Rexanne Becnel by My Gallant Enemy Page A

him; if the truth be known, she would have welcomed it, for she was utterly frustrated by the farce they played out before the company. But the objection to her obstinate behavior came not from Sir Corbett but from her father.
    “Eat, daughter. Eat and do not shame your father or your bridegroom with such a temper! Would you have the gossips carry tales of your behavior?”
    Beyond her father, Tullia and Santon looked on, their meal forgotten. But it was Odelia’s satisfied expression that finally goaded Lilliane into acquiescence. She did not know why Odelia felt she must be so spiteful toward her, but it was quite apparent that both Aldis and she took delight in Lilliane’s dissatisfaction with her marriage.
    With the utmost care not to let her fingers touch Sir Corbett’s, Lilliane selected the capon. But she took no pleasure in it, nor was she even aware of the cook’s considerable efforts. Her enjoyment of the meal was spoiled completely by the overwhelming presence of the man at her elbow. Her stomach was knotted with anger and her mind raced with churning emotions. With every morsel of food he took from the well-filled plate, with his every expression of satisfaction with the elaborate repast, Lilliane’s rage only intensified. It was all she could do to choke down the capon and maintain a reasonable expression.
    Corbett did not speak to her during the meal, preferring, it seemed, to converse with her father. They spoke of the fields and the serfs, the hunting to be had in the surrounding forests, and the conditions of the castle’s defenses. There was still a strain between the two men, a discomfort based on too many years of suspicions. But in spite of that the conversations flowed smoothly and the tension between them seemed to lessen.
    As the two men relaxed under the spell of good food and ample wine, so did the rest of the company slowly revive their gay mood until the hall resounded with all the festivity expected with an approaching wedding.
    But Lilliane’s mood did not lift. How could she be lighthearted when her life was being ruined? she fumed. And then as if to insult her further, the big lummox was ignoring her as if she and her feelings were of no account at all. Indeed, it was quite clear that the two men had reached this agreement with absolutely no concern for her opinion.
    It was only when the platters of fresh fruit and golden-baked pastries were brought out that Sir Corbett finally turned his attention back to her. She was fingering the empty goblet in agitation when he suddenly placed his large hand over hers. Lilliane was completely taken aback by this unexpected move. With a gasp she tried to pull free of his unwelcome touch, but his fingers only tightened more securely about hers.
    Disturbed as much by the penetrating warmth of his grasp as by the presumption of his action, Lilliane turned a glittering glare upon him. “Release me at once, you wretch!” she hissed. “You dare much when—”
    “It is expected that I should be drawn to you.” He gave her a wicked grin and his scarred brow lifted devilishly. “I daresay your father will be ecstatic that I should be so overwhelmed by his ‘Lily.’”
    “Don’t you call me that!”
    “It is your name, isn’t it? I’ll concede that Lilliane better befits the heiress of Orrick. Lily bears more the ring of a sweet and simple young girl, one who might be servant to a noble lord.” His eyes sparkled with amusement at her benefit. “I prefer Lily.”
    Lilliane was outraged. “Perhaps then you should select from among our many servants for a wife if that is what you seek. ’Tis certain it would not break my heart!”
    “Ah, but it happens that I’ve an eye for a certain maid already. Perhaps you know of her?” Before she was aware of it he had slipped her fingers from the stem of the goblet and had deftly entwined them with his own. “She is sweet-faced, with a form soft and alluring. Yet she has a saucy way about her and a