The Lion's Lady

Christina had only questioned him once about his past. When they were on their way to Lyonwood, she'd asked him to tell her about his first wife, Lettie.

His answers had been abrupt. He'd let her know the subject wasn't one he would discuss.

She hadn't asked him again.

Yes, he was getting equal measure.

The door opened behind him. Lyon glanced over his shoulder and saw the servants carrying the tub and pails of steaming water into the room.

He turned back to the landscape and was in the process of drawing off his jacket when he saw Christina.

His breath caught in his throat. The sight was more magnificent than the sunset. Christina was riding bareback. The gray stallion she'd chosen was racing across the grounds with such speed his legs were a blur.

She rode like the wind. Her golden hair flew out behind her. Her back was as straight as a lance, and when she directed her mount over the hedge that separated the wilderness from the immediate grounds, Lyon started breathing again.

Christina was far more skilled than he was. That fact became obvious as he continued to watch her. He was arrogantly pleased, as if her skill somehow reflected on him. 'She's my lioness,' he whispered, excusing his reaction.

She was so incredibly graceful… and he had offered to teach her how to ride.

Another incorrect assumption, Lyon realized. As incorrect as believing he would actually gain an apology from her for yesterday's folly.

Lyon was chuckling to himself as he stripped off his clothes. He ignored his servants' worried glances. He knew they weren't used to hearing him laugh. Then he stretched out in the long tub, his shoulders propped against the back. Brown was occupied getting fresh clothing ready for him.

'I'll take care of that,' Lyon told his butler. 'You may leave now.'

Brown started for the door, then hesitated. When he turned around to look at his employer, his expression showed his concern.

'What is it?' Lyon asked.

'My lord, I would never presume to intrude upon your private affairs, but I was wondering if you'll be honoring your wife's decision.'

Lyon had to remind himself that Brown was very young and hadn't been in his household long enough to know his lord's ways well. He'd never have asked such a ridiculous question otherwise. 'Why, of course, Brown,' Lyon drawled out.

'Then you'll let her divorce you?' Brown blurted out, clearly stunned.

'I believe she already did divorce me,' Lyon answered with a grin.

The butler wasn't at all happy with that announcement. 'I shall miss you, my lord.'

'She's keeping you, too?' Lyon asked.

Brown nodded. He looked miserable. 'My lady explained that we are part of her family now.'

'We?'

'She's keeping the full staff, my lord.'

Lyon started laughing. 'I really wish you'd stay,' Brown blurted out.

'Quit worrying, Brown. I'm not going anywhere,' Lyon announced. 'As soon as my wife walks into the house, send her to me. If she can divorce me so easily, then there must be a quick way to remarry again. This little problem will be resolved by nightfall, I promise you.'

'Thank God,' Brown whispered. He hurried out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Brown could hear his lord's laughter all the way down the hall.

Christina met the butler at the bottom of the steps. When he informed her that the Marquess was upstairs and wished an audience with her, she gave him a disgruntled look before giving in to his request.

When she walked into the bedroom, she came to a sudden stop.

'Close the door, sweetheart.'

Christina did as he asked, but only because she wished privacy for their confrontation. 'Did you enjoy your ride?' Lyon asked.

The mildness in his tone confused her. Christina was ready for a fight. Lyon didn't seem to be in an accommodating mood. ' Lyon,' she began, deliberately avoiding his gaze, 'I don't think you realize what I've done.'

'Of course I do, my dear,' Lyon answered, in such a cheerful voice that Christina was more confused than ever. 'You're going to have to start all over. You'll have to court me, though now that you are aware of my… unusual upbringing, I doubt you'll-'

'All right.'

Christina looked at him. 'All right? That is all you have to say to me?' She shook her head, let out a long sigh, and then whispered, 'You don't understand.'

'Yes, I do. You've just cast me aside. Elbert explained.'

'You aren't upset?'

'No.'

'Well, why not? You told me you loved me,' Christina said. She moved a step closer to Lyon. 'Your words were false, weren't they? Now that you know-'

'They weren't false,' Lyon answered. He leaned back and closed his eyes. 'God, this feels good. I tell you, Christina, the ride from London gets longer every time.'

She couldn't believe his casual attitude. Christina felt like weeping. 'You cannot humiliate me and then act as though nothing has happened. A warrior would kill another for such an offense,' she told him.

'Ah, but you aren't a warrior, Christina. You're my wife.'

'Was.'

He didn't even open his eyes to look at her when he asked,

'Exactly what did I do?'

'You don't know?' She had to take a deep breath before she could go on. 'You shouted at me in front of a witness. You shamed me. You disgraced me.'

'Who was the witness?' Lyon asked, in such a soft voice that she had to move a bit closer to hear him.

' Bryan,' Christina announced.

'Didn't I yell at you in front of Richards, too? I seem to remember-'

'That was different.'

'Why?'

'You were shouting because I fainted. You weren't angry with me. Surely you can see the difference.'

'I do now,' Lyon admitted. 'Do you wonder why I shouted at you in front of Bryan?'

'No.'

Lyon opened his eyes. His irritation was obvious. 'You scared the hell out of me,' he announced. Each word was clipped, hard.

'I what?'

'Don't look so surprised, Christina. When I walked inside that tavern and found you sitting so peacefully in the midst of the worse scum in England, my mind could barely take it in. Then you had the gall to smile at me, as if you were happy to see me.'

He had to stop talking. The memory was making him angry again.

'I was happy to see you. Did you doubt that I was?' she asked.

Her hands rested on her hips. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and continued to frown at him. 'Well?' she demanded.

'Did you cut your hair again?'

'I did. It is all part of the ritual of mourning,' Christina announced.

'Christina, if you cut your hair every time you're unhappy with me, you'll be bald in a month's time. I promise you.'

Lyon drew a long breath, then said, 'Let me get this straight inside my mind. I'm never to raise my voice to you in future? Christina, it won't work. There will be times when I shout at you.'