Page 100 of Her Dark Seduction
“Very well,” he said. “I will not press the matter now. But we must discuss your future soon. Marriage is the only option to assure the king of your loyalty. He released you into my care. As your overlord I am expected to find a suitable husband for you. My knights do as they’re bid and marry at my direction. Their wives enjoy comfort and status.”
“I care nothing for rank or nobility.”
“Perhaps you’d be more easily persuaded if you understood it’s not justyourfuture at stake.”
Standing, he opened the door and called out. After a short while a young woman entered, holding a bundle wrapped in a blanket. I heard a mewling cry which tugged sharply on my instincts, calling to me on a primal level. Without thinking I rushed over to her. I pulled back the blanket and cried out on recognizing the babe in her arms.
Geoffrey.
Silently, she held him out to me, and I clutched him to my breast and fell to my knees. Huge sobs tore from my throat as I rocked him back and forth.
“Geoffrey! Oh, my son, my beloved son…mon petit fils…I thought I’d never see you again…”
My child had grown while we had been apart. I pressed my face against him and drank in his beautiful baby smell. Cradling him in my arms, I ran a fingertip down his sweet face, marveling at the smooth, fair skin. His little pink fist uncurled as I ran my finger across his palm, then curled again as he clasped my finger. He gurgled with pleasure, his face lighting up with joy. Through the tears I let out a laugh.
“Yes, my sweet one, Maman is here, and she will never leave you again.”
A hand touched my shoulder. De Beauvane had knelt beside me.
“Sir Roger”—I choked—“I cannot thank you enough.”
“My dear, nothing has given me greater pleasure. I wonder, however, at your gratitude, when you show me none for sparing your life.”
“I’m grateful for that too, my lord; for you have reunited me with my son. I am in your debt. I know you don’t need my approval or permission to be my overlord, but I gladly give it.”
“Perhaps I have misjudged you,” he said, “I can now see the quality in you thathehas done.”
“Who?”
“Why my knight, of course. He saw you on the battlements during the siege at Shoreton, and persuaded me to spare your execution.”
Mon Dieu. The man who fought—and killed—Papa, who warned me about the trebuchet’s missile. Was it he who argued for my release? Who was he to base such actions on a mere glance from a distance?
“Who is he?”
“He goes by the name of Tarvin de Fowensal.”
His words extinguished the small ray of hope in my heart. Tarvin, who I had thought was dead, was alive. But it was not his resurrection I hoped and prayed for.
“I believe you knew him?” de Beauvane asked softly, “you loved him?”
“I had thought I loved him,” I said, sadly. “His letters were a great comfort when I was alone and friendless. He made me realize it was possible to experience love. But I grew to love another. Part of me will always care for Tarvin, but I cannot marry him. I would not make him happy. The man I love is dead.”
“You love that man still?”
“I always will.” I blinked back tears. “Tarvin deserves better than I. You said yourself I was known to be a whore. I am also a murderess. I could not let him bear the shame of it.”
“Ah, yes, I have spoken with Oliver. It seems de Tourrard took his own life, mistaken or no. All the king would have to be angry for is how you denied him the pleasure of executing a traitor. Tarvin would be proud to be married to the woman who rid the world of such a man.”
I shook my head. “My lord, he does not deserve a woman who will spend the rest of her days loving a dead man.”
“In time you will come to love another.”
“Perhaps, but I cannot risk the heart or happiness of a good man by marrying in haste.”
He studied me for a moment then smiled. “You are an unusual woman, Lisetta. You’re not afraid to speak your mind. Few men dare be so bold with me.”
“What would the purpose be in deception?” I asked. “If you meant me harm, my boldness would not change that.”
