Song of the Heart - Alexa Aston Page 0,100

care of me.” Madeleine glanced at him. “He’s made me better in every way.”

Garrett squeezed her lightly and they went up the steps and entered the great hall. Lyssa prattled on about her kitten. He let his daughter spend some time with them, chattering on about all the things that had happened while they’d been gone before he signaled Annie.

“Time for yer nap, Lyssa,” the nursemaid said.

“But Annie . . . Papa . . .” She looked around for support.

“But no,” he said firmly. “Madeleine is weary from our journey and she also needs to rest. You won’t miss out on anything.”

His daughter opened her mouth to speak but his stern look led her to close it again. Instead, she kissed both Madeleine and him and scooped up Luke before she went with Annie up the stairs.

Edith asked, “Would you like something to eat now, Garrett? Madeleine?”

Madeleine shook her head. “No, I am too tired, my lady. I want simply to lie down.”

“I’ve had a chamber prepared for you. Would you like me to take you to it?”

Madeleine looked to him.

“Go ahead, sweetheart. I’ve much to do before we settle the other matter.”

“You’ll wait for me?” she asked anxiously.

“Of course. Go ahead.”

Edith took Madeleine’s arm and they exited the great hall. Garrett’s eyes followed them the entire length.

When they’d gone, Ashby whistled low. “My God, Garrett. If this is what she looks like after three weeks, I shudder to think what went before.”

“I thought I’d lose her, Ash. He’d beaten her so badly. When I think . . .” His voice broke and he swallowed hard. “God’s teeth! When I think I could have lost her . . .”

Ashby placed a steady hand on his shoulder. “But you didn’t, Garrett.”

“Thank the angels for that.” He met his friend’s intent gaze. “I love her, Ash. I love her with every bone in my body. I love every inch of her, down to her smallest toe.”

“She is rather tall, Garrett. There’s a lot to love.”

Garrett broke into a smile. “I’ve missed you, Ash.” He grew solemn. “Barth?”

“He suspects nothing. When do you confront him?”

“Tonight. I’m exhausted from our ride. I’d like to have all my wits about me. I think I’ll sleep for a few hours and then attack one of Cook’s pheasants. Then,” he said, his eyes growing dark, “it will be time for the truth.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Madeleine awoke to find her hand in Garrett’s, their fingers entwined. His chair was pulled as close to the bed as possible. He seemed very uncomfortable, all rumpled and slumped, but how handsome he was. Her heart turned twice over just looking at him.

She thought about what it meant to return to Stanbury with him and how different her world had become. She had longed for sanctuary from her physical and emotional abuse in the confines of a nunnery. Instead, she had found salvation in the arms of this fierce, honorable man. Garrett had become her King Arthur, the hero from the stories Cadena had told her in her youth. He’d come to slay Henri-the-Dragon. She’d been rescued from her cruel captor and now she viewed all of creation through such different eyes.

She was safe—but not free from worry. What Garrett would learn from Barth weighed on her mind. He had pinned such hopes on what this one serf could tell him. She hated to see him hurt or disappointed if he hit a stone wall. He had delivered her from her worst nightmare; she wished she could do the same for him in return. All she could offer now were her love and support.

Madeleine marveled at that. The notion of romantic love, the dream of her youth, had disappeared during her time with Henri. All her emotions had, in truth. Henri had always been ready to pounce upon any weakness, any display of sentimentality or caring. She had hardened her heart to everything that surrounded her. The wall she’d erected had kept her strong, helped her maintain her sanity, and eventually allowed her the courage to flee.

How she thanked her Dear Lord that she’d run into the arms of her love. For months, she’d fought her growing attraction to Garrett, the need for his touch and the simple craving for his company. He was witty and intelligent, caring and passionate, everything her heart had ever desired.

His cold, grim exterior hid a gentle and loving spirit within. Garrett was a man like no other. She was certain God had led her to him. She prayed