Wildly Romantic: A Multi-Genre Collection Read online

  “Good morn,” he called out quietly as he rose.

  Watching him unfold his long, lean body made her mouth go dry. Lord but he was well formed. Those broad shoulders were massive. The dark blue of his fine woolen tunic set off his eyes. He hadn’t bothered with a cloak this morn, and she was glad for it.

  “And to you.” She drew on her own cloak, suddenly anxious to cover her plain kirtle.

  “My apologies if I frightened you. I wasn’t certain what time you’d rise.” The quiet rumble of his voice echoed inside her, drawing her closer. His sea blue eyes studied her carefully for a long moment before he seemed to relax.

  “I didn’t expect you quite so early. The church bells haven’t yet rung.”

  “Nay.” He glanced at the horizon. “Nor has the sun risen. How did I know you’d be an early riser?”

  The smile on his face sent her heart racing. “Because you are one as well?”

  His smile broadened as though pleased they had this in common. “’Tis true. I confess.” He offered her his elbow. “Care to walk with me? Or do you have business this morn to which you must attend?”

  She stared at his elbow, confused as to his purpose. “Wasn’t there something you needed? You requested my assistance last eve.” Had he forgotten? Yet why else would he have sought her out?

  After a moment’s hesitation, he eased closer as though to tell her a secret. “In truth, that was a falsehood. I only wanted an excuse to spend time with you. I hope you’ll forgive me.” He raised his brow in question. “Will you walk with me, Lady Sophia?”

  Taken aback, her mind went blank. This handsome knight wanted to spend time with her for no reason other than the pleasure of her company? She hardly knew what to think.

  Yet a glance at the pink and purple hue of the dawn had her taking his elbow. How could she resist the offer to spend a lovely morn with such a man? She did her best to ignore the guilt that filled her at the thought of simply ambling for pleasure. When was the last time she’d done anything for the pure joy of it? “A walk before my day begins in earnest would be nice.”

  “Do you mind if we leave the city?” he asked. “I haven’t had a chance to explore the area near the river.” At her nod, he continued, “I understand from what your sister told Braden that Alec is an excellent fisherman.”

  “He’s become quite adept at it.”

  Rather than heading toward the gate, Garrick started down a secondary street.

  “I thought you wanted to see the river.”

  “My stomach requires sustenance for such a journey,” he said as he patted the flat planes of his belly. “Would you mind if we stopped by the baker’s on our way?”

  Her thoughts immediately went to the cost of the bread. She had no coins upon her person at the moment, but that didn’t mean he shouldn’t have something to break his fast. “Not at all.”

  They kept their voices low as they walked, not wanting to wake those who still slept. There was a certain peace to the city at this time of day that appealed to her and made rising early worthwhile. The church bells rang out as they walked, waking Berwick from its slumber.

  Soon the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air and the baker’s shop came into sight. Sophia’s stomach rumbled at the sound, embarrassing her with its noisy protest. Now she could hardly say she wasn’t hungry.

  Garrick glanced at her. “Was that my stomach or yours?”

  She smiled, appreciating his levity. When he gestured for her to proceed him into the baker’s she waved him ahead. “I’ll wait here.”

  He returned with a large bannock and tore off a piece to offer to her.

  “Oh, I couldn’t,” she protested. Her brother could easily devour the entire round, flat bread and still be hungry. Surely Garrick could easily do the same.

  “Nonsense.” He gestured for her to take it, the aromatic scent making her mouth water. “I’d be honored to break my fast with you.”

  “Are you certain?” she asked as she reached for the bread, enjoying the way it heated her fingers almost as much as the appetizing aroma.

  “Of course.” He ate a bite, steam rising from the warm bread. “Nothing better, is there?”

  Their conversation quieted as they made their way toward the northern entrance, eating as they walked. The guard at the gate stared at the bannock as though longing for some of his own.

  Sophia could only smile, amazed at how often she did so in Garrick’s company.

  “Will your sister be taking her vows and joining St. Mary’s?” he asked as the nunnery came into view.

  Sophia sighed. “She’s considering it. I wouldn’t say she has a calling but she seems to believe it might be the best choice for her.”

  “Not marriage?”

  He asked so causally she didn’t take offense to the personal question. “I fear her opinion of men in general was greatly shaded by the siege.”

  “Especially English men?”

  “Aye, especially those.” There was no point in denying it.

  “Perhaps while we’re here, my cousins and I might manage to change her opinion.”

  “I welcome you to try.” If Ilisa took her vows for the wrong reasons, Sophia feared she’d eventually regret it but convincing Ilisa of that would be a challenge.

  Sophia gestured toward the left where a path led down to the river. “Shall we venture this way?”

  The path was just wide enough for them to walk side-by-side. The sun peeked over the horizon, casting the sky to amber then slowly deepening into rose.

  The normalcy of this moment sent a sweet pang of longing coursing through her. She caught her breath at the ache of it as she glanced at Garrick. What if each day started as such from this moment on? A morning walk with this man at her side. Though she knew it was impossible, she wanted it all the same. She had no idea why fate had brought him to her but was grateful for it.

  Garrick paused to take in the sight of the rolling hills and flat plains to their right then the river below them. “’Tis beautiful here.”

  She followed his gaze, trying to see it through his eyes. She was proud to call this place home, to claim Berwick as her city. The castle wall was visible where it sat on a rise toward the back of the city. The keep was just beyond that.

  Her heart still hurt at the sight of her former home, and she had to look away. So many people who had served there lost their lives in the attack, some brutally so. Ingrid and Sarah, Joseph and Thomas. So many gone.

  “What is it?” Garrick asked.

  “I can’t help but think of those we lost when I see the keep. Most left its safety to see to their families then couldn’t return.” For that she blamed her brother. Though he’d allowed some back in initially, the gate had soon been flooded with people when the siege continued. While Sophia understood the castle couldn’t hold the entire city, they could’ve taken in more than they had, though she wasn’t certain that would’ve saved them.

  “It must’ve been terrible.” He reached out to touch her arm. “I can’t imagine. You remained in the keep during the siege?”

  She nodded. “I hid with my brother’s wife and their son along with Ilisa and Alec in a secret tunnel. When we believed the worst had passed, we emerged to find more dead bodies than we could count.” She shivered. The memories of what they’d seen gave her chills. “William had already been taken. Most of the garrison was allowed to flee as a reward for not fighting against the king. That left only the dead and a few survivors.”

  “The horrors you and your family witnessed are something no one should have to endure.”

  “Such dark memories are not for a day such as this.” She turned away from the city to gaze over the fields and valleys and the river. Always the river. It was the heart of the city, a constant force in their lives, keeping them moving forward however reluctant they might be.

  Garrick tore another piece from the bannock. “I don’t think bread has ever tasted so good as this morn.”

  “I’d have to agree. Shal
l we continue down the path?” Sophia asked then took another bite.

  “The air here smells much better than in the city. Do you come here much?”

  “Rarely.” That seemed a shame. In the last few years, she’d forgotten that life was not all work—sometimes it could be enjoyed. Should be enjoyed.

  “I suppose I do the same when I’m home. I don’t always remember to take the time to appreciate the beauty of it.”

  “Is it beautiful there?” She was curious about his life, his family. Him.

  “My family has several holdings in central England. The rolling hills are pleasant to look upon. There’s a river that runs through our land and a small lake. But nothing like this.” His gaze locked on the river.

  “My sister and I used to spend hours near the banks when we were young.” She’d nearly forgotten those peaceful days. They seemed like a lifetime ago.

  “Come. Let us find a place to finish our bread.” He glanced about and pointed toward several large boulders not far from the river. “That looks like the perfect place to watch the sun rise.”

  She led the way and climbed up on one of the stones, straightening her skirt once she settled into a comfortable position, grateful they had the area to themselves. The rock was cold and, despite her cloak, she felt the chill. Garrick sat beside her, his body touching hers, lending some of its warmth.

  “The river looks a bit high from the spring runoff.”

  “Aye. That will most likely last for the next month or two.” She finished her bread, finding the silence with Garrick companionable. She marveled at how good she felt with him. As though she were safe. As though all was right with the world. Longing stole her breath once again. If only this feeling, this man, this happiness, was her world.

  She glanced up at him from under her lashes. So handsome, so strong. His dark hair brushed the neck of his tunic. The woodsy scent of him drifted toward her as a light breeze danced along the air. Somehow he even smelled right. She bit her lip as something more than longing simmered deep inside her.

  As though he felt her perusal, he looked down at her with a smile. He brushed the crumbs from his hands and put his arm around her, drawing her a little closer. “There’s still a chill in the air. Are you warm enough?”

  “I am now.” Though she knew she shouldn’t, she leaned closer, thoroughly enjoying the feel of him next to her.

  They sat there, watching as the sun cast a golden glow over the river. The docks were just visible in the distance, where the river met the sea. Several ships were unloading, their crews looking like busy ants from this distance as they moved back and forth.

  “Trade has made Berwick an international hub,” Sophia said. “Its location is vital. Without the river, it would be a mere village.”

  “I hadn’t expected it to be quite so large. I believe I’ve heard more languages here than most other places I’ve been.”

  “Where else have you traveled?”

  He told her of the places he’d visited in Normandy and Poitou. He answered her questions about London as well, painting such a vivid image she could see it perfectly.

  “I haven’t ventured much farther from Berwick in either direction.”

  “Surely you’ve been to your brother’s holdings in England,” Garrick suggested.

  “Nay. He acquired them in recent years, mainly from his marriages. Eleanor is his second wife. There was never a need for me to travel to any of them.” She shook her head. “His first wife was not the friendliest of women. She viewed me as some sort of a threat.” She decided against saying she’d still been kinder than Eleanor.

  “I’m certain it was because you were more beautiful and more efficient than she.” Garrick said the words as though they were a fact.

  She looked at him to see if he jested. “I find that highly unlikely.”

  “’Tis true. I’ve seen evidence of your efficiency from the way you manage your efforts for the people here. And there’s no denying your beauty.” He shifted to face her as he spoke, easing a strand of her hair from her cheek. His finger gently traced her brow. “These lovely eyes full of mystery and intelligence. Long lashes that curl ever so slightly. High cheekbones that show your strength of character. A slim nose to balance your face.”

  Her heartbeat sped, her breath coming quicker as he continued. “These rosy lips that make me want to kiss you.” His gaze fell to her mouth.

  She leaned forward to press her lips to his, unable to resist. Heat simmered low in her stomach, spreading through her limbs. She reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair, loving the feel of it.

  “Sophia, you are a siren,” Garrick whispered. Then he took her mouth again, firmer this time, his arms wrapping around her. His hands moved up and down her back, settling on her waist.

  Just when she was ready to climb onto his lap—anything to be closer and experience more of him—he drew back.

  With a sigh, he muttered, “I don’t understand what it is you do to me.”

  She smiled, realizing how often he made her do so. “I think ’tis the two of us together, for I wonder the same thing.”

  He kissed her once more, briefly this time. “Perhaps you’re right.” He studied her as though she held the answer. Then he shifted his attention to the river, keeping his arm around her.

  She leaned her head against his shoulder, loving the feel of his solid strength beside her. His face had sobered, his expression unreadable. She would’ve given anything to know what he was thinking.

  ~*~

  Garrick soon realized how impossible his idea was of protecting Sophia without telling her why. His constant presence as the morning slowly passed drew curiosity, including hers. Though his company might temporarily harm her reputation, it was preferable to allowing someone the chance to kill her. Yet he knew he was beginning to make her uncomfortable. Or rather, the stares from others were.

  They walked through the streets with Garrick watching for any sudden movements or suspicious characters. He was almost disappointed not to come across anyone as he wanted the threat to Sophia over and done with.

  Midday was nearly upon them when Sophia slowed her steps as they approached another shop. “Garrick, are you certain there’s nothing more you need my assistance with?”

  “Nay. Just enjoying time with you.” He smiled but she only looked puzzled.

  “I’ve enjoyed it as well. But I’ll bid you good day now as I’m going home for the midday meal.”

  “Allow me to escort you.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “I insist.” He knew his tone held an edge, but he wasn’t about to take no for an answer.

  “Very well.”

  After leaving her in the safety of her home, he returned to the inn, hoping to meet his cousins to see how they’d fared.

  Braden had offered to watch over Ilisa any time she wasn’t at the nunnery. Luckily for him that shouldn’t be too often. Chanse reluctantly agreed to keep an eye on Alec, a challenging task as the boy rarely stayed in one place.

  They had the Douglas family covered, as Eleanor was safely tucked away in the cottage where she spent most days.

  Were his cousins having the same difficulty as he? Finding a reason to remain by Sophia’s side without arousing her suspicions was more of a challenge than he’d realized. Still, it made sense that if Sophia’s life was being threatened, her siblings would also be in danger. They needed to protect them all as best they could until they caught the person responsible. Garrick refused to consider the alternative.

  He found Braden and Chanse sitting at what had become their table in the inn. Braden had a bowl of steaming meat tile before him. It had pieces of veal seasoned with cinnamon and cloves with a sauce of ground langoustine tails, almonds, and breadcrumbs. Langoustine tails topped the bowl as well. When the serving maid swung by, Garrick requested the meat tile as well.

  Braden shook his head as he dug into his food. “Lady Ilisa is spending the day at the nunnery again. I intend to check on
the injured mare late this afternoon and, with luck, the lady will allow me to accompany her home. If it wasn’t for my healing skills, she’d have dismissed me without a backwards glance earlier. She’s a prickly one.”

  “Alec seems happy enough to allow me to accompany him,” Chanse said. “No doubt he’s starved for male companionship after living with a houseful of women.” He caught Garrick’s gaze. “While I appreciate the need to keep watch over Lady Sophia, are you certain ’tis wise to halt all efforts on our true purpose here?”

  Garrick shifted in his seat. Was he losing sight of his quest? Had he become far too distracted by the comely lady and her troubles? Mayhap his vision and his instinct to protect her were leading him astray. After a long moment of consideration, he responded, “I believe the threat to Sophia could be connected to the reason we’re in Berwick.”

  “I’ve wondered the same,” Braden added. “But Chanse has a valid point. We must not forget the mission. I’ll stop by the knife maker’s afore I return to the nunnery and see if he sold the one you described. While I’m there, I’ll see if the man is willing to share any information on disgruntled residents.” Braden pointed at the bowl before Garrick. “Are you going to eat that?”

  Rather than grace his question with a reply, Garrick took a bite, unwilling to admit his appetite was off.

  Braden shrugged and continued with his meal. “Have you discovered anything with Lady Sophia?”

  “Nay. I’m not certain how much longer I can remain at her side. Already she’s questioning my presence.” Garrick tried another bite but might as well have been eating thatching as poorly as it tasted due to his foul mood. “Without a valid excuse to accompany her, I don’t see how I can continue.” He handed his nearly full bowl to Braden and settled for some bread.

  “Where does that leave us?” Chanse asked.

  “In trouble,” Braden said around a mouthful of langoustine.

  “Indeed.” Garrick knew he would have to warn Sophia of the possible threat to her life, but how did he do so without revealing his own secret?

  ~*~