Page 73 of Suddenly a Bride
He leaned closer. “But is there not one thing that gives you special pleasure?”
She opened her mouth, but could think of nothing clever to say. “Well, not just one thing,” she murmured.
He rested his arm on the table, his shoulder brushing hers, his mouth near her cheek. “I think you’re exceptionally good at kissing.”
Chapter 17
Gwyneth’s breath caught and her heart sped up like a galloping horse. She knew everyone was openly staring, and still Edmund flirted with her.
“Children give me pleasure,” she whispered.
His eyes widened, and wearing a half-smile, he straightened to continue eating. When his hand settled on her thigh, she quivered.
She knew he did this deliberately to make her forget her suspicions—and perhaps to make their marriage look real for his people. But oh, how such things gave her hope!
The double doors at the entrance to the great hall were suddenly flung open, and two soldiers strode inside, throwing damp cloaks back from their shoulders to drape down their backs and catch on the swords at their waists.
“We’ve returned, Captain Blackwell,” the one said with a smile. “We had good weather.”
As Gwyneth realized what was happening, she pushed her chair back so quickly that it fell to the floor. Edmund smiled and nodded toward the main doors. She ran across the hall and out into the courtyard, where a gentle mist had begun to fall. She saw a covered cart piled with baggage, and then a single coach behind, its doors swinging open as people jumped out.
“Mama! Papa!” she cried, waving her arms and jumping across puddles to reach them.
With shrieks, her sisters reached her first, and she was enveloped in warm, grateful hugs. Two months had not passed since she’d seen them, but she could not stop the happy tears that ran from her eyes.
Lydia, the youngest at fourteen, escaped the group embrace and stared up at Castle Wintering. “Why, Gwyn, ’tis just like the story of the princess! Has he rescued you yet?”
She laughed along with her sisters and then exchanged a fond smile with Caroline, the one closest in age to her. “I guess he did.”
Caroline’s smile was filled with relief, and Gwyneth put her arm around her.
“Truly, you are happy?” Caroline whispered.
“Oh, yes,” Gwyneth breathed softly. “I think I love him already.”
“I cannot wait to meet the man who put such happiness in your eyes, Gwyn. Truly he must be wonderful to invite us all to live with you.”
“Where are Mama and Papa?” Gwyneth asked.
Her smile faded. “Papa did not do so well on the journey. Mama must be helping him.”
Gwyneth walked farther out into the courtyard where Athelina waited for their parents. The seventeen-year-old frowned up at the coach with the impatience of a girl who believes she can do everything quite well and wonders why others can’t. She gave Gwyneth a distracted smile.
“Are they all right?” Gwyneth asked.
From the front bench, her mother leaned out of the coach window, wearing a relieved smile. “Gwyneth!”
“Mama, let me help.”
“Nay, I am well. Help your father.”
Athelina held open the door, while Caroline and Lydia came to help. Gwyneth reached up with both hands. Her father’s head and shoulders emerged first as he peered out. Was his hair whiter than when she’d left? He was a tall man, once so broad-chested and strong, but now that was only a memory, as the outline of his bones seemed to slowly emerge from what used to be muscle. But he looked about the courtyard with his usual intent expression and then smiled down on her.
“Ah, Gwyneth, do move aside before I accidentally knock you down.”
“Papa, you must be stiff from the long journey. Please take my hand.”
“Allow me,” said a deep voice behind her.
