The Velvet Promise (Montgomery/Taggert 2)

Gavin was the one who was aroused and Judith lay still in a coma of red and silver light as he ran his hands over her body. It was as if he’d never touched her before, and her body was completely new to her. After his hands became familiar with her soft, smooth skin, he started exploring again with his eyes.

Judith cried out in desperate longing for him, but he only laughed at her and pushed her hands away from his shoulders. When she was trembling with desire, he entered her and they came together almost instantly. They fell asleep, joined, Gavin still on top of her.

When Judith woke the next morning, Gavin was gone and the bed felt cold and empty. Joan helped her dress in a gown of maroon velvet, the neckline square and cut very low. Her sleeves were lined with fox. Across her breast and around her waist were gold cords, fastened at the shoulder with a diamond brooch. At supper there’d been talk of a day’s hawking, and she wished to join the hunt.

Gavin met her at the foot of the stairs, his eyes dancing in delight. “You’re a sleepy one. I’d hoped to find you still in bed, and perhaps join you there.”

She smiled teasingly. “Shall I return?”

“No, not now. I have some news for you. I have spoken to the king, and he agrees to allow John Bassett to marry your mother.” King Henry was a Welshman, a descendant of commoners.

She stared at him.

“Doesn’t that please you?”

“Oh, Gavin!” she said and launched herself from the steps into his arms. Her arms were so tight about his neck, that he nearly choked. “Thank you. Many thousands of times, thank you.”

He laughed and hugged her closer to him. “If I’d thought your reaction would have been like this, I would have talked to the king last night.”

“You couldn’t have handled more last night,” Judith said flatly.

He laughed and squeezed her until she cried for release, her ribs nearly breaking. “You don’t think so?” Gavin challenged. “Goad me some more and I’ll take you upstairs and keep you there until you are too sore to walk.”

“Gavin!” she gasped, her face red. She looked around to see if anyone was listening.

He chuckled and kissed her lightly.

“My mother knows of her marriage?”

“No, I thought maybe you’d like to tell her.”

“I’m ashamed to say I don’t even know where she is.”

“I sent John to look after the lodging of my men. I would imagine your mother to be somewhere near him.”

“True, she doesn’t often leave his side. Gavin, thank you. It was very kind of you to grant me this favor.”

“I wish I could grant you everything that you wanted,” he said softly.

She looked at him in wonder.

“Go then,” he smiled. “Tell your mother, then join me in the courtyard for the hunt.” He set her down, then gazed at her with concern. “You are well enough to ride?”

It was the first time that he had mentioned the child in any way but anger. “Yes,” she smiled. “I’m quite well. Queen Elizabeth says the exercise will do me good.”

“Just be sure you don’t overdo,” Gavin cautioned.

She smiled and turned away, her mind warm from his concern. She felt light with happiness.

Judith walked down the stairs and out of the great hall. The enormous castleyard that stood inside the guarded walls was filled with people. The noise was nearly deafening as men and women shouted to servants and servants yelled at each other. Everything seemed so disorganized that Judith wondered how anything got done. A long building stood at the end of the courtyard. Horses pranced about outside, held by their grooms. It was obviously the stables.

“Ah, if it isn’t little Miss Red-Hair,” came a purring voice that halted Judith instantly. “Ar

e you on your way to some tryst with a lover, perhaps?”

Judith stopped and stared at Alice Chatworth. Her enemy—face to face.

“I’m sure you must remember me,” Alice said sweetly. “We met at your wedding.”