Chapter Twenty

Chapter 20 Isobel tightened her grip on the bouquet of roses and carnations as the minister finished his blessing and his directions to Alex to promise to love and honor her. Despite the fact it was two thirty in the morning and well past the time Isobel was normally in bed and asleep, she was too nervous and excited to be tired. Everything had happened very quickly after they had told Valencia and Sir Liam that they wished to be wed that night. While Sir Liam had drawn up two copies of a special license, Valencia had slipped into the ballroom to bring back a bishop who was a friend of hers and whom she promised would be discreet. Valencia’s staff had then practically thrown the last of the guests out of the ballroom, sending them either to their rooms or summoning their carriages, while Isobel had been whisked upstairs by Violet and her friends to change her gown. Isobel had thought it would be fine to wed in her ball gown but she’d been overruled by her friends and was now wearing the light blue and silver gown that the countess had gifted, her along with a string of pearls from Alex. Alex finished his vows and gave her hand a squeeze as the bishop said that they were now wed and that she belonged to Alex to care for and protect and that he could now kiss her. Alex felt his face would crack if he smiled any wider as he finished his heartfelt vows and then turned to cup Isobel’s face with his hands and kiss her their first kiss as a married couple. He’d thought she’d looked lovely in the violet gown he’d gifted her, but when he’d first seen her in her gown of pale sky blue and silver, he thought his heart would stop. How could any woman look so stunning at two-thirty I the morning, he thought, followed by the thought that this stunning fairy creature was his. Alex turned to Isobel as she lifted her face to smile at him, bending he covered her lips with his in a long slow kiss in which he tried to convey all his want and love. Alex became lost in the kiss and forgot everyone else was there, there was only Isobel and her soft sweet lips under his? “Yes, well, that is enough.” Came a stern voice and Alex reluctantly broke the kiss. Alex stepped back but kept his hand about Isobel’s as his friends and aunt stepped forward to congratulate them both. “Now it is very late off to bed with you all, I don’t expect to see any of you before ten. Isobel I have had your things moved into Alex’s room and welcome to the family my dear.” Valencia gave Isobel a quick hug. “This scamp doesn’t deserve you, but I know he loves you.” “Thank you,” Isobel replied, blushing at the thought that for the next few days she would be sharing a chamber and a bed with Alex. “Thank you all, please remember though that our wedding, for now, must be kept a secret.” Alex said. “Do not worry, we will keep the secret though it shall kill us,” Bridgette said giving Isobel a hug. “We all know how hard you have worked to achieve your master’s certificate and would do nothing to do endanger you earning it, I’m so happy for you though.” “Thank you,” Isobel replied as Sasha also gave her a hug. “Come my love it’s late and we are both tired.” Alex gave his friends a nod ignoring their smirks and taking Isobel’s hand lead her from the room and down a side corridor to a door guarded by a dozing footman. The footman rose from his chair and pulling a key from his jacket unlocked and then opened the door. “Good night my lord and congratulations.” The footman said. “Thank you, Jacob.” Alex replied as he pulled Isobel through the door and the footman closed and locked it behind them. “This is the private family wing, while guests are in the manor, the doors are guarded around the clock. Come my chamber is upstairs.” Alex guided Isobel down the hall and then up a wide stone staircase to a second floor that stretched north to south. Near the end of the hall, Alex pulled a key from his silk waistcoat and used it to unlock a door. “Come in my love.” Alex stepped up to Isobel and seeing her reticence caught her hand and gently tugged her inside before closing and locking the door. Isobel looked about the large bed chamber seeing it was laid out similar to her chamber with a water closet in the corner, windows opposite the door, and a huge four-poster bed against the near wall. Across from her were two bureaus and a low table with an oval mirror and chair before it, place on the table were her brush and comb as well as the small wooden box that Alex had given her. In the right corner of the room were two tall wardrobes, one was open, and she could see her few gowns and her extra slip hanging in it as well as her extra shoes and ankle boots placed under it, Valencia’s staff was very thorough and efficient. There were even several large bouquets of roses placed about what was otherwise a stark and very masculine room. The bed had been turned back and Isobel’s plain and very prim white nightgown had been laid at the foot of the bed, making her blush. Alex turned to Isobel who was flushed bright pink and obviously nervous, he kissed her forehead before stepping back. “We shall not be making love tonight we are both too exhausted and I would have you relaxed and well rested.” Alex looked across the room to the clock on the mantel seeing it was nearly three. “Not that I would not love to but I can wait, besides it is important that you find pleasure in the act. We have a lifetime together there is no need to rush.” Isobel gave Alex a fleeting smile both relieved and nervous. “Thank you, I am weary.” “As I am, now I shall unlace you and you may slip into the bathing chamber to change and wash, and I shall change out here all right?” Alex said, Isobel nodded and then turned about to present Alex her back. “You will have to give me a moment I have little experience at actually getting women out of their gowns,” Alex said as he studied the tight laces then reached for the top one to on tie the small bow and tug it free. “Truly, I would have thought that as a prince you would have a score of women at your disposal’” Isobel said both wanting and not wanting to know the answer. “Umm no, I have been with less than four women and I no longer keep a mistress, and after tonight you shall be the only woman in my life. Once married the men in my family are loyal until death, we take our vows seriously.” Alex tugged the gown wide in the back revealing a set of stays beneath on top of a thin cotton chemise. “I will pull your gown wide and then down you so you can step out of it.” “All right.” Isobel felt herself tremble as Alex hooked his finger under the top of her gown and then pull it down her arms and then tug it down her to the floor. “Put your hand on me and step out of it.” Alex directed and Isobel did as he asked, bracing her right hand on his shoulder as she stepped free of her gown. Alex stood and gave the gown a shake before carrying it to the wardrobe and placing it on an empty hanger, when he turned back his breath caught in his throat at what he saw. Isobel was clad only in a whisper-thin chemise that fell to her knees, white stockings, and pale pink stays that pinched in her waist while thrusting her breasts up and out. A wave of lust surged through Alex despite his fatigue and he fought it down, he wanted Isobel to enjoy her first time making love and not to be frightened or uncomfortable. With a smile, he stepped behind her again to attack the ties on her stays. “I did not think you wore stays, the things are an abomination I don’t understand how you can stand them,” Alex said tugging the stays lose and heard Isobel laugh. “I usually don’t as they make it impossible to bend, I can’t work in the garden or the sick ward with them on, they also steal your breath. But under such a lavish gown they are not only expected but required.” Isobel sighed in relief as Alex tugged the last of the laces open and then pulled them down off her letting her step out of them as he had her gown. “I for one do not think you need them.” Alex lifted the stays to study them and shook his head thinking they looked like a torture device; he carried them across the room to place them on a shelf in the wardrobe before returning to Isobel who gave him a shy smile. “Thank you; I shall need you to help me with my hair.” Isobel murmured flushing at the thought she was now standing in nothing but her chemise before Alex who was still dressed. “And might I ask you a small favor?” “Of course and what would ask me.” Alex replied. “Can you undress too I feel odd standing here before you in nothing but my chemise and stockings while you are dressed,” Isobel replied boldly and Alex grinned. “Nothing would make me happier, you shall have to help me with my jacket though, it like your stays is rather snug, you will have to help pull it off my shoulders or I risk ripping the seams,” Alex said turning his back to Isobel who stood on tip toes to reach around and catch the lapels of Alex’s black jacket. Alex bent his knees to assist her and held his arms back and after a moment’s difficulty Isobel was able to tug it down and off. Not knowing where it went she laid the jacket over the table and turned back to see Alex undoing his waistcoat, when it was undone he shrugged out of it and tossed it carelessly on the foot of the bed. “You shall have to help me with the neckcloth, it has a damn pin in it to hold it in place and I am all thumbs at undoing it myself, Marcus always has to free me of the blasted thing or I impale myself,” Alex said. “Of course.” Isobel stepped forward and after a moment spotted the cunningly hidden pin, standing on tip toes she deftly slid it free of Alex’s silk neck cloth then turned to lay it on the desk beside what appeared to be a man’s brush. “I noticed you wore a purple neck cloth to match my dress, people are not stupid they will have noticed that we matched,” Isobel said returning to help Alex untie his neck cloth. “Valencia and I thought of that already, if anyone asks we shall tell them that we were introduced and secretly courting for several days before the ball. If anyone questions the story in the days to come it shall not matter because in less than a month you shall obtain your certificate and we shall return to my kingdom where no one shall question when we met or how long we were wed.” Alex pulled the cloth free to toss it on the bed then bent to steal a kiss. “Now your hair, my lord how did Violet arrange this thing?” Alex asked in exasperation looking at the elaborate hairdo of flowers, curls, braids, and ribbons. “There are pins holding it in place.” Isobel reached behind her head and after a moment pulled one out to show Alex. “Ah, come to the table where the light is better and I shall begin with the flowers, not that you don’t look amazing and smell delightful but it’s rather intimidating seeing all that on your head and it must be terribly unconfutable,” Alex said as he began to carefully remove rosebuds, finding each one cunningly held in place by at least two small metal pins. After several minutes of fumbling, Alex had one small bowl filled with pins and another filled with flowers. He ran his fingers over Isobel’s scalp knocking the last pins out and her long hair fell down her back in an intricate five-part braid that was threaded with light purple ribbon. “Good lord I have a new respect for ladies and the horrors you have to go through to dress, I shall never complain again about my neck cloth, now let’s get these braids undone.” With great care, Alex picked the braid apart, when he was done he tossed the ribbons next to the bowl of hair pins and ran his fingers through Isobel’s waist-length hair. “Thank you it was lovely but horribly uncomfortable,” Isobel replied relieved to be free of the flowers and pins. “And now what?” Alex asked. “The laces of my dance slippers and garters but I can undo them myself,” Isobel replied as nerves filled her again. “Nonsense, we have started this adventure together and we shall finish it that way. You can help me with these blasted boots and then the tinny buttons on the side of my breeches and then I shall help you with your laces agreed?” Alex asked trying to ease Isobel’s fears. “I shall sit on the bed while you try to pull the blasted things off, I warn you it’s a bugger to get them off, I usually place on foot on Marcus’, well they are hard to get off.” “A foot on his what?” Isobel demanded as Alex dropped to the bed. “His bottom, I usually place a foot on his broad backside and push while he pulls,” Alex replied. “And you do not wish to do the same with me? Would it not be easier?” Isobel asked seeing Alex scowl. “I am a gentleman and was taught better manners than that, now I’ll lift my foot and you just grab the boot and give it a tug,” Alex said seeing Isobel give him an amused smile. Isobel stepped forward and straddling Alex’s leg grabbed his foot and pulled hard, nothing happened at first but after a moment the boot came loose and Isobel staggered a step before regaining her footing and dropping the boot to the carpeted floor. She pulled her chemise back up into place and again straddled Alex’s leg grabbing his other foot, this time the boot refused to move. “You will have to place your foot on me too for leverage, there is no other way.” She looked over her shoulder to see Alex scowling then with a sigh he nodded and placed his foot on her bottom. Isobel tugged with all her might as Alex pushed and a moment later the boot slipped off and Isobel stumbled several steps forward nearly colliding with the dressing table. Behind her, Alex cursed and leaped to his feet rushing to her as she began to laugh. “I’m sorry did I hurt you?” Alex demanded. “No, and I thought my stays were tight,” Isobel replied earning a grin, she looked down to see that her chemise had slipped sideways completely exposing her left shoulder and the top of her breast. She moved to pull it up and Alex caught her hand with a scowl as he slowly touched the old scar on her shoulder then stepped around her tracing the scar that ran from the top of her shoulder and down the length of her back to her waist. “My god who did this to you, and there are two others, whoever did this shall pay.” Alex cursed enraged that anyone had inflicted such wounds on Isobel. Isobel pulled the chemise back up her earlier happiness fled as she hung her head in shame, she’d forgotten about the scars in her weariness and excitement. Alex sensed Isobel was upset and pulled her against him wrapping his arms tight about her. “Who did that to you, who hurt you so? I am your friend as well as your husband now we should have no secrets between us especially if someone has abused you.” “It was years ago after my parents and family were murdered.” Isobel pressed her cheek against Alex’s broad chest, she felt him stroke her back comfortingly as he simply held her. “While my parents and brothers were being murdered I was at a friend’s keep, the baroness Sinclair. Baron Sinclair kept me safe as long as he could but the King demanded that I be turned over to him to stand trial for crimes against the crown. I was being held for questioning when Lord Dagda came into my cell, he demanded I sign a parchment saying that I was a traitor. He said that it was the only way to save my life, to confess to my crimes and then he in exchange for marrying him would see that my life was spared.” “The filthy bastard, I hope you told him to go to hell,” Alex said. “I was young but not stupid; I also knew that my father and mother had done nothing wrong and that my family had friends among the other nobles, so I told him no. He became enraged and began shouting at me demanding that I sign calling me all sorts of horrible names. I was terrified but I still refused.” Isobel’s hands tightened about Alex’s shirt as she fought against the old pain and terror. “Shh it’s all right you are safe now, tell me,” Alex murmured furious that Isobel had been subject to such a thing while still grieving for her family. “He hit me hard in the face knocking me to the floor, and then he pulled off his belt and began to beat me with it while he cursed me and demanded that I sign. I’m not sure how long he hit me, everything went grey and then a guard was pulling him off me and the baron and baroness Sinclair were there with me. My injuries were tended and I was told that lord Dagda had been made my ward on the condition that we never lived together; it was Baroness Sinclair’s idea to send me to the college in Cenhelm. They sent me gowns and some money a first but I learned later that lord Dagda had also accused them of being traitors for helping me, so they stopped and I became dependent on lord Dagda.” Isobel realized she’d been crying and that there was now a large damp spot on Alex’s shirt. “I’ve wet your shirt.” “It’s fine you were very brave.” Alex stepped back and smiled down at Isobel. “You must have been in horrible pain for a very long time.” “I was, my injuries were another reason I wanted to become an herbalist and apothecary, to help take away other’s pain. I am sorry about the scars I know they are ugly.” Isobel murmured. “Do not apologize for what was done to you, they are not ugly nor do they make you so, they are part of your past, part of what forged you into the woman I love. Besides I have my own share of scars.” Alex stepped back; he tugged the laces of his shirt loose and then shouldered it off tossing it to the bed. Isobel gasped when she saw a six-inch long puckered scar along Alex’s left ribs, another on his left shoulder, and one on his right bicep. “But how, when.” Isobel traced the one on Alex’s ribs and heard him suck in his breath. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “You didn’t it tickled, this one along my ribs was from a sword, I missed the block and it laid my ribs open, luckily Bowden was there and saved my life. He took the head of the raider who had done it; this one on my shoulder was a crossbow bolt while I was riding to battle with my father. I hunted down the bastard that had shot me and put my lance through him, and the one on my arm was from yet a third battle, I was weary and not paying attention and again was late blocking an attack.” Alex said looking at the thick scar on his arm. “But is all in the past our borders are secure now and my people safe so no more battling. See I have scars too, do you wish to throw me back now?” Alex asked earning a tentative smile. “No, but I am grateful to Bowden for saving your life.” Isobel placed a gentle kiss on the scar on Alex’s ribs and then another and Alex felt his arousal flare at the feel of Isobel’s soft lips upon his skin. Alex caught Isobel holding her at arm’s length and saw her face fall. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend you.” “You didn’t, you did the opposite but if you continue as you are I shall forget my vow not to take you tonight and toss you on the bed and have my way with you. “ Alex replied as Isobel’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, I will go wash then,” Isobel replied as she studied Alex’s sculpted chest and arms. She had always liked the way he’d filled out his shirts and jackets but she’d no idea he was such a fine example of man hood, he was one solid muscle under toned and tanned flesh. His broad chest was hairless with a patch of darker tan at his neck from the openings of his work shirts, there was a small patch of black hair on his lower abdomen that disappeared beneath the waist band of his breeches and the knowledge of what was below made Isobel blush. Isobel stood on tip toe to kiss Alex on his chest and then grabbing her nightgown from the bed darted for the washroom. In the washroom, Isobel quickly unlaced her elegant slippers and her garters, then quickly washed up before brushing her teeth with the mint tooth powered left for her by the ever thoughtful Violet. Once she was satisfied she was clean she slipped off her chemise and drawers placing them over the edge of the high cast iron bath tub and slipped on her night gown, she checked her appearance in the mirror and cautiously slipped into the bedroom to see Alex had changed into a pair of loose blue pants. Alex gave her a smile while turning down the lamp. “Pick whichever side of the bed you want, I’ll wash up and be right back.” “All right.” Isobel crossed to the bed and scrambled in on the right side and then pulled the covers up to her chin, she watched the clock on the mantle for several minutes nervously chewing her lower lip till finally, Alex stepped out of the washroom. “It’s all right go to sleep nothing is going to happen now we’re both too tired,” Alex said and blew out the lamp before joining Isobel in the high bed. Alex could sense that Isobel was nervous so he turned to pull her against him just holding her for a moment before cupping her face in the dark and stealing a long slow kiss good night. With regret, he broke the kiss and sat back. “In the morning once we have rested and then only if you wish to we shall make love we have our whole lives together too.” Alex pulled the blankets up over both of them. “All right,” Isobel replied sleepily. “And tomorrow I shall show you the plans for my garden, they are in my workroom next door. I want your opinion on several things including the expansion of the herb garden.” Alex found Isobel’s hand in the dark and gave it a squeeze. “Now good night my love.” “I would like that, good night,” Isobel replied, she was both glad and sad that Alex had decided to postpone their lovemaking, she was exhausted and wanted to enjoy her first time making love but she was also nervous as to what would happen. Alex gave her hand another squeeze and after a few minutes she drifted off to sleep. Alex lay awake staring up at the ceiling, listening to the small soft sounds Isobel made, and knew that she’d dropped off to sleep almost immediately and he knew his decision to postpone their lovemaking was a wise one. After hearing Isobel’s story he was in a less than romantic move, he’d only glimpsed part of the scars on her back Isobel’s back but from what he’d seen he knew that the whipping she’d suffered must have been horrific, and it burned his soul and enraged him that anyone could have hurt such a gentle soul as Isobel. Once he knew she was well and truly safe he would move against lord Dagda and he would eliminate him without mercy. He finally understood some of the murderous rages his grandfather was famous for, for he had been moved to such a rage when Isobel had told him what had happened. Alex rolled onto his side and studied Isobel in the dim starlight that filtered in around the windows, in sleep she looked even younger and more innocent and he vowed that he would do whatever it took to protect her and see she was never harmed again. Valencia sighed contentedly as the last of Alex and Isobel’s friend’s stepped from the chamber and closed the door after them, in the corner her large case clock showed that it was two thirty well past her bedtime. “Come my love I shall help you to bed,” Liam said holding his hand out to her. Valencia smiled and slid her hand into his. “You are too good to me.” “I would be better if you let me, when will you marry me, Val. I have told you many times that I want nothing from you, I have already drawn up the papers and had them witnessed saying that I give up all rights to your wealth.” Liam pulled Valencia against him then gently stroked wisps of hair back from her face. “I have even signed paperwork that I will not force my name or title on you as your title is better than mine. All I want is you; I am tired of sneaking in and out of your bed.” Valencia tried to break free of Liam’s arms but he held her too tight and after a moment she gave up and rested her head against his shoulder. “I just don’t want you to regret your decision; I am five years older than you and cannot give you children.” “I have two sons and a daughter already all of whom adore you so I neither need nor want more children. As for your age, it means little to me, I love you as much for your mind and spirit as I do your looks. If you like I could let myself go fat and not comb my hair.” Liam said. “Good lord no, you are a fine figure of a man and I would be angry if you became fat on purpose just to prove some foolish point to me.” Valencia looked up into Liam’s eyes and saw so much love her heart hurt. “It isn’t you but me, I am afraid of myself and my feelings for you, afraid that you have the power to hurt me as Drako did.” “I am not a bastard like your dead husband, I will never lay a finger on you in anger nor will I ever touch another woman, you mean everything to me I wish you would believe me. I love you, Val, marry me.” Liam begged. Valencia thought of the years of loneliness since her husband had died, in the end, she and Drako had come to an understanding of a sort, and even developed a friendship but never love. He had chosen her for her wealth and connections and her family had agreed as he had been a powerful war lord, he had been constantly unfaithful and when drunk verbally abusive. Then she thought of Liam and how he had brought such happiness and joy to her life and even passion. Drako had never cared for her pleasure in the bed chamber, but Liam seemed to delight in pleasing her every time, he was as caring in bed as he was out of it. “Yes, I will marry you, in the morning we can discuss the particulars but yes I shall wed you for I love you madly.” Valencia saw a huge smile lite up Liam’s face and he bent to kiss her when there was a rapid knock on the door, with a mumbled curse he stepped back as Roger stepped inside. “Excuse me my lady I hate to interrupt but I thought you would like to know we found Lady Laura. She was hiding in the hedge maze, she is locked in a chamber with Sister Margaret and two maids and I have two footmen outside the door so she won’t cause any more trouble.” Roger said. “Thank you, Roger, is there something else?” Valencia asked seeing Roger fidget. “Yes Ma’am, I had all the men turn out to look for the young lady, and Master Reed the manager of the drying shed, and young Thomas were up searching the road above the estate and saw two men in black watching the house. They gave chase but lost the men in the woods, I thought perhaps it was thieves plotting to rob us as we have so many fine folks here, so I took the liberty of posting more men about the house and in the morning I will have Master Reed show Master Liam where they were and which way they went.” “Thank you, Roger, you are as efficient as always.” Valencia stepped forward to give Roger a nod. “Remind me to reward you next pay, and Roger I want you to be the first to know Sir Liam has asked me to wed him and I have agreed.” “Congratulations, I will make one last round to be sure the house is secure and then seek my bed unless you need me,” Roger replied. “No, go to bed Roger and thank you.” Valencia saw Roger nod and slip from the room and she turned to Liam. “We shall have to tell Alex about this,” Valencia said. “In the morning, for now, let’s go to bed it is late and we all need our sleep,” Liam said pausing to blow out the lamps before opening the door for her. “You’re right; by now my maid is asleep you will have to help me with my gown.” Valencia gave him a saucy smile and Liam laughed. “Your husband was a fool and a blind man, come sleep first and then.” Liam gave her a wink and tugged Valencia after him hearing her giggle like a young girl, yes her husband had been a fool and more.