The Velvet Promise (Montgomery/Taggert 2)

“We do,” Gavin answered, smiling slowly.

“Most assuredly,” Alice answered, giving him a demure, closed-lip smile.

“I think I should like to see the garden now,” Judith said quickly and took Stephen’s extended arm.

“Judith,” Stephen began when they were alone in the lovely garden.

“Don’t speak to me of her. There is nothing you can say that will give me comfort. I have always known of her. Since the day of our wedding.” She looked down at a rose bush, the air heavy with fragrance. “He has never been false to me on her account. He hasn’t hidden from me that he loves her or tried to pretend he cares for me in any way.”

“Judith, stop this! You can’t accept the woman.”

Judith turned to Stephen. “And what else can I do? Pray tell me what. He believes me wicked at every turn. If I go to him when he is held captive, he believes I go to my lover. If I carry his child, he believes it belongs to another.”

“The child is Gavin’s?”

“I see he has told you that he thinks that my baby is Demari’s”

“Why don’t you tell him the truth?”

“And have him call me a liar? No, thank you. This child is mine, regardless of the father.”

“Judith, it would mean a lot to Gavin to know the child was his.”

“Will you run and tell him?” she asked heatedly. “Will you knock his mistress down to get close to him? The news will make him quite happy, I’m sure. He has the Revedoune lands, an heir on the way, and his blonde Alice to love. Forgive me if I am selfish enough to want to keep some small thing for myself for a while.”

Stephen sat on a stone bench and stared at her. He knew better than to confront his elder brother at this moment when he was so angry. A woman like Judith didn’t deserve such neglect and ill treatment as Gavin heaped upon her.

“My lady,” a woman called.

“Here, Joan,” Judith answered. “What is it?”

“The tables are set for supper and you must come.”

“No, I will not. Please say that I am indisposed. Plead my condition as the cause.”

“And let that whore have him!” Joan screeched. “You must attend.”

“I agree, Judith.”

Joan whirled, not previously aware of Stephen’s presence. She flushed becomingly. She never quite got over the striking handsomeness of the men in her mistress’s new family. Even the way they moved set her to trembling with desire.

“Do you plan to attack him here?” Judith demanded. “You forget yourself at times, Joan.”

“It’s the man who makes me do so,” the maid murmured. “Lord Gavin has asked for you.”

“I’m pleased he remembers me,” she said sarcastically.

“Yes, I remembered you,” Gavin said from the gateway. “Go,” he said to the maid. “I would like to speak to my wife alone.”

Stephen stood. “I too will go.” He gave his brother one hard look, then left.

“I don’t feel well,” Judith said. “I must go to my room.”

Gavin caught her arm and drew her close to him. Her eyes looked at him coldly. How long had it been since she’d looked at him like that! “Judith, don’t hate me again.”

She tried to twist away from him. “You humiliate me, and I’m not to show anger? I didn’t know you thought I was a saint. Perhaps I should make an application for canonization.”

He chuckled at her sharp wit. “I did nothing but look at her and kiss her hand. I haven’t seen her for a while.”