He signaled to Walter. "What did that man say?" "My lord, Ralph by Wood asks the villagers to ignore your lady's protests of forced marriage and see the two of you joined. The rest are following where he leads." Gilliam's eyes closed in a brief prayer of thanks. Here was the test of what he had labored so to build. The same folk who had petitioned for their lady's return had ignored her pleas in his favor. This boded well for his plans for Ashby's future. At his side, his bride found her feet and her tongue once more. It was odd to hear her voice curl around the peasants’ guttural language. He had no need of a translator to tell him she begged her folk not to give her to him. The priest shook his head and stepped forward. Once again, Gilliam breathed deeply in relief. Ashby would be his. And, so would she. By God, his wanting for her had become like a fire in his belly. Their short ride together this day had nigh on killed him. Her clothing had gapped as she leaned against him. Every glance downward had revealed the sweet curve of her breast.
