The Falcon and the Flower Part 10

He knew she hadn't wanted to serve him. "Thank you, Jasmine, I like a lady with fine manners."

"Fine manors, more likely!" she said tartly.

"Mistress, that is unfair. The Countess of Warwick has broad lands and fine manors and would favor my suit in an instant."

She caught her breath. What lies he told to suit his purpose, and yet ... and yet ... she had seen the way Bess Warwick had smiled up at him with open invitation in her face.

"Al men are greedy. King John is to keep wel over half of Avisa's Gloucester lands. You don't real y expect me to believe you'd rather fight for your castles than have them given to you?

"I am my own man, at my own cost," he said softly. His eyes devoured her, and she was left in no doubt whatsoever what it was he wanted. She again drank off her wine in a reckless attempt to become tipsy. If she became drunk, perhaps she would have the courage to strike a bargain with him. She stood up and walked about his chamber, coming to a stop in front of him, within easy reach if he stretched out a hand. She lifted her hair in a deliciously feminine gesture and let it fal about her shoulders. She ran a provocative tongue about her lips and swayed toward him temptingly. "Milord Falcon, if you wil cancel our contract, I wil give you anything you want."

He appraised her through narrowed eyes. "If you are offering yourself in return for releasing you from marriage, I do not bribe so easily. You look like a drunken lady of pleasure that I wouldn't bother to lay." His dark eyebrows drew together. "You are flown with wine, get to bed."

Her face flamed with humiliation, but with the pride of a lionness she walked toward the adjoining door. "Go to Hel , de Burgh, or better yet, go to Warwick!"

He bowed and drawled, "Your psychic power grows stronger .

. . that is exactly where I am going."

She slammed the door and leaned back against it, panting.

"He sent me to bed! Just like a child!"

Estel e sighed. Though Jasmine had no idea, her voice was tinged with regret.

Though de Burgh knocked softly on the chamber door only once, it was opened immediately as if he were expected.

Although she wore her bedgown, the Countess of Warwick had not yet retired. She had dismissed her woman early in antic.i.p.ation of his visit and ordered a large cask of wine.

"Thank you, milord," she breathed, and taking his hands she drew him inside and closed the door.

She saw him comfortably seated with a large goblet of wine before she broached her subject. "Falcon, I've been doing a great deal of thinking while I've been at Cirences- ter this fortnight, and the conclusions I've reached frighten me to death," she said.

"What troubles you, my lady?" he inquired.

"Wel , you know I'm a widow, and I make no bones about the fact I'd like to wed again, but I've been in no hurry. I've been taking my own sweet time because the second time a woman marries she should be free to choose so that she wil receive some joy from the union."

Falcon kept a wise silence.

"While King Richard reigned he never exercised his royal prerogative over marriage. His permission was total y taken for granted, but now that John reigns, I believe al that wil cease. He intends to live in England, and we al know how avaricious Prince John was to fil his coffers. King John wil be twice as bad."

Falcon was wondering if she had heard about de Man-devil e when she refil ed his gla.s.s and confirmed his thoughts.

"I heard today that John has sold Avisa for twenty thousand marks. My G.o.d, if he wil sel his own wife, it wil be a nightmare in this country for an heiress. Women with any land, t.i.tles, or estates wil be literal y put on the auction block and sold and the money go straight into the king's coffers. He wil sweep al legalities aside, as he must have done to obtain this divorce so quickly."

"I'm afraid you are right, Bess. Women wil go to the highest bidders. You must choose yourself a husband quickly before John comes across the channel."

She sat down opposite him on the bed and as she crossed her long legs, her bedgown fel away to reveal her limbs.

"Falcon, if the family of de Burgh united with Warwick, both would have twice its present holdings, twice the wealth, twice the power."

He moved over to the bed and put his arm about her. "Bess, your offer is most generous, but surely you have heard that I am pledged?"

"I've heard different rumors, Falcon. Nothing definite," she said, her mouth only inches below his.

"Then hear it from my own lips. I am going to wed Salisbury's daughter Jasmine."

"Ahhh," she said on a sigh tinged with deep regret for what might have been. "I do understand, Falcon, truly I do." She said it sincerely for she real y did understand. Not only was it an exalted connection to link him to the royal family, she could see the irresistible attraction of the exquisite Jasmine for a man as virile as Falcon de Burgh. So fragile, smal , and perfect. So innocent, pure, and virginal. Jasmine was indeed a delicate flower no male could resist.

Bess touched his mouth with a provocative finger to trace its outline. "Wel ," she said huskily, "we aren't going to let whomever we are to marry spoil what could be a very pa.s.sionate night, are we?"

He flashed her a wicked grin. "Madame, we are not," he said, pressing her back on the bed.

Chapter 11.

The next day Jasmine made a tearful farewel to Avisa.

Gossip spread like wildfire at Cirencester, and a spiteful maid had made sure Jasmine knew where her betrothed had spent the night.

Hubert and his knights were departing for the Cinque Ports immediately so he could greet King John and his bride when they arrived at Dover. Falcon bade his uncle good-bye and led Jasmine, Estel e, and their packhorses south in the direction of Salisbury.

He was so used to riding at breakneck speed that he could not adjust to the snail's pace set by Dame Estel e.

Alone, he would have swal owed the forty miles to Salisbury without even reining in to give his horse a breather, but he could plainly see that even twenty miles before dark would be an accomplishment. This did nothing for his temper, and coupled with Jasmine's icy demeanor, his patience almost snapped.

The ladies were hungry, thirsty, and tired, but de Burgh's body was not weary, only his mind. He felt no desire for food, wine, or sleep. He craved action. The need for action pressed him on al sides.

Jasmine was determined not to appeal to him to stop. She'd be d.a.m.ned first. Dame Estel e was just about to suggest they find an inn or camp where they were, when de Burgh said, "We'l go to our castle of Hagthorn."

Jasmine and Estel e exchanged amazed glances. They knew they were close to the place they had been set upon and were wildly curious that de Burgh had a castle in the vicinity.

Jasmine, however, would not give him the satisfaction of showing him her curiosity, while Estel e rode in silence shrewdly putting two and two together.

Hagthorn was a smal castle yet it had rich herds of beef cattle and sheep grazing in the fields about the castle wal s. At their approach the evening watch ordered the drawbridge lowered immediately, and the smal party rode across the moat into the smal bailey. Eager boys ran from the stables to greet the new lord, prompted by de Burgh's knights who were quartered at Hagthorn.

Jasmine was a.s.sisted from the saddle with much bowing and sc.r.a.ping. An amused de Burgh took in the att.i.tude of deference. His men had wrought a great change in the place, and he soon realized this had been easy to accomplish because the people of Hagthorn had been cruel y oppressed and were hoping for better treatment from their new master.

The cooks began to rush about preparing a worthy meal and the servants al flocked to the entrance hal to greet their lord and lady, hoping to get a good look at them and judge for themselves whether their lives would be markedly improved.

Jasmine was pleased to receive such attentions, for at Salisbury she was usual y ignored. Three female servants took her luggage and ushered her upstairs, exclaiming over her pretty clothes and exquisite hair. They fussed over whether the master bedchamber was suitable for a lady, to which she quickly pointed out that she was not Lady de Burgh and would require a separate chamber. The women were so visibly disappointed at this disclosure that inexplicably she found herself saying "I wil be Lady de Burgh, we are just not married yet." Their smiles returned and she was struck with a disturbing thought. How many female servants were twittering over de Burgh at this moment as they ushered him to his bedchamber? Women, it seemed, were attracted to him as if he had a d.a.m.ned magnet in his chest, she thought with disdain.

Estel e also was receiving her share of attention. Men were coming with hot water to cleanse the dusty travelers and other servants brought clean linen and wood.

One of the women asked shyly, "May we know your name, my lady? We know the new lord is cal ed de Burgh, but we do not know your name."

"My name is Jasmine of Salisbury and this is my grandmother, Dame Estel e Winwood. You say he is the new lord? How long has Hagthorn belonged to him?"

"Since the day he stormed the castle an' hanged that wicked Baron Belam6 on a beam over where he sat at table.

Between one mouthful an' the next! Heavensent he was, like an instrument of G.o.d."

A shy young woman carrying wine knocked on the door politely then entered and said hesitantly. "Welcome, my lady. I am Joan. I was married to one of de Belame's knights until the early spring, but he was kil ed in a raid."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Jasmine, noticing that the woman's clothes were shabby. Indeed al the people at Hagthorn were poorly clothed, the servants clad in no better than rags, in spite of the fact that the castle was wel appointed.

"Oh no, my lady, I am happy to be widowed by such a man. I was terrified that I might be taken by de Belame or another of his knights, but since your great lord's knights have been in charge here, our lives are improved in every way. Milord de Burgh's knights are truly chivalrous. They live by the vows they took."

When Joan and the servants final y withdrew, Jasmine said to Estel e, "Can you believe it? He took possession of this place that day we were set upon. He told me there was a plot to abduct me and force me to wed for my father's money."

Estel e said, "He took a swift revenge. Never underestimate him, Jasmine; he is tough, d.a.m.ned tough."

Jasmine said in awe, "But he stormed a castle and hanged its owner and returned to us in little over an hour. I wonder if he is a warlock?"

"He never misses a chance to scoff at witchcraft, and yet ... he may have the power and be unaware," Estel e mused.

Jasmine stared at Estel e wide-eyed and whispered, "He has always reminded me of the Devil. You don't suppose he is in league with Satan? He seems to have a power over women."

Estel e said dryly, "Except the one he desires over al others."

"Perhaps that explains why he wants me so much. I'm a witch and a virgin. If he gets power over me, his strength and powers might increase tenfold."

Estel e looked at her for long moments and said crypti- cal y, "Ah, child, if you got him in your power you might control the world, as we know it."

Two hours after their arrival a feast was served them in the dining hal . Falcon and Jasmine sat on a high dais. Directly in front of them at the head table sat Estel e and Falcon's knights. A young man with a harp asked permission to sing a bal ad he had composed, and Jasmine was delighted that they were to be entertained. The Countess of Gloucester always had troubadors, jugglers, or dancers in the hal , and Jasmine decided she would have the same when she became chatelaine. The young minstrel sang a praise to de Burgh of his gal ant feats, likening him to a falcon who had swept down from the skies upon wings of vengeance and in a single swoop vanquished the evil that had threatened their lives for so long. Then he sang a romantic bal ad about Jasmine's ethereal beauty, and though she realized it was a song from his repertoire that could be adjusted to praise any lady present, she clapped with pleasure when he had finished.

Falcon whispered to her, "You look so happy tonight. I hope you won't be disappointed to learn that we wil have to stay an extra day. There are so many things that need my attention."

She was surprised at his thoughtfulness. Usual y he simply issued her orders or didn't consult her at al . She thought she could afford to be gracious for once. "I don't mind at al . What things are so pressing?" she asked politely.

"There are so many disputes, I'l have to hold a court of law tomorrow. The shepherds and the cowherders are disputing territory. There are prisoners in the cel s below whose fates need deciding upon, even servants inside the castle are vying for positions they held before de Belame replaced them with his own slime."

"I see," she replied.

"Would you like to make some of the decisions, Jasmine?" he asked generously. "This is our castle, not just mine. You sit in judgment on the problems of the castle servants and I'l take care of the rest."

"Oh," she exclaimed, surprised that he was giving her the responsibility. "I wil do it!"

"I also must decide which one of my knights to make castel an here," he said as if voicing his thoughts aloud.

Her eyes went to the head table and for the third time during the meal she watched as glances of admiration were exchanged, showing a strong attraction developing between Joan, the young widow she had met, and one of de Burgh's knights. She leaned toward de Burgh and murmured, "Are you considering the tal , fair-haired knight with the mustaches?"

His eyes held hers as he wondered if she had singled out his man because she was attracted to him. He answered somewhat guardedly, "I can see how Sir Rolf would appeal to a woman."

"So can I," said Jasmine, teasing him.

His brows drew together and he deliberately chose the ugly knight sitting next to Estel e. "Rupert there might be the best choice."

Jasmine's eyes danced with amus.e.m.e.nt as she went on to explain her choice. "I think with a little encouragement on your part Sir Rolf would take to wife the young widow he is so hot for. That way you would not only get a good castel an, but I would get a good chatelaine for Hagthorn in my absence."

His brow cleared and he shot her a guilty grin that acknowledged he had been jealous. "Thank you for your advice, cherie. You are most perceptive."

"The people here are very grateful that you and your knights have treated them kindly."

"We are civilized, my lady, in spite of your misgivings about me," he said, smiling. "I am pleased you have been listening to them. You know the old saying, 'The castle that wil parley and the woman who wil listen surrender.' " He took possession of her hand, his strong fingers curling around hers.

She stiffened immediately, withdrew her hand, and turned to ice. "Please don't touch me, it disturbs me."

He laughed and mocked, "That is no way to hold a man off, tel ing him his nearness disturbs you. Rather it would make him come much closer."

"I never intend to surrender, Falcon de Burgh. You wil have to conquer me."

"I have already kil ed for you," he said, looking intensely into her eyes. "I intend to have you at any cost."

She was the first to lower her gaze. "I am tired. Leave me be, de Burgh."

He arose from the table, stretched, and said mockingly, "Ah, cherie, would you like me to carry you to bed?"

She stood so quickly her chair almost fel backward. "Good night!" she said, her voice dripping with ice.

His hand shot out to take her wrist and hold her beside him.

He murmured, "Lady, you wil not rush from my side with contempt before everyone in the hal . You wil act like a lady, my lady, or I wil warm your backside here and now. They seemed to enjoy the entertainment with their meal. Would you like to be the encore?"

She stopped dead in her tracks and grew pale. She wanted to throw the contents of her goblet into his face, but dared not.

He was far too reckless and thoroughly capable, even wil ing, to carry out any threat he made.

"Smile at me," he ordered.

Slowly, stiffly, she complied, and he escorted her from the dais with a possessive hand at the smal of her back. At her door he left her with a parting shot. "Sorry I cannot come in, but I have an a.s.signation with another."

She opened her mouth and closed it again in frustrated fury. She flung into her chamber and slammed the door. "I could kil him!" she said through her teeth.

"Admit the truth and shame the Devil," said Estel e. "You enjoy sparring with him."

"I'd enjoy it better if I ever got the last b.l.o.o.d.y word!" she shouted, taking off her shoes and flinging them across the chamber.

Falcon had purposely misled her about the gender of the one he had an a.s.signation with. In actuality, it was with his knights, to tie up the ends of the business of running Hagthorn.