Aside from Heaven

Chapter 4i

Not looking for the cure

Vivienne opened her door the next morning to a girl, not much younger than herself. She was taller than Vivienne – as most of the citizens of Clun were – and sturdily built. She bobbed once.

"Good morrow, m'lady. I've come as requested."

"Requested?" Vivienne's mouth lifted on one side. "At whose request?"

The look on the girl's face was incredulous. "Why, m'lord, Lord William, o'course!"

Vivienne allowed the girl to continue to stand on her front door step. "And why would he request you come here?"

The girl's smile fell. "Why, as ye need a lady's maid an' a cook, an'-"

"Good morning, Eleanor. How do you fare?" William's voice was of dark silk as he rode up in front of the home.

Eleanor turned and curtsied to the dark knight dismounting from his horse. "Very well, sir."

"Go on in with you, while I talk with your new mistress." William's smile was a sinful thing, something born of velvet and French wine. Eleanor made her way around Vivienne and proceeded to stoke the fire. "It is quite cold out here, m'lady. Might I come in?"

Vivienne stepped aside, allowing the tall knight access to her home. Before she could ask, much less do it herself, Eleanor stepped up and took Lord William's great cloak. Hanging it reverently, close to the fire, the girl then bobbed again, before going into the kitchen.

"My lord," Vivienne began, "I am not in need of a maid or cook or-"

"Aye, you do."

Vivienne's smile was pained. "My lord, I appreciate the offer-"

"I will be blunt," he interrupted. "Your life has changed-"

"Really? Do tell!"

A cold gaze settled on her. "Do not get snarky with me."

"Snarky? What kind of a word is that?"

William took several breaths. Ah yes, this woman was Genevieve, even if she didn't know she was Genevieve.

"As a member of the nobility, there are expectations in how you conduct yourself."

"I do not need a maid or a cook!"

"You may not live alone."

Vivienne's jaw dropped. "You mean she's moving in?"

"I take up very little room, ma'am." Both Vivienne and William turned to the sound of Eleanor's voice. "Just a pallet on the floor in front of the fire, is all."

"A pallet...dear God, child, where did you live before?"

Eleanor shrugged. "At home with me family. Thirteen of us. One room." With this, she smiled. "Oh, a guaranteed place by the fire would be so lovely." With that, she returned to the kitchen.

"Dirt floor." Vivienne jerked up, eyes wide. William continued. "She's a good girl, slightly bright, at least, moreso than the rest of her siblings, and is well liked by the staff."

"You..." Vivienne hissed, "you manipulative little..."

William's eyebrow rose. "Little?"

"You did this on purpose!" Vivienne clenched her fists and pointed towards the kitchen. "How on earth can I possibly send her home now?"

William's grin was sardonic. "My lady. It is unseemly that you should reside alone-"

"I've been residing alone for the majority of the last four years!"

William started to retort, however there was a knock at the door. Vivienne growled, before heading towards the entryway.

"Wait!" Eleanor flew from the kitchen. "That's me job, ma'am!" She threw the door open to a rather bedraggled young man whose eyes immediately flew past the rather plain Eleanor, to Vivienne.

"Ah! My Lady Dionisia!" He stepped in uninvited and swept his ratty, feathered cap from his head and shoved it into William's hands. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Osbert Eustace, fourth son of Lord Baldwin of Dovershire," he announced with much pomp. With this he grabbed Vivienne's hand and began to smother it with sloppy, wet kisses. "I am here to accept your hand in marriage."

"Really?"

Moments later, Sir Osbert found himself sitting in the dirt outside of Vivienne's home, with his cap slung after him.

"Furthermore," William stepped from the home, "not only should your father contact the lady's guardian, which would be me, before you come to call, you should bathe, come in clean clothes, in order to present yourself in a decent manner, and at the very least, learn her name properly. 'Tis Vivienne!"

"But-"

"Good. Day." William then shut the door with such force, the snow that had fallen the previous night, fell from the roof, drenching the unfortunate suitor. He turned to his ward.

She was completely unimpressed. She stood with her arms crossed, one hip cocked. "Really, my lord. That was quite over-handed."

"It proves my point," he retorted. "Many will consider you fair game, especially third and fourth sons who have nothing to recommend them. We must make sure that you are not taken advantage of."

"I could simply continue like I have been."

"That will not be allowed." William smirked. "You need a husband. Until I find a suitable husband for you, you will need someone living with you or as my ward, you should move in with me. Eleanor, my cloak, please." He opened the door to see Osbert struggling to mount his horse. "Vivienne, I expect you for dinner this evening. I will send Fulks and the carriage. Good day."

William made sure to Osbert a good whack across the arse as he walked by.

~~~...~~~

Over the next few weeks, Vivienne had more knocks on her door at all hours, found herself accosted, bumped, jostled, or inappropriately nudged, and in one instance, groped, in the marketplace. More than once, some stranger, usually as young as she, came out of nowhere to declare their undying devotion. They were always the third or fourth son, and they were always deep in debt.

And each time, Sir William was there to rescue, move, or push someone along.

It was disconcerting, to say the least. It reached a point where Vivienne would automatically look for the Great Wolf of Gisborne when she went to the marketplace.

Fulks returned to his estate several days after Eleanor came to live with Vivienne. As had become his habit, he was at her home, supposedly to eat, when they weren't at his father's. He looked worried and preoccupied and Vivienne questioned him about it.

"'Tis nothing you should fret over." Fulks was helping her cook dinner. At least, he said he was helping her cook dinner. In truth, he was looking over her shoulder, making comments that made her laugh and being a pest. Eleanor was out back, taking down the wash, so Fulks and Vivienne had the room to themselves.

"I am not fretting! I am simply stating... oh goodness Fulks, you are in the way! Here!" She handed him a wooden spoon. "Take this and stir that pot!" Vivienne pointed to the madly, boiling kettle over the fireplace. "I should replace it. The damn thing sticks!"

Fulks inhaled sharply. "You swore!" He stuck the spoon in the pot and began to swish back and forth.

"Aye, but tell no one." She paused for a moment, tossing a bit of flour on the wooden board and began to roll out the bread dough. "Especially, your father," she whispered.

"Wot was that?" Fulks continued to absentmindedly stir the pot.

"I said what is it that has you worried?"

Fulks sighed. "There have been some problems at Harridston in the past few weeks."

"What sort of problems?" Vivienne was engrossed in her shaping of the dough ball.

"Apparently, three servant girls have disappeared, only to be found days later," he stopped and swallowed, "dead."

Vivienne stopped what she was doing. "Fulks! That's horrible!"

"Which is why," and with this he leaned over her, so closely, she could feel the heat from his body, "I want you to keep Eleanor with you at all times. That you allow no one you do not know close to you without escort. If you fear anyone, go to Father. Personally, I would prefer you move into Gisborne or Locksley Hall-"

"Your brother is to be newly married and he and his bride will not wish for company! As for your father," she now returned to her dough, placing the round ball on a stone wedge, "'twould be unseemly. He has better things to do than worry about me." She shoved the wedge into the oven.

"He would worry," Fulks smirked, "and no, he does nothave better things to do!"

And with that pronouncement, the young man promptly changed the subject.

~~~...~~~

With Fulks returning to his estate, things grew quiet and settled down. Vivienne missed her father and would wake up at all hours. Most nights, it was due to her dreams, dreams that involved Lord William and left her throbbing and in a sweat. Her protective wolf turned into a man, a manipulative leather-clad knight who used her needs and private, wanton thoughts and never-admitted dreams against her. She dreamed of being tied to a bedpost, wearing an outlandish, skimpy outfit, being tied spread-eagle to the table Lord William was so fond of. There was a shady dell, with a stream and a waterfall and blue butterflies.

His kisses were of honeysuckle.

And she could still taste him when she woke.

It occurred to her once that she should go to confession and beg forgiveness for her sinful dreams, but truth was, she enjoyed them and did not feel she had done anything to ask forgiveness for. One can't help what one dreams about, can they?

Lord William collected her for dinner several nights a week, as well as escorted her to Sunday morning Mass. He was quite insistent she sit with him in his family box, much to the twittering of a certain small portion of the population. Certain gossipy souls in Clun had much to say about it and none of it was nice. The one thing Vivienne did not want was a confrontation with the old women. She had seen others tangle with old Maud, and no matter how wrong the woman was, she always seemed to win. It wasn't a pretty or nice thing and Vivienne didn't want to be one of their victims.

Whispers, trails of news trickled from London and down from Scotland. Political unrest – war – raged with Scotland and for the second time, the king placed Edward Balliol on the vacated Scottish throne.

"Why did Edward put Balliol on the throne when he knows it belongs to his sister and brother-in-law?" Vivienne was toying with her food. Her menses was beginning and her back hurt.

William was well aware why Vivienne did not feel well and for not the first time, it occurred to him to offer what he knew would help her: hot compresses and a back rub. However, they were still tiptoeing around each other, participating in that delicate dance and her walls were just beginning to come down. He concentrated on his lamb. "It has nothing to do with the fact the Queen of Scotland is his sister," he began. "When France negotiated England and Scotland's treaty, part of the settlement was giving English land to the Scots, specifically, an area known as 'Lothian'+. Many Englishmen were displaced."

Vivienne snarled and pushed her food to the side. "So our English king is putting someone on the Scottish throne who will see to England's needs, rather than Scotland's."

"Aye." He stuffed a forkful of lamb in his mouth. "Please eat."

She speared a tiny bite and perused it. "Politics should not get between family members."

"That is why there is marriage." William looked at her intently. "Put it in your mouth."

Vivienne took another look at her food and set it down. "How long before the Scots remove him?"

William scowled. "A few months, at best."

"Then why did the king put him on the throne? When the Scots remove him, they'll take the lands back!" She pushed her plate back. "Apologize to the cook. I am not feeling very well."

William opened his mouth, in an attempt to mollify her, but there was a sudden commotion in his front entryway. Two knights that Vivienne vaguely recognized made their way into the dining hall, despite Margaret's attempt to keep them out.

Robert de Glasson bowed quickly, before pulling out the chair next to William. The man looked as if he'd ridden hard for too long and was covered with dust. Whispering, Vivienne bid a serving girl to take Sir Robert and his companion's traveling cloaks and to bring food and wine for the men. It didn't dawn on her or the girl that she wasn't the mistress of Sir William's home, but nonetheless, her wishes were obeyed immediately and while his attention was occupied with the news his knight brought, William was very aware of this.

"WOT?" William was facing his man, face darkening in fury. "He did WOT?"

Robert didn't seem to be aware that Sir William had a dinner guest, much less a lady, Sir Simon's daughter. "The king's brother, John, burned down Lesmahagow Abbey. It was filled with refugees, people who sought sanctuary from England's army."

Many times Simon ette Forde had laughed, cried, lamented, bragged of his daughter's independence and intelligence. This moment, he rolled in his grave.

"He should burn in hell!" Vivienne blurted. Suddenly, every male eye was on her, two pairs shocked they hadn't noticed her before. "The Abbey is a holy place! Anyone who enters is granted sanctuary!" She quickly found William's long fingers spread over her mouth, wrapping her from one ear to the other.

"Shhh." The finger from his other hand wagged in front of her face. "Speak not, for there is much to hear." Leaving his hand over Vivienne's mouth, he turned back to Robert and shook his head.

"I'll not say a word," Robert whispered. "I loved Simon as well."

"Vivienne?" The other knight finally spoke up. "Have you not married the chit off?" The man found himself kicked under the table and realized both William and Vivienne were glaring at him, unbeknownst to anyone, for different reasons.

William grimaced and continued as if the small interruption were nothing. "Does the king know?"

"We came directly from Edward's court," the second knight responded. "We heard it from the herald who brought word. Edward is furious."

"I have never seen him so angry."

The room fell silent, save for the crackling of the fire.

"You know, the king has put Edward Balliol back on the Scottish throne," William began. It was obvious he was thinking out loud.

"How quickly will he cede Lothian back to England?"

"Most likely, already done, the ink not even dry." William was still staring into the fire. "I would pay good English crowns to see him run half-naked from Scotland, again."

For a few moments, there was male laughter ringing from the rafters, none of the men realizing that the lone woman in the room was watching them dispassionately.

Finally, William stood and strode to the fireplace. "I am expecting some wine, among other things from my cousin in France in the next few days. I think I will send a crate or two to the king as a gift." He turned and smiled at Vivienne. "'Tis getting late, m'lady. I fear the conversation does not suit a lady's ears. I will take you home and come by in the morning to see if you fare better."

It was not lost on a soul that Sir William was treating Lady Vivienne as a woman of more importance than a ward.

~~~...~~~

Vivienne found herself entertaining Lord William more often than not, now that Fulks was gone. He was a bigger pest than his youngest son, and she told him so, in no uncertain terms. He simply smiled and continued on, as if she hadn't said a word.

And if he wasn't underfoot, one of his knights were.

There was a wedding, a joyous affair, between Sir Hugh, Lord William's eldest and Lady Ellienna, principal heir and the heiress of the Eastbrook. It was obvious Hugh and his bride were besotted with each other and bets were placed that they would make Sir William a grandfather within ten moons. She had two younger sisters, as blonde and dimpled as she and it was expected that with Lord William's nod, they would marry well.

Vivienne found herself fending off many lordlets and old barons with sweaty palms and bad breath. One attempted to coerce her into the garden and another tried to grope her in the shadows. He wore her hand print across his face for some time. Needless to say, she was relieved when William rescued her and as the night wore on and the wine addled her mind, she sought out William's side, much to his quiet amusement.

Fulks was in attendance with Henriette, his future bride and while her native tongue made her difficult to understand, she was very outgoing and didn't let the language barrier slow her down. She had a rapier wit and kept up with Fulks! She was residing at Locksley and Vivienne whispered coyly that perhaps William should put a guard on her door, to make sure Fulks didn't attempt to consummate a union that had yet to be blessed.

Slyly, William tucked her hand in his elbow. It felt... right... and for a split second, there was a memory, an old memory, of Genevieve, clothed in purple, with her hand tucked in the leather-clad elbow of Sir Guy of Gisborne...

William blinked and shook his head. "Banns have been called and I will be forced to shell out many crowns for a similar party in two months." He nodded to the woman standing behind Henriette's chair, cutting off Vivienne's reply. "Besides, I don't need to hire a guard. That woman," he pointed with a jutted chin, "is Henriette's maiden aunt and chaperon." He shuddered. "She is an old battle ax of a woman and can curse in five languages, three of them antiquated and spoken by no one alive. Personally, I believe she makes sounds up and claims they are words." He gathered Vivienne in closer, as if there was a sudden chill to the room. "I don't even think she is French. Most likely of one of the Germanic tribes. Brutal people." He nodded, eyebrows raised, "Bad breath." He inhaled and smiled. "By the way, Lord Bryston has asked for permission to court you. He is well off. A good match."

"Lord Bryston?" William pointed to the elderly man who had groped her earlier. "My lord, please. He's old enough to be your grandfather, has sweaty hands and yellow teeth."

"But he has no heirs and is quite wealthy."

The look she gave the man, would have withered a lesser mortal. "Do. Not. Dare."

For some odd reason, William's smirk was becoming familiar. "Oh, I would dare much," he whispered. His chin jutted in another direction. "Of course, if you prefer youth, young Lord Thomas is looking for a wife. Or," William shrugged, "I should say his father is looking for a wife for him. Third son, noble family, if a tad shabby. He is good friends with Hugh. I understand he will inherit his grandmother's dower house." He made a mock snarl. "One hears it's rather run-down, but I'm sure you would have it cleaned up in no time. I recall there is a small village or two, so there would be an income of some sort."

Vivienne sighed. "My lord, he has tried to coerce me into the gardens several times this eve."

"And for good reason too, I'll vow." He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "All young men try to coerce beautiful young women into the gardens. Do not judge us harshly." He returned to his full height, his hand covering hers possessively. "Tell me, Vivienne, have you been kissed yet?"

Vivienne turned red as a beet, something that amused the man. "Uhm... well... no."

William's eyes roamed his Great Hall. Hugh and his bride were dancing towards the stairs. The Lord of Locksley noticed that several of his own senior knights were moving in that direction as well. When Hugh's friends realized the bride and groom had made way to their bridal chamber, the cacophony would be horrendous. They would find disrupting Hugh's evening impossible if Locksley knights were guarding the pair. At least Ellienna would not have to endure the embarrassment of being disrobed for every male in attendance, as his Alise had. Luckily, Henry's wife, Eleanor, and the other ladies had seen to it that she was tucked in bed quickly and most of the men were too inebriated to remember seeing much of her. "Oh," he pondered aloud, the majority of his attention on the stairwell, where Hugh and Ellienna were now heading up, "I imagine a young maid such as yourself has had a few stolen kisses."

"Fulks tried many years ago."

"Did he?" Ah and there was Fulks at the top of the stairs. The rowdier guests would find the youngest FitzGisborne to be a formidable opponent. The killings at Haridston had stopped... or stalled. It was quiet for now or William's youngest would not have returned, not even for his brother's nuptials.

Vivienne wasn't aware that her protector's attention wasn't focused on her. "Yes, he did. He was five and I smacked him soundly!"

"Did he try again?" Ah, the bride was around the landing and down the hall.

"No, he did not!"

And Hugh was now right behind his bride.

Their absence was noticed.

And the cry went up.

William pried himself away from the delightful company of his beloved. He wasn't going to be able to wait much longer. Perhaps, tonight... or when Fulks... "I'll have a chat with him."

Unaware of why the Lord of Locksley was leaving her side, Vivienne suddenly felt exposed and alone. "My lord, it's been more than a decade. There is no need to chastise him now!"

William turned back with a grin, but continued on his way through the crowd. "He should have tried again!" It was at this point that Vivienne realized that Hugh and his bride had retreated to his rooms and Lord William was joining his youngest and his knights to ensure the pair was not disturbed.

"They love each other very much, no?" Henriette, the Duchess of Le Grui-du-Roi stood next to Vivienne. She was young, fifteen, slightly plump, with inky black curls. A circlette encrusted with sapphires held her sheer veil in place.

"They've grown up together," Vivienne responded in French, immediately setting the girl at ease. "They've known each other since they were quite small."

"I think Fulks is very handsome," she admitted shyly. "I would like for him to look at me that way, but we do not know each other."

Vivienne was watching the melee going on near the top of the stairs. Everything was good-natured but she could see Lord William was reaching a point where he wanted the drunks to head back to the main hall. "I suspect Fulks will court you properly."

"If Matilde will allow it," she groused. "She will not allow us to dance, much less converse." Henriette now crossed her arms churlishly. "She says we can talk all we wish, once we are married." She now looked up at Vivienne. "You should speak with Lord William."

"Me? What can I do?" Vivienne continued to watch the commotion at the top of the stairs. It was starting to settle down and most were heading back down the stone steps.

"Why, you are his... paramour, no?"

"What?" Vivienne jerked her head towards the young woman. "No! I am his ward!" She realized her voice was raised and some close by were turning to stare. She quickly lowered her voice. "What gave the idea that we were... that he and I... his paramour?"

Henriette smiled, dimples very evident. "Ah, but you wish you were? Lord William rarely leaves your side and when he is not, the two of you search for each other." The girl slid very close and whispered, "Wards wed their guardians quite often. I think the two of you would like that, no?"

Vivienne formed the word on her lips, but 'no' wouldn't issue from them. Truth was, she lived for her strange dreams as of late, of the knight in leather who looked so much like Lord William. She knew his smile, his touch, his-

"Lady Vivienne? My lady?"

Vivienne was jolted from her thoughts. "Fulks? Oh! Everything is fine."

"Fulks, go dance with your betrothed. Quickly, before the battle-ax gets across the room." William stood next to the couple as well as Vivienne. "Please stay here, m'lady. I need to occupy That Woman, so my son can get to know his bride." And William made his way across the room, intercepting the chaperon and whisking her on to the dance floor, much to her embarrassment.

And off he went, weaving through the crowd, leaving Vivienne alone to fend for herself. Lord Thomas made his way to her, coercing her on to the dance floor, where he tried to pull her a bit too closely to him.

Vivienne looked up at him with an evil smile. "If you move your hand any closer to my derriere, I will take my dainty foot and stomp on your toes, put my knee in your crotch so harshly, your voice will sound like a young boy's and it will be questioned if you will ever sire children."

The young man stepped back quickly, definitely in shock. "My lady, I didn't-"

"Yes, you did." William stepped between them. "Go have another drink, Thomas." He turned to Vivienne and extended his hand. "Shall we?" Before she could accept or decline, she found herself pulled onto the floor, dancing with a man who confused her, addled her mind, and made her feel many strange things.

"Vivienne?" Snapping fingers redirected her attention. Much to her chagrin, Vivienne found herself in front of a table. Chilled wine was pressed into her hands. "'Tis late, m'lady." Vivienne looked around the large hall, seeing most of the guests were staggering off to other parts of the manse. Young Thomas was sitting in a chair in the corner, looking as if he could fall over at any moment.

"My lord, Thomas-"

"One of the servants will deal with him shortly." He was leading her towards the stairwell to the second floor.

"My lord, if someone will retrieve my cloak, I would appreciate an escort home."

Again, her hand was tucked in William's protective elbow. "'Tis after midnight, m'lady. I fear regardless of the escort, you would be accosted. Stay the night." He looked up towards the long gangway towards the suite of rooms still reserved for him and him alone. He leaned further in as if to whisper a secret. "Eleanor packed a case for you. I dare say you are not expected home this eve."

Realizing she was being herded towards the stairs, she attempted to slow the man down. "My lord, Locksley must be quite full with the wedding guests."

"There is room for you and you would not have to share."

The headiness of the wine began to dull her senses and loosened her tongue. Bracing herself between the large, formidable man and the wall, she slowly began to climb the stairs. "I fear the gossip will be rife if I stay."

"Many are staying, Vivienne. Why would there be gossip?"

"I do not have my maid with me." He quirked an eyebrow and she signed. "I was told the most humorous thing tonight. By Fulks' betrothed, of all people."

"Really?" They were getting closer to the top.

"Aye. She seemed to think that we were lovers and that I could coerce you to force her chaperon to allow her to dance with Fulks!" Vivienne began to giggle at such a thought. "Is that not the silliest thing?"

William stopped close to the top, holding on to Vivienne. "Truth be, it is a thought." He thought he heard a gasp, or perhaps it was a slightly inebriated hiccup. He then continued, mounting the landing and aware that while Vivienne followed, her feet were dragging. He headed to the hallway that led to his personal suite of rooms. "It would solve many problems for both of us. You do not wish a husband, but you need a protector. You and your property would be safe and watched over and I would take very good care of you. You would want for nothing. My home needs a lady, a mistress. I have a housekeeper, of course, but my lady would have much say and power. There is no shame in such a relationship and I would pray you do not wish to become a bitter old woman, like Henriette's aunt." They stopped in front of a door. Taking a torch from the wall, William opened the door behind her. He stepped in, leading her and was pleased to see the fireplace already lit, along with several lamps. "Ah, look. Your valise is on the bed and it looks as if one of my servants has already laid out your clothes for tomorrow and put your dresses on the peg. You have no need of your maid, after all. Is Eleanor expecting you tonight?"

Vivienne was taking in the luxury of the room. It was beyond her wildest imagination. That this man... lived like this... that she herself... "No, my lord. Tomorrow is the Sabbath and she typically spends it with her family."

"Ah, then she is most likely with them and enjoying the festivities of Hugh's wedding in the village. You would be alone, regardless." He pointed to a door in the far corner. "That doorway leads to my room. If you need anything, let me know." He leaned over and Vivienne felt the barest of a touch his lips to her forehead. "Think upon our discussion."

And then he was gone.

She stood in the middle of the floor for a moment, forever, tilting, before righting herself. Part of her wished to call him back. The other...

Think on our discussion.

Discussion? What discussion? It sounded as if her were trying to persuade her. Fulks said the man had never taken a mistress, but it sounded as if to her, he wanted to, or at least he wanted to take her as one. Why her? Surely, he would prefer someone... older, closer to his age, perhaps a bit more...

worldly?

The scent of ancient leather, permeated the air. She shook her head. The wine was obviously getting to her and the bed looked comfortable. Quickly, she dug out her nightdress. Undoing the ties took little effort, much to the chagrin of Eleanor, who seemed to think Vivienne shouldn't be able to move a chair, much less dress, undress and bathe herself. At times, Vivienne thought the girl was bored, being in the service of someone who was used to and liked doing things for herself. It was going to be nice having someone to help her lay out the kitchen and herb garden in the early spring. All of Clun and many from the surrounding towns, including Castle Nottingham, came to her for healing herbs and poultices. She was garnering a reputation for being a healer and had aided the elderly midwife many times this past year. Vivienne figured when the old woman passed, she would become the midwife for Nottingham, not that she wanted to, but the need was there. No one else seemed to be inclined to take on such a task. Perhaps, Eleanor could be trained to help her in that regard as well.

She pulled the nightgown over her head and drew the covers back on the bed. The room had a warm glow and as she climbed it, the mattress remained firm. Oh, she was going to sleep late in the morning and she would growl at anyone who disturbed her. Who knew when or if she would ever get to sleep in a bed this nice ever again?

No sooner than her head hit the pillow, when there was a knock at the door. It is incessant and nonstop, forcing Vivienne to groan and climb from her cocoon. Picking up a small lamp and lighting it, she made her way to the door. "Who is it?"

"It is I! Henrietta! Let me in!" Vivienne was nearly run over, as the teen burst into the room as soon as she opened the door. "Ah! Oui! What a big bed you have! Enough room for both of us!" The girl threw off her robe and jumped onto the bed, turning to face Vivienne. "Ah, we will be sisters, you and I! I will marry Fulks and you will love his father and we will sit up all night and talk and giggle! It will be like my cousins, who I miss so very much!" She patted the side of the bed. "Come! Come! Come talk to me! Wasn't Ellienna a beautiful bride? Blue is a good color for her, no?" She folded her hands in her lap and sighed into the bed curtains. "I am wearing green, for it will compliment my complexion, or so the seamstress claims. She says I am to have a long train." Slowly, she lay backwards, staring into the canopy of the bed. "Ah, my cousin told me her husband fixed a mirror in the canopy of their bed so they could watch either other. She says it is very erotic. I should like to have a mirror too! Do you think Fulks would like such?" Suddenly, she shot back up to a sitting position. "Ah, I am too excited to sleep!" She bounced off the bed and came to standing in front of Vivienne. "What about you?" Her hand flew to her mouth. "How silly of me! This door," she pointed to the door that Lord William had pointed out less than fifteen minutes before, "goes to Lord William's chambers!" She lowered her head to whisper. "Are you expecting him? A lovers tryst?"

"NO!" Vivienne was aghast. "We are not lovers! I am his ward!"

"But you are in love with him! And he loves you!" She grabbed Vivienne's hand and dragged her towards the bed.

"I am not in love with him! He is my guardian and I do not wish to be married!"

"Ah, oui! Because you love him! We must get the two of you over this mess! Come!" She patted the bed. "Sit with me! We will figure out a way! It is not so bad, to be a noble man's mistress, no?"

Vivienne rolled her eyes and moved towards the bed. She would be lucky if she got any sleep this night.

~~~...~~~

William pressed his head against the door. That chit his youngest son was marrying would be the death of both of them.

'Ah no?'

No. I do not think you know the meaning of that word!

He turned and drained the wine goblet in his left hand, before looking at the one in his right and drained it as well.

"Did someone disrupt your well-laid plans?"

William moved to the side table, setting both empty goblets not-so-gently on the wood. "The mademoiselle my youngest is to marry is worse than a puppy!" He placed one hand on his hip, before picking up the wine bottle and refilling his glass. "I should warn him. I would send her back, however my French cousin is frothing at the mouth over the vineyards he will receive when her grandfather dies." He picked up the chalice and faced the angel. "Please have a chat with Douma before morning and tell her to make it soon!"

Valoel stood before him in her court finery. One would never guess she had a halo and wings. "You are incorrigible."

"So my mother said." He took a drink. "All of them!"

"She-" Val threw her hand out in the direction of Vivienne's bedroom, "is innocent!"

"I will be first." He suddenly brightened. "She's never been kissed!" He toasted the air. "I shall be first in that regards, as well!"

"Do the right thing! Find her a husband."

He drained the glass and looked longingly at the bottle. "You should have done the right thing and birthed her far from me."

"Gui! C'est un péché!"

"Murder is a sin, but you've pushed me to that end!" he hissed, aware that raised voices would be heard in the next room. "And rejoiced in it, I might add!" He sat the goblet down and lifted the bottle, his intent clear. "I do not 'get' you angels. You are happy when I take a life, but you are upset when I love someone." He waved a hand at her and lifted the bottle to his lips. "Begone."

One moment, the angel was on the far side of the room. The next, she was beside him, whispering in his ear. "Death comes to Nottingham. Evil will darken your door and Vivienne's. Be prepared."

And she was gone.

William rolled his eyes and drank deeply from the bottle. "Such hysterics over a thwarted tryst."

~~~...~~~

The entire chapel was filled with bleary-eyed, hung-over parishioners. Under normal circumstances, the priest would fill the sanctuary with his loud, booming voice and preach the evils of wine and debauched behavior, however he himself was feeling the effects of the night's previous revelry. Hugh and his bride took breakfast in their rooms and were not seen until after morning mass. Ellienna's blush was never ending, but the two looked very happy and very tired indeed. There was not a lot of teasing when the two left to take a nap after luncheon.

Many guests chose to leave Monday morning and as Eleanor was not expected back until Monday morning as well, Vivienne decided to return to Gisborne with Lord William for the evening.

Truth was, Henriette decided for her. Not intentionally, of course. She mentioned she was looking forward to yet another girl's night, as the one the previous evening was such a success. Much to the amusement of Lord William, Vivienne explained that Lord William was returning to his manse and she was going with him.

"Have you thought much on our discussion, then, m'lady?" Lord William was riding in the coach with Vivienne, bored amusement in his bearing. It was snowing and the two were wrapped in a large fur.

"Discussion? You mean-"

"Becoming my mistress."

Vivienne took a deep breath. Truth was, she had thought of little else, tantalized on one hand to having an intimate relationship with someone who was invading her dreams in the most wonderful way, only to be horrified that she was considering such a wretched proposition.

"My lord, truth is I thought you spoke in jest. You were quite inebriated last night."

"I was not that inebriated!" One inky eyebrow rose. "Yet, you are coming to my home openly-"

"My lord, I fear if I stayed, the girl your son is marrying would keep me up all night again. I need to sleep." Her heavy sigh was not comical in the least. "I am exhausted."

So much for seduction.

Despite his ire at having his plans for the evening laid aside again, it was clear to William that Vivienne was indeed, exhausted. She toyed with the refreshments waiting for them upon their arrival and yawned through dinner. Rather than attempt to coerce her into his bed, William had his housekeeper escort her to the chamber next to his. When he checked on her an hour later, she was sound asleep. For not the first time, he considered sending Henriette back to her grandfather, but Fulks was already enamored with her and he supposed when they married, Fulks would take her to Harridston and therefore, he wouldn't have to worry about the young woman keeping everyone save Fulks up with her shenanigans.

And perhaps marriage would settle her down. If Fulks did his duty and kept her with child, then she wouldn't be able to keep the household in an uproar.

Vivienne was much refreshed when she rose the next morning. She offered to aid the housekeeper and the cook to lay out the kitchen and herb garden, this being the first one for the manse. She told William that she had heard rumor of a greenhouse Lord Roland's French wife had built in Locksley that was now fallen in disrepair and ruin. Such an addition to Gisborne...

her voice trailed off.

And William knew she was contemplating their conversation.

As the morning sun wore the early fog from the leaves, he escorted her to her home. Their chatter was filler, dancing from the subject at hand. They arrived to no greeting, no one in the home.

Eleanor had not returned to Vivienne's home or come to work.