Marjorie visited Charles twice a day. She watched over him like a hawk, making sure he was well cared for and healthy, but as she utterly lacked any feminine softness, she seemed to lack maternal love as well. She rarely picked him up, and when she did, she looked awkward and frightened. She didn’t speak or sing to him, nor did she crave his company. She was happy enough to hand him over to the nurse and forget about him for hours on end. At least Joan, whom Marjorie had engaged to look after the boy, was a kindly soul and seemed to genuinely care for the baby.
Jeremy sighed heavily. It would be prudent to have another child with Marjorie, to ensure that at least one heir lived into adulthood, but the thought of lying with Marjorie was about as appealing as taking a knife and cutting off his manhood. There were men who’d enjoy Marjorie’s resistance. It might even arouse them, giving them a feeling of power over her as they took what was rightfully theirs by whatever means necessary, but Jeremy had no such desires. He longed for warmth and love, and he got his fill from Alys, who could make him melt like butter on a hot day just by looking at him in that way she did. He never had to question her feelings for him, nor his feelings for her. He was hers, now and forever, and he would do whatever it took to keep her safe and healthy.
“Is he asleep, then?” Alys whispered as she padded into the room, her feet bare, her dark hair tumbling around her shoulders. Her eyes were still clouded with sleep and her hair was tousled, but she couldn’t have looked more beautiful.
“You’ll catch your death,” Jeremy said. “Get back into bed. I’ll bring him to you as soon as he wakes.”
Jamie’s birth had been difficult, the baby taking several days to arrive. Alys had lost a lot of blood and still looked as pale as the moon, even a month on. Jeremy brought over blood-soaked muslin-wrapped parcels of liver and cooked it for her himself. He made sure Alys had the best of everything and ate meat every day, unlike most of the villagers, who lived on oats and buttered bread.
“Why don’t you put Jamie down and come to bed with me?” Alys suggested, her gaze warming as she smiled at him.
“Are you sure?” Jeremy asked. He hadn’t touched her in two months, afraid to hurt the child inside her and then terrified of causing her pain after the birth.
“I’m sure,” Alys said, smiling at him in a way that made his innards turn to jelly.
Jeremy carried the baby into the bedroom and laid him down carefully in his basket. Stay asleep for a little while longer, you little devil, he thought affectionately. Your mother and I have some private business to attend to.
Alys pressed herself against Jeremy and lifted her face to his, her mouth opening beneath his. Jeremy felt a surge of desire that took his breath away, but he’d go slowly, taking his cues from Alys. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed, where he kissed and caressed her until she was ready to receive him. Alys gasped as he finally penetrated her.
“Are you in pain?” Jeremy asked, ready to withdraw.
“No.” The word was like a breath, floating on the air between them. “Please, don’t stop.”
And he didn’t. Their coupling was too quick for his liking, but it brought him immeasurable joy. After months of wandering in the wilderness, he felt as if he’d finally come home. Sated, Alys snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder, and not for the first time, Jeremy wished that she were his wedded wife and not the stone-cold shrew he’d be returning to within the hour.
Journal Entry
She bewitched my Husband, has cast a spell on Him. He can’t stay away from her or the bastard she bore Him. It is the work of the Devil and it is my duty to save Him. Now I understand why the good Lord brought us together. My Husband needs me, and I will not let Him damn His soul. He will be purified and reborn.
Chapter 61
Alys
Putting another log on the fire, Alys stole a peek at her sleeping son and returned to her sewing. Jamie was only three months old, but already he was outgrowing his gowns and needed new ones. Jeremy had made sure Alys had enough linen to last Jamie into manhood, so she had no reason to economize. She’d save Jamie’s old gowns for the next child. She hadn’t had her courses yet since Jamie’s birth, but she was sure she was with child again. Her body felt different—riper, fuller. Even Jeremy had remarked on it the last time he’d seen her.
Alys smiled dreamily. At least this time she had nothing to fear. She’d been put off by the thought of a false marriage, but the arrangement was working out quite well. Peter came and went, bringing supplies and reminding people that he was the man of the house, but he slept in the loft and treated her like a sister. And if anyone had seen Jeremy coming to the cottage, no one ever said anything or alluded to his unexplained presence. He was their lord, and it wasn’t in their interests to question his ways. Such insolence could only lead to problems they didn’t need.
