Kissed by Shadows Read Free

satisfied with his sister's choice.
    Pippa pulled a face that was half smile, half grimace as she thought of Robin's firmly stated approval. It wasn't that she discounted his opinions, quite the reverse, but sometimes he could be very pompous.
    “Madam, will you dress now?” Martha's discreet tones brought Pippa's reminiscing to an end.
    She rose in a shower of drops and wrapped herself in the towel Martha handed her. “I think I'll wear the peacock-blue gown with the rose-pink underskirt,” she announced. She needed something to lift her spirits. It was so unusual for her to feel depressed and out of sorts that it took considerable effort to force herself to think of what pleasures the day ahead might hold.
    “Should I prepare a powder for your head, my lady?”
    “If you please, and I'll break my fast. Just ale and some bread and cheese.” Pippa dropped the towel and went to the domed window that looked down upon the park. Brightly clad figures were already strolling along the graveled walks. A party of Spaniards crossed the lawns to the terrace beneath her windows. They walked close together, hands always at the ready on their sword hilts. They were much disliked by the English court, and were subject to assault in the streets if they were unlucky enough to meet a group of rowdy Londoners. Their melodious yet incomprehensible speech rose on the air.
    Pippa's lip curled, her long nose twitched slightly. She found them as a whole arrogant, pompous, and totally lacking in humor. But these days she had little choice but to smile courteously, dance when asked, applaud at their entertainments.
    House arrest in Elizabeth's company at Woodstock would be infinitely preferable, she decided, as she turned to take her undergarments from the waiting Martha.
    Half an hour later, a hunk of bread and cheese in hand, she examined her reflection once more in the mirror. Clothes were a distinct improvement. The vibrant colors and rich flowing materials disguised her prominent bones and gave a degree of luster to her white skin so that the freckles weren't quite so conspicuous. She had tamed her rebellious hair with a caul of delicate gold netting and the glint of the gold set off her tawny eyes.
    Yes, dressed she presented a rather attractive appearance, although far from conventional beauty. But then, of course, when her husband sought her company in bed she had only her bare bones to offer him.
    Her head throbbed anew and she dabbed a little lavender water on her handkerchief and pressed it to her temples. The headache powder was taking longer than usual to bring relief.
    She turned as the door opened behind her. Stuart entered smiling. “Ah, how well we complement each other,” he said approvingly as he took in her costume. “I tried to guess what gown you would choose and I see I guessed right.”
    The smile was a facade, Pippa thought. Both the smile and the charming tone. She couldn't tell whether it was simply anger at their earlier argument that lay beneath the surface or something deeper.
    However, she offered a responding smile. Their shared pleasure in the luxurious materials and colors of dress had been another factor in their early attraction for each other. Stuart had always gone to great pains to ensure that his own garments complemented hers. This morning was no exception. His doublet of topaz velvet, the sleeves slashed to reveal the lining of dark blue satin that matched his striped hose, was a perfect foil for her own turquoise and rose.
    He came over to her and delicately brushed a crumb from her lip before taking her hand and lightly kissing the corner of her mouth. He whispered, mindful of Martha's presence in the chamber, “Forgive me for last night, Pippa dearest. I was overdrunk and careless of your needs.”
    She could allow herself to believe him; it was so much easier than dealing with her own doubts and questions. His smile now seemed warm and genuine, and she knew well how fond he was of wine and how