Thinking the conversation far too severe in nature, Olgrethe charmed Aldred as well as Thulyn with her warmth and easy praise, but once she was again alone with Celiese she revealed the truth. “I adore Andrick, truly I do, and I know now I was only waiting to meet him when I refused the proposals of other men, but sometimes when I enter the room Aldred will quickly change the subject, or Thulyn will take up her needlework with such great haste I know they have been talking about me. I hope things will be easier for me after I have given them a grandchild, but just having you here with me again fills me with hope.”
Celiese returned Olgrethe’s fond embrace, but she had no such optimism for herself, for she had no handsome husband who adored her, nor the hope of bearing his child in the spring. “I have missed you too, Olgrethe.” But even as she spoke those sweet words she realized that in Mylan’s fascinating company she had not thought even once of her longtime companion.
*
As one week turned slowly to two, Celiese found the Vandahl home increasingly confining. Much to her relief, the slaves simply ignored her, but she found their silence far easier to abide than their insults had been and simply saw to all of her own needs herself without once calling for their assistance. The early morning weather was perfect for going out on horseback, but Olgrethe did not want to ride, giving the delicate nature of her condition as the reason. Although she longed for the freedom to explore the countryside, Celiese dared not go out alone, fearing it would cause unfavorable comment from her hosts.
Aldred and Thulyn were civil, but only just barely, and Celiese spent no more time in their company than was required to share a meal. Andrick was so absorbed in his new bride that he saw little that took place in the house. Erik was charming, but Celiese found his youthful exuberance tiresome in the extreme. Hagen’s reaction to her was more difficult to describe, still a bit of a mystery. He said little other than a polite greeting, but his glance was no longer disapproving, and when he suggested they join Olgrethe and his brother for a walk after supper one evening she was happy to agree.
“I am glad you suggested this, Hagen, as the evenings here have been very long for me.” Celiese held her gown above her feet as they stepped upon the path. The trailing garment was far more practical for wear indoors than out, but she had had time to complete only one dress for herself, so she had few choices of apparel.
Hagen looked askance, and then accepting her compliment as sincere, he agreed. “Yes, I too have grown bored. Were Andrick not so enchanted with Olgrethe we would be at sea now. As it is, the summer has been almost entirely wasted.”
“In your opinion,” Celiese offered with a teasing smile.
After a moment’s pause, Hagen gave a surprisingly good-natured chuckle. “Yes, in my opinion only, for Andrick will no doubt recall this as the best summer of his life.”
As they strolled along, Celiese was surprised to find her escort in so charming a mood. He led her to the crest of the hill, the best vantage point for a view of the sea, and when Olgrethe and Andrick turned back toward the house he made no move to follow them. “I know things are as difficult for you here as they are for me, Celiese.” He scuffed the toe of his boot in the dust, unwilling or perhaps unable to say more.
Noticing a small bench nearby, she asked shyly, “Could we sit down for a moment?” He appeared to be in the mood to talk and she wanted to give him the opportunity to say whatever he wished. “The night is so pretty.”
“Of course, sit down; I will wait for as long as you wish.” Hagen quickly granted her request, but although he walked her to the bench he did not take the place at her side.
That he would stand so stiffly while she rested surprised her, and she patted the place beside her as she invited, “Won’t you please join me here, Hagen, there is room for two on this bench, so you needn’t stand.”
He hesitated a moment, and then sat down beside her and leaned forward to rest his forearms across his knees as he gazed at the sea. “I have been meaning to talk to you about something, Celiese. Andrick and I are partners, but since he is so busy I am considering making a voyage on my own. Our crew is experienced, and I can command our vessel alone.”
Sensing that he wanted her opinion, although she could not imagine why, she quickly gave it. “I made a voyage with you once; I’d say your skill is equal to that of your brother. Where is it you wish to go?”
He sat up straight, his light eyes aglow with excitement. “Do not start screaming, as I have no wish to make you hysterical, but there are many Danes who wish to go to your homeland. We are crowded here, you see, and they say France has land aplenty.”
She gasped sharply, then closed her eyes tightly to shut out the horror his statement evoked. “Is that the tale, that land is free there for the taking now that the Danes have butchered all my people?”
Insulted by the viciousness of her taunt, he grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a sound shake. “A province of France has been given to a Dane, to Hrolf, and he has invited other Danes to settle his land. I will be butchering no one if I take farmers there, and neither will they. Save your hatred for Raktor and his clan, for they are the ones who deserve it.”
She needed no permission to despise Raktor and his kind, but they were not the issue now. “Mylan told me that same ridiculous lie, but I refuse to believe it,” she argued. She did not care how angry Hagen got, she would never accept such an outrageous tale as the truth. She held her breath expecting him to slap her for such insolence, but he shocked her far more as he leaned forward to kiss her lightly, and when she was too stunned to draw away he mistook her reaction for acceptance and drew her into his arms.
She could scarcely breathe as he deepened his kiss. His lips were soft, his mouth warm, his taste sweet, but she was appalled that he would take her affection for granted and struggled to break free.
“What’s the matter? Do I not please you?” He leaned back only slightly, just enough to look into her eyes and judge her true reaction no matter what she might say.
“Hagen!” she cried sharply, but no matter how hard she attempted to push him away he would not release her. “Let me go!”
“Why? When you complain your evenings are too long, why not let me fill them?”
He was smiling widely now, amused by her display of temper, and she struggled to lift her hand to slap his face but he caught her wrist and held it firmly in his grasp. “Hagen, stop it!” For an instant, she was tempted to remind him she was Mylan’s wife, but it would be a truly ludicrous claim. She had heard nothing from Mylan in the last two weeks and with each passing day her hopes that he would come for her had grown dimmer. It was clear he planned to live the rest of his life without her, and the sad prospect filled her with pain.
Thoroughly depressed by Mylan’s indifference, she relaxed in Hagen’s embrace, but still managed to avoid his kiss. She laid her head upon his shoulder, hoping he would come to his senses rather than try to take things any further. “I should not have come out for a walk with you, but I did not understand what you would expect.” He had certainly given her no reason to suspect he even liked her, let alone that he might imagine she would welcome his kiss.
; Hagen caressed her soft curls lightly, content for the moment to let her rest in his arms. “I am a man, like any other,” he explained simply, certain she knew exactly what he wanted from her that night.
“No, you are like no other,” she whispered softly. You are my husband’s brother she longed to say, but dared not be so foolish.
“If it is Mylan you want, I’ll soon make you forget him.” Winding his fingers in her fair tresses, he forced her lips back to his, but his kiss was gentle, soft and subtle with a surprising tenderness. When he saw tears fill her eyes he kissed her damp lashes sweetly. “You needn’t weep, Celiese, not when I want so badly to help you.”
“Help me?” she saw only the golden sheen to his gaze and remembered another man entirely, although she was still dazed by his gentle kiss.