A Bit of Heaven on Earth by Aston Alexa

Author:Aston, Alexa
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2022-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

“Humor an old man, Gavin. Dance with Elizabeth,” Aldred urged. “She loves to dance. I can’t keep up with her anymore, especially with my dependence upon this walking stick. Besides, I am longing for my bed. My bones are creaking more loudly than usual.”

Gavin watched a flush creep into Lady Aldred’s cheeks. Or was it simply the shadows of the fire that played upon her satin skin?

Aldred tenderly kissed his wife’s forehead. “Thank you for bringing the troubadour, my dear. He even got most of his facts correct.”

She took her husband’s hand. “No exaggeration, my lord?”

“None whatsoever. Ask Gavin or Robert. They were with me at some of those victories.”

“Of course, I was but a small boy for the most part, my lord,” Gavin said, an impish smile playing about his lips. “Mayhap the musician did overstate some of your abilities?”

“Nay, my boy. If anything, he did not quite do me justice enough. He missed some of my most memorable campaigns, in fact.” Lord Aldred laughed and then waved a hand dismissively. “Now the music has started. I retire. Gavin, see that Elizabeth has a good time. I will hold you to it.”

Gavin scooped Homer from his lap and placed him on the ground before he held his hand out to her. She hesitated a moment and then placed hers in his. A rotundellus was beginning, and so they joined the round circle of dancers. Elizabeth felt her steps became light, as light as her head felt. A giddiness consumed her, something she didn’t understand.

They danced another rotundellus before a ductia started. She and Sir Gavin parted from the circle and then danced as a couple. She decided to ignore the dizziness that continued to sweep through her and simply enjoy the dancing. Sir Gavin proved to be a splendid partner, never treading upon her toes, holding her lightly yet firmly.

Robert interrupted and asked for a dance.

“I’m tired of watching you have all the fun, Gavin.” He winked at her, and she curtseyed before the music began again.

Yet the entire time of their dance, she found her eyes searching for Sir Gavin. She was anxious to resume their partnership and secretly pleased when he reclaimed her for the next dance.

What’s come over me?

As they danced, her pulse raced fast and her face felt flush, as if she’d drunk far too much wine. A warm tingle trickled through her as their new captain of the guard gazed into her eyes.

This is wrong. She knew it to be so but was powerless to act against it. She was more alive than she’d ever been.

“My lady.” A tap on her shoulder stopped her in her tracks.

Nelia stood next to them. “’Tis Agnes. You must come now.”

Elizabeth saw her bag in the servant’s hands. It contained all she would need to help assist another babe into the world. She steeled herself for the task at hand. She had proven most competent at assisting women in childbirth over the years. She would never grow used to it, though.

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