Page 115 of Lionheart

"Nay,we are both fine." A thoughtful pause ensued. "Tell me more about thelove you just discovered. Then we will discuss the babe."

He sighed,a deep soulful sound that warmed her heart. "You were right," headmitted. "All those things I admire about you are part of somethinggreater. 'Tis love, sweeting, I realize that now. Sometimes love cannot beexplained; it can only be felt. I do love you, Vanora. You refused to give upon me, even when I decried love and declared myself unlovable."

Her eyesgrew misty. "If I could teach you to love yourself, I would be thehappiest of women."

"Aslong as you love me, 'tis all I need."

"Ourchild will love you."

Hisexpression grew fierce. "And I shall love him, or her. I vow that no childof mine will ever feel unloved. My parents taught me too welt how distrustfulof his own worth an unloved child can become. Think you we will have ason?"

Vanora'seyes crinkled with mirth. "If not the first, then the second, or third, or..."

His handflattened on her stomach. "Let us concentrate on this one before we planothers." He removed his hand and sat up. "I suppose we should gobelow and greet Edward properly."

"Anddo not forget the guest he brought with him. I wonder who it is."

"I amalmost afraid to ask."

They tooktheir time washing and dressing, then descended the stairs and entered the hallarm in arm. Servants were waiting to serve the evening meal when they reachedthe high table. Edward occupied the place of honor, and a handsome woman ofmiddle years sat on his right.

"Whois the woman beside Edward?" Vanora asked quietly. "She looks vaguelyfamiliar, but I know her not."

WhenLionheart failed to reply, Vanora glanced at him, her curiosity piqued by hisperplexed expression. "Do you know her?"

"Nay,"Lionheart bit out. There was an edgy wariness to his voice when he greetedEdward. "Welcome to my home, Lord Edward."

"'Tis about time you left your bower," Edward teased. "Your ladywife's cheeks are exceedingly rosy. Am I to assume you are both happy with thismarriage?"

"I amcontent," Lionheart said, giving Vanora's hand a squeeze.

"As Iam," Vanora added.

"Ihope your ordeal at Daffid's hands was not overly distressing, my lady,"Edward remarked.

Lionheartanswered for Vanora. " 'Twas agony, for me as well as my wife. Vanoracarries my child."

The womanbeside Edward clapped her hands. "Oh, how wonderful! 'Twas what I alwayswanted for you, Lionel."

Lionheartturned his attention to the woman. "Do I know you, madam?" he askedbluntly.

The womanchoked out a sob, her expressive silver eyes bright with longing. "I hadhoped . . . but it has been so long and you were just a babe."

Lionheart'sfists clenched until his knuckles turned white. "Who are you, madam?"

The womanturned away, too overcome with emotion to reply. Edward stepped into the void."Greet your mother, Lord Lionheart. The Lady Barbara begged me to escorther to Cragdon so that she might renew your acquaintance."

Ragecontorted Lionheart's face. "You are not welcome in my home, madam.Tomorrow I will provide escort back to wherever it is you came from."

He turnedaway, but Vanora placed herself in front of him, refusing to give way.

"Sitdown, Vanora."

"Nay.Lady Barbara is your mother and you are being discourteous. Can you not see howmuch you have hurt her?"

"Whatabout my feelings? Can you not see that it pains me to have herhere?"

LadyBarbara reached out a beseeching hand. "Lionel, my son, please allow me toexplain. If you still wish me to leave after you hear me out, I will gladly remove myself from your home andyour life."