Free Velvet & steel by Sylvie F. Sommerfield Page A

were less than human. It appears she will be under your feet much more than you had planned. Perhaps you should give this wedding more consideration. I am not averse to being the child's companion, but it would grieve me to bear a child and have it treated thus."
    Lynette walked away from him, and felt his eyes following her as she did.

Chapter Seven
    For the next two weeks, Lynette did exactly as Royce had ordered. She skillfully kept out of his way, and made a point of sharing her meals with Cerise in her own chambers.
    At first Royce was satisfied. But he soon discovered he was looking at each open doorway as if he expected her to fill it at any moment. He could not banish the memory of that day at the creek when he had first heard her unrestrained laughter. He remembered also a pair of childish violet eyes, and with annoyance he remembered the fear in them.
    The day's business went on smoothly, which annoyed him even more. A problem or two might have diverted his thoughts from Lynette and Cerise. He thought of his daughter's name, and realized he had not given it to her, that her mother must have named her before...
    His thoughts were just as confused about Lynette. She had never denied him, and she would come to their marriage without force. The old fear struck. Would he have to watch another woman sacrifice her life to give birth to his babe? The very thought brought a trembling to his hands, and a sheen of sweat to his brow.
    He had argued with himself a million times over. It was a woman's place to give birth, and she knew the chances she took and must trust God and fate to see her through. No, it was his own guilt that shook him. He had taken Sybella's life, for he had known, as she had known, that the danger for her was greater than for another woman of more robust health.
    He thought of Lynette, who seemed to glow with vitality and life. He was so engrossed in his dilemma that he did not hear anyone approach.
    "There is a messenger with word from William." Robert carried the packet in his hand, and handed it to Royce, closely scrutinizing his face. "You are well, Royce?"
    "Aye, Robert, I am well. It is this enforced inactivity that sets me on edge."
    "Of course," Robert agreed so readily that Royce gave him a sharp look.
    "All goes well with the men?"
    "They are content," Robert replied. "Your lady has seen to every problem and to every comfort. Why, Sir Alaine is smitten with her, and even that old fox Sir Ferragus dotes on her every move and would go off to do her bidding if she but said the word."
    "All this has transpired, and I have seen no sign of the maid in the past days?"
    "She but reminds us that it is your wish that the child not be seen, and since she is loath to leave the girl, she takes her meals in her chambers. But they are about every day, just..."
    "Just not within my sight," Royce said in a strained voice.
    "Aye. It is your command... not hers," Robert said smugly.
    "Then if my every command is to be obeyed," Royce said sarcastically, "let the maid know that I wish her to be present at supper this night."
    "Ah ... Royce I do not believe she will come."
    "Oh?"
    "You know that the child—"
    "Cerise," Royce said with a frown.
    "Cerise," Robert repeated. He could hardly keep his face in control. He wanted to smile. This was the first time Royce had said his daughter's name within his hearing. "Lady Lynette is careful of her feelings. She will not have the... Cerise... slighted."
    "Slighted! She has never been slighted! I have seen that she has all the care any child should have. She is dressed well, fed well.... Robert, tell the wench to bring the child to supper too. This is her home as much as ours. Or will she not obey that order either?"
    "It would be best if the order came from you. She knows well that we would have enjoyed her company long before this. I don't know if she will think it our will, and something that might anger you."
    Royce cast Robert an exasperated look and turned from him.