find his voice. The realization of what filled his heart had stolen all rational thought from his mind. Isobel's brow furrowed as she turned her eyes to Bernard.

  “Bernard, with your approval I wish to consult Angmar about a tonic for Elisabeth. Something to bring her strength back. She seems to be very tired.”

  “If you think it might help, then please go ahead,” he said, bouncing his two sons. “Although I think a week away from these two wee ragamuffins might serve just as well.” The boys giggled again, wrapping their arms around their father's neck like little monkeys.

  Isobel turned back to Robert. “My lord, may I have your permission to visit with Angmar today?”

  “Of course, my lady.” The calmness in his voice surprised him, for it did not reflect the turmoil of his feelings. “I shall escort you there myself.”

  “It won't be too much trouble?”

  “No trouble at all.”

  “Unlike these two wee scoundrels.” Bernard gave them a squeeze. “Allow me to release you from their clutches, my lady. Bernard, William, thank the Lady Isobel for her kindness.”

  The children mumbled shy words of thanks.

  Isobel smiled. “You're most welcome. I had lots of fun. Bernard, please tell Elisabeth I'll be by later.”

  He nodded. “Will do. Come on, boys. Your father needs feeding.” With a wriggling, laughing child under each arm, Bernard headed indoors.