Bessie Read Free Page A

of land he’d been gifted.
    Bessie’s eyes narrowed as she considered the man she’d sworn to cleave unto. He was a stunning fellow. But that was no surprise. The queen kept comely men at her side. Sir Francis Drake’s state portrait was just one example. Her Majesty didn’t favor ugly men. There was still no excuse for being unable to tear her eyes away from him.
    This was foolish. She knew Devon Hildebrand was handsome. All the ladies whispered of it. But she’d never thought she’d get within hearing distance of him, let alone able to view him for what seemed like hours.
    Bessie sighed again.
    Her new husband was more than comely, he was a beautiful specimen. She’d have to give him that, even if his silence was starting to bother her. She opened her mouth to say something and stopped. It would take more bravery than she possessed to pierce the gloom he hid behind.
    He probably had reason for such depression. He looked like he’d had a rough time of it since angering his monarch. He was wearing proper court attire, although it looked like an evening ensemble. Someone had hit him in the mouth too, if the bruised look of his lips was any indication. There was a tear in his hose below the knee, scuff marks on both elbows, and if she weren’t mistaken, dried blood dusting his lace collar.
    For all the damage, he’d actually received a light sentence.
    Dark curls covered his head, falling messily to his shoulders. Bessie watched as he tossed them aside and cupped his forehead. He probably suffered an ache in his head, too. That made her wonder again why he’d rather face the sunlight outside than the comfortable dimness of the carriage.
    Or, at the very least, glance at his new wife.
    Bessie cleared her throat. “May I call you...Devon?”
    Vivid green eyes looked her way and she couldn’t prevent her gasp. She’d no idea he had such startling eyes.
    “If you must,” he replied coldly.
    Bessie had to calm the surprise overtaking her body as he turned back to the scenery. There was no reason for such a reaction. Anyone with vision knew Lord Hildebrand was handsome. Bessie hadn’t any idea he was this remarkable, though. No wonder Lady Bryant had whispered in such rapturous tones.
    Thinking of Mirabelle made Bessie frown now. Hildebrand might be a beautiful man, but he showed little integrity and even less honor. She’d need to keep her mind on that, if the reaction in her breathing was any indication. She wondered if she dared speak to him again. The enigmatic look he’d given her wasn’t any help. She hadn’t known his eyes were as deep-green as emeralds, though. No whisper of it had reached her.
    She took a deep breath. “I’m known as Bessie, but ’tis a name I’ve little liking for. I was christened Elizabeth. You may choose how you wish to address me...Devon.”
    Saying his name made her voice catch again. He looked her way. Eyes like jewels, and just as hard, regarded her for several moments before he turned away again. In that amount of time, Bessie knew what the troubadours were referring to whenever they spoke of love.
    Because it happened to her.
    Just like that.
    “If I must,” he replied.
    Well. His reply showed he obviously wasn’t taken with her. That could be changed. Bessie frowned again as she wondered how she was supposed to go about it. After the horrid examples of manhood she’d been wed to, her new husband was like a god, and about as difficult to approach.
    He shifted on the bench, drawing her gaze. Despite any sway and bounce of the carriage, he looked relaxed. Totally assured. Perfectly attired. She knew now the deep-green of his doublet exactly matched the shade of his eyes. The queen had a knack for such spectacles. His attire must have been her color scheme and design. Devon Hildebrand was a striking sight, from the green of his doublet, to the striped, black-and-green codpiece covering him.
    Bessie flushed as she realized that had been intentional. The queen had an eye for