Saying good-bye to the people Judith liked at court was not easy. The queen especially had become her friend. As Judith curtsied before the king, she felt her face grow hot. She regretted the publicity of her seeking a divorce, but if she had not realized her mistake, she and Gavin would not be together now. As she lifted her head to the king, she smiled. Knowing that Gavin loved her and that she loved him was worth all the embarrassment and teasing.
“We will miss your lovely face,” King Henry smiled. “I hope you come to see us again soon.”
Gavin put an arm possessively about his wife’s shoulders. “Is it her face or the amusement she provides?”
“Gavin!” Judith gasped in horror.
The king threw back his head and roared with laughter. “It’s true, Gavin,” he said after a while. “I vow I’ve not been so entertained in years. I’m sure no other marriages will be half so fascinating.”
Gavin returned his king’s smile. “Then you might watch Stephen. I’ve just heard that that Scots bride of his took a knife to him on his wedding night.”
“Was he harmed?” Henry asked, concerned.
“No,” Gavin grinned. “Though I imagine his temper wasn’t so well controlled. But then perhaps the woman had some reason for her anger—Stephen was three days late for his own wedding.”
King Henry shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t envy the man.” He smiled again. “At least all is well with one of the Montgomery brothers.”
“Yes,” Gavin said as he stroked Judith’s upper arm. “All is indeed well.”
They finished their last good-byes and left the great hall. It had taken most of the day to complete the packing for the journey home. Truthfully, they should have waited until the next day, but everyone seemed as ready to leave as Judith and Gavin. What with the time at Demari’s and at court, they had been away a long while.
As they mounted their horses and waved good-bye to the several people who gathered to see them off, only one watched with concern. Alan Fairfax hadn’t been able to find a moment alone with Judith as he had hoped. Early that morning Alice Chatworth had left the castle with her servants and household goods. All of the castlefolk seemed to believe that the woman accepted defeat when Judith and Gavin were reconciled. But not Alan. He felt he knew Alice better than that. Alice had been humiliated. He knew that she would seek revenge.
When the bailey was cleared and the Montgomery group well outside the castle walls, Alan mounted his horse and followed at a discreet distance. It wouldn’t hurt to be cautious—at least until the Lady Judith was safe inside her own castle walls. Alan smiled and flexed his sore jaw where Gavin had struck him the day before. He hadn’t openly voiced his fears of Alice; he knew Lord Gavin believed him to have an unchivalrous concern for his wife. Perhaps it was true, Alan thought. Perhaps at first; then he had come to know her and began to look on her as a little sister. He sighed and then nearly laughed aloud. At least he could tell himself that. With the way she looked at Lord Gavin, there was no hope for anything else.
Chapter Thirty
THE WARM WATER FELT HEAVENLY AGAINST JUDITH’S BARE skin. But better than the water was the freedom. There were no court gossips watching them, commenting on their improper behavior. For their behavior now was very improper for an earl and his countess, the rulers of vast estates. They’d traveled for three days when they saw the lovely blue lake, a corner of it hidden and secluded by overhanging willow trees. Now Gavin and Judith frolicked about like children.
“Oh, Gavin,” Judith said in a voice that was half giggle and half whisper.
Gavin’s laugh rumbled deep in his throat as he lifted her out of the lake then threw her back in again. They had been playing in the water for an hour, chasing each other, kissing and touching. Their clothes lay in a heap on the bank as they moved through the water unencumbered.
“Judith,” Gavin whispered as he drew her close, “you make me forget my duties. My men aren’t used to such neglect.”
“Nor am I used to so much attention,” she said, nipping at his shoulders.
“No, don’t start again. I must return to camp.”
She sighed but knew he was right. They walked ashore where Gavin quickly dressed, then stood and waited impatiently for his wife.
“Gavin,” she smiled, “how can I dress when you glower so? Go back to camp and I will follow in a few moments.”
He frowned. “I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I am within sound of the camp. I won’t come to any harm.”
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He bent and gave her a fierce hug. “You must forgive me if I’m too protective. I came too close to losing you after the child.”
“It wasn’t that that nearly caused you to lose me,” she retorted.
He laughed and smacked her on her bare wet bottom. “Get dressed, you saucy wench, and return to camp quickly.”
“Yes, my lord,” she smiled.
When Judith was by herself, she dressed slowly, feeling that it was good to have some solitude for a moment of reflection. The last few days had been bliss. Gavin was at last hers. No more did they hide their love from each other. When she was dressed, she didn’t return to the camp, but sat quietly under a tree, enjoying the peaceful place.