Page 106 of Her Dark Seduction
Chapter 30
A knock on the door shattered the moment, and we jerked apart. Frustration scorched across Vane’s face, and he called out in a pained voice. Sir Roger answered, instructing us to attend the feast without delay, adding that now he could no longer hear fighting, he trusted we were both still alive.
“We’ll be there directly.” Vane spoke through gritted teeth, and we heard a low laugh from the other side of the door.
“God damn the man!” Vane swore.
“’Tis but an interruption.”
“Aye,” he said crossly, “but my body has been in need of you these past months. I’m in agony with it and now I will not find the release inside you that I crave.” He stood up as if in pain before pulling me up against him. The source of his agony pulsed hotly against my thigh.
“Come, let us dine, husband. I promise I’ll ease your pain later should you still need it.”
Sir Roger and Lady Adelia waited for us at the entrance to the hall. Together we filed in amid murmurs from the assembled company. Oliver sat at one of the tables. As I passed him he stood and bowed.
“’Tis good to see you restored to full health, my lady.”
Before I could thank him, a firm hand pressed possessively against the base of my spine. With a low growl, Vane ordered Oliver to sit before he propelled me forward. I glanced back at Oliver’s shocked face, but a sharp tug on my arm kept me moving.
We sat down and the hall fell silent. After a moment, Sir Roger stood and cleared his throat.
“Friends, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate our victory over those who would destroy England’s stability and Henry’s reign.”
A thundering noise reverberated around the hall as the company thumped the tables with their fists in approval. Sir Roger held up his hands for silence.
“We’re also here to welcome a young woman into our household, reunited with her husband. Until now we have been unable to celebrate their marriage, but tonight we do so. Company, I give you Sir Valentine and Lady Sawford!”
Adelia nodded to me, and I stood, together with Vane, who took my hand and raised it in salute. The company cheered in response. The only face I recognized was Oliver’s. He raised his goblet, a shy smile on his face.
Sir Roger nodded toward the door, and a line of servants entered, carrying huge platters of food which they distributed among the tables, serving the high table first. Vane ladled potage onto the trencher we shared—a large hunk of stale bread which would be given to the poor of the village once the meal was finished.
He fed me morsel after morsel, alternating between holding a piece to my lips and taking a bite himself. His face was stern, his body tense. Ignoring him, I sipped my wine and spoke to Adelia who sat on my left.
“What is that young man to you?” a gruff voice made me turn back to him.
“Oliver?”
“A mere boy, I know not his name.” His dismissive tone could not completely disguise his jealousy, and I smiled to myself.
“Oliver first visited me in the guise of a priest and heard my confession. He was enquiring after my health tonight, nothing more.”
“Nothing more!” Vane grumbled as he continued to chew, his eyes staring at a fixed point in front of him.
“He heard my full and frank confession,” I said, “an account of my sins and of my heart. Given that, do you think him foolish enough to speak to me on any terms other than a casual acquaintance? Unless, of course, he lacks all wit and is unaware thatyouare Vane Sawford.”
His jaw showed a slight tic, but he continued to stare straight ahead.
“Husband, why should the company of amere boyinterest me over that of a man?”
He continued eating, his expression dark.
“Lord have mercy on you, you fool!” I hissed. “Do you wish me to speak plainer and say I love none but you? Please tell me how often I need to repeat it, or are you only convinced when you skulk in the dark and eavesdrop on private conversations?”
Not answering, he lifted his wine goblet and took a sip.
“Have a care, husband, or I will forget my promise to ease your pain—the agony you spoke of that can only be soothed by—”
“Be silent, wench!” He slammed the goblet onto the table, spilling the contents. A servant hurried over, thinking it a request for more wine.
