Song of the Heart - Alexa Aston Page 0,50

him lightheaded and lighthearted.

During the other acts, he often found his mind wandering, fantasizing about making love to Madeleine. He knew his lust was wrong, knew he was still wed to Lynnette, but the thoughts continued nonetheless. He wanted Madeleine next to him in his bed, night after night. With each kiss and every stroke, he would break down and solve the mysteries surrounding Madeleine, until she was thoroughly his.

“Papa,” Lyssa whispered loudly in his ear, bringing him back to the present.

Lyssa sat in his lap, transfixed by the proceedings on stage. The play had all the classic elements an audience required, including this final, crucial sword fight between the hero and villain. Lyssa wrapped her arms around his neck tightly as the swords clanged loudly against each other. The audience gasped with each blow.

Finally, the villain stabbed the hero, who collapsed as the crowd groaned. Yet, while preening, the evildoer accidentally tripped and fell, striking his head. He was out cold, helpless, and the audience cheered the hero on, urging him to rise—despite his fatal wound—and finish off the rogue. Cries of anguish rippled through the crowd when the hero failed to move.

But, no, wait, the doctor appeared, and magically brought the hero back to life. The hero roused the villain for one more round and thrust his sword into him until he landed the fatal blow. The villain died, the hero lived, and the crowd went wild with applause.

Lyssa bounced excitedly up and down. Garrett had no cause to calm her high spirits. She’d been still for too long. She jumped from his lap when Madeleine made her way over to them after all bows had been taken.

“Did you enjoy the performance, Lyssa?” she asked.

“Oh, yes.” The little girl’s eyes were shining with excitement. “The best part was when Evan brought the sword out to the hero. Don’t you think it was the best part, Madeleine?”

She laughed and squeezed Lyssa’s shoulder. “Of course, sweetie. Evan did the very best job today.”

“You did, too, Madeleine. I want to sing just like you.”

“Then we must think on when to have your lessons.”

“Now, Papa. I want them now.” Lyssa clapped her hands excitedly. “But I want to see the faire. Can we?”

“Let me check quickly on Gwenith,” Madeleine said. “She’s been doing so much better since we arrived at Stanbury. I’ll only be a minute.”

As she left, Ashby wandered up. “How did you like the little drama, Lyssa?”

“I want to sing like Madeleine. I want to be a mummer.”

Ashby chuckled. “What would your papa say about you leaving him and traipsing about the countryside?”

“Oh, Papa won’t mind. He likes Madeleine and she does it.”

“He does?” Ashby murmured, raising an eyebrow at Garrett.

Garrett scowled. “Enough, Ash. Go off and find yourself some company. Yours is not required here.”

“Seems you’re in a great hurry to get rid of me, Garrett.”

“No. I only know how impatient you are when you could be looking for a pretty maid.”

“Fair enough.” He swept into a bow. “Good day, Lyssa.” As Madeleine approached them, he bowed again. “And good day to you, Madeleine.” He winked at her, a roguish smile on his features.

“Good day to you, Sir Ashby.”

“Come, Papa.” Lyssa tugged on Garrett’s hand. She took Madeleine’s in the other. “I’m hungry.”

Madeleine thought a moment. “You might want to sample some of the flatbread, Lyssa. ’Tis made with honey poured on top and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.”

“Oh, yes, Papa, let’s go have bread.”

Garrett purchased several pieces. As promised, the treat was sweet and filling. They visited several of the booths, taking in all the various trinkets and wares. Madeleine pointed out some of the cheeses that were especially good, and Garrett promised to have his steward come and buy several rounds.

A kitten suddenly crossed their path, stopping at Lyssa’s feet and meowing plaintively. Lyssa knelt to pet it, and the tabby scrambled into her lap.

“Sorry, my lord,” called a heavy woman, waddling in their direction. “He escaped from the bunch.” She bent to take the kitten but Lyssa shook her head and held on to the furry creature tightly. It began purring loudly.

“He likes me, Papa! Listen.”

Garrett leaned down and heard the noisy purring. He gingerly stroked the kitten under its neck. Looking at the woman, he asked, “How much?”

The woman named her price and Garrett removed a coin from his purse, tossing it to her.

Staring at the coin and then him, she stammered, “’Tis much too generous, my lord.”

Garrett gave her a rare smile. “This kitten