“
I have unpleasant news. It is thought that an army determined to attack Longmore may soon approach. Do you think it might be Oliver Blakeley?”
“
Aye, My Lord. He would consider a siege to reclaim the wealth he has squandered.”
“
Perhaps you would want to postpone our wedding until the danger has past. I am sending my family back to their holdings in the morning to strengthen their defenses.”
Gillian braced herself against the back of the chair and said, “Nay, My Lord, I would wed more quickly if you are still agreeable.” She sat silently waiting, worrying her bottom lip, in anticipation of Phillip denouncing their engagement.
“
You are sure, My Lady? It puts you in greater risk if something should happen to our defenses. Are you sure?”
“
I am quite certain, but if you have changed your mind about our marriage, I will return to Fairhaven to attempt to prevent my uncle from this unreasonable deed.” Gillian sat quite still, gazing at the floor, waiting for her death sentence.
“
Why should you think I would want to be free from my vows?” Phillip asked. His gaze penetrated hers. He saw the tears pooling in her eyes but refusing to fall. “You would sacrifice yourself for my happiness. How could I ever ask for loyalty as rich as yours? When would you wish to exchange vows?”
“
You would want your family present for this event since they are all in attendance. And if that is the circumstance, I would suggest this evening if a priest can be brought forward in time.”
“
Indeed, you have made me a happy man, My Lady Gillian,” Phillip said as he plucked her hands up within his own and kissed them soundly.
“
I shall be ready in one hour,” Gillian said. “You’re certain this is what you want?”
“
Aye! I am certain.” Phillip then stood, turned, and hurried out the door and down the stairs.
Gillian sat and watched her future husband disappear down the hall. Although worried about what might happen, she was relieved to know that the man she was about to marry was such an honorable man and would undoubtedly make her very happy. She then called for a servant to find Alyssa. Gillian had only just had her clothes delivered to her room. And she didn’t have much time.
One hour later, Gillian, walked forward to greet Phillip in the chapel, surrounded by the family members and friends. The beautiful royal blue gown with the gold trim molded to her shapely body. Her face glowed with a pink flush and Phillip looked to his young bride with eager anticipation.
Only Luke stood in the background unable to smile. To anyone but Gillian, he appeared to be worried about the upcoming confrontation. Only she understood that his face was not so much grim but saddened at having to watch his happiness ebb slowly away as his father prepared to exchange vows with the woman he loved.
The wedding was particularly short. Everyone was concerned with the small army of men that were approaching. After the vows were exchanged and Phillip had slipped his ring on Gillian’s hand, a quick meal was served. During the entire time, Gillian’s eyes held back the tears of a lost love and years of unbridled passion her body saved for only one man. As she looked at Phillip through blurry pools, she wondered if she would ever be able to love him so well as his son. Would she ever be able to put her emotional attachment for Luke aside. But she knew that if their marriage would ever be happy she would have to forget the past. It was her desire to be a good wife to Phillip.
Luke brought forth a goblet of wine for every member present. He toasted the couple, wishing them a long and happy life together. Phillip encouraged Gillian to drink hers down thinking it would relax her somewhat. Several more toasts followed and Gillian continued to drink down the warming liquid.
But with the wine, the worries over her land, and the exhausting trip, Gillian’s fever had returned. Alyssa was the first to notice the change in Gillian. While the few guests were leaving and the men were gathering to discuss what they might do, Alyssa approached Phillip and told him of her fears for his new wife.
Phillip immediately walked over to his wife. “Lady Gillian,” Phillip said, “I insist that you go upstairs and rest. You are developing a fever.” He then called to one of the maids. “Make sure all of Lady Gillian’s things are moved to my room. Send the healer up to see her as soon as she is settled.”
Gillian turned slowly and looked into Phillip’s eyes as she made her way up to the stairway. She couldn’t feel the fever swallowing her up. In fact, she felt chilled to the bone.
Luke who had heard everything, bounded forward wanting to scoop her up, but Phillip had the situation well in hand. He enveloped his fragile bride within his embrace then informed all present that he and his wife would retire to his room. Anthony smiled. Luke looked away.
Phillip’s children and their spouses gathered around the couple. They could see the dark flush on the bride’s face and the shivering tremors quivering through her entire body. She looked the part of an innocent and very nervous bride.
“
Mayhap it is best if she rests,” her husband said. “Luke come with me while I take her up.”
Luke was hesitant, but only for a moment. Having seen Gillian’s flushed and feverish face frightened him. She had suffered so much. It especially hurt him to think he wasn’t the one to care for her wellbeing. Nor did he care to watch Gillian in his father’s arms. But he could offer no reasonable excuse to refuse his request for assistance.
When they reached the room, Phillip sat beside Gillian as she lay on the bed. “My lady wife, where are you?” Phillip asked.
She looked around the room. So many eyes were looking at her. “Do you not know? I am with you. My Lord,” Gillian answered absently.
Phillip turned to Luke. “Gillian is ill with fever, once again. Do you think she knew what she was doing? I hate to think she might wake up and have changed her mind.”
“
Now I believe you are the one with the fever.” Luke said with a chuckle. “Fear not. She will not change her mind.” But the laugh was brief, for in his heart, Luke prayed she might.
“
I only wish I could smile about it,” Phillip said.
Gillian sat on the bed where her new husband had placed her. She was dazed and shaking. Anne and the household attendant carefully grasped Gillian by the arms to steady her, then sent the two men out of the room. Healing the sick was not meant to be accomplished in the presence of formidable but helpless Lords.
Later, when Phillip returned to his room after consuming more than his share of wine, he found that Gillian had been undressed, fed some bread and herbal tea, and put to bed in another room. When he entered, the healer was applying a cooling cloth to her brow and chest.
“
Why is she not on the pallet in my room?” Phillip bellowed.
“
She would have none of the other bed, Sir,” replied Anne.
“
Indeed she would not? And what is her excuse for such an action?”
“
She insisted, My Lord, that it has been your bed for some time and she is now sick and cared not to chance your illness or put you out of your familiar surroundings. She did not wish to impose on your hospitality,” Anne replied.
“
My hospitality! Intrude!” Phillip barked. “Her kind spirit does not allow for my desire to help.” More upset than angry, Phillip looked at Anne for some time before saying, “Very well. She sleeps peacefully, and I do not want her disturbed. But I insist that she be moved to my bed as soon as she is strong enough to be moved.”
The first soft rays of sun were streaming in through the tower window and Gillian buried her head under the soft blankets. Her thoughts remained fuzzy. How had she arrived at this spot? All she could remember was the wedding and a little of the reception.
The softness of a touch brushed back the soft woolen blanket and Gillian’s eyes widened with fear. Her body jerked away from the source of contact.
“
Fear not, my lady wife. It is your husband and I will not harm you,” Phillip whispered as he bent over Gillian and pressed the lightest kiss to her feverish brow.
“
Phillip!” she gasped. “How did I come to be here?”
“
Those were my very thoughts last night when I had insisted that you sleep in our bed. You were most insistent not to put me out of my familiar surroundings.” Phillip said. “You are a most difficult wife, Gillian, who would not let your husband see to your needs. I fear I was feeling most useless and unneeded.”
Gillian’s gasped with shock and shame. “I did not know. Indeed, I do not remember yestereve. My brain is muddled, I’m afraid, and I must claim ignorance of that which you speak. My apologies for any misunderstanding, My Lord.”
Phillip smiled at her term of respect and acceptance she afforded him. The lass was more than pleasing in her looks and her manners. He longed to seal the marriage and bed her soon, but not before she was ready to accept him.
“
You will of course, sleep in my bed tonight, Gillian,” Phillip said with a tone that would brook no opposition.
“
Yes, my lord. If that is your wish, I shall,” Gillian replied.
“
It is my wish,” Phillip said.
“
May I ask something of you Phillip and not have you think me silly?”
“
Of course, my dear. What would you want to know?”
“
Did we… I mean, did you …make me your wife in every sense, last night?”
Phillip chuckled. “My dear innocent wife. When I take you to bed, I will want you to enjoy the experience as much as me. I could not take an innocent bride in the heat of passion if you were not aware of my presence.” Phillip studied her wide-eyed stare. “No my love, you are still a virgin and will remain so as long as you are too ill to enjoy our loving. He looked into his wife’s eyes and saw the uncertainty and fear dwelling within. “No harm will come to you. You have my word.”
“
Thank you, my lord. Pray tell me, has all your family left Longmore for their own residences?”
“
No, they are awaiting for me downstairs to say their farewells before they are off. I wish for you to stay in bed and rest. We will have ample time to speak with them as they are only a few days journey from here.”
“
Please, Phillip, I would say farewell to your family. It would be rude for me to stay abed when in fact I am able to make the short walk to where they await.”
“
You were not well last evening, Gillian, and I would be displeased if you remain ill because of over-exertion. Please have a care.” Phillip’s voice was firm and convincing.
“
Your concern warms my heart, and I promise I shall do nothing that will endanger my health,” Gillian promised.
Phillip leaned forward and placed a kiss on his wife’s cheek. She closed her eyes as the contact was made. She then felt his hand brush against her cheek in a gentle caress. Gillian’s opposite hand caressed his cheek in a gesture of willing invitation. Phillip grabbed her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips.
As soon as Phillip rose and walked away, Gillian stood up. The room swirled like a leaf in the wind. Determined to say goodbye to her new relations, she struggled to wriggle into her gown. She was half-dressed when Anne entered the bedchamber.
Although unaccustomed to waiting for entrance, Gillian was now married and any personal encounter she might have with her groom, was something Anne had no wish to interrupt. She smiled at Gillian as she walked over to assist.
“
Are you feeling very married this morning, my lady?” Anne pried.
“
I know not of what you speak. If you inquire to personal bedroom matters, I shall decline to answer.” The question, however, had caused Gillian’s cheeks to flush hot with embarrassment. “What my husband and I share is not for anyone but us to know.”
“
I beg your pardon, my lady,” Anne said with a knowing smile. “Had I known you would be so private about your encounter with your husband, I should never have asked. I do hear he is quite vigorous in bed.”
Gillian had difficulty hiding her own smile but still managed a little sternness when she said, “Enough of this talk. Help me with the laces.”
The healer, Julia, entered. “Good morning My Lady,” she said. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“
Much improved,” Gillian replied.
“
There are many downstairs who have inquired after you this day. Truly they are quite concerned about your good health.” Julia held her hand against Gillian’s brow.
“
Your fever still holds a grip on your body, My Lady. It may be some time before you are rid of it. I will bring tea and some food to restore you. It will help rob the fever of its strength.”
Rather enjoying the idea of someone else helping her for a change, Gillian said, “Julia, you are a fine healer. I look forward to sharing remedies with you as we work together to help heal the villeins. I thank you for your help. I feel much stronger for it.”
Julia’s face brightened with the praise. She knew Gillian was far from healed but enjoyed the compliments. Any fears she had harbored over a new chatelaine assuming her role as healer had vanished.
Julia rushed off for the food, sensing that Gillian might not have the patience to wait to break her fast. But as she made her way to the bottom of the stairs, Alyssa stopped her progress.