Free Claire Delacroix by The Temptress Page A

you and I would celebrate that choice. Here and now.”
    Her smile could make a man dizzy with desire.
    Bayard knew that many a couple mated before their nuptials, that many a maiden was sampled by a knight determined to wed her and her alone. And there were many, indeed, who lived as man and wife without the ritual of a church blessing betwixt them. ’Twas not so bold what she proposed, though he was incredulous that victory should come so readily to his hand.
    Though he had always been fortunate beyond all. It seemed that even in this, the truth was clear. And he was not a man who would treat her with dishonor - nay, they would stand before a priest and she would be endowed with what was his to grant his lady wife.
    “You are certain of this?” he demanded hoarsely.
    “More certain than I have been in all my days,” she whispered, her eyes shining. “What, indeed, could be more right?” And she slipped her arms shyly around his neck, her expression expectant and pleased.
    Bayard had never understood women fully and he certainly did not understand this one. He was, however, a man who understood a strategic advantage and he did not intend to surrender one so willingly offered. He knew enough of women to know that the lady in his arms was more innocent than she pretended, and, indeed, he knew that she was his virginal Esmeraude.
    The fact was that if he claimed her maidenhead, then none could contest his claiming of her hand. She would be his bride, and that by her own choice. He could ensure the safety of his family and ease the fears of her own mother.
    ’Twas too good an opportunity to sacrifice.
    Bayard turned to his squire, his decision made. “Andrew, I would have you ensure the boat is high above the tide line and sleep near it lest there be thieves about.” Andrew nodded dutifully and ducked away.
    Bayard looked at the older maid and smiled kindly. “ Madame , I truly doubt that this deed is yours to witness.”
    She blanched and appealed to her charge. “I think we might also depart, child...” she began, granting the demoiselle a hard glance.
    The maiden leaned against Bayard’s chest, her cheek nigh against his heart. “I am where I shall remain, my dear friend, and you need not fear for me.”
    The maid’s lips worked in silence for a moment.
    “She speaks aright. You need not fear for the maiden,” Bayard said softly. “I grant you my word of honor that she will not be injured in this.”
    “She knows not what she does!” The maid’s dismay was evident.
    “Perhaps not,” Bayard said firmly when the maiden might have spoken. “But I do.” He held the older woman’s gaze and watched understanding dawn there.
    “You will treat her with honor, sir?”
    Bayard smiled and spoke with conviction. “With all the honor a man of worth grants his lady wife.” He arched a brow, willing the older woman to understand, and that woman seemed somewhat reassured. “Upon that you have my pledge.”
    “Célie, please !” the demoiselle entreated and Bayard noted that the maid had a French name. ’Twas another confirmation of what he already knew to be true, for Esmeraude’s mother Eglantine was of the noble family of Crevy-sur-Seine, a holding southeast of Paris.
    The maid, clearly torn, growled acceptance and marched away, though not without several long backward glances, each filled with accusation and concern. The maiden ignored her, turning back to Bayard immediately. Bayard’s arms tightened protectively around his intended as she reached up and kissed him with more assurance than she had before.
    And he surrendered to the moment fully, tasting her, savoring her, ensuring that she, too, found pleasure in the embrace. Her eyes sparkled when they drew apart and her cheeks were flushed with delight.
    Aye, she had chosen him and he would meet every word of his pledge. Not only would he treat her with honor, but he would ensure the lady was not disappointed with her first experience of matters