Chapter 2 of A Knight in Scarlet Armor
They made it back to the castle late in the night and Marguerites rooms had been prepared with a blazing fire, warm bed, and a full meal at her candle lit table. Armand and Percival had seen her safely to her room and, sensing the romantic tension between the two, Armand instantly retreated to his room.
"My lord, I must insist that you dine with me. This food is far too much for that of my appetite alone and you must be famished from such a long quest." Hesitantly, Percival entered into her room at her request. It was not that he did not wish to linger in her company for longer, but he feared his body's reaction at the thought of being in a room with her.. alone.. with a bed. He shuddered slightly as he averted his eyes, praying that the sudden blush that rose was hidden in the dim light. Carefully choosing his words, he smiled to her.
"I would be honored to join you for dinner, milady, and perhaps you may wish to tell me about your captivity?" He pulled out her chair for her, easing her down into it. He then took his seat across from her. Immediately he was amazed as the candlelight flickered in her eyes, giving them a seductive glitter. It hit him then; He could not live with out this woman by his side for the rest of his life. He closed his eyes for a second to keep from blurting out "I love you!" and only further killing his chances with her. She was so very beautiful; she must have a love of her own. How could she ever love him, after all?
"Sir Percival? Are you all right? You look a bit drawn. I do hope you are not becoming ill!"
"No no, Milady, I am fine." His voice was shaky and he wanted to run away from her in embarrassment. He sipped the wine that had been provided for them, hoping that a touch of alcohol would calm his frazzled nerves.
"I feel I haven't thanked you enough, Sir Percival, for saving me. Is there anyway I can repay you at all?"
"Ah, My dear lady, your thanks are truly good enough." He looked across the table to her again, and his breath caught in his throat. Would her beauty always amaze him this way?
"My captivity was horrid, Monsieur. Sir Paul Chauvelin is a cruel man, and.. He wanted to marry me! Can you imagine that? I do not love him, and I have always sworn that if I were to marry, it would be for love alone. Do you not agree, Sir Percival?"
"Oh I quite do agree, my lady. But, it is always quite hard to detect true love from ones who are faking it to gain access to wealth." She couldn't help but watch him curiously as he said this, and a smile rose to her lips. This man seemed to be so different from the other Lords she had encountered in her travels. He was so incredibly handsome, as well!
"I understand that well, Monsieur. I have seen many greedy women marry for the sole purpose of money. I have seen so many nobles marry for position, money, and power. Do you not find it sad? I do not understand why a man would marry a woman whom he did not love and then find that love with another woman, typically another mans wife. Is it that you cannot find love unless it is of the illicit variety?" She blushed as she finished her philosophy, her eyes casting downwards as she played with her food.
"Forgive me, Sir Percival, I did not mean to offend your---"
"I am not offended, Mademoiselle. I understand your view point greatly, and I even agree with it."
"Oh? That is indeed a surprise. Did you marry your wife out of love?" Percival couldn't help but laugh as he gazed at her for a moment. 'I wish I could make you my wife..'
"Ah, Mademoiselle, I am quite unmarried you see. So I fully intend that when I do marry, it will be for love."
"Well! I purpose a toast… To your future wife." She lifted her wine glass in the air over the table with a bright smile.
"Ah, and to your future husband." The glasses clinked and Percival could only sit back and pray that the man he just toasted was actually he.
***
After another few hours of delightful conversations, Percival rose to return to his chambers. It was fairly late and he could tell that she was tiring quickly.
"Milady, You must be horribly fatigued from this days events. I myself am quite tired as well. So, I will leave you to your warm bed and offer you the invitation to remain in my home as long as need be." 'Hopefully you will stay here forever…' His thoughts brought a smile to his face as he took her hand and placed a feathery kiss on her light knuckles.
"Sir Percival, you have been so very kind to me! You have saved me from captivity and now give me shelter when I have nowhere else to turn. I owe you greatly, Sir." She rose when he did, and when he had turned to leave her dainty hand rest on his arm to stop him. Surprised and slightly shaken by the feeling of her hand on him, he turned to face her and found himself only inches from her. The tension was so thick in the room that it was almost tangible. In a rash move, he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss but as a second thought, instead he found himself kissing her cheek and hurriedly exiting the room with only a fond 'good night, Mademoiselle.'
***
Marguerite lay in the velvet and satin covered bed, wide-awake. Her thoughts were centered on the confusing enigma that was Sir Percival. Despite her attempts to ignore the feelings that surfaced when she was in his presence, she could feel herself falling into love with him. The very idea was absurd! She had never loved anyone, despite her Armand, but that was family love. How did she even know that what she felt was love? With a frustrated sigh, she turned in the bed and stared hopelessly out at the distant river.
* The Masters Chambers across the Castle*
It was useless for Percival to try and sleep; a certain woman plagued his thoughts. Her beautiful smile, eyes, and those lips. . . He leaned against the balcony as he stared out at the river that twisted and curved in the moonlight. He knew now that his life would never be fulfilled until he had that woman as his wife. His friends would simply have scoffed at him and told him to bed her, but he did not want just her body. He wanted her heart and her mind. He wanted all of her, not just her body. Gritting his teeth together he returned into his chambers and poured himself a glass of brandy.
***
Percival sat down to breakfast, Armand in a chair near him.
"Marguerite will be down soon, Percy. She is in delightful spirits." Armand could not stop grinning as he watched Percival. Marguerite had told him of her and Percival's dinner together the pervious night, and he knew there was something there. His sister had never once been courted, although there were attempts made but she would always deny them. Now it seemed she had developed some feelings for Percival and Armand could not be more delighted. After a few more moments, she made her appearance. She was dazzling in a blue gown that seemed to bring out her eye color even more and instantly Percival was at his feet. Again that tension filled the room, and even the slightest touch would send a blush to the others face. He eased her into a chair across from Armand and at Percival's side.
Breakfast was filled with silence because no one dared to speak. Armand would attempt at petty conversations but they would always end quickly. It was impossible not to see the heated glances that Percival and Marguerite gave each other, and they would always blush furiously when caught by the other.
"Percy, perhaps you should Marguerite around? I would certainly do so, but I have some work in town.." Armand looked at his mentor, a grin remaining on his face as he watched his friend squirm.
"If.. If that is agreeable with the Lady." He glanced to her, fearing she would say 'no'.
"I would love to, Sir Percival! I fear I did not get a very good view of the estate when I arrived last night."
"Marvelous, shall we get started right away?"
***
He lead her around the first story, which consisted mainly of a library, a parlor, a few more sitting rooms, the grand foyer, and the kitchen. The second story was the master's bedchambers, the master's study, a washroom, and then directly joining the masters' bedchambers was the mistress's bedchambers. As Percy led her into the feminine room, she was amazed at its beauty. Persian rugs, elegant furniture, and a large 4-post bed that could have easily fit 5 or 6 people. Outside, there was a large balcony that also connected the Master and Mistress's rooms. The rest of the rooms were insignificant to Marguerite, they paled in comparison to the Mistress's apartments. The third story consisted of the servants' quarters and an attic. Percival lead her out into the gardens after the extensive tour of the inside. The gardens were breath taking. There was a pond, waterfalls, beautiful flowers, and statues. . . Marguerite looked up to Percival as he gave her the details of the garden.
"My mother loved flowers and so my Father had this built for her. They had a small cove built for them, as well. May I show you?" With a nod from her, and her arm safely tucked in his, he lead her towards the back.
When they arrived, she was completely shocked. It was hidden fairly well, a small cement structure that covered over a certain spot nearest the pond. Flowers and bright green grass surrounded a set of comfortable chairs and a sofa. It was such a romantic spot that tears pricked at the back of her eyes. Percival could not help but gaze down at her as they stood in the enchanting area.
"I could not help but notice your attraction to the Mistress's suite. Would you like to stay there?" He fumbled with his words as he realized how that sounded. "Instead of your other quarters, I mean. You could stay as long as you wish. I did not mean for that to come out sounding like a ---"
"Nonsense, Sir Percival." She smiled as she stood on her toes and planted a light kiss on his cheek. "I understand your offer very well. I do not know. . . That is your future wife's room—"
Before he realized what he was doing, his arms lightly wrapped around her and he profusely kissed her.
They made it back to the castle late in the night and Marguerites rooms had been prepared with a blazing fire, warm bed, and a full meal at her candle lit table. Armand and Percival had seen her safely to her room and, sensing the romantic tension between the two, Armand instantly retreated to his room.
"My lord, I must insist that you dine with me. This food is far too much for that of my appetite alone and you must be famished from such a long quest." Hesitantly, Percival entered into her room at her request. It was not that he did not wish to linger in her company for longer, but he feared his body's reaction at the thought of being in a room with her.. alone.. with a bed. He shuddered slightly as he averted his eyes, praying that the sudden blush that rose was hidden in the dim light. Carefully choosing his words, he smiled to her.
"I would be honored to join you for dinner, milady, and perhaps you may wish to tell me about your captivity?" He pulled out her chair for her, easing her down into it. He then took his seat across from her. Immediately he was amazed as the candlelight flickered in her eyes, giving them a seductive glitter. It hit him then; He could not live with out this woman by his side for the rest of his life. He closed his eyes for a second to keep from blurting out "I love you!" and only further killing his chances with her. She was so very beautiful; she must have a love of her own. How could she ever love him, after all?
"Sir Percival? Are you all right? You look a bit drawn. I do hope you are not becoming ill!"
"No no, Milady, I am fine." His voice was shaky and he wanted to run away from her in embarrassment. He sipped the wine that had been provided for them, hoping that a touch of alcohol would calm his frazzled nerves.
"I feel I haven't thanked you enough, Sir Percival, for saving me. Is there anyway I can repay you at all?"
"Ah, My dear lady, your thanks are truly good enough." He looked across the table to her again, and his breath caught in his throat. Would her beauty always amaze him this way?
"My captivity was horrid, Monsieur. Sir Paul Chauvelin is a cruel man, and.. He wanted to marry me! Can you imagine that? I do not love him, and I have always sworn that if I were to marry, it would be for love alone. Do you not agree, Sir Percival?"
"Oh I quite do agree, my lady. But, it is always quite hard to detect true love from ones who are faking it to gain access to wealth." She couldn't help but watch him curiously as he said this, and a smile rose to her lips. This man seemed to be so different from the other Lords she had encountered in her travels. He was so incredibly handsome, as well!
"I understand that well, Monsieur. I have seen many greedy women marry for the sole purpose of money. I have seen so many nobles marry for position, money, and power. Do you not find it sad? I do not understand why a man would marry a woman whom he did not love and then find that love with another woman, typically another mans wife. Is it that you cannot find love unless it is of the illicit variety?" She blushed as she finished her philosophy, her eyes casting downwards as she played with her food.
"Forgive me, Sir Percival, I did not mean to offend your---"
"I am not offended, Mademoiselle. I understand your view point greatly, and I even agree with it."
"Oh? That is indeed a surprise. Did you marry your wife out of love?" Percival couldn't help but laugh as he gazed at her for a moment. 'I wish I could make you my wife..'
"Ah, Mademoiselle, I am quite unmarried you see. So I fully intend that when I do marry, it will be for love."
"Well! I purpose a toast… To your future wife." She lifted her wine glass in the air over the table with a bright smile.
"Ah, and to your future husband." The glasses clinked and Percival could only sit back and pray that the man he just toasted was actually he.
***
After another few hours of delightful conversations, Percival rose to return to his chambers. It was fairly late and he could tell that she was tiring quickly.
"Milady, You must be horribly fatigued from this days events. I myself am quite tired as well. So, I will leave you to your warm bed and offer you the invitation to remain in my home as long as need be." 'Hopefully you will stay here forever…' His thoughts brought a smile to his face as he took her hand and placed a feathery kiss on her light knuckles.
"Sir Percival, you have been so very kind to me! You have saved me from captivity and now give me shelter when I have nowhere else to turn. I owe you greatly, Sir." She rose when he did, and when he had turned to leave her dainty hand rest on his arm to stop him. Surprised and slightly shaken by the feeling of her hand on him, he turned to face her and found himself only inches from her. The tension was so thick in the room that it was almost tangible. In a rash move, he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss but as a second thought, instead he found himself kissing her cheek and hurriedly exiting the room with only a fond 'good night, Mademoiselle.'
***
Marguerite lay in the velvet and satin covered bed, wide-awake. Her thoughts were centered on the confusing enigma that was Sir Percival. Despite her attempts to ignore the feelings that surfaced when she was in his presence, she could feel herself falling into love with him. The very idea was absurd! She had never loved anyone, despite her Armand, but that was family love. How did she even know that what she felt was love? With a frustrated sigh, she turned in the bed and stared hopelessly out at the distant river.
* The Masters Chambers across the Castle*
It was useless for Percival to try and sleep; a certain woman plagued his thoughts. Her beautiful smile, eyes, and those lips. . . He leaned against the balcony as he stared out at the river that twisted and curved in the moonlight. He knew now that his life would never be fulfilled until he had that woman as his wife. His friends would simply have scoffed at him and told him to bed her, but he did not want just her body. He wanted her heart and her mind. He wanted all of her, not just her body. Gritting his teeth together he returned into his chambers and poured himself a glass of brandy.
***
Percival sat down to breakfast, Armand in a chair near him.
"Marguerite will be down soon, Percy. She is in delightful spirits." Armand could not stop grinning as he watched Percival. Marguerite had told him of her and Percival's dinner together the pervious night, and he knew there was something there. His sister had never once been courted, although there were attempts made but she would always deny them. Now it seemed she had developed some feelings for Percival and Armand could not be more delighted. After a few more moments, she made her appearance. She was dazzling in a blue gown that seemed to bring out her eye color even more and instantly Percival was at his feet. Again that tension filled the room, and even the slightest touch would send a blush to the others face. He eased her into a chair across from Armand and at Percival's side.
Breakfast was filled with silence because no one dared to speak. Armand would attempt at petty conversations but they would always end quickly. It was impossible not to see the heated glances that Percival and Marguerite gave each other, and they would always blush furiously when caught by the other.
"Percy, perhaps you should Marguerite around? I would certainly do so, but I have some work in town.." Armand looked at his mentor, a grin remaining on his face as he watched his friend squirm.
"If.. If that is agreeable with the Lady." He glanced to her, fearing she would say 'no'.
"I would love to, Sir Percival! I fear I did not get a very good view of the estate when I arrived last night."
"Marvelous, shall we get started right away?"
***
He lead her around the first story, which consisted mainly of a library, a parlor, a few more sitting rooms, the grand foyer, and the kitchen. The second story was the master's bedchambers, the master's study, a washroom, and then directly joining the masters' bedchambers was the mistress's bedchambers. As Percy led her into the feminine room, she was amazed at its beauty. Persian rugs, elegant furniture, and a large 4-post bed that could have easily fit 5 or 6 people. Outside, there was a large balcony that also connected the Master and Mistress's rooms. The rest of the rooms were insignificant to Marguerite, they paled in comparison to the Mistress's apartments. The third story consisted of the servants' quarters and an attic. Percival lead her out into the gardens after the extensive tour of the inside. The gardens were breath taking. There was a pond, waterfalls, beautiful flowers, and statues. . . Marguerite looked up to Percival as he gave her the details of the garden.
"My mother loved flowers and so my Father had this built for her. They had a small cove built for them, as well. May I show you?" With a nod from her, and her arm safely tucked in his, he lead her towards the back.
When they arrived, she was completely shocked. It was hidden fairly well, a small cement structure that covered over a certain spot nearest the pond. Flowers and bright green grass surrounded a set of comfortable chairs and a sofa. It was such a romantic spot that tears pricked at the back of her eyes. Percival could not help but gaze down at her as they stood in the enchanting area.
"I could not help but notice your attraction to the Mistress's suite. Would you like to stay there?" He fumbled with his words as he realized how that sounded. "Instead of your other quarters, I mean. You could stay as long as you wish. I did not mean for that to come out sounding like a ---"
"Nonsense, Sir Percival." She smiled as she stood on her toes and planted a light kiss on his cheek. "I understand your offer very well. I do not know. . . That is your future wife's room—"
Before he realized what he was doing, his arms lightly wrapped around her and he profusely kissed her.