And kindness.
He'd been kind to let her steal his warmth through the night, almost as if they were lovers.
Her, a silly woman who was a non entity in that regard.
She didn't like it though. She didn't like this stark reminder that she was an unwanted woman. That he and all marriageable men were out of reach.
That she was alone.
And would remain so for the rest of her days.
She pulled her hood down to cover her moist eyes and headed to the stream to splash water on her warm cheeks.
She would get through this journey with her dignity intact. She had to.
The Abbess was counting on her.
Six
"What did she tell you about her family?"
Richard gave Geoffrey a probing look and shrugged.
"Only that her father had died leaving her a ward of her Uncle."
Geoffrey stared at Isabel's back. It was ramrod straight, even after another full day of riding. She rode beside John while Geoffrey rode with Richard. He was determined to get some answers about her before the day was up.
"Is that why she ran away? Because her uncle was cruel to her?"
Again, Richard shot him a knowing glance.
"He was after her dowry or some such. You know how it is for dowered women with no one to protect them. Especially one that looks like her."
Geoffrey nodded. So she'd run away. He wondered how old she'd been. He could see her, alone and terrified but brave, so brave, as she hid in the forest.
There was no denying it, Isabel was a remarkable woman. She could read and write. She was exceptionally beauteous. She was brave. She'd make a fine wife to someone, with or without a dowry.
Mayhap his.
The thought filled him with such a joyous feeling that he nearly shouting.
He decided to stop fighting his overwhelming attraction to her and give in. Instead he would persu her, woo her, temp her. And if she rolled into his arms again, this time he would wrap his arms around her.
And never let go.
<><><><><>
Isabel was staring at the countryside as they rode forward. John had been prattling on about Geoffrey's battle prowess for what seemed like hours. He meant to entertain her she knew, but after a while she was forced to tune him out.
After a while she realized that John had fallen silent and turned to look at him. Instead Sir Geoffrey was beside her, watching her intently.
"Oh, tis you."
"Aye."
His voice and eyes were warm as he turned to face her squarely. There were no hidden looks, no angry words. His eyes spoke volumes, sending a warm flush straight to her belly.
He did like her after all. There was no denying it now. He was showing her his admiration without any pretense or shyness.
To her dismay, Isabel realized that the feeling was mutual. Sir Geoffrey made her feel things that she'd never felt before. The air itself seemed to hum when he was nearby.
But what of it? She was to take her vows and he most likely had his own plans. It wasn't as if he was bringing her to court to wed.
That was a foolish thought. She was ridiculous. And yet, something in heart cried out that it could be...
Perhaps he thought her a tart, or a woman of loose morals. Not that she would blame him. Not after she'd thrown herself at him the night before.
The thought filled her with discomfiture.
"I am truly sorry for last night. I've never-"
"Tis fine. I am glad I could provide warmth. And no one saw us."
He was smiling at her. A feeling of relief swept through her. If nothing else, she would like to be at ease with the handsome Knight. And know that he thought well of her.
She knew it shouldn't matter but it did.
It mattered quite a bit.
"You seem in high spirits today Sir Geoffrey."
She stole a glance at his profile. He did seem different. Calm. And well pleased with himself.
"I am. I have made a decision that's been weighing heavily on me."
She nodded.
"Tis good. I remember when I realized I must take my fate into my own hands. Twas frightening but I knew it was what I must do."
"When you ran away?"
"Aye."
"How old were you?"
"Fourteen. My father had died and my uncle sought to marry me to one of his sons. Either one in fact."
Sir Geoffrey's voice was serious.
"I take it they were not to your liking?"
"Most assuredly not."
"Was it- their appearance? Or manner?"
She laughed.
"It was their manner! But to be fair, their appearance wasn't much in their favor either."
Now it was Sir Geoffrey's turn to nod. Emboldened, she continued.
"My father had promised that I could chose my suitor. He would have to approve of course. But I would have the final say. He doted on me you see. He wanted me to be happy."
"What sort of suitor would you like?"
She shot him an alarmed glance. But he was not mocking her. Sir Geoffrey was watching her with a solemn expression.
"I gave my dowry to the Sisterhood in exchange for their protection. The days of dreaming over suitors is long past."
"Humor me. What did you dream of back then?"
She swallowed, trying to remember. It hurt a bit, to crack open that box of dreams.
"Well, I wanted someone brave. Strong. Mayhap a bit romantic. Intelligent. And being fourteen, I thought it most important that he be handsome. Now though..."
"Now?"
"Now my first concern would be that he was a kind and honorable man. Much like my father."
"I see."
She glanced at him. He was nodding sagely as if she'd just said something that made perfect sense. She felt nervous suddenly. And exposed.
Quickly she decided to turn the focus on him. Speaking of her father had brought up all kinds of feelings she'd thought long gone.
"What of you Sir Geoffrey? Do you not have a wife?"
He shook his head.
"Nay, but I must get one."
She laughed at the way he said. As if it were as simple as going to the market. Men were so simple minded about such things. But she could not ignore the warm flush that filled her at the knowledge.
"And what kind of wife would you like?"
She smiled at him, gently teasing him with his own words. But he looked intent as he stared into her eyes. A sudden trill of warning bells went off in her mind.
"She should be kind. Intelligent. Brave. Beauteous. I would like a wife who can read and write. You don't know how to do sums by any chance?"
She was holding back laughter as she nodded.
"I do in fact."
"There you have it."
"Have what?"
"You're perfect."
Isabel's mouth opened in surprise. Sir Geoffrey winked at her and then clicked his tongue, spurring his horse to action. He rode ahead, leaving her to stare after him in shock.
He hadn't meant that she would make him a perfect wife.
Had he?
Seven
Geoffrey stole a look at Isabel as she rode ahead of him. Once again John and Richard were regaling her with stories. Though this time, he'd been sure to tell them to tell stories that would cast him in a favorable light.
After all, he intended to wed her.
He couldn't have his future wife thinking he was a laggard on the battlefield.
Now that his decision was made, Geoffrey had never felt more at ease. More hopeful. More impatient.
He didn't want to wait another day to make her his.
Or one more night.
A tightness was in his groin at the thought of her sleeping beside him under the stars again. Perhaps she would sleep against him for warmth again. Perhaps...
John's voice broke through his reverie.
"There's a clearing up ahead."
He shook his head to clear it of his wandering thoughts. Twas nearing nightfall. Isabel must be weary.
"Aye. We will stop here."
Geoffrey dismounted and went to help Isabel from her horse. She slipped into his arms gracefully. A slight blush lit up her cheeks as he lowered her to the ground.
He was grinning as he directed the men. In no time, there was a cheerful fire burning. They portioned out some dried meat as well as hard crusted bread and cheese. He made certain to bring Isabel a generous portion.
"Here m'lady."
"I thank you Sir Geoffrey."
She smiled at him shyly, making his heart sing. He could barely wait for the time when he would roll out his blanket beside hers. He ate with his this time. Conversing about this or that. His words flowed easily. Twas almost like talking with his fellow Knights, though far more pleasant.
He told her of his childhood as a second son. Of his love for his family and even the older brother who had inherited everything. He had nieces and nephews now as well.
He had hardly seen them since birth but he knew their names and ages.
Her face lit up when he told her of the children. Clearly she liked bairns. He smiled inwardly. Twas a good sign.
A good sign indeed.
There was no stream to wash in but he made sure she had a private moment to relieve herself if she needed to. He even checked the area for snakes first. He was rewarded with another shy smile.
By the time twas time to sleep he was fairly humming with anticipation. He rolled out her blanket, winking as he handed her his own.